"Tucson, Arizona is home to the nation's largest cacti. The giant saguaro is the universal symbol of the American west. These majestic plants, found only in a small portion of the United States, are protected by Saguaro National Park, to the east and west of the modern city of Tucson. Here you have a chance to see these enormous cacti, silhouetted by the beauty of a magnificent desert sunset."
--National Park Service
The Saguaro National Park has two districts with more than 165 miles (264 km) of hiking trails. "A hike at Saguaro National Park can be a stroll on a short interpretive nature trail or a day-long wilderness trek. Both districts of Saguaro National Park offer a variety of hiking trails."
We hike the eastern district. It also has a wonderful drive loop which intersects a number of trails. The drive is one way, scenic, has blind turns and is hilly.
The loop is popular with speed cyclists. We discovered some don't follow the rules and will go the wrong way. Because the drive is relatively narrow, it can become exciting when the speed demons pass you only to encounter another cyclist or group going the wrong way. I give them all a wide berth.
Morning hikes are the best IMHO. Be sure to wear a head covering and carry plenty of water. If one is quiet there is ample wildlife to observe. We've seen many birds and there are javelinas, ground squirrels and coyotes. Most keep hidden and we have yet to encounter a javelina or coyote in the park.
The trails are a variety of lengths. One easy hike is the Freeman Homestead Trail
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