Saguaro National Park: always a great experience. One of our awesome readers recommends Gilbert Ray Campground. The Ironwood Forest Trail is also west of the divide (I think I hiked this many years ago and it was all flat). Wild Dog Trail A 1.8-mile in-and-out trail off of Hohokam Rd. In addition to the convenient area, the rooms and amenities such as a pool will provide you with the relaxation youve been looking for. The Saguaro cactus flowers from mid-May through early June. This area is located closer to the city, so it's easier to access. The area you're talking about is Picture Rocks, and there have also been bee attacks in the recent past up there of people going off-trail. Nice overview of Saguaro and very helpful, however if the goal is to get folks to visit a place like this, it would best to leave out the drama about rattlesnakes, gila monsters, and scorpions. Hours: Vehicles, Saguaro East-5:00 am to 8:00 pm in summer, 5:00 am to 6:00 pm in winter; Saguaro West-sunrise to sunset, year-round. The combination of location and luxury makes it among the most luxurious hotels close to Saguaro National Park East. Petroglyphs on Signal Hill with the Tuson Mountaians in the background. One day is all you need to visit Saguaro National Park, unless you plan to go camping in the backcountry. Saguaro National Park. Saguaro National Park is comprised of two districts, East and West, that preserve thousands of acres of this region's most recognizable monarch of a cactus the saguaro. They can grow up to 49 arms. The varied route includes low-lying desert washes cut by flowing water, steep canyons with lush riparian plant life, scenic vistas overlooking the city of Tucson, and dramatic rock formations. The Valley View Overlook Trail takes you through some saguaro, cholla, prickly pear, and gently rolling slopes to a grand view overlooking the valley. . Cheers, Julie, Your email address will not be published. Join us on an adventure in the desert! There are a couple of easily accessible trails on the west side of Saguaro National Park. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. 2. 4. Tucson, AZ 85743. Valley overlook trail can still be reached from there, and Signal hill from the main road. (Now, I live in Colorado, so saying scenery is beautiful is a big deal, because, you know, Colorado! Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. Discover those in our Southwest Guides section. The loops start point is either McKellips Road or Signal Hill Road. NB: Downtown Tucson has the Sun Link Streetcar which covers 4 miles. Thanks for the recommendation. Red Hills Visitor Center is on your left in 2 miles. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. Plan your visit with our guide to the Best Things to Do in Petrified Forest National Park. I preferred the Rincon Mt. Information: Saguaro National Park. 1. Many of the parking pullouts are trailheads for good desert hiking; get a map from the ranger at the entry booth. You have a much higher probability of getting struck by lightning. Saguaro West will likely have a lot more dust and dirt and crowds to contend with. Their basic shape and sheer number of arms are fascinating to witness. SUBSCRIBE for more videos! You really have to watch where you step because if I hadnt been paying attention, I would have stepped right on this little guy. Time: 1.5 hours. LOVE THE NATIONAL PARKS?Discover 65+ Perfect Gifts for National Park Lovers. Date of experience: December 2017. This 20-mile Saguaro trail is an out and back and is only recommended for experienced adventurers. Plus, the heat of the day will fade away as the sun sets! But theres no pressure, so some of them dont grow any arms at all. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Call the park's visitor center at 520-733-5158 for updates the day of the program. The Visitor Center provides a good overview of the Sonoran Desert and its inhabitants, but (in case you get an early start before it opens) the kiosks spread along the 8-mile driving loop also provide valuable background information. The mighty saguaro only grows in Arizona, and this one stands over 40 feet tall. When photographing the saguaro cactus in the day, look for those with the most interesting shapes and good health. The Saguaro is one of the most creative cacti on the planet, and to thank them for their beauty, we gave them their very own spot: Saguaro National Park. That was my main goal. We generally only post about places we visit for a longer amount of time. But it was still incredibly hot in June, hitting 95F by 8:30 am. Most photographers prefer the landscapes of the West Section, but Javelina Rocks is a favorite photo destination in the East. . The Rincon Mountain District (Saguaro East) opens at 6 am and closes at sunset. If you make a booking or purchase through one of these links