Saguaro National Park

Saguaro National Park is a national park that is near Tucson, Arizona, with a high density of saguaro cacti and many other desert species from the Tucson valley desert floor up into the forested Tucson and Rincon Mountains above 8,000 ft (2,400 m).

Understand

Saguaro cactus at sunset

Blooming cholla cactus

Prickly pear

Saguaro National Park protects two areas of the Sonoran Desert near Tucson: Saguaro East lies 20 mi (32 km) east of Tucson, and Saguaro West is 15 mi (24 km) west of the city center. While both Saguaro East and Saguaro West contain high densities of the iconic saguaro cacti, the park is also home for many other desert species.

History

Saguaro National Monument was created in 1933 by President Herbert Hoover, and became the 52nd national park in 1994. Then Saguaro National Monument, the park consisted only of what is today Saguaro East (the Rincon Mountain District). The 15,364 acres (6,218 hectares) of Saguaro West (the Tucson Mountain District) were added in 1964 by President John F. Kennedy, and a further 21,000 acres (8,500 hectares) were added later.

Landscape

The park is in the Sonoran Desert, a dry and hilly area that includes the Tucson Mountains and the Rincon Mountains.

Flora and fauna

The park's namesake, the massive saguaro can live as long as 200 years, growing over 50 ft (15 m) tall and weighing more than 10 tons (9000 kg). The saguaro has become an icon of the desert, with its distinctive tall trunk and numerous curved arms that branch upward. The saguaro survives in the hot, dry desert through a series of adaptations, including a folded skin that can expand or contract depending on the amount of water collected. In addition, the lack of leaves and the plant's waxy skin reduces evaporation losses. Unlike most plants cacti perform photosynthesis in their trunk. The saguaro's root system usually lies within three inches of the ground surface and spreads out in a circle roughly as wide as the plant's height, allowing the cactus to collect any rainwater that may fall nearby.

Other species of cactus in the park include the wide barrel cactus, the spiny fishhook and cholla cacti, and the oddly-constructed prickly pear cactus. Various bushes, including creosote and mesquite, as well as numerous desert wildflowers, fill the desert with flowers after rains.

Most animals in the desert are difficult to spot due to their nocturnal habits or camouflage, but keen-eyed visitors might find quail, roadrunners, woodpeckers, flickers, wrens, owls, hawks, desert tortoise, gila monsters, javelinas (wild pigs), kangaroo rats, coyotes, foxes, and jackrabbits.

Climate

High temperatures during the summer frequently rise above 105 °F (41 °C), and an average of less than twelve inches of rain falls in the park each year. Summer low temperatures average 75 °F (24 °C). During the winter, the high temperature averages 65 °F (18 °C), with nighttime lows around 40 °F (4 °C).

Visitor information

• Park website
• 1 Rincon Mountain Visitor Center (east), Cactus Forest Dr, ☏ +1 520-733-5158. Daily 9AM-5PM, closed Dec 25. The visitor center provides park information, a 15-minute orientation film, and exhibits on the natural and cultural history of the Sonoran Desert.  
• 2 Tucson Mountain Visitor Center (west), 2700 N Kinney Rd, ☏ +1 520-733-5158. Daily 9AM-5PM, closed Dec 25. Like the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center, this visitor center provides park information, a 15-minute orientation film, and exhibits on the natural and cultural history of the Sonoran Desert. 

Get in

See also: Tucson#Get in

By plane

1 Tucson International Airport (TUS ^IATA).  lies between the park's two districts, south of Tucson.

By car

Saguaro East (Rincon Mountain District)

When traveling on I-10 west towards Tucson, take the Houghton Road exit (exit 275) north to Escalante Road, then turn right, heading east to Old Spanish Trail. Follow the signs to the park.

When arriving from the city of Tucson, follow Speedway Boulevard (exit 257 on I-10) east to Freeman Road then take Freeman Road to Old Spanish Trail. Look for signs to the park entrance.

