Desert Ecology Trail
A short paved interpretive loop through the cactus forest in Saguaro East.
- Distance
- 0.3 mi · Loop
- Time
- 15 min
- Surface
- Hard-packed paved surface
- Grade / hills
- 1.8% typical · 4.4% maximum grade
Start
Desert Ecology Trail pullout, Cactus Forest Loop Drive
Directions
Route
- Begin at the signed Desert Ecology Trail pullout on Cactus Forest Loop Drive.
- Follow the paved interpretive trail around its marked quarter-mile circuit.
- Complete the loop back at the pullout parking area.
Good to know
NPS measures a typical 1.8% grade, 4.4% maximum grade, 0.5% typical cross-slope, 1.8% maximum cross-slope, and 60-inch width. Benches are spaced along the loop and the pullout has six standard spaces plus one accessible space. Measurements are survey observations, not a promise of unchanged conditions; check heat, monsoon, road, and park alerts.