Trail Reports

Trail Report: Cactus Wren Trail To Signal Hill In Saguaro National Park

It flows through a saguaro forest and features some absolutely enormous cholla cactus. During the spring wildflower blooms, the colors and scents are spectacular!

This hike features really amazing and culturally important petroglyphs. Please adhere to Leave No Trace and don't touch them, climb near them or disrupt them. Photographs only.

Cactus Wren Trail, Saguaro National Park, Tucson, AZ

Distance: 3.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 100 feet
Difficulty Level: Easy (great for the whole family)
Duration: 2 hours with time to check out Signal Hill
Best Seasons to Hike: Year-round, but be very careful in summer
Trail Type: Out and back

Overview

The Cactus Wren Trail to Signal Hill in Saguaro National Park (West District) is a lovely hike for those looking to combine breathtaking desert landscapes with fascinating history. This easy 3.6 mile out and back trail winds through a stunning Sonoran Desert landscape filled with towering saguaros, cholla, and other native plants. At the top of Signal Hill, hikers are rewarded with panoramic views and a chance to see ancient petroglyphs etched into the rocks by the Hohokam people. Perfect for families and nature lovers, this trail is accessible year-round, with the best hiking conditions during the cooler months from November to April.

saguaro cactus forest along the cactus wren trail in saguaro national park

Trail Info

For the most part this is your typical Sonoran Desert trail. Rocky and sandy in parts, but well maintained and easy to follow. It never gets very steep and the rocky parts are short. It can be combined with other trails to create much longer routes for long hikes and trail runs. Watch out for rattlesnakes March through September!

Because the Cactus Wren Trail and Signal Hill are in Saguaro National Park, you will need a National Park Pass to gain entry. These passes can be purchased at the entrance to the park or online.
This is a part of the National Park System and dogs are not allowed on this trail.
Stay on the trail, even when you may be tempted to wander down a wash or two! It's surprisingly easy to get lost in the desert terrain, especially if it's really hot out. Sticking to the trail is the best idea.
When you get to the petroglyphs, soak it all in! It's amazing. But be sure to practice Leave No Trace and be respectful.

barrel cactus in saguaro national park along the cactus wren trail

Trail Highlights

The Cactus Wren Trail is beautiful. It flows through a saguaro forest and features some absolutely enormous cholla cactus. During the spring wildflower blooms, the colors and scents are spectacular! This trail is also perfectly named, as cactus wren can be heard and spotted all over the place!

Arriving at Signal Hill is the real highlight, however. These magnificent petroglyphs sit atop a hill that overlooks the valley floor, with wonderful views of the Tucson Mountains. It's one of the best views in the park.

Tips

Parking details: Very small parking area at the trailhead for Cactus Wren. If you do this the opposite way, Signal Hill has a very large parking area.
Restroom: There is no restroom at the Cactus Wren trailhead, but there is one at the Signal Hill trailhead.
Permits, fees, or restrictions: Requires a National Park pass.
Camping: No camping allowed at the trailhead. Only backcountry camping allowed in the park.

Recommended Gear

Stio Hylas Hooded Pullover: Women/Men This is a great sun shirt. Even in winter, sun protection in the form of clothing is an important safety measure.
3 liters of water per person.
A good sun hat!

Conclusion

The Cactus Wren Trail is a nice, rolling short trail that the whole family can enjoy. It's a great way to get to know the Sonoran Desert ecosystem. The end of the hike, at Signal Hill, is simply amazing!