15 Best Things To Do in Saguaro National Park
Check out our 15 Best Things To Do in Saguaro National Park to find inspiration for your adventure! Everywhere you look, you see large cactus and cactus forests! Icons of the American West. Plenty of exotic plants with a wide range of shapes and sizes. Tall and short, slim and fat, each has a different silhouette. There is no chance of finding the same specimens. It’s a fantastic Saguaro National Park in Arizona. This article tells you the 15 best things to do in Saguaro National Park and how to plan a trip to this park for a great vacation.
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Saguaro National Park: Our Experiences
My partner Chris and I have had the opportunity to visit Saguaro several times. What more at different times of the year. We traveled both in our camper and in rented cars. We slept in camper, in tents and hotels. Moreover, we visited both parts of the park and explored many of its trails.
Our favorite activity was enjoying sunrises and sunsets. Our favorite adventure was the trip at the end of April when the cacti were blooming. In this article, we share our observations on visiting this park, what to do there, and present our photos.
Where is Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park is located in southeastern Arizona, about 10 miles from Tucson, and about 116 miles southeast of Phoenix. The Park has two districts: Rincon Mountain District (East) and Tucson Mountain District (West). Saguaro is the name of giant cactus native to the Sonoran Desert.
The saguaro cactus does not grow naturally elsewhere. They are stunning! There are around 1,8 million saguaro cacti in the Park! There are many things to do in Saguaro National Park, among giant cacti, ad we tell you how to spend time in the best way. Make sure to add this park to your Arizona road trip.
Saguaro National Park was created in 1994, and it is the first National Park created primarily to protect a plant species.
Before you start, your large cactus adventure is worth dropping to one of the visitors’ centers. The Red Hills Visitor Center in Saguaro West or The Rincon Mountain Visitor Center in Saguaro East to take free maps of the area, check the weather condition learn if all roads and trails are accessible, learn about large cacti. The visitor centers at Saguaro West are open all year from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm every day except Christmas.
As with every national park, there is an entrance fee. Therefore, if you plan to visit at least three national parks in the USA during the year, the best solution is to buy before the trip America the Beautiful Annual Pass. Annual America the Beautiful Pass is your ticket to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country, including all national parks. Pass is valid for 1 year from the month of purchase.
Saguaro National Park East and West
Saguaro National Park has two parts. Between them is, as a sandwich, charming Tucson – the best place to stay for a night. The Rincon Mountain District is located to the East of Tucson, Arizona, and the Tucson Mountain District is located to the West of Tucson. It’s a great idea to see both parts of the Park because they are a little bit different. You need at least two days, one full day in each district.
It takes 45 minutes to drive between the two districts. But if you only have time to visit one part of the park, we recommend Saguaro East. Saguaro currently encompasses 92,000 acres (37,000 ha). In addition, about 71,000 acres (29,000 ha) of the park, including large fractions of both parts, is designated as a wilderness area. We tell you the best things to do in Saguaro National park for both parts of the park, which helps you plan your trip.
Rincon Mountain District (RMD) or Saguaro National Park East
The Eastern Rincon Mountain District rises to over 8,000 feet and includes over 128 miles (206 km) of trails. The larger Rincon Mountain District covers about 67,000 acres (27,000 ha). Rincon Mountain District is much closer to the mountains, so it’s possible to take a photo with a large cactus against a mountain backdrop.
This part has 6 backcountry campgrounds, however, you need a permit. Above all, the eastern part of Saguaro National Park includes the oldest saguaro forests, with higher individual saguaros. There are about 1,400 plant species in the Rincon Mountain District. The highest point of East is Mica Mt – 8,666 ft.
Tucson Mountain District (TMD) or Saguaro National Park West
The Western Tucson Mountain District is lower in elevation with a denser saguaro forest. The Tucson Mountain District covers about 25,000 acres (10,000 ha). This part has 43 miles (69 km) of hiking trails and no camping areas. The western part is much younger and smaller than its eastern district.
The landscape of this area is made up of rocky ridges and desert grasslands, because of its lower elevation. There are about 400 plant species in the Tucson Mountain District (West). The highest Point of West is Wasson Peak – 4,687 ft.
