Saguaro National Park

Introducing Saguaro National Park

Although you see these towering succulents throughout the region, large stands of the majestic saguaro and its associated habitat and wildlife are protected in this national park (520-733-5158; www.nps.gov/sagu; admission $10; 7am-sunset).

The park has two separate units, east and west of Tucson. The Saguaro East Visitors Center is 15 miles east of downtown. It has information on day hikes, horseback riding and park camping (free permits must be obtained by noon on the day of your hike). This section of the park boasts about 130 miles of trails, including the Tanque Verde Ridge Trail, which climbs to the summit of Mica Mountain (8666ft).

Two miles northwest of the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is the Saguaro West Visitors Center. Although night hiking is permitted in this portion of the park, camping is not. The Bajada Loop Drive is an unpaved 6-mile loop that begins 1½ miles west of the visitor center and provides fine views of cactus forests, several picnic spots and access to trailheads. The King Canyon trailhead, just outside the park boundary (almost opposite the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum), stays open until 10pm and is a great sunset or stargazing hike.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009