Hiking The Loma Verde Loop At Saguaro National Park
The Loma Verde Loop trail in Saguaro National Park East is 3.8 miles long and only has 60 feet of elevation gain.
To start this easy trek through the calming desert landscape hit up the Loma Verde trailhead located off the Cactus Forest Scenic Loop Drive. Head north through a grove of mature mesquite trees, through a couple of dry washes and pass the site of the old Loma Verde Mine.
When you come to the junction take a right on the Pink Hill Trail.
While traveling on the Pink Hill Trail a short spur trail leads to an overlook of the cactus forest and Tanque Verde Ridge. This overlook should not be missed. There are great saguaros as far as the eye can see.
It truly is a spectacular site to behold.
After taking in the great scenic view hit up the Pink hill Trail again until you stumble on the Squeeze Pen Trail then take a right. After about a mile of walking you will link back up with the Loma Verde trail. Make a left and head back to your starting point.
It only took us an hour and a half to hike the whole loop. It’s an easy hike that really gives you a good idea of what the desert in the area looks like. We saw multiple little lizards and even spotted a Gila woodpecker nesting in a large saguaro.
This trail is also where I found my favorite saguaro in the park!
This was probably my favorite hike we did in the park.
Make sure you do it early in the morning or later at night though. We were done by 9:30 am and it was already 80 out and there is no shade. The sun literally beats on you the whole time. That’s actually good advice for all the hikes in the park.
You are in the desert and shade is at a minimum.