Route Editor
Route Scout
Cholla? What Cholla? by keepmoving Overview: Cholla Trail runs from Cactus Forest Trail to Loma Verde Trail. Despite its name, Cholla Trail does not actually encounter much Cholla along the way. Heading east from Cactus Forest Trail, it takes three tenths of a mile before you encounter your first patch of cholla on the left. Prickly pear cactus is well represented along the trail, but wouldn't roll off the tongue nearly as well as "Cholla Trail". Hike: As you head east from Cactus Forest Trail you will immediately pass a huge saguaro on your left. In addition to being exceedingly tall, the saguaro has 12 arms of varying length that make it quite distinctive and easy to spot from a distance. Past the Saguaro, the trail is mostly flat and well worn as it winds its way east/southeast through the desert. Visible ahead, Tanque Verde Ridge and Tanque Verde Peak appear much closer than they really are. At 0.4 miles you will reach a signed intersection with Loma Verde Wash. Continue across the wash, climb the other side and follow Cholla Trail as it begins to work its way southeast. The trail here will gradually gain elevation as it works its way towards Loma Verde Trail. At 0.7 miles you will encounter the end of Cholla Trail at a signed junction. Check out the Official Route and Triplogs. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.
One-Way Notice This hike is listed as One-Way. When hiking several trails on a single "hike", log it with a generic name that describes the hike. Then link the trails traveled, check out the example. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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 Reviews
Cholla Trail - Saguaro NP
Went for a run from Broadway trailhead. Didn't really know how long of a run my legs were up for, so I just took off with no real destination in mind. It was nice and cloudy out for most of the time I was on the trail, I even had a couple small showers. Ended up running from the Broadway Trailhead, south to Loma Verde Trailhead, back north to Douglas Spring Trailhead, then swung south to Pink Hill and worked my way back to where I started. I think I covered nearly every trail between Speedway & Cactus Forest Drive!
2011-08-10 keepmoving
Cholla Trail - Saguaro NP
I'm really getting into exploring the network of trails in Saguaro National Park East! The trails are well maintained and work great for running: allowing me to cover a good amount of ground in a very short period of time. I took a quick evening run from the Broadway Trailhead over towards the Loma Verde Mine & looped back. Encountered 5 other trail runners and only two hikers.
2011-05-30 keepmoving
Cholla Trail - Saguaro NP
I hurt my calves running recently and figured a nice flat stroll through Saguaro National Park would help loosen them. Started around 5pm and wandered along several or the trails with no real destination in mind. It was a nice day to be on trail- temperature was just right and I didn't encounter anyone else on the trails! Just about time to start doing night hikes...
2011-04-21 keepmoving
Cholla Trail - Saguaro NP
Night time hike to avoid the daytime heat. Started at the east end of Broadway and wandered through Saguaro National Park. Saw more wildlife than I have seen on a hike in a long time: Rattlesnakes, gopher snakes, more tarantulas than I could count, and a scorpion that looked like it could take down a cow!
2010-08-13 keepmoving
