Saguaro National Park

Saguaro National Park protects two areas of the Sonoran Desert near Tucson. While both Saguaro East and Saguaro West contain high densities of 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 consisted only of what is today Saguaro East (the Rincon Mountain District). The 15,364 acres of Saguaro West (the Tucson Mountain District) were added in 1964 by President John F. Kennedy, and 21,000 acres 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 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 , and an average of less than twelve inches of rain falls in the park each year. Summer low temperatures average. During the winter, the high temperature averages , with nighttime lows around .

By plane

Tucson International Airport (TUS) lies between the park's two districts.

By car

Saguaro East (Rincon Mountain District)
When travelling 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 travelling 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.

All private vehicles entering Saguaro National Park must pay a $10 entrance fee that is valid for seven days. Individuals on foot or bicycle must pay a $5 entrance fee, also valid for seven days.

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 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 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 of hiking trails in the park, ranging in difficulty from paved nature walks to difficult treks through the hills of the Sonoran Desert.

• Rincon Mountain Visitor Center

  phone: +1 520-733-5158
  address: Cactus Forest Dr
  The visitor center provides park information, a 15-minute orientation film, and exhibits on the natural and cultural history of the Sonoran Desert.

• Tucson Mountain Visitor Center

  phone: +1 520-733-5158
  address: 2700 N Kinney Rd
  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.

• 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.

• Hugh Norris TrailAn round-trip that leads to the summit of Wasson Peak, gaining over of elevation in the process. This trail passes through some beautiful desert landscape and provides excellent views.

• Tanque Verde Ridge TrailThis trail provides access to the backcountry areas of Saguaro East. It is a strenuous, multi-day trek that passes by the 7,049 foot Tanque Verde peak. Inquire at the visitor center for more information.

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.

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

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.

While not known for its bar scene or wild nightlife, the wily traveller may nevertheless be able to purchase bottled water at a visitor center. Budget travellers 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.

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 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 $6 from the Visitor Center.

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.

• Tucson