TL;DR: Explore Saguaro National Park's best hiking trails, including Hugh Norris Trail and Douglas Spring Trail. RV campers can stay in nearby Tucson parks. Enhance your visit with unique Harvest Hosts like Forever Home Donkey Rescue, MotoSonora Brewing, and Little Anthony’s Diner/Gaslight Theatre for a memorable desert adventure.
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Welcome to Saguaro National Park, the heart of the Sonoran Desert, where the giant saguaros paint a picturesque skyline against the backdrop of Arizona's rugged mountains. For RV enthusiasts exploring the Tucson area, this park offers a unique desert hiking experience like no other. Here’s your guide to the top hiking trails in Saguaro National Park and the best RV camping locations nearby.
As one of the longer trails in the park, the Hugh Norris Trail starts with a series of switchbacks leading up to an incredible ridge with panoramic views. Covering about 10 miles round trip, this hike is strenuous but rewards with breathtaking vistas and close encounters with the iconic saguaro cacti.
For a diverse hiking experience, the Douglas Spring Trail is unbeatable. Stretching 6.5 miles to the Douglas Camp spring, this trail offers a moderate hike that showcases wildflowers, towering saguaros, and the chance to spot wildlife like deer and javelina. It culminates at a small waterfall and pond—a rare desert oasis.
This popular trail offers a direct route to the Wasson Peak, the highest point in the Tucson Mountains section of the park. The round trip is about 7 miles and is considered moderately challenging, due to its steepness towards the peak. The effort is worth it for the 360-degree views over the entire region.
Not a traditional hike, but the Cactus Forest Loop Drive is a road perfect for mountain bikers or car travelers looking for a scenic drive. This 10-mile scenic loop is an accessible way to see the beauty of the desert landscape.
An easy 2-mile round trip, the Mica View Loop Trail is ideal for families and casual hikers. This flat trail passes through classic Sonoran Desert scenery and is particularly stunning during the late afternoon when the sunset lights up the desert colors.
RV Camping Tip: Saguaro National Park itself doesn’t offer RV camping with hookups, but several nearby RV parks in Tucson provide full amenities and easy access to the park. Be sure to visit in the cooler months, as summer temperatures can be extreme. Exploring the area in your RV during the winter? Check out these winter RV camping destinations in Southern Arizona.
Make your visit to Saguaro National Park truly memorable by staying at unique Harvest Hosts locations in the Tucson area. Here are some excellent options:
Type: Attraction
Forever Home Donkey Rescue and Sanctuary is a heartwarming haven dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating donkeys in need. Just a short drive east of Saguaro National Park, this sanctuary offers a safe and loving environment where these gentle animals can thrive. Visitors can enjoy interactive tours, learning about the unique personalities and stories of the 30 resident donkeys (and the one mule). It's a delightful destination for animal lovers, promising an educational and uplifting experience for all ages.
Type: Brewery
MotoSonora Brewing Company is a vibrant craft brewery blending a love for beer with a passion for adventure. Located in the heart of Tucson, it offers a diverse range of brews inspired by global journeys and local flavors. Guests can savor unique, award-winning beers in a lively, dog-friendly beer garden. With its welcoming atmosphere and creative concoctions, MotoSonora Brewing Company promises a memorable experience for beer enthusiasts and adventurers alike.
Type: Attraction
Little Anthony’s Diner and The Gaslight Theatre is a nostalgic gem in Tucson, offering a delightful blend of dining and entertainment. The diner serves up classic American fare in a fun, 1950s-themed setting, complete with retro decor and jukebox tunes. Next door, The Gaslight Theatre dazzles audiences with its lively, family-friendly performances, featuring melodramas, musical comedies, and interactive shows. Together, they create a perfect destination for a night of delicious food and unforgettable entertainment.
Saguaro National Park offers a distinct desert hiking experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. By combining your outdoor adventures with stays at nearby RV parks or unique Harvest Host locations, your journey through Arizona’s Sonoran Desert will be both comfortable and memorable. Whether you’re scaling peaks for epic views or enjoying leisurely walks among the saguaros, there’s a trail for every type of RVer.
To continue your adventures after Saguaro National Park, check out our full list of unique RV camping locations in Arizona. To find more Harvest Hosts locations with great hiking nearby, click here.