we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Monsoon sunset over the cactus forest of the Saguaro National Park West, Wednesday, August 10, 2016, Tucson, Ariz. . Be advised: the park is split into an east side and a west side, with Tucson in between. I was really just looking to take photos of saguaros with an orange or pink sky behind them. Discover the best photography spots in Saguaro National Park. Here are driving distances and times from nearby destinations: There are no accommodations inside Saguaro National Park, unless you plan to camp in Saguaro East. Go on Some Epic Hikes. Why you should camp here: Sleep among giant saguaro cacti with electrical hookups and views of Tucson Mountain Park. If you only have half of a day, we recommend visiting Saguaro West. If youre ready to stretch your legs (but not sure where to start), heres a list of 10 of our favorite hiking trails in Saguaro National Park: Planning a night under the stars? The hotel is located close to Saguaro National Park. You can spend the night in a Saguaro-studded canyon, watch giant clouds of milling bats, or simply connect with nature at the foot of the magnificent Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. Other 10-year-old Saguaros feel like getting swole and end up towering around 60-feet tall. Of course, we see cacti everywhere. This is more of a zoo than a museum, with animal exhibits, an aquarium, and botanical gardens, and it also has a natural history museum. Saguaro National Park, located near Tucson, Arizona, is home to the iconic saguaro cactus, a symbol of the American Southwest. Looks cools though. You get an unparalleled view of Downtown and the Rincons to the east. On the first day we drove through the West Is Best: How To Make The Most Of One Day In Saguaro WestWest side of the park and did the Valley View Overlook Trail and just kind of enjoyed the area. If you want a resort with swimming pools, restaurants, and outdoor activities, and a close location to Saguaro West, this is the place to stay. Access road to the Mica View picnic area. Were headed there late March for the first time at 67 & 68 years old. . The problem is that the area is ringed by mountains. 13. 4. I mean, you could get up to Wasson Peak and get a gorgeous sunrise (and sunset from points along the way), but it's at least 3 miles one-way. Someone must have previously captured that rattlesnake, turquoise in the tail in not found in nature. Always look before you step and stay on the trail. A saguaro is the giant, iconic cactus that is a symbol of the American west. The Gould Mine Trail provides one of the best photography spots in Saguaro National Park. The Hazboy chillin' with the cactus at Saguaro National Park (the evening version) Old Tucson at Sunset. Cost: $25 per vehicle. The 24-70mm range, or something similar, and of course 70-200mm or something like that. Hugh Norris Trail is one of the best photography spots in Saguaro National Park. District and its trails to the western district. One of the most magical places to experience a sunset in Washington State is Fremont Lookout, located in Mount Rainier National Park. In the Tucson Mountain District (west), the park is open to vehicles from . Most of the road is wide enough for two cars to pass. Day 7: Grand Canyon. PRO TRAVEL TIP: Beware of rattlesnakes, gila monsters, and scorpions. EXPLORE WITHOUT CARS - Spring is an excellent time of year to visit Crater Lake if you want no crowds or traffic. For sunset, what are the favorite areas in both the east and west sides? Gilbert Ray Campground. Sunrise Sunset Times of Saguaro National Park, Arizona, USA Location: United States > Arizona > Pima County > Tucson > Timezone: America/Phoenix. Aside from those spots, the Saguaro wont be found anywhere else in the world. Take the trail that leads up to this scenic spot and hike along the cliffs to see some fantastic views. The accommodations are exquisite as well. The Red Hills Visitor Center is about 27 minutes from Interstate 10 at the Cortaro Road exit in Marana. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. Besides the amazing forests of saguaro cacti, we see tons of prickly pear cacti and an antelope jackrabbit. Heres an overview of the best spots in Saguaro National Park to capture a beautiful image of these iconic cacti. As outdoor lovers and travel photographers, we created a store to share our joy for the natural world with affordable gifts and products. This was one of our favorite walks in the park since we walked through one of the densest populations of cacti. Our website uses cookies. The Rincon Mountain District (Saguaro East) opens at 6 am and closes at sunset. . Sign up for early access to our community of travelers around the globe. Saguaro National Park is made for photography adventures with kids and grown-ups. On the easy-to-access Desert Discovery Trail off of Kinney Road in the West District, catch sunset views through a forest of saguaros. Saguaro National Park - Tucson, Arizona. Start at the trail sign and follow the signs. 