Route Editor
Route Scout
A fast hike through the saguaro forest by PaleoRob The Mica View-Cactus Forest trail is an easy two mile loop that starts out from the Mica View picnic site along the north end of the Rincon Mountain District's loop drive, makes its way through a saguaro nursery, up to the Broadway Trailhead and back down to the Mica View picnic area. Along the way it winds through towering cactus forests and Palo Verde scrub, with great views of the Santa Catalina and Rincon Mountains. The trail heads north from the Mica View picnic area and parking lot. This section of the trail is flat, and basically heads straight north. It passes through areas where young saguaros are still growing under their nursery trees, primarily Palo Verdes. Mature saguaros begin to appear in greater frequency after the first 1/10th of a mile. This section of trail is the Mica View portion of the trail, and it dead ends at Broadway Road and the Broadway Trailhead. The trail heads east briefly, drops into a small wash, and then climbs and branched to the right again, onto the Cactus Forest trail. This section of the trail has more elevation change, as it crosses several washes. This trail should not be attempted during times when water is flowing in the washes, as crossing moving water in the wash bottoms can be very dangerous. The Cactus Forest trail follows a series of ridges south until it reaches another signed trail intersection; the Mica View Trail South. This short spur takes you the 1/10th of a mile back to the northwest, crossing yet another wash. Beyond the wash is the trailhead. Another alternate way to extend the hike a bit is to continue south on the Cactus Forest trail to the loop road, and then hike west down the side of the road to the Mica View road. Hike up the Mica View road back to the trailhead. The distance listed however is without this optional extension. Check out the Triplogs. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.
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WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
Most recent Triplog Review
Mica View - Cactus Forest Loop
Took a stroll along the Mica View trail from the southern trailhead while waiting for my car to get done. Weather was perfect! Saw a B-1 bomber flying low and slow over the park too, probably heading back to Holloman AFB in New Mexico from DMAFB. This was a pretty easy hike. Mica View section of the trail had no one on it, while the Cactus Forest section I saw a few folks, all headed in the direction of the Broadway trailhead. And one mule. The barrel cacti were fruiting, and there were a lot of small, scattered flowers out, along with a few large swaths of golden flowers (I don't know what type) further off the trail and on some hillsides, as well as at the Visitor's Center.
2008-03-11 PaleoRob