Saguaro West (Tucson Mountain District)

When traveling on I-10 east towards Tucson, take the Avra Valley Road exit (exit 242) to Sandario Road, then turn left and head south, following the signs to the park.

To get to Saguaro West from the city of Tucson, take Speedway Boulevard west. At the junction of Camino de Oeste, Speedway Boulevard becomes Gates Pass Road. Continue west on Gates Pass Road to Kinney Road. Take Kinney Road north, following signs to the park. Due to winding, narrow mountain grades, vehicles with trailers and RVs over 25 feet are not recommended through Gates Pass and should use the Ina Road exit (exit 248) on I-10, traveling west to Sandario Road, then turning left and heading south, following signs to the park.

Fees and permits

Saguaro blossom

Entrances fees are valid for seven days, allowing unlimited re-entry for the week. Fees as of 2020 are:

• $15 - Individual on foot/bike
• $20 - Motorcycle
• $25 - Private vehicle
• $45 - Saguaro National Park Annual Pass

There are several passes for groups traveling together in a private vehicle or individuals on foot/bike that provide free entry to Saguaro National Park and all national parks, as well as some national monuments, national wildlife refuges, and national forests:

• The $80 Annual Pass (valid for twelve months from date of issue) can be purchased by anyone. Military personnel can obtain a free pass by showing a Common Access Card (CAC) or Military ID.
• The $80 Senior Pass (valid for the life of the holder) is available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or over. Applicants must provide documentation of citizenship and age. This pass also provides a 50% discount on some park amenities. Seniors can also obtain a $20 annual pass.
• The free Access Pass (valid for the life of the holder) is available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities. Applicants must provide documentation of citizenship and permanent disability. This pass also provides a fifty percent discount on some park amenities.
• The free Volunteer Pass is available to individuals who have volunteered 250 or more hours with federal agencies that participate in the Interagency Pass Program.
• The free Annual 4th Grade Pass (valid for September to August of the 4th grade school year) allows entry to the bearer and any accompanying passengers in a private non-commercial vehicle. Registration at the Every Kid Outdoors website is required.

The National Park Service offers free admission to all national parks on five days every year:

• Martin Luther King Jr. Day (third Monday in January); next observance is January 20, 2025
• The first day of National Park Week (third Saturday in April); next observance is April 19, 2025
• The National Park Service Birthday (August 25)
• National Public Lands Day (fourth Saturday in September); next observance is September 28, 2024
• Veterans Day (November 11)

Get around

By car

A private vehicle is by far the easiest way to get around in either district of the park. No public transportation serves the park.

By bike

In the winter months a bike is an option for exploring the roads and some of the trails within the park; however, during the summer the weather can make exploration by bike a rather unpleasant experience.

• Cactus Forest Loop Drive. An 8 mi (13 km) paved road in East Saguaro that is used by cars, bikes and joggers. Numerous sharp turns and hills make this a challenging but scenic option.
• Cactus Forest Trail. A 2.5 mi (4.0 km) dirt trail that bisects the Cactus Forest Loop Drive in East Saguaro. This trail is also used by hikers and equestrians, and bikers must yield to both.

By foot

There are over 150 mi (240 km) of hiking trails in the park, ranging in difficulty from paved nature walks to difficult treks through the hills of the Sonoran Desert.

See

Hohokam petroglyphs at Saguaro West

View from the Hugh Norris Trail

• 1 Manning Cabin (east). The Manning Cabin sits in the Rincon Mountains in Saguaro National Park. Levi H. Manning had the cabin built in 1905 for use as a mountain summer home. It was the first such retreat built in the Rincon Mountains. (updated Jun 2020)

Do

Scenic drives

In West Saguaro, the six-mile Bajada Loop Drive (unpaved) leads through a large saguaro forest. In East Saguaro, the eight-mile Cactus Forest Drive (paved) also passes through a dense saguaro forest.

Hiking

There are over 150 miles of trails in the park's two districts.

