Arizona’s Climbing Cactus – Here’s the Exact Location 🌵📌

Arizona is known for its stunning desert landscapes and iconic cacti. Among these, a few have gained fame for their unique characteristics. One particularly notable saguaro is the Climbing Cactus. Despite its popularity, the exact location of the Climbing Cactus remains a mystery, often leading adventurers to the wrong destination. It’s time to clear up the confusion and provide its precise location for all the brave souls eager to find this elusive cactus.

Three Iconic Cacti

Among the Arizona community, three iconic cacti are well-known to the locals: 1.) Kissing Cactus, 2.) T-Rex Cactus, and 3.) Climbing Cactus. Images of these unique saguaros often make their way onto social media, sparking interest and a desire to experience them firsthand.

Unfortunately, misinformation frequently spreads online, from protective locals or people unintentionally sharing incorrect details. The Arizona desert can be hot and deadly, so it’s crucial not to send people on a wild goose chase in such a dangerous environment. However, if you’re looking for some crazy fun check out one of these wild Jeep/UTV tours in the Sonoran Desert!

Take, for example, the case of the Kissing Cactus. A local named Ken Carter posted the original viral photo on Facebook. He claimed that Marine training like his was needed when people asked how to find the Kissing Cactus. However, after our investigative research, the cactus sits only about a 1/2 mile from the parking site.

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Climbing Cactus – Here’s the Location

Southern Arizona’s distinctive landscape is filled with saguaro cacti and rocky hills as seen in Tucson’s Sabino Canyon Recreation Area and Saguaro National Park. This leads many to assume that the Climbing Cactus is located in one of these areas where cacti are abundant and often photographed.

However, the Climbing Cactus is located near Sheep Bridge, a remote recreation site, considered the gateway to the west side of the Mazatzal Wilderness.

What to Expect on the Drive

Sheep Bridge can be accessed via a long drive on primitive roads. The first section of the route is described as a typical rocky Arizona driving road. However, the last 12 miles are known to be rough and a 4X4 or high-clearance vehicle is needed. Visitors warn that low-riding vehicles will bottom out.

During the rainy season, drivers must cross some creeks and the path becomes muddy. Estimate about three hours in and three hours back to make the trip. Carefree and Cave Creek are the closest towns to Sheep Bridge.

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Things to See and Do at Sheep Bridge

Sheep Bridge, located in the Tonto National Forest of Arizona, offers a variety of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Once at the campsite, visitors can swim, hike, fish, or go ATVing. There is a rope swing above the Verde River and geocaching trails. Other points of interest include the historic Sheep Bridge, the Climbing Cactus, and sulfur hot springs.