Arizona is home to the nation’s largest cacti. The giant saguaro is the universal symbol of the American west. These majestic plants, found only in a small portion of the United States, are protected by Saguaro National Park. The park is split into two sections, separated by the city of Tucson: the Tucson Mountain District on the west, and the Rincon Mountain District to the east. Here you have a chance to see these enormous cacti, silhouetted by the beauty of a magnificent desert sunset.

We only visited the eastern district which includes a healthy saguaro forest at the foot of the Rincon Mountains and a variety of other desert communities. We stayed half a day in the park.

Saguaro National Park

Rincon Mountain District

At the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center you will find books, brochures, trail and drive guides, maps, exhibits, and a slide program on the Saguaro and Sonoran Desert. Rangers can answer questions and help you plan your visit.

Saguaro National Park
At the visitor center begins a paved one-way road, the Cactus Forest Drive. This 8-mile scenic loop drive winds through a saguaro forest and offers a close look at a variety of Sonoran Desert life.
Saguaro National Park

Trails along the Cactus Forest Drive are suitable for short (and easy) hikes into the desert environment.

  • Desert Ecology Trail: a 0.25-mile round trip an paved, self-guiding trail
  • Freeman Homestead Trail: a 1-mile loop hike to learn about homesteading in the desert as well as modern Tucson
Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park

Enjoy this wonderful park!

Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park
Cactus -- Saguaro National Park

Where to stay near Saguaro National Park

You won´t find any hotel within the park, but there are a lot of lodging options in Tucson. We recommend the following hotel.

Staybridge Suites Tucson Airport

Staybridge Suites in Tucson

with our partner Booking.com (affiliate link*).

More Information about Saguaro National Park

Website: 

www.nps.gov/sagu

Address:

3693 S Old Spanish Trail, Tucson, AZ 85730

Like this post? Please share it on social media using the Shariff buttons below.
WordPress Cookie Plugin by Real Cookie Banner