Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
provide maps, information, and backcountry-camping permits. No food or drink is
sold, but water is available so you can fill your own bottle.
Continuing into the park, the 8-mile, one-way
Cactus Forest Drive
—the only
road in the eastern sector of the park—provides excellent views and access to various
overlooks and trails. If you haven't been here before, you should certainly experience
it before going to the Freeman Homestead Trail.
PRICKLY PEAR CACTI AND A GHOST SAGUARO GUARD THE TRAIL.
Directions
From central Tucson, take 22nd Street east to Old Spanish Trail, which is 0.2 mile
east of Harrison Road. Bear right onto Old Spanish Trail, following it southeast for
4 miles to the park entrance and visitor center. Shortly past the visitor center, Cactus
Forest Drive forks—take the right fork 1.2 miles to the trailhead.
Coming from the northwest, take I-10 to Exit 259, drive east on 22nd Street for
11.3 miles to Old Spanish Trail, and continue as described above. Coming from the
southeast, take I-10 to Exit 275 and drive north on Houghton Road for 8 miles to Es-
calante Road. Turn right (east) on Escalante and drive 2 miles to Old Spanish Trail,
where you turn left and drive north 0.3 mile to the park entrance.
