Type: Road, Loop
Difficulty: 5 / 10
Altitude: 4,262 ft
Filed Under: Cycling
The Cactus Forest Loop Drive, better known as the "East Loop" by locals, is a scenic route through the lower elevations of the Rincon Mountain District (east) of the park. It is 8 miles in length and is paved, except for the spur road to Mica View Picnic Area. This one-way road is open to all vehicles, pedestrians and bicycles.
The Cactus Forest Loop Drive is narrow with many tight turns and 3 steep hills. Use extra caution on the steep hill at the beginning of the oneway road as there is a sharp right turn at the bottom!
The "East Loop" is a fantastic 8 mile one-way loop within Saguaro Nation Park (East - Rincon District), the park encompasses an aging saguaro forest at the foot of the majestic Rincon Mountains. The park is open daily. Check out the park at http://www.nps.gov/sagu/.Don't let the short distance fool you, the "East Loop' is a challenge for any level rider. The front half is rolling hills through amazing landscape, and the back half contains the infamous "Backside", a series of three 'serious' climbs (some of the steepest in Tucson) that covers only 2.3 miles, so you can walk it and enjoy the scenery if the need arises.Most fit riders will be able to handle the climbsAnd the views on the ride back are some the the best in Tucson...
Located approximately 15 miles from downtown Tucson. Directional signs to both units of the park can be seen along Interstate 10.
From I-10:
Take the Houghton Road exit (#275).
Turn right on Old Spanish Trail.
Look for signs to park entrance.
From Broadway or Speedway in Tucson:
Go east on Broadway or Speedway.
Turn right on Freeman Road.
Turn left on Old Spanish Trail.
Look for signs to park entrance almost immediately on the left.
From 22nd Street in Tucson:
Go east on 22nd Street.
Turn right on Old Spanish Trail.
Look for signs to park entrance.
The Main Visitor Center is just inside the western edge of Saguaro East on Cactus Forest Drive.
Posted by: azdesertrider and last modified on Aug 22, 2006 by thoos
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