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Gentle trail through the Sonoran Desert.


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Map Key

2.0

Miles

3.2

KM

Point to Point

2,470' 753 m

High

2,263' 690 m

Low

28' 9 m

Up

208' 64 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

7%

Max Grade (4°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views

Family Friendly Similar to the other trails in this area, the Cactus Wren Trail makes for a great excursion to Signal Hill and beyond that families can venture out on for whatever distance suits them.

Pets, bicycles, vehicles, and overnight use prohibited.

Description

Please be aware that the Cactus Wren Trail overlaps with the Signal Hill Trail if starting from the Signal Hill picnic area. This is important because most signage at the Signal Hill picnic area identifies the popular Signal Hill trail leading to petroglyphs.

After taking the Signal Hill trail uphill to see the petroglyphs, a brief descent intersects with the Cactus Wren trail, which can be seen branching to the right and heading north. As one heads north on the Cactus Wren trail you are greeted by a forest of saguaros, ocotillos, chollas, and other plant life in the Sonoran Desert.

The trail ends at the busy intersection of Sandario Road and Rudasill Road. You can return to the Signal Hill picnic area by returning the same way you came in, or you can take a longer trip back by connecting to the Manville Trail. Unless you want to park your car on the shoulder of a busy road, there is no trailhead parking for the Cactus Wren trail at the intersection of Sandario and Rudasill, so it's recommended that you start and end at the Signal Hill Picnic Area.

Contacts

Shared By:

Chris McD

Trail Ratings

  3.3 from 3 votes

#27165

Overall
  3.3 from 3 votes
5 Star
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4 Star
33%
3 Star
67%
2 Star
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1 Star
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Trail Rankings

#895

in Arizona

#27,165

Overall
7 Views Last Month
616 Since Sep 30, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate

0%
33%
67%
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Photos

Rewarding journey to the top of Signal Hill reveals many petroglyphs. Even the rock squirrel is taking in the view.
May 9, 2016 near Picture…, AZ
Petroglyphs at Signal Hill Saguaro National Park
Oct 28, 2017 near Picture…, AZ
While you make your way on the Manville Trail, stop to appreciate the petroglyphs on Signal Hill.
Jan 11, 2016 near Picture…, AZ
A southwest view over the Signal Hill picnic area.
Oct 11, 2017 near Picture…, AZ
Short, but steep steps, leading to petroglyphs.
May 9, 2016 near Picture…, AZ
Watch where you step as you pass by chollas along the trail.
May 9, 2016 near Picture…, AZ

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Mar 29, 2024
Lily Adams
Dec 12, 2019
Stephanie R
Beautiful hike seeing Sentinel Hill in 70 degree weather! 3.5mi
May 6, 2019
Andrew Tucker
Beautiful easy trail. 2mi — 10h 16m
Jan 5, 2017
R T
2mi
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