15 VERY BEST Things To Do In Saguaro National Park. Here you have a chance to see these enormous cacti, silhouetted by the beauty of a magnificent desert sunset. It is also far less crowded. The best place to view the sunset on the east side is either the Tanque Verde Ridge trail (.5 mile hike) or the Javelina Rocks pull out. Estimates calculate that roughly 1.8 million Saguaros grow within the parks borders. SUBSCRIBE for more videos! Crested saguaro cacti can be found wherever saguaro cacti grow. But for sunset, I can go anywhere and will explore the area. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Like all desert locations, the weather in Saguaro National Park brings warm days and chilly nights. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Saguaro National Park released the following schedule: January 14 3:45 p.m. Moonlight Reflections Hike: 3 hours, 2 miles. A swimming pool with a slide and a putting green are here for your enjoyment but the real attraction are the mini donkeys, goats and rescue horses you get to hang out with. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. In just 15 minutes, you can travel within 15 minutes of the Hampton Inn & Suites Tech Park to the eastern region of Saguaro National Park. Saguaros live for generations, some with lifespans of up to 200 years. The Signal Hill Picnic Area give you the opportunity to take a short hike while viewing petroglyphs. Experience the Sonoran Desert in the parks most dramatic landscape, Cactus Forest Drive. March in Tucson is all about sunny skies and mild weather pleasant for enjoying exploring places outdoors like Saguaro National Park and other gems nearby. Saguaro National Park is amazing and there are so many great things to do. Photo by Catherine Parker. Great location & views among the Saguaro cactii. 1. If you enjoyed the information, please leave your feedback and suggest it to friends and acquaintances. Visit the petroglyphs at Signal Hill [West] There's some fascinating history at Saguaro National Park with people who have inhabited the region hundreds of years ago. This is a photo of the welcome sign in Saguaro National Park. We drove a Toyota Camry and had no issues on this road. From the scenic Tumacacori National Historical Park to informative museums like Casa Grande Ruins National Monument and Sonoran Desert Museum, there are plenty of opportunities to learn about this areas rich history. East Saguaro is known as the Rincon Mountain District (RMD). Be sure to check out our additional. Distance:0.5 miles Location: N Kinney Road. Required fields are marked *. The eastern section, also called the Rincon Mountain District, has a lower concentration of cacti. Through the years the amount of protected land has grown. Super cheap - $15 for a weeks worth of enjoyment. But we also checked out a few smaller sites, events, and hikes in the park that are worth mentioning. There are two separate sections to the park. :). Saguaro National Park is named for the Saguaro cactus, which grows only in the Sonoran Desert. Hey it is a National Park look at those Saguaros! (520) 733-5159. Please heed the speed limit as road is narrow and twisty. It was also a destination hike, which is rare in this national park. Saguaro National Park officially became a national park in 1994. The elevation gain for this trail is 291 feet, and it is located in the west district of Saguaro National Park. I will check it out. Best Hikes Saguaro National Park. We never saw a wild rattlesnake inside of the park, but one did slither across the sidewalk at the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum. Sunset at Saguaro National Park, Tucson, Arizona, US. Join us on an adventure in the desert! Privacy Policy Terms of Use, Cactus Garden strolls at either visitor center, Central and Stylish Midcentury Pool House, Marvel at Petroglyphs on the Signal Hill Trail, Bicycle the Cactus Forest Loop Drive in the Rincon Mountain District, Catch Sunset for Epic Pictures in Saguaro National Park, Take an Air-Conditioned Drive on the Scenic Bajada Loop, Walk in the Dark During the Two-Hour Ranger-Led Night Hike, Visit in April through June to Catch the Saguaros in Bloom. The hotels comfort is superb and they have an outdoor pool that will help cool down after a day of heat within the Park. Best Sunset Spot in Tucson/Saguaro National park I'm going to be driving through Tucson/Saguaro NP as part of a larger road trip and I was wondering if anyone new a spot that is great for viewing the sunsets with lots of saguaros and not a lot of people. The Bajada Scenic Loop is not paved and this section is closer to the city. Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. A hiker traverses a wash | Best Hikes Saguaro National Park. Palm Creek Golf & RV Resort; 8. About Saguaro National Park: Saguaro National Park is open 365 days per year. The trail spans around 2.2 miles, and it is an out and back trail type. Note that the Hugh Norris Trail is a steep one! The slow-growing saguaro cacti rise an inch or two each year before reaching a mature height of 40 to 50 feet. So a HUGE thank you to you if you click one of these links . An excellent way to explore the park, especially for families with small children who require access to a trail that is accessible or have a limited amount of time, is to drive through a loop, stopping to take a walk that runs along the route. From Cortaro Road, it's a short and scenic jog over the . RV hookups: Yes, 30 amp. This will help you have the perfect one day in Saguaro west. However, because they are rare the odds of finding them are improved in places where there are numerous saguaro cacti. Enjoy your time taking pictures of animals, like javelinas! Drive the Bajada Loop drive and hike to Valley View Overlook and Signal Hill and do the Desert Discovery Walk. Traveling between the two sections of the park takes 30-45 minutes depending on traffic. So you can find vegetation like oak, pine, and mixed conifer forest and even encounter wildlife like coati . The Hohokam Petroglyph site is a striking example of what can be seen while exploring Saguaro National Park. Visit one section in the morning, have lunch, and in the afternoon, visit the other section of the park. The Saguaro cactus, native to this region, is predominantly found in the dry southern part Arizona, spilling over into the Mexican state of Sonora and Imperial County, California. READ MORE: Best travel lenses for Sony a7iii and other Sony Alpha cameras. Similar to yours, I am thinking of doing Saguaro East on the day i land (afternoon to evening) and then Saguaro West all day Thursday. Saguaros can live up to 200 years (although some sources state that they can live even longer than this). Saguaros are often depicted as tall, prickly plants with two arms. The West Section remains open but receives too much light pollution from the city of Tucson to successfully shoot the night skies. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. From Phoenix, your trip will cover about 100 miles and should take around an hour and a half, depending on traffic. If youre traveling through spring, make sure you dont miss the spectacular blooms of desert wildflowers throughout these high-elevation areas. Saguaro National Park was definitely the highlight. Suitable for all abilities and ages. Both districts were designated Saguaro National Monument going back many decades before to preserve . Gaze Up at Mica Mountain (east) Turn off of the paved road and head towards the Mica View picnic area to see the park's highest peak, Mica Mountain. The park offers many possibilities for exploration, from easy walks in the desert to rugged mountain hikes. I did take ubers in the evening and they were available quickly with polite drivers. I never would have known about that road. Day 3: Petrified Forest National Park. These majestic plants, found only in a small portion of the United States, are protected by Saguaro National Park, to the east and west of the modern city of Tucson. The only rule here? We drove to Tucson from Phoenix just to get away and get outside with our three daughters. . This 2-mile round trip trail is flat and easy to walk. Thanks so much for writing in with these updates and information! It does not store any personal data. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If you plan on visiting a few National Parks this year, the best deal for most people is the Interagency Annual Pass, affectionately called the America the Beautiful pass. June and July are the hottest months to visit. To help you plan your time, check out our One Day in Sedona Itinerary and Sedona Itinerary Ideas for 1 to 6 days. Alternatively, you may use, JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa. Loma Verde Trail. Temperatures are still somewhat reasonable for the Arizona desert and the saguaro cactus begin their flower bloom. It was an innocuous opening salvo: On May 5, an Instagram post boasted that Saguaro National Park has "the best sunsets in the world . Personally, I like to start off long strenuous hikes either at sunrise or a little before sunrise. It was short, flat, and easy. Best Saguaro National Park Scenic Drive Mar 26, 2016; Desert in bloom Mar 25, 2016; Do I need a 4WD in late March? This was high on our list do to but we skipped it due to high temperatures in the park. At first glance, the desert of Saguaro National Park looks and feels inhospitable. 2/28/2023. 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