How to get to Saguaro National Park
How to get to Saguaro by Car
The two districts of the park are located just to the east and west of the city of Tucson. To reach the Rincon District (East) from I-10, take exit #275-Houghton Road and drive 9.5 miles north, turn right on Old Spanish Trail, and drive 3 miles to the park entrance.
To reach the Tucson District (West) from I-10, take exit #242, drive 5 miles west on Avra Valley Road, turn left on Sandario Road, drive 9 miles south on Sandario Road, turn left on Kinney Road, and drive 2 miles to the visitor center.
If you need to rent a car, above all, we highly recommend Alamo, which we have been using for years.
- Tucson, AZ (TUS): around 16 miles by car to Saguaro NP.
- Phoenix, AZ (PHX): around 130 miles by car to Saguaro NP.
- El Paso, TX (ELP): around 318 miles by car to Saguaro NP.
- Las Vegas, NV (LAS): around 408 miles by car to Saguaro NP.
How to get to Saguaro by Air
The most convenient airports for a trip to Saguaro National Park are Tucson, Phoenix, El Paso, and Las Vegas.
Where to stay in Saguaro Narional Park
Logging is prohibited in Saguaro National Park unless you plan to camp in Saguaro East. However, camping requires a permit. The best option is to stay in Tucson.
Campgrounds
Closer to Rincon Mountain District – East
If you prefer the East side of the park, you can stop in Rincon Country East RV Resort, which is close to the park and has excellent reviews on TripAdvisor.
But we stayed in Crazy Horse RV Campgrounds, which we can highly recommend. The place is very clean, pleasant, quiet, surrounded by beautiful nature. A lot of birds live here (roadrunners), and in the morning, we run across coyotes.
Closer to Tucson Mountain District – West
Higher standard and good reviews closer to the West have Sentinel Peak RV Park and Rincon Country West RV Resort.
Hotels
There are many possibilities for lodging in Tucson. Below are some suggestions with high guest ratings. Above all, check the reviews before you book.
Closer to East (Rincon Mountain) District
Hampton Inn & Suites Tucson East – around 8.6 miles to the Park East Entrance
DoubleTree Suites Williams Centre – around 10.2 miles to the Park East Entrance
Comfort Suites Sabino Canyon – around 11.1 miles to the Park East Entrance.
Closer to West (Tucson Mountain) District
Holiday Inn Express Tucson – around 14.6 miles to the Park West Entrance
Holiday Inn Express Marana – around 14.8 miles to the Park West Entrance
Comfort Inn – around 14.5 miles to the Park West Entrance.
What Is the Best Time to Visit Saguaro National Park?
Saguaro National Park’s weather is typical of the desert southwest. Summers are sweltering, with thunderstorms occurring late in the season. Spring and fall are usually warm. Winters are mild daytime temperatures and cold nights.
So, in our opinion, spring is the best for a visit, because of the weather and most of all, it is a wildflower season in Saguaro National Park so that you can admire their beauty.
The peak season of large cactus blooming is from April to June. But some of the desert plants start blooming as early as late-February. Summer is hot, with temperatures above 100˚F (40˚C). It’s also a monsoon season, so check the weather before you go. Winter is also a good option to visit.
The 15 Best Things to Do in Saguaro National Park
There are plenty of opportunities to appreciate the majestic of Saguaro’s large cactus. If your visit is in April – June, you will have the chance to admire the flowering cacti. If you plan a winter visit, you may have an opportunity to see snow-covered plants.
Popular activities in the Saguaro National Park include hiking on its 165 miles (266 km) of trails and sightseeing along paved roads near its two visitor centers. Both areas are accessible for bicycling and horseback riding on selected roads and trails. Below you find our suggestions with the best things to do in Saguaro National Park to have a great time.
Admire Large Cactus Diversity in Saguaro
In both parts of the park, you can admire a thousand cacti. Each one has a different silhouette, shape, and appearance —no two are identical. Because of their human-like appearance, you can imagine their human behavior. When you observe them, it seems like they’re holding their hands, dancing, or walking—performing human activities.
