Also known as the Rincon Mountain District because it's in the Rincon Mountains, the park is made up of more than 67,000 acres of cacti, rock formations, and desert. Wildlife residing here includes javelinas, coyotes, Gila monsters, bobcats, deer, and lizards and birds galore. You may not see all of these creatures, but if you stay until sunset, you may hear the mournful serenade of the coyote population. Camping and hiking are allowed, but you must have a permit, available at the visitors center. Hikers are warned that this is considered wilderness hiking, which means, in this case, that it is very rocky and steep, and elevations run from 3,000 feet to more than 7,000 feet.
Vegetation changes from desert scrub to various pine trees.
The outcroppings you see along the way, while quite beautiful, cannot be reached on foot or by horseback. Bring plenty of water and a friend. Picnic areas are also available along the Cactus Forest Drive. Take Broadway Boulevard east to Old Spanish Trail and then follow the signs to the visitors center. Here you can find plenty of useful information about the park.