Saguaro National Park
Explore the breathtaking beauty of Saguaro National Park, home to iconic saguaro cacti and stunning desert landscapes.
Welcome to Saguaro National Park, where the majestic saguaro cactus dominates the landscape, standing tall against the backdrop of the Arizona desert. In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey through the wonders of Saguaro National Park, from its awe-inspiring hiking trails to its captivating wildlife and mesmerizing sunsets.
Overview About Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park is a mountainous and desert region located in southern Arizona, U.S. The park comprises two districts, Saguaro West and Saguaro East, which are divided by the city of Tucson. It is renowned for its vast forests of saguaro cacti, towering up to 50 feet (15 meters) in height and boasting a lifespan of 150 to 200 years. Originally designated as a national monument in 1933, it was upgraded to national park status in 1994, covering a total area of 143 square miles (370 square kilometers).
The Sonoran Desert within the park, relatively lush compared to other desert regions, experiences summer midday temperatures exceeding 100 °F (38 °C). It is home to various succulent cacti, such as chollas, prickly pears, and bisnagas, as well as paloverdes, mesquite trees, and ocotillos. Wildlife includes peccaries, kangaroo rats, Gila monsters, desert tortoises, rattlesnakes, and quail.
The western portion of the park features the granite Tucson Mountains, while the larger eastern section rises to the Rincon Mountains in the east, where fir and juniper trees thrive at higher elevations. Scenic drives through saguaro forests are available in both sections of the park.
Best Things to Do at Saguaro National Park
Exploring Saguaro National Park can be complemented by visits to nearby attractions such as the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (2.6 miles from the Red Hills Visitor Center) and Old Tucson (5.6 miles from the Red Hills Visitor Center).
Here are a few highlights of activities to enjoy in Saguaro National Park:
Hiking
Within the park, there are over 165 miles of trails catering to various skill levels and preferences, ranging from easy nature walks suitable for beginners or families to full-day wilderness treks and overnight adventures. One popular option on the western side of the park is the Valley View Overlook Trail, which offers a short hike with breathtaking scenic vistas.
Other hiking trails include segments of the Cactus Forest Trail, Lime Kilns Loop Trail, Lime Falls Trail, Mica View Trail, and the Javelina Wash Trail.
Camping Trip
There are over 9 campgrounds surrounding the park and 6 designated backcountry campgrounds. Experience the magic of the desert night sky with a camping trip in Saguaro National Park. Choose from designated campgrounds in both the Tucson Mountain and Rincon Mountain Districts, where you can pitch your tent under a canopy of stars and fall asleep to the sounds of the desert.
Mountain Biking
Saguaro National Park provides visitors with the opportunity to observe indigenous plants and animals amidst the stunning landscape of the Sonoran Desert. One popular way to experience the park is by cycling along one of its scenic loop drives. The Cactus Forest Loop Drive in the Rincon Mountain District (east) spans 8 miles of paved road, while the Bajada Loop Drive in the Tucson Mountain District (west) offers a 6-mile gravel loop.
View Ancient Petroglyphs
Discovering the ancient petroglyphs of the southwestern United States is an enjoyable experience. At Saguaro National Park West, visitors can observe spirals, animals, and intricate designs carved into the rocks by the prehistoric Hohokam people while taking an easy stroll.
See The Wildlife
Saguaro National Park is home to a diverse array of unique animals, some of which are exclusive to southern Arizona. Visitors often spot roadrunners, horned lizards, Gila monsters, kangaroo rats, and collared peccaries during their visit.
Watch The Sunset
Watching a sunset in Saguaro National Park is a breathtaking experience, especially with the sun sinking behind the Tucson Mountains. Whether you’re at picnic areas in the East or West sections of the park, you’ll be treated to stunning 360-degree views of the Sonoran Desert sunset.
Places to Stay
Let us introduce you to detailed accommodation options as you explore Saguaro National Park.
Camping
Camping is permitted at 6 designated campgrounds within the Saguaro Wilderness Area. These campsites are accessible only by hiking and cannot be reached by vehicles.
