Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
A short way past the wash, the Cholla Trail branches left while the Cactus Forest
Trail branches right. A few hundred yards farther, the Mica View Trail branches to
the right; this can be a short (1.9-mile) loop back to the trailhead or an alternate return
from the out-and-back Cactus Forest Trail. Another 0.2 mile takes you to the Mesquite
Trail, branching to the left—our trail goes straight on (south) for another 0.6 mile to
the paved Cactus Forest Loop Drive. Here, there is parking for five cars if you're vis-
iting by car or mountain bike.
A sign indicates that it's another 0.9 mile south to the lime kilns, to the left of the
trail. The foundations on the right side, about halfway to the kilns, are the remains of
an early ranger station. At the kilns there isn't much to see, but a notice board provides
interesting history and background.
A hundred yards past the kilns, a sign to the left designates a dead-end trail that
goes 0.4 mile southeast to Lime Falls, which are dry most of the year. The trail is not
very clear, and following it involves crossing a stream several times, but occasional
cairns should get you there if you choose.
Cacti, including saguaros, have been plentiful so far, but for a few hundred yards
past the Lime Falls turnoff, there are few cacti and almost no saguaros. Soon the trail
begins to climb noticeably for the first time on this hike, reaching a ridge with excel-
lent views looking back at the Santa Catalinas. Cross a couple of more ridges, and old-
growth saguaros reappear. This is the most scenic part of the trail. Eventually, the trail
crosses the unsigned but substantial Javelina West Wash and continues to the second
intersection with the paved loop road, 1.5 miles from the lime kilns. Here you'll find
another small parking area for six cars; this is also the end of the trail section where
mountain bikes are permitted.
