Short loop hike from the Cactus Forest Drive—great for kids and nature lovers of all ages.

This hike is easy to get to and easy to complete. It’s at the end of the two-way section of the Cactus Forest Loop Drive, near the Javelina picnic area. The trail is just under a mile long, on a sandy trail with only small ups and downs. It’s named for a ranch home built here nearly 100 years ago, though no structures remain. Along the trail are signs with bonus activities for kids, related to the history as well as plant and animal life. Cacti and other Sonoran plants are abundant, and there’s one grove of particularly large saguaros. Various birds and lizards are almost guaranteed to be seen, and a keen eye might spot other wildlife as well.

Sources:
https://www.nps.gov/sagu/planyourvisit/saguaro_hiking.htm
https://www.nationalparkstraveler.org/2020/01/trails-ive-hiked-freeman-homestead-nature-trail Written by Jesse Weber

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Freeman Homestead Trail

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