Valley View Overlook Trail in Saguaro National Park is an easy out and back trail that we especially love for spotting all kinds of native desert plants. The trailhead is only a few minute drive from JTH Tucson, and the trail itself takes only about 30 minutes making it a perfect quick adventure into the park.
The trail begins with a slight decline through a wash before heading up a gradual incline with stone steps. We love this as an intro trail for those who haven’t been to Saguaro National Park before, since you’ll find signs along the trail pointing out various native plants. A few favorite plants to spot along the trail are Ocotillo, Engelmann’s Prickly Pear, Hedgehog cacti, Brittlebush, and Buckhorn Cholla (and of course the hard to miss Saguaro cacti).
When you reach the end of the trail, you’ll find a lone bench waiting for you to take a seat and look out to an endless abyss of Saguaros and mountain views. It’s an incredibly sweet reward for minimal effort to reach the top.
Trail Info for Valley View Overlook Trail in Saguaro National Park
Length
.8 mile out and back. Valley View Overlook is a short trail which only takes about 30 minutes to hike, but ideally plan for a little longer so you can stop to sit on the bench at the top and enjoy the views. The trail begins through multiple washes, and then gradually ascends up to some of the most incredible views of Avra valley and Picacho Peak.
How to Access
This trail is located off of Bajada Loop Drive, 3.5 miles north of the visitor center on the west side of Saguaro National Park. You’ll see a sign that says ‘View Trail’ next to a parking area which marks the trailhead.
What to Bring
As with any hike in the park, make sure to bring plenty of water. While Valley View Overlook Trail is a relatively easy trail, the desert is a dry place nonetheless. Once your water is half gone, turn back around (particularly in the summer months). If you’d like to enjoy the views a little longer, bring up a picnic lunch to enjoy from the bench at the top.
Check out some of our other trail guides for hikes near our Joshua Tree, CA properties: Arch Rock Trail, North View Trail, Fortynine Palms Oasis, and Willow Hole.