Learn About Cacti in Saguaro National Park
Saguaros can grow to be over 40 feet (12 m) tall and live for 150 to 250 years. They may grow their first side arm any time between 75 and 100 years of age, but some never raise any arms. Saguaros are very slow-growing cacti. In Saguaro National Park, studies indicate that a saguaro grows between 1 and 1.5 inches in the first eight years of its life.
A spear is a saguaro cactus without arms. Arms increase the plant’s reproductive capacity, as more apices lead to more flowers and fruit. A saguaro cactus can absorb and store a lot of rainwater. It is visibly expanding during this process.
Then, during dry periods, it might slowly use the stored water. This characteristic enables the saguaro to survive in the desert. Because they’re filled with water, they’re more massive than trees. Saguaros don’t start flowering until they’re at least 35 years old.
Take a Photo Next to the Largest Saguaro Cactus You Can Find
They are very high, over 40 feet (12 m) tall, and more. The tallest saguaro ever recorded was 78 ft tall but fell in 1986.
It is incredible to stand under a large cactus and look at this plant — its a great perspective.
Take a Drive in Saguaro National Park
Both parts of Saguaro National Park have great driving loops with stops and overlooks. Whether you have time to visit both parts of the park or just one, you can drive along the cacti. It’s one of the best things to do in Saguaro National Park.
Rincon Mountain District – East
Rincon Mountain District in Saguaro National Park has an 8-mile easy paved road called Cactus Forest Drive. The drive gives you a chance to see plenty of unusual things, such as the park’s tallest cacti, and take pictures of spots from the way. The road offers access to trailheads, overlooks, and many cacti views. The Drive is also open to cyclists.
Trailers over 35 feet or any vehicle wider than 8 feet are not permitted on the winding Cactus Forest Drive.
Tucson Mountain District – West
Taking a Bajada Loop Drive (West) at Tucson Mountain District in Saguaro National Park is a great idea. It’s a 6-mile unpaved drive through some of the densest forests of cacti. The views are spectacular, and there are many stops where you can take a photo of the cactus.
Picnic areas, viewpoints, and trailheads are on this loop, so you can choose something that interests you. But if you are going during the monsoon season from July to August, check the weather conditions before you go because the road might be closed if it floods.
This gravel road is also open for mountain biking, so it’s a great idea to take a bike for your adventure if you like biking. Trailers over 35 feet or any vehicle wider than 8 feet are not permitted on the Bajada Loop Drive.
Go for a Hike in Saguaro National Park
Hiking is one of the best things to do in Saguaro National Park, as there are many easy trails for everyone. There are 165 miles (266 km) of trails in both districts of Saguaro National Park, ranging from easy to strenuous. Your choice depends on your time, condition, preparation, and weather.
Even a short two- to three-mile walk will allow you to enjoy and admire these unique plants. There are many short and easy trails. Below, we show you the best. It’s incredible to see giant saguaro cacti up close and take pictures of them.
How to prepare for hiking in Saguaro National Park?
Put on shoes with a stiff sole and high enough to protect the ankle and long pants. Cactus spines are everywhere, so be careful. Cacti are sharp and spiky.
In addition, scorpions and snakes inhabit the area. It may seem funny, but we use hiking snow boot gaiters on our hikes through the desert. They provide excellent protection for the feet and legs against sand, small stones, and, above all, cactus spines and snakes, spiders, or scorpions.
If you are going on an all-day hike, check out our Day Hiking Packing List. You can also print or download our Day Hiking Packing Checklist in PDF format. Below are the suggestions of the best hikes in Saguaro National Park we did on the East and Westside.
Trails in Tucson Mountain District – West
Cactus Wren Trail (1.5 miles, one way): The Cactus Wren Trail runs from the corner of Sandario Road and Rudasill Road to the Signal Hill Picnic Area. This area is fairly flat and crosses several washes.
Signal Hill Petroglyphs Trail (.5 miles). This easy climb takes you to dozens of petroglyphs scattered around a rocky hilltop. The trail is rough and uneven in places and contains rock steps.
Valley View Overlook Trail (.8 miles). The Valley View Overlook Trail is located on the Bajada Loop Drive, 3.5 miles north of the Red Hills Visitor Center. While hiking this trail, you will pass through two washes and then gradually ascend a ridge. The view from this ridge is superb, with Avra Valley below and Picacho Peak to the north. The trail is rough and uneven in places and contains rock steps. We liked this view of the sunset; it was great.
