The Gorgeous Bajada Loop Drive Will Show You A Whole New Side Of Arizona's Saguaro National Park
By Katie Lawrence|Published November 02, 2022
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
There are quite a few scenic drives in Arizona that showcase our state’s vast and varied landscape as you’ve never seen it before. One of the most underrated of them all is the six-mile Bajada Loop Drive, which leads through the lesser-visited western portion of Saguaro National Park. This gorgeous route features towering mountains, expansive views, and the dense Saguaro forests that define this region of the world. It’s such a gorgeous ride!
Saguaro National Park is an Arizona treasure. The nearly 92,000-acre park is situated on either side of the city of Tucson, and it's one of the only places in the world where the majestic Saguaro cactus grows wild.
Hiking is the most popular way to experience the amazing scenery the park has to offer, but you can also enjoy the views from the comfort of your own vehicle. Most people know about the Cactus Forest Drive in the eastern section of the park, however the Bajada Loop Drive on the opposite side is something of a hidden gem.
The six-mile, mostly dirt road is comprised of Hohokam Road and a portion of Golden Gate Road. Although unpaved, most sedans should not encounter any problems (just remember to drive slowly and watch out for bicyclists).
Picnic areas are scattered along the route, providing ample opportunities to stop and admire the views - and trust us when we say you'll want to do just that. There are more than two million Saguaro cacti in the park, and seeing them all laid out in front of you is an indescribable experience.
Some of the Saguaros are so gigantic, it's hard to believe they're even real. It's also incredible to see their unique shapes and personalities - they almost look like people striking all different kinds of poses!
One of the neatest things about the Bajada Loop Drive is that it provides access to two hiking trails: the 0.8-mile Valley View Overlook Trail, and the 0.5-mile Signal Hill Trail.
If you feel like stretching your legs for a bit, just park the car and start exploring! Signal Hill happens to be one of the most popular trails in the park, as it showcases some of the most well-preserved petroglyphs you'll ever see.
Sunrise and sunset are definitely the best times to embark on the drive. There is nothing like a desert sky so vibrantly colored, it looks as if someone took a paintbrush to it.
Have you ever embarked on the Bajada Loop Drive? If so, tell us all about your experience in the comments section below! Don’t forget to check out our previous article for more information about the world-famous Saguaro National Park.
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