view of Catalina mountains	barrel cactus	inspirational signage

DESERT VIEW TRAIL

Meant for the more adventuresome, this trail meanders through a beautiful, undisturbed quadrant of the Park. We recommend you take water on this trek, especially if you travel it during the summer months. Approximately one-half mile in length, the trail is a favorite of birders and those looking for the Sonoran Desert in its more natural state. The Trail cuts through one of the main “highways” used by animals travelling through the park. Bobcats, coyotes, and Javelina all traverse the dry washes in this area. The majority of the Park’s 300+ Night-blooming Cereus (Peniocereus greggii) are found along this trail and the South Loop Trail. The Cereus is a spindly, green cactus that looks like dead sticks or a mesquite branch most of the year. One night a year, the Cereus unfurl a spectacular, large, white, waxy flower. Many people look forward to this night and stay in touch with the Night-blooming Cereus watch so that they can stroll paths lit with luminarias to enjoy the one night of the year when the “Queen of the Night” blooms (typically June or July). This desert trail is wheelchair accessible.

A list of the inspirational quotes found along the desert view trail is available here.