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Arizona
6.8 mi
Distance
1,794 ft
Gain
3h 9m
Time
We won't guess. Here is exactly what we do and don't know.
What we do know
Inside Saguaro National Park
National Park unit boundary is mapped — agency alerts for it feed this page automatically.
Boundary data
What's missing
No access route mapped
We don't yet know which road reaches this trailhead, so we can't tell you if it's gated.
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Why you'll love it
Hugh Norris Big Loop
AI-suggested draft · review before you go
Hugh Norris Big Loop is a 6.8-mile loop trail located in Saguaro National Park in Arizona. The route gains 1,794 feet of elevation throughout the hike, making it a moderately challenging day outing. This loop trail showcases the diverse landscape and wildlife of the Sonoran Desert within the park's protected boundaries. The trail takes hikers through saguaro cactus forests and offers expansive views of the surrounding terrain. The elevation gain is distributed across the loop, with steeper sections balanced by more gradual portions. The trail is managed by Saguaro National Park, ensuring maintenance and preservation of the natural environment. With nearly 7 miles of distance and substantial elevation gain, this hike suits hikers with moderate fitness levels and desert hiking experience. The loop format allows hikers to experience varied terrain without retracing their steps, making it an efficient way to explore a larger section of the park. Hikers should plan for a full day outing and come prepared with adequate water and sun protection, as the desert environment offers limited shade.
Signal Hill (West District)
~2 min drive
Signal Hill is a popular multi-use area along the Bajada Loop Drive in Saguaro National Park's west district. This is a popular destination, as it is the best place to see petroglyphs within the park. There are trails that start from this destination, as well as a picnic area.…
Valley View Trail
~1 min drive
0.8 mi · Easy
King Canyon / Gould Mine Loop
~5 min drive
15 mi · Hard
Javelina Wash Trail
~2 min drive
A 600-yard loop trail through the wash behind the Red Hills Visitor Center, looping through the wash from one end of the building to the other. Flat, but sandy and rocky, with stairs at either end. Follow the self-guided "Signs of Life in the Desert" tour under Self-Guided To…
Golden Gate Mountain Loop
~11 min drive
15 mi · Hard
Hugh Norris Trail
~0 min drive
Steady out-and-back climb with panoramic desert and mountain views.
Bajada Wash Trail
~1 min drive
Easy 1-mile out-and-back wash hike in Arizona.
Sus Picnic Area (West District)
~1 min drive
This is the closest picnic area to the Red Hills Visitor Center in the west district of Saguaro National Park. It is along the Bajada Loop Drive.
Desert Discovery Trail
~1 min drive
The Desert Discovery Trail is an easy, paved, accessible, 0.5 mile (0.8 km) trail in Saguaro National Park's west district. The trailhead is located along Kinney Road, 1 mile (1.6 km) northwest from the Red Hills Visitor Center. Interpretive signage along the trail provides a…
Wild Dog Trail
~2 min drive
Easy 0.9-mile out-and-back desert hike in Arizona.