Arizona's Valley View Overlook Trail Is One Of The Best Hiking Summits for Viewing Saguaro National Park
By Katie Lawrence|Published April 10, 2023
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Katie Lawrence
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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 changed her major twice (psychology, computer science, and finally criminal justice) before taking a leap of faith and dropping out to pursue a career in freelance writing.
Today, Katie writes for the Texas and Arizona pages of OnlyInYourState.com and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on the sofa with a hot cup of coffee, watching a crime TV show or scary movie.
What if we told you that one of the most breathtaking scenic overlooks in Arizona was accessible via an easy trail that’s less than a mile long? It sounds too good to be true, but sometimes, reality eclipses even our wildest dreams. The Valley View Overlook Trail in Saguaro National Park offers sweeping, panoramic vistas of not only the park itself, but the desert landscape beyond. You can see all the way to Picacho Peak from the summit!
If you enjoy scenic hikes that require very little effort, the Valley View Overlook Trail at Saguaro National Park was made just for you.
The trail may be short and sweet, but it really packs a punch when it comes to scenery. Many different types of cacti line the path, including the iconic Saguaro, after which the park is named.
Even though the hike only takes an average of 20 minutes to complete, there's so much to see along the way. Marvel at the most uniquely-shaped cacti you've ever seen, as well as myriad other desert flora and fauna.
You'll also see beautiful, vibrant wildflowers - the exact types vary from season to season. If you're lucky, you may spot some eye-popping cactus flowers!
Once you reach the overlook, you'll be astounded at the reward you get to reap after hardly (if at all) breaking a sweat. Stunning vistas extend far as the eye can see in all directions - on clear days, you can see all the way to Picacho Peak!
Since the trail is so short, you should have plenty of time to pause and admire the views before heading back the way you came. There are several benches where you can take rest for as long as you need - perhaps you'll even bring a snack and a good book to enjoy with the most awe-inspiring backdrop imaginable.
For more information about the Valley View Overlook Trail, including the entrance fees for Saguaro National Park and directions to the trailhead, please visit the National Park Service website.
Have you ever hiked to one of the best scenic overlooks in Arizona on the Valley View Overlook Trail? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments! Don’t forget to check out our previous article to learn why Tucson is the unofficial Mexican food capital of the world.
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