Cholla Cactus Garden Nature Trail
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Cholla Cactus Garden Nature Trail
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With a spectacular variety of cacti and other desert plants, the Cholla Cactus Garden Nature Trail takes you on a short footpath alongside the beautiful desert vegetation. The trail boasts a number of interpretive signs throughout its length to help inform you about the greenery surrounding you. In addition to desert vegetation, the Cholla Cactus Garden Nature Trail is also an excellent place to see lizards, snakes, and other wildlife.
Getting there
The trailhead for the Cholla Cactus Garden Nature Trail is found on the northern side of the parking lot with the same name.
About
| Backcountry Campground | No |
| When to do | Year-round |
| Pets allowed | No |
| Family friendly | Yes |
| Route Signage | Average |
| Crowd Levels | High |
| Route Type | Circuit |
Cholla Cactus Garden Nature Trail
Elevation Graph
Weather
Cholla Cactus Garden Nature Trail Description
While the Cholla Cactus Garden Nature Trail is extremely brief, it is by no means lacking substance. As it is a short loop with hardly any elevation fluctuation, the trail is perfect for nature lovers of all ages and physical abilities. The loop offers intimate views of a diversity of desert vegetation, especially cacti. With a variety of informative signage along the trail’s length, the opportunities for learning about the plants that inhabit the region are plentiful.
Having parked your car at the Cholla Cactus Garden Nature Trail Parking Lot, make your way to the trailhead at the northern section of the lot. Once you have arrived at the trailhead and walked a few feet, you will arrive at a junction in the trail. At the junction, you can choose to do the trail in either direction, as it is a loop. You will know you are approximately half way through when you cross the one and only bridge within the length of the trail. Take your time and enjoy all that the Cholla Cactus Garden Nature Trail has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall does Cholla Cactus grow to be?
Depending on the conditions, Cholla Cactus can grow to be 5-15 feet tall. That’s one big cactus!
Can you eat Cholla Cactus?
Both the fruit and seeds of the Cholla Cactus are edible. That being said, you should always be accompanied by a professional when consuming any wild vegetation.
What Does Cholla Cactus Fruit Taste Like?
Like anything edible it depends on how it is prepared by the chef, but most people describe it as a mixture of asparagus and artichoke hearts. Who knew!
Insider Hints
Consider doing the trail early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the midday heat.
Bring lots of water, sunscreen, and a good hat as there is not much shelter from the sun along this route.
If possible, try and do the route during sundown, as the panoramic views are incredible in the fading light.
The cactus needles can get into your shoes and gloves and can latch on—wear close-toed shoes and watch where you step to try to avoid a needle latching onto your skin.
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