Cactus Forest, Squeeze Pen, and Pink Hill Loop
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Cactus Forest, Squeeze Pen, and Pink Hill Loop
Difficulty Rating:
The Cactus Forest, Squeeze Pen, and Pink Hill Loop is an easy trail in Tucson’s Saguaro National Park East. This route mostly has pretty desert vegetation to appreciate, so the beauty is more in the small things than in big, impressive views on this one. Try to time it for when the creosote is blooming for the best experience. This route generally sees moderate to heavy traffic.
Getting there
The trailhead for the Cactus Forest, Squeeze Pen, and Pink Hill Loop is off E Broadway Boulevard.
About
| Backcountry Campground | No |
| When to do | October-May |
| Pets allowed | Yes - On Leash |
| Family friendly | Yes |
| Route Signage | Average |
| Crowd Levels | High |
| Route Type | Loop |
Cactus Forest, Squeeze Pen, and Pink Hill Loop
Elevation Graph
Weather
Cactus Forest, Squeeze Pen, and Pink Hill Loop Description
The Cactus Forest, Squeeze Pen, and Pink Hill Loop is an easy hike in Saguaro National Park East in Tucson, showing off the varied plants that line these desert trails. This route is great for hikers of all levels. Families with kids can enjoy this trail thanks to its lack of elevation gain. Note that dogs are not permitted on the trails in Saguaro National Park East.
This route gets quite hot in the summer months, so we recommend avoiding it when temperatures are at their highest. Early morning hikes are ideal, but no matter when you visit, bring plenty of water and consider wearing sun protection.
From the trailhead near the road, take Cactus Forest Trail, the route second to your left. Go straight through the first junction and then go left at the junction with Cholla Trail. Go left at the fork with Loma Verde onto Squeeze Pen. Head north and go left onto Pink Hill Trail where it branches off. Stay left and then right. This route will return you to the trailhead.
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