Sunset Cholla Loop

Trail Overview

What a fantastic forest of Cholla there is on this trail. This moderately tricky loop features one of the densest forests of Cholla in the area. Traveling this trail later in the day makes them even more spectacular as the sun behind them causes the spines to all glow. It's a magnificent sight. Besides all the cacti, this trail features many fire rings to call camp for the night. Once south of the Cholla forest, one finds themselves in a Saguaro forest with ancient giants that almost seem perfectly spaced apart as if they were planted with intent. The trail ends at an old mining area in an epic valley with stunning rock formations and cliffs surrounding everywhere you look. See if you can spot all the caves in the cliffs above. The trail is mostly easy, with some rocky valleys as it transitions through washes and loose rocky climbs. Some of these transitions will make contact even with a high-clearance 4x4 bumper. Armor is recommended. Paint damage is unavoidable. There are various narrow sections. One bar of Verizon LTE is only briefly available at the hilltops, be sure to have your offline maps downloaded.

Photos of Sunset Cholla Loop

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Difficulty

Deep washouts and transitions, some off-camber, and loose rocky short hill climb.

Technical Rating