A large saguaro cactus formerly located near Horseshoe Lake was believed to be the largest in Arizona. This forty-six foot giant crashed and burned recently. This giant was known as the “Grand One.” According to Todd Willard, Tonto National Forest wildlife biologist, this giant cactus fell in the summer of 2007, some two years after it was scorched in the Cave Creek Complex Fire. Forest service biologists have varying theories about what killed the “Grand One.” It could have been fire, wind, disease, old age, lightning or a combination of these factors. The lower arms of the cactus were singed during the Cave Creek Complex Fire. The cactus was estimated to be between 150 and 200 years old. This old cactus appeared to have survived the fire with little damage.

The National Registry of Big Trees listed the “Grand One” as Arizona’s largest saguaro cactus along with a co-title holder in Pinal County near Mammoth. The saguaro in Pinal County near Mammoth is
relatively short in comparison at thirty-two feet tall. The girth of this particular cactus is nine feet and it has a spread of arms that encompasses some sixteen feet.