Kid Friendly Hikes in Saguaro National Park, Arizona

Are you looking for a fun and adventurous family experience in Arizona? Look no further than Saguaro National Park! This beautiful national park is a great destination for families with plenty of kid-friendly hikes to explore the desert. One of the best ways to experience this national park is by going on kid friendly hikes. There are plenty of trails in both the West-Tucson Mountain and East-Rincon Districts of the park that are perfect for families with children of all ages.

For families looking to explore the West-Tucson Mountain District of Saguaro National Park, there are several great kid-friendly hikes to choose from.

Hikes in Saguaro National Park- West- Tucson Mountain District

Desert Discovery Trail 

This short 0.5 mile-loop is a paved nature trail walks hikers along a guided path. There are education signs explaining the ecology, animals of the Sonoran Desert and landscape. It is paved and flat, which makes it perfect for wheels and toddlers. You will find this trail along Kinney Road near the Red Hills Visitor Center. 

Cactus Garden Trail

This tiny loop is located right next to the Visitor Center. The trail is paved and short, only about 0.25 miles total. We enjoyed this loop because the signs introduced us to all of the different types of cacti that we would see in the park. If you stop at the Visitor Center, this is a great spot to stretch legs and learn.

Valley View Overlook Trail 

This easy 1-mile loop trail takes hikers through a Saguaro forest. The trail turn around rewards hikers with sweeping valley views where you will see millions of Saguaros dispersed.

Signal Hill Petroglyphs

Signal Hill Petroglyphs is a short, unique hike in the area. At less than a quarter mile, this hike is easy, though it does have a bit of climbing to the top of a small hill to see the rock art. Total distance: 0.5 miles. This trail is located along the scenic route in the west side of Saguaro National Park.

Scenic/Packrat Loop

This 1.7 mile trail rewards hikers with incredible views of Safford Peak and of Northwest Tucson.

The Bajada Nature Trail

0.8 miles long with gentle elevation changes. This trail is paved but has a few inclines that may be difficult for strollers.  

Hikes in the Rincon District- East Side of Park

In the East-Rincon District of the park, there are also several great kid friendly hikes to choose from making it a perfect destination for families.

Mica View Loop

The Mica View Loop is a 1.5-mile loop that takes hikers through the beautiful Rincon Mountains. This trail is paved for the first half, so you could make it an out and back if have a stroller or wheelchair.

Wild Dog Trail

This can either be a .9 one-way hike or a 1.8 mile trail. This trail is similar to the Valley View trail, except if your group has hikers and non hikers the hikers can be dropped off at the trail head and picked up on Golden Gate road. If everyone is hiking, it can be done as an out an back.

Desert Ecology Trail

The Desert Ecology Trail is paved, and short 0.25-mile loop that offers hikers the opportunity to learn about the flora and fauna of the desert. It is very similar to the Desert Discovery Trail on the other side of the park. There are information signs that teach about the area and the wildlife. There is a small pull out just past the Mica View picnic area on the main drive.

The Cactus Forest Loop Trail

1 mile long and has gentle elevation changes. This id friendly trail is paved and wheelchair accessible.

The Freeman Homestead Trail

1 mile long with gentle elevation changes and great for walking kiddos. This trail is unpaved but level, making it a good choice for strollers as well as wheelchair users also.

Saguaro National Park is a must-visit destination for families traveling to Arizona. The park offers a variety of activities that are perfect for families with children of all ages including numerous kid friendly hikes. So pack a picnic, bring plenty of water, and get ready for a day of adventure with your family in Saguaro National Park.