Saguaro National Park is named after the massive saguaro cactus, one of the most recognised succulent plants in the world and a symbol of the American West. These tall, fleshy plants grow to 50 feet (15 metres) and can live for more than 150 years.
Located within the Sonoran Desert, the park comprises two districts: Rincon Mountain and Tucson Mountain, separated by the city. Together they contain more than 150 miles (240 kilometres) of marked trails. Hike or drive through the desert landscape to see cacti, birds and desert animals.
Enjoy a stroll on a day trail or embark on a long wilderness trek. Rincon Mountain District has the park’s highest concentration of saguaro, known as the Cactus Forest. Join one of the trails passing through cactus gardens and open landscape. The Desert Ecology Trail is a short, wheelchair-accessible paved trail through an area of diverse cacti including saguaro, prickly pear, barrel and ocotillo. Signs posted along the route explain facts about the plants and desert wildlife you might see, such as owls, kestrels, mountain lions, coyotes and jackrabbits.
One popular route is the Garwood Trail, an easy to moderate 5.6-mile (9-kilometre) loop passing hundreds of saguaro and leading to an old dam. Take care when hiking since cactus needles can easily become embedded in the skin.
Saguaro National Park also organizes several ranger-guided programmes throughout the year. More adventurous nature lovers can take an extended hike through the park and camp overnight at one of six designated campgrounds in the Saguaro Wilderness Area. For details on trail routes, maps, camping permits and ranger programmes visit the park’s official website.
If you prefer to take your car through Saguaro National Park, each section has a scenic drive. There are also routes for bicyclists.
The park is open all year round. The visitor centre is open every day except Christmas Day. One of the best times to visit is between April and June, which is the blooming period of saguaro and when they are at their most colourful. The admission fee covers both districts for seven days. Each section has a visitor centre with free on-site parking.