• 1 Loma Verde Loop (east). A short loop through mesquite trees and a seasonally flowing dry wash, with a view of the remains of the Loma Verde Mine. Also popular for birding and trail running. 3.8 miles loop; 60 feet elevation gain. 
• 2 Tanque Verde Ridge Trail (east). This trail provides access to the backcountry areas of Saguaro East. It is a strenuous, multi-day trek that passes Tanque Verde peak to Mica Mountain. Experience the transition from the cactus desert to the forested mountains. Inquire at the visitor center for more information. 20 miles (32 km) out-and-back; from 3,100 ft (940 m) through 7,049 ft (2,149 m) Tanque Verde peak and 8,666 ft (2,641 m) Mica Mountain.. 

• 3 Hugh Norris Trail (west). Leads to the summit of Wasson Peak at 4,687 ft (1,429 m), along the way passing through beautiful desert landscape and provides excellent views. Also popular for horseback riding. 11 miles (18 km) round-trip; 2,400 ft (730 m) elevation gain.  
• 4 Valley View Overlook Trail (west) (3 miles (5 km) north of Red Hills Visitor Center). A short trail ending at views of Avra Valley and Picacho Peak. 0.8 miles / 1.3 km out-and-back. 

Photography

The park provides exceptional sunrise and sunset photography. Flowers and cacti bloom throughout the year, with the saguaros sprouting large white flowers during May and June.

Buy

Both visitor centers have bookstores which feature material of local interest.

Eat

There is no place within the park to purchase food, although there are numerous roadside picnic areas. An abundance of restaurants and grocery stores are within a short drive from the park boundaries and in Tucson.

Drink

While not known for its bar scene or wild nightlife, the wily traveler may nevertheless be able to purchase bottled water at a visitor center. Budget travelers may be more interested in the free water dispensed from the fountains at either visitor center. Aside from the visitor centers, water is not generally available in the park. For anything stronger, a visit to the business establishments outside of the park will be required.

Sleep

Douglas Spring Campground in Saguaro East

Lodging

There are no hotels in the park, but many lodging options are available nearby in Tucson.

Camping

There are no organized campgrounds within either section of the park, although backcountry camping is allowed in Saguaro East.

Backcountry

Backcountry camping is allowed only in the six backcountry campgrounds of Saguaro East. These campgrounds are accessible only by foot or by horse, and are a minimum of 6 mi (9.7 km) from the nearest trailhead. These six campgrounds contain 21 sites, and facilities include pit toilets and fire circles, with water available seasonally at some sites. All backcountry camping requires a wilderness permit, which can be obtained for $8 per night (2020 rates) from the Visitor Center.

• Douglas Spring. 4,800 feet elevation. 3 campsites (6 people max per site). (updated Jun 2020)

• Grass Shack. 5,300 feet elevation. 3 campsites (6 people max per site). (updated Jun 2020)

• Happy Valley Saddle. 6,200 feet elevation. 3 campsites (6 people max per site). (updated Jun 2020)

• Juniper Basin. 6,000 feet elevation. 3 campsites (6 people max per site). (updated Jun 2020)

• Manning Camp. 6 sites. All sites are first-come, first-served. 8,000 feet elevation. 6 campsites (max 6 people per site). Water is available year-round. (updated Jun 2020)

• Spud Rock Spring. 7,400 feet elevation. 3 campsites (6 people max per site) (updated Jun 2020)

Stay safe

The greatest danger in the park is the heat. Plan on drinking at least one gallon (3.8 L) of water per day, and never hike without carrying water. When hiking, drink frequently even if you do not feel thirsty as the onset of thirst in the desert is often the first sign of dehydration. During storms flash floods can pose serious hazards, and it is advisable to stay out of washes and canyons.

Additional dangers exist from the flora and fauna within the park. Stepping on or touching a cactus spine can be a painful experience; staying on the trails minimizes the chances of an unwanted cactus encounter. Rattlesnakes and gila monsters are poisonous, but in general neither will bite unless surprised or threatened. Scorpion stings are painful but not fatal, and can be easily avoided by not reaching under rocks. Javelinas may be dangerous if cornered.

Go next

• Tucson is the nearest city to the park.