Crest Quest: Finding Crested Saguaros in Arizona
Crested saguaros, or cristates, are so rare that some Arizonans have never seen one, and others don’t even know they exist.
Apparently scientists aren’t quite sure why some saguaro cactuses begin developing in an unusual fan shape, though they have some theories that it could be caused by disease, insects, or genetic defects. Whatever the reason, I’m sure glad they do because it doesn’t harm the plant, and they are so beautiful.
So, you want to see a “crestie” for yourself? Let me show you where! But be warned that saguaro cactuses are protected, and harming one can cost you up to 25 years in prison! Please stay at least 10 feet away to protect their roots and keep them strong for the next visitors.
Phoenix Area
Coyote Canyon Trail
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
This ultra rare double-crested saguaro can be found on the Coyote Canyon Trail at the junction with the Desperado Trail.
The stats
5.8 mi
424 ft gain
The full report
Coyote Canyon Trail
Sidewinder Trail
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
The trail to this crested saguaro is easy, so almost anyone can get a look. The cactus is behind a fence for its protection.
The stats
2.2 mi
187 ft gain
The full report
Sidewinder Trail
San Tan Trail
San Tan Regional Park
The coolest crested saguaro on this list might be the “hang loose” saguaro, and it’s just two miles round trip to visit it if you start at the Rock Peak Wash Trailhead. Stats are for the full loop.
The stats
5.4 mi
545 ft gain
The full report
Rock Peak Hedgehog Loop
Cottonwood Trail #247
Tonto National Forest Cave Creek District
You can get to this crested saguaro from the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area. A bonus crested saguaro can be spotted from the Skull Mesa Trail if you have a sharp eye. The stats are for the whole trip up to Skull Mesa—the saguaro is 4.7 miles into the hike.
The stats
12.1 mi
3172 ft gain
The full report
Skull Mesa
Tucson Area
Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum
Tucson
If you’re visiting Saguaro National Park West, you can see this one at the Sonoran Desert Museum without paying an entrance fee. It’s located to the left of the entrance by the bicycle rack.
No hiking required.
Javelina Picnic Area
Saguaro National Park East
Just inside the entrance to Saguaro National Park East is the turn for Javelina Picnic Area. Don’t miss the turn or you’ll have to drive the one-way 8-mile loop to try again. Be sure to pay attention to the road while you look for this beauty because it’s on the right side at a sharp turn in the road, and I don’t want you hitting any pedestrians.
No hiking required.
Park Road
Saguaro National Park West
After the ranger at Saguaro National Park West told us there were no crested saguaros we could see within the park, we offered our kids five dollars if they could spot one. Bingo! You are not allowed to travel off trail within the park, but this one can be seen from the road. Viewing spot marked on the map.
No hiking required.
Roadrunner Trail
Saguaro National Park West
You can hike for just a couple minutes down the Roadrunner Trail to see this small crested saguaro. The big joke is that the roadrunner is you, since you’ll have to cross Picture Rocks Road to get there.
From the Cam-Boh Trailhead, follow the Roadrunner Trail north out of the parking lot and across the road. The trail follows the edge of the park boundary next to some houses. You’ll soon see the cactus on your right.
Bajada Loop
Sabino Canyon Recreation Area
This well-developed crested saguaro can be found along an easy nature loop in the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area.
Take the Bear Canyon trailhead from the parking lot and hike a short distance to the Bajada Loop Nature Trail, which will be on your left. The fastest way to get to the cactus is to take the loop counter-clockwise, but it’s only a 1/4 mile easy loop, so it’s worth doing the whole thing.
Bonus Finds in Tucson
- There’s a very cool crested saguaro along Kinney Road next to Saguaro National Park West, but I can’t divulge the exact location, so just keep your eyes peeled as you’re driving!
- Driving from the main entrance of Saguaro National Park East north on Freeman Road toward the Deer Springs Trailhead, we spotted one on the right side of the road.
- I read about a crestie on the Deer Valley Loop in Saguaro National Park East on the Parkflo blog. Take the Wildhorse Trail to the Garwood Trail and turn right. After crossing the wash, it’ll be on the left.
Leave a Reply