Loma Verde and Squeeze Pen Loop is an easy trail located in the Rincon Mountain District of Saguaro National Park. This trail is 3.6 miles long and explores a lowland section of the Sonoran Desert. You will hike amongst mesquite trees, saguaros, and various other Sonoran Desert plants. This mostly flat lollipop loop has about 180 feet of elevation gain.
The hike begins from the Loma Verde Trailhead and you will begin by hiking North for 0.1 miles on the Loma Verde Trail. You will then continue heading North onto the Mesquite Trail for another 0.1 miles.
You have now reached the junction to begin the loop section of the hike. To hike the loop counter clockwise, take a left at the junction towards the Loma Verde Trail. Along this trail, you will also encounter the Loma Verde Mine Site, a former copper mine. After 0.7 miles of hiking you will reach a junction and begin following the Pink Hill Trail.
After hiking on the Pink Hill Trail for 0.2 miles, you will have the option to take the 0.1 mile Pink Hill Lookout Trail to get a panoramic desert view. Continuing on the Pink Hill Trail for 0.6 mile will bring you to another junction. Take a right to join the Squeeze Pen Trail.
Enjoy views of the nearby foothills as you hike on the Squeeze Pen Trail for 1.3 miles. When you reach the junction with the Loma Verde Trail and the Mesquite Trail, you have completed the loop. Take the two short sections of these trails back to the Loma Verde trailhead.
Loma Verde and Squeeze Pen Loop is open year-round and it costs $25 for a one-week vehicle pass to enter Saguaro National Park. Dogs are not allowed on any trails in the park. This trail can get very hot and there are not any reliable water sources on this hike, so be sure to bring plenty of water. This easy trail is a great way to tour the Saguaro National Park East.
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