Lime Falls Trail

From Cactus Forest North Trailhead, follow Cactus Forest Trail to the Lime Falls wash junction, take the short falls branch, then return the same way. The complete out-and-back is 2.7 miles, with about 1.5 hours a realistic allowance. The mapped line follows the 1.36-mile route out once; the visitor distance includes the return. Lime Falls is seasonal: water may show after rain, but the rocky chute is the destination even when it is dry.

The opening half-mile is relatively flat and wide over firm desert soil. The route threads among saguaros, barrel cactus, palo verde and creosote, then passes the remains of old lime kilns used to produce lime. A short signed spur visits the kilns beside Cactus Forest Trail.

At the signed wash junction, the Lime Falls branch crosses a small rise before the tread grows rockier and the vegetation thicker near the falls. The approach includes wash crossings with soft sand; the spur's boulder-lined channel is uneven underfoot. After rain, the falls may carry water. In dry weather, expect a rocky desert wash rather than a flowing waterfall.

Cactus Forest Trail is shared with hikers, mountain bikers and horses. Beyond the kilns, the route becomes hillier, narrower and more uneven in places; the park describes up to 150 feet of rolling gain and loss on the section toward Javelina Wash. Dogs are not allowed on this trail; Saguaro permits pets only on designated routes and roads.