Trails in Rincon Mountain District – East
Mica View Loop (2 miles round trip). It’s an easy walk. From the Mica View Picnic Area, go north on the Mica View Trail. Look carefully to see many young saguaros under their palo verde “nurse trees”. This area offers excellent views of Tanque Verde Peak and Mica Mountain.
Cactus Forest Trail (2.5 mile one way). For an easy walk, head out on this trail to the lime kilns historic site. Starting from the north trailhead, it is a 2-mile round trip walk; from the south trailhead 3-miles round trip. This 2.5 mile section of the Cactus Forest Trail is the only trail within Saguaro National Park designated for bicycle use.
Loma Verde Loop (3 miles round trip). From the Loma Verde Trailhead, take the Loma Verde Trail north through a grove of mature mesquite trees. Beyond a large, sandy wash you’ll climb a bluff onto the bajada, the Spanish word for a gravel plain at the base of a mountain. Turn right on the Pink Hill Trail and climb to the top of Pink Hill for a panoramic view of the cactus forest and the Rincon and Catalina Mountains. Hike east from Pink Hill, then turn right at the Squeeze Pen Trail and head south. The name of this trail recalls the days of cowboys herding cattle into pens for branding.
Enyoy the Saguaro Sunset
The sunset over the large cactus forest is an unforgettable experience, and it’s one of the best things to do in Saguaro National Park. SO, if you can, plan your visit till sunset.
It is worth waiting in the park until then and observing the shapes of plants in the setting sun. The best idea is to climb one of the many cacti hills to see this beautiful spectacle. If you want to take a good photo use a tripod for sunset.
We photographed the sunset from Valley View Overlook – West District.
Another popular spot for sunset on the West is Hugh Norris Trail. The full hike is 10 miles, but short 10-15 minutes is enough to admire the sun over the cacti forest.
On Saguaro East, the most popular sunset is Javelina Rocks Overlook. It’s a short 5 minutes hike from Cactus Forest Drive.
Bird Watching & Wildlife
Cacti are home to hundreds of species of birds that have their hollows and nests in them. Bird watching is one of the best things to do in Saguaro National Park. Native birds such as woodpeckers, purple martins, house finches, and gilded flickers live inside holes in saguaros. It’s possible to observe elf owls, tyrant flycatchers, and wrens.
Observe the cactus, and you will see the birds. They are most active in the early morning. They are shy, so if you want to take a photo of them, behave silently and use a telephoto lens.
Finally, except birds. It’s possible to find many typical desert animals like horned lizards, roadrunners, coyotes, jackrabbits, and collared peccaries, also known as javelinas. Saguaro National Park is the state with the most rattlesnake species in America, so always stay on the trail, protect your body with proper clothes and boots, observe your surroundings, and you should be alright. If you hear a rattle stop moving and identify the direction, it is coming from, and move towards the opposite location, always staying on the path.
Visit the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum on West District
The Desert Museum is more than a museum. It’s one of the best things to do in Saguaro National Park, especially if you are with kids!. It is a fusion experience: zoo, botanical garden, art gallery & classes, natural history museum, and aquarium.
You can see not only cacti but also animals and birds. It’s located outside the park but on the way to Saguaro National Park West, so it’s worth stopping in, especially if you travel with kids. If you are going during peak season, it is good to book your visit in advance.
Horse Driving on East District
You can enjoy a trail ride through the wonder of a Sonoran desert sunset on horseback. All Around Trail Horses offer rides for the beginners to the advanced riders; a variety of different trips from 1 hour on private property to a 4-hour ride through the Saguaro National Park East among cactuses.
Visit Tucson
Tucson is an excellent city, worth visiting, so it’s a good idea to find time for it. You can rent a bike and have Historic Bike Tour in Tucson. It is 2 to 2½ hour guided bicycle tour from old forts to modern art.
