In short
- Carry at least 1 gallon of water per person per day.
- Wear lightweight, long-sleeved clothing and a wide-brimmed hat.
- Pack tweezers to remove cactus spines.
In this article
- How much water do I need to bring?
- What is the best clothing for the desert?
- What kind of shoes do I need for Saguaro National Park?
- Why should I pack tweezers for a desert hike?
- What gear is required for backcountry or evening hikes?
- What items are prohibited on the trails?
- Do I need a trail guide or app?
Saguaro National Park offers over 150 miles of trails across its two districts. The environment is harsh, with minimal shade and summer temperatures that can be dangerous. Proper packing ensures you can hike safely and handle emergencies on the trail.
How much water do I need to bring?
You must carry at least one gallon of water per person per day.
If you hike during the summer, you need one gallon of water per person for every six hours on the trail. There are water stations at the Red Hills Visitor Center (West) and Rincon Mountain Visitor Center (East). Fill up before you start. Pack electrolyte replacement packets or salty snacks to replace what you lose through sweat.
What is the best clothing for the desert?
Wear lightweight, light-colored, and long-sleeved clothing.
Long sleeves protect your skin from both intense UV rays and thorny brush. Add a wide-brimmed hat to shield your face and neck. Apply high SPF sunscreen to any exposed skin before you start your hike.
What kind of shoes do I need for Saguaro National Park?
Wear sturdy, closed-toe hiking boots with ankle support.
The trails are often rocky, and the desert floor is covered in sharp plants. Open-toed shoes leave your feet vulnerable to cactus spines and rough terrain. Ankle support helps prevent injuries on uneven ground.
Why should I pack tweezers for a desert hike?
Tweezers or a multi-tool are essential for safely removing cholla cactus spines from your skin or clothing.
Cholla cacti drop spiky segments on the ground that easily attach to boots and pants. Do not use your bare hands to pull them out. Use tweezers to grab the spine near the base and pull straight out.
What gear is required for backcountry or evening hikes?
You need a detailed topographic map and a reliable light source.
Cell service is spotty in the park. Always carry a physical topographic map for backcountry hiking. If you plan to watch the sunset at spots like the Valley View Overlook Trail, pack a flashlight or headlamp for the walk back to your car.
What items are prohibited on the trails?
Pets, drones, and fireworks are completely prohibited within the park boundaries.
Leave your pets at home or in your vehicle. Dogs are not allowed on any trails. You also cannot remove or disturb any plants, rocks, or animals.
Do I need a trail guide or app?
An audio tour or offline map can help you navigate since cell service is unreliable.
Free public Wi-Fi is available at the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center. Download any digital guides or offline maps before you leave the visitor centers. The park has two distinct sections, so ensure your maps cover both the East and West districts.
Questions travellers ask
Can I buy food or water inside the park?
The visitor centers offer water refill stations, but they do not sell meals. You must bring all your own food and carry at least one gallon of water per person per day.
Do I need special gear for the Cactus Forest Loop Drive?
No special hiking gear is needed if you stay in your car. If you plan to cycle the 8-mile paved loop in the East district, bring a helmet and plenty of water.
Is off-trail hiking allowed to avoid obstacles?
No. Off-trail hiking is prohibited below 4,500 feet elevation to protect the fragile desert ecosystem. Always stay on the over 150 miles of designated trails.
