Saguaro National Park East
Mica View Loop

Trail Facts at a Glance

Name: Mica View Loop Trail

Location: Visitor Center: 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail, Tucson, AZ 85730

Trailhead: dirt road off scenic loop to picnic area

Trail length plus more: There are two distinct sections. The hard-surfaced Mica View Trail is 0.8 miles, followed by 1.2 miles on the Cactus Forest Trail, closing the loop with a crossing over Javalina Wash, back to the parking lot. An alternative is to do an up-and-back on the wheelchair-friendly Mica View Trail for 1.6 miles roundtrip, Gain 70’, Elevation 2800’

Trail surface: Mica View Trail is hard surfaced, and Cactus Forest Trail is a rugged natural surface with sand, ruts, roots, rocks and stairs; Javalina Wash is sandy

Parks agency: National Park Service, Saguaro East National Park

Contact: Visitor Center (520) 733-5153

Entrance fee: $15-$25

Trail hours: Driving in Park, 5am-sunset daily; Walking/Biking in Park, 24h, daily

Nature & Interpretive Center hours: Visitor Center, 9am-5pm (Oct 1 – May 31), 8am-4pm (June 1—September 30), daily

Transit: None

Dogs: Allowed on roads, picnic areas, and only on the Mica View Trail and the Desert Ecology Trail

Date of last visit: 1/1/2024

Disclaimer:

The information provided is for general guidance only and may not reflect current conditions. Users must assess trails for themselves, consider their own abilities, and assume all risks associated with trail use. Tucson AccessTrails, a nonprofit corporation, is not responsible for any injuries or incidents that may occur. Always use caution and prepare appropriately when visiting trails.

Description:

Overview

Saguaro National Park is known for its vast landscape filled with towering saguaro cacti
The Mica View Loop is an excellent way to experience them up close while enjoying varied desert scenery
Grand mountain vistas and a variety of desert plants: cacti, shrubs, and trees
Wildlife sightings may include lizards, quail, and sometimes bobcats
Popular with birders

Parking, Restrooms & Amenities

Good parking near the trailhead and accessible, gender-neutral restroom
Picnic tables and shady ramadas available for rest and meals
The visitor center offers, exhibits about the desert ecosystem and park history, a gift shop, and a 10-minute informational movie about the park
Horses are allowed only on natural-surface trails like the Cactus Forest Trail
Dogs are allowed only on the hard-packed Mica View Trail

Trail Route

From the Visitor Center, take the scenic paved park road to the dirt road leading to the Mica View trailhead
The Mica View Loop combines two trails the Mica View Trail (0.8 miles) and the Cactus Forest Trail (1.2 miles)
The loop crosses the sandy Javelina Wash before returning to the picnic area
Hikers can double back on the accessible portion if needed or complete the full two-mile loop