Or you can take the Taco Bike Tour. Tucson is known for its authentic Mexican food, and tacos are no exception, but planning out where to go to eat may be difficult if you’re not familiar with the city. Let this Tucson Taco and Bike Tour take the lead. You can also experience the rich culture and beauty of the Sonoran Desert. With by far the most vegetation of any desert and the natural habitat to the Saguaro Cacti.
The Best Things to Do in Saguaro National Park – Take a Tour!
Finally, take a tour. If you have time you have a great adventure area between Tucson and Pheonix. It’s one of the best things to do in Saguaro National Park area.
Saguaro Lake Kayaking Tour – you can Paddle through gorgeous Saguaro Lake on a kayak with this guided desert tour. Saguaro Lake is between the Superstition Mountains and towering Four Peaks. You have a chance to see marvel at bald eagles, bighorn sheep, and more during this desert journey.
Off-Road Hummer Tour in Tonto National Forest you can explore the Tonto National Forest in the heart of the Sonoran Desert on the hummer. The trail winds through the heart of the Tonto National Forest and Arizona’s most beautiful mountain ranges: the 4 Peaks and the Superstition Mountains.
ATV Tour you can take ATV halfway between Tucson and Phoenix and admire Pinal Mountains and Box Canyon.
Saguaro is exactly what my mental image of the American West is like, with open landscapes full of large cacti! I’ve visited Arizona twice but never made it to Saguaro, which is a shame, especially on learning that it was created specifically to protect the cacti for which it’s named. Also great that it’s so accessible by car.
I would love to visit this national park!! I recently visited monument valley and Zion but didn’t see any big Cactus! I did not realise i needed to go further south for these! Thanks for the super informative post, i will need this when i go 😀
I have never seen catcus in the wild before and never been to this region of the USA so when i eventually get here, I would love to capture the sunrise or sunset with catcus in my travel photographer. The park looks totally stunning.
What a gorgeous national park. The photos are so gorgeous especially the sunset ones. I would love to visit here some day.
I love that Saguaro sprung from wanting to protect the native plants. For that same reason, I would definitely want to visit when the cacti are in bloom like you suggest in the spring. And a kayaking tour sounds like a great way to experience the entire park!
First of all, I must say I am totally sold out for this place after seeing first sunset photo with cactus field. Good to know that Saguaro National Park has two parts and it has Tucson in between. It’s a great idea given by you that to see both parts of the Park as they are a little different. I would also spare two days, one full day in each district. 45 minutes to drive between the two districts is not a very big time and so can be done easily.
Those are some really pretty cacti. I haven’t read too much about Saguro park earlier. Though I did see pictures of the huge cacti. However, I did not know that they spring around like a valley of flowers. And to see those pretty birds on it – total bonus. Thanks for all the helpful information on how to get here and where to stay. Am all for a hiking trail and a camping trip here.
Great post!! The view looks like something from any movie wild west, it is so great that it has converted into a national park and it was so pleasing to know that native plants are being preserved there. As someone who loves trails and hiking, I would love to take a trip of my own and I would love to save this post for future reference.
beautiful photos of cacti and birds. Love it.
Love the pic of the cactus reflection in the water. So many crazy shapes to these cacti. You could have some fun creating a scavenger of fun shapes to look for in this park.
Sagura is amazing! You are so brave to hike there with the threat of snakes and scorpions. But I’m thankful that you did and were able to capture so many unbelievable photos for us, readers, to enjoy.
I never thought I would find a National Park filled with cactus to be as fascinating as we found Saguaro National Park. Although I really want to visit during a spring bloom. We only saw half of the park on our visit so we definitely need to plan a visit to see the rest.
I am so sad that missed this park when we were in Arizona! My daughter would have loved it! Thanks for sharing, I have added it my list to visit when we go back!
Saguaro national park looks so much fun. I’ve never need large or flowering cacti before. It would be lovely to see sunset over the cacti fields.
I love all kinds of deserts – and the Saguaro Park looks particularly nice. Judging from your pictures, we both have a thing for cactus – especially those fields are just so….serene. They have something very self-sufficient and eternal to them 😉 Seriously, once again, your pix are just fantastic.
I visited the Saguaro National Park exactly a year ago today. It was my first time in Arizona. I have to admit, the Saguaro National Park was the highlight of our trip, and not the (drumroll) Grand Canyon.