3693 S Old Spanish Trail, Tucson, AZ 85730-5601
Phone: 520-733-5100 or 520-733-5158
Fax: 520-733-5183
Open All Year
Overview. A symbol of the southwest, the giant saguaro cactus can live 200 years and attain a height of 50 feet. Its lovely white blossom is the state flower of Arizona, and its upraised "arms," which begin to develop when the cactus is around 75 years old, give it a welcoming, almost human, look. Despite their hardy appearance, Saguaro are sensitive plants and grow only in the Sonoran desert of southern Arizona and northern Mexico. Out of 40 million seeds produced in the lifetime of a single cactus, odds are only one will live to maturity. Herds of cattle and the encroachment of homesteads and cities threatened the saguaro's delicately balanced desert life. In 1933, an ancient saguaro forest east of Tucson was designated a National Monument. In 1961, a younger forest west of Tucson was added. In 1994, both units were upgraded to National Park status. What to see and do. The park is split into two districts. Saguaro West, or the Tucson Mountain District, is located 16 miles west of Tucson. The Red Hills Visitor Center is located on Kinney Road, and is a treasure trove of information about the park's history and resources. Scheduled activities such as nature walks, guided hikes, and ranger programs are posted here. You'll find the park is busiest from December to April. The information center is open from 8:30 AM to 5 PM daily, but the park is open at all times. There are many ways to view the saguaro forest. You may choose to stick to your car and travel the six-mile Bajada Loop Drive. If you want to wander through the desert on foot or on horseback, there are many trails, both short and long, for you to pick from. Park roads are open from 6 AM to sunset. There are four picnic areas easily accessible from park roads, and a fifth, backcountry site is available to those who don't mind packing their trash out of the area. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, located only a few miles south of the park, has 300 desert plants and 200 live desert animals on display. Saguaro East, or Rincon Mountain District, is located two miles east of Tucson, and contains an impressive stand of mature saguaro. The visitor center features a continuous slide program that will introduce you to the Sonoran desert and the giant saguaro. The eight-mile Cactus Forest Drive (open from 7 AM to sunset) travels through the saguaro forest, providing access to two picnic areas and many of the trails that wind for 128 miles through the desert and into the rugged Rincon mountains. As in the western district, these trails vary in length and difficulty. Backcountry camping is allowed by permit only, and only in specially designated areas. Horseback riding is permitted on all but a few of the trails; check with a ranger to be sure the trail you want to ride is accessible. Seasonal Alert. Summer temperatures often exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Hiking in extreme heat is dangerous, especially through difficult terrain. Don't attempt it if you're not prepared and in the best physical shape. In any case, you should carry water at all times, and drink even if you don't feel thirsty. You won't find water at any picnic areas or along most trails in the park. There are two rainy seasons on the Sonoran desert. From January to March, gentle rains fall on the desert, but from July through September, violent thunderstorms can shake the region. One last warning: Cactus spines are dangerous. They can get embedded in your skin and cause pain and even infection. Be especially cautious around the cholla; their spines get stuck easily but are very hard to dislodge.
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