Rincon Mountain District: The Cactus Forest and Douglas Spring Trail
Saguaro National Park
The Douglas Spring Trail begins in the Cactus Forest and ventures high into the Rincon Mountains of Saguaro National Park. It passes through 6 biotic communities between the desert floor (2,670') and highest peaks (8,666'): desert scrub, desert grassland, oak woodland, pine-oak woodland, pine forest and mixed conifer forest.
Saguaros are the largest of all cacti: they can reach 40' and weigh several tons
Saguaro National Park supports 25 species of cactus, most of which you'll find in the Cactus Forest
Jackrabbits are actually true hares, as they do not build nests; black tail jackrabbits inhabit all 4 southwestern deserts
The Rincon Mountain District supports at least 1200 plant species across 6 distinct biotic communities
Though its fruits are marginally edible, barrel cactus pulp is widely used for making cactus candy
Pleats in saguaro flesh expand like an accordion, allowing it to absorb as much water as its frame will support
Manzanita, distinguished by red smooth bark, means Little Apple in Spanish
Saguaros bloom April - early June; these creamy white flowers only open at night and close the following afternoon
The Doulgas Spring Campground is located in the Oak Woodland biotic zone
There are 6 rattlesnake species in Saguaro National Park, all of which inhabit the Rincon Mountain District
Saguaro cacti first form branches after 50 - 70 years; these saguaros may be over 200 years old
Teddy Bear Cholla have imperceptible barbs that can detach with the slightest touch, hence the nickname Jumping Cholla
The Douglas Spring Trail rises above the cactus forest into open Desert Grasslands and chaparral
Sotol is adapted to coarse textured soils in mid-high elevations
Barbed spines called glochids detach easily from prickly pear cactus pads, and are very difficult to remove
There are 3 types of yucca found in the Desert Grasslands and Oak Woodlands of Saguaro National Park
Saguaros range from sea level - 4,000' in the Sonoran Desert; any found higher are usually on south facing slopes
The Mexican Long-tongued and Lesser Long-nosed bats are two species that pollinate saguaros
The spines of most cholla are covered with a papery sheath that reflects sunlight and protects the stem from overheating
The landscape grows rugged and diversifies in the foothills over the Cactus Forest
<< Previous Gallery
Next Gallery >>
Follow ProTrails®