The fee for this permit is $8 per campsite per night. Each campsite allows a maximum of 6 people, with a group size limit of 18 people.
| Camp Site | Number of Sites | Campground Elevation | Distance from Nearest Trailhead |
| Manning Camp | 6 | 7,920 feet | 7.5 mi (Turkey Creek) |
| Spud Rock Spring | 3 | 7,400 feet | 5.3 mi (Turkey Creek) |
| Happy Valley Saddle | 3 | 6,200 feet | 4.1 mi (Miller Creek) |
| Juniper Basin | 3 | 6,000 feet | 6.9 mi (Tanque Verde Ridge) |
| Grass Shack | 3 | 5,200 feet | 10 mi (Loma Alta/ Hope Camp) |
| Douglas Spring | 3 | 4,800 feet | 6.3 mi (Douglas Spring) |
Hotel and Resort
For those seeking a more comfortable stay, nearby Tucson offers a variety of hotels and resorts to suit every budget and preference. Relax and unwind after a day of adventure in the comfort of a cozy hotel room or indulge in luxury accommodations with resort-style amenities.
Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort (3-star)
Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort in Tucson features an outdoor swimming pool and serves a daily American breakfast. The property is located 9 km from Arizona Stadium and 11 km from Tucson Convention Center. Tucson International Airport is the nearest airport, situated 21 km away from the resort.
- Address: 5501 North Hacienda del Sol Road, Tucson, AZ 85718
- Price Range: $257 – $451
Red Roof Inn Tucson North – Marana (2-star)
This Red Roof in Tucson, Arizona is a 100% smoke-free, family-friendly hotel located just off of I-10.
- Address: 4940 W Ina Rd, Tucson, AZ 85743-8633
- Price Range: $82 – $101
JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa (4-star)
JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa offers effortless relaxation amid the city’s best attractions. The places to explore are located near this hotel.
- Address: 3800 W Starr Pass Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85745-5115
- Price Range: $223 – $416
Dining
While exploring the wonders of Saguaro National Park, satisfy your appetite with delicious dining options available nearby.
The Grill at Hacienda del Sol
Address: 5501 N Hacienda Del Sol Rd, Tucson, AZ 85718-5122
The Grill is located at Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort. Featuring locally sourced ingredients and seasonal dishes, this upscale restaurant offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and desert landscapes.
- Open time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Prices range: $24 – $55
Signature Grill
Address: 3800 W Starr Pass Blvd JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa, Tucson, AZ 85745-5115
Signature Grill is located at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa. Vibrant hotel dining space with a picturesque patio showcasing Native American and Mexican culinary traditions.
Open time:
- 6:30 AM – 3:00 PM
- 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Prices range: $20 – $30
El Charro Cafe – The Original
Address: 311 N Court Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701-1016
El Charro Cafe in Tucson, Arizona is The Nation’s Oldest Mexican Restaurant in continuous operation by the same family.
- Open time: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Prices range: $3 – $15
Planning Your Trip
Make your trip more perfect with pre-arranged plans.
Visiting Time
Summers can be scorching, while winters offer pleasant temperatures, making it the optimal time to visit, especially for hikers, between October and April.
Visitors should be cautious of sporadic heavy thunderstorms in July, August, and September, which can pose risks of lightning strikes and flash floods.
During winter, daytime highs typically range from the 60s to low 70s Fahrenheit (upper teens Celsius), with nighttime lows dipping into the upper 30s and 40s Fahrenheit (single digits Celsius). Snowfall is infrequent, usually light, and melts quickly. Winter months also bring occasional light rains, but predominantly clear skies prevail.
Spring in Saguaro National Park
Summer in Saguaro National Park
Auntum in Saguaro National Park
Winter in Saguaro National Park
Transportation
Located just a short drive from Tucson, Saguaro National Park is easily accessible by car. Renting a vehicle is the most convenient way to explore the park, allowing you to access hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and other points of interest with ease. Alternatively, guided tours and shuttle services are available for those without access to a vehicle.
