The National Park Service begins the job of "rehabilitating" (the NPS term, not mine) the 8.4-mile Cactus Forest Drive at Saguaro National Park – East.
Construction will begin today, May15th, and is estimated to conclude no later than September 30th.
The Cactus Forest Drive and Javelina Picnic Area will be closed to all visitor access, including cars, bicyclists and pedestrians, during the project.
At the same time all trails within the interior of the Cactus Forest Loop Drive, along with the Freeman Homestead Trail, will be closed. The project will include rehabilitation of the asphalt pavement, correction of drainage problems and improving and formalizing roadside parking along Cactus Forest Drive and Javelina Picnic Area. In addition, twelve new wayside interpretive exhibits will be installed.
There is plans to change portions of the trail outright, and re-work some existing area, either way, No more riding the "East Loop" until late this fall....
The NPS website for Saguaro Ease states, "Although there will be a short term loss of recreational opportunity, the project will significantly improve the visitor experience on Cactus Forest Drive in the long term, and will enhance opportunities to experience the beauty and character of our Sonoran Desert. Prior to the project, park crews will salvage numerous ocotillos and cacti of varying species from the road’s edge that would otherwise be impacted by construction activities. Once construction is complete, roadside areas will be rehabilitated and revegatated with native grasses and desert shrubs. Only two saguaro cacti will be impacted, and they will be immediately relocated prior to the start of construction. During the project, trail access from Speedway Boulevard, Broadway Boulevard and Camino Loma Alta will remain open. The park’s Tucson Mountain District (Saguaro West) will be fully open throughout this construction project. For more information please contact the park’s facility manager, Barney Riley, at (520) 733-5140"
