A hike in Saguaro National Park can be a stroll on a day trail or a long wilderness trek. Within a mile of the visitor center in Saguaro West, there are two nature trails, the Cactus Garden Trail and the Desert Discovery Nature Trail. There are approximately 128 miles of trails that wind through the desert and mountain country of Saguaro East. Pace yourself and rest often. There is no water available at the picnic areas or along most trails.
Drinking water is essential.
Each person should carry at least one gallon of water per day. Persons planning to hike or ride a horse on the longer park trails should carry a topographic map. Beware of painful encounters with cacti and other prickly plants. Be especially careful near cholla cactus spines that, with just the slightest touch, can become embedded in your skin. If a cactus joint attaches itself, use two sticks, a pocket comb, or other object as a lever to flip it away.