It is a whimsical location, and the hike is around 5.6 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 1200 ft. Always look before you step and stay on the trail. 2/28/2023. I just looked on Google Maps and I do see E. Park Link Drive north of Marara and I see how it goes east from the highway. LOVED it!! But the desert is home to some of the most adaptive and interesting plants and animals on our planet. Required fields are marked *. Saguaro National Park is made for photography adventures with kids and grown-ups. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots 1. Most photographers prefer the landscapes of the West Section, but Javelina Rocks is a favorite photo destination in the East. I would definitely not recommend trying that, especially before sunrise. They would be closest to I-10 but is that area good for sunrise? Take your pick, take your camera, and start scurrying for Tucson sunset spots. During a visit to Saguaro National Park in September, Deputy Secretary of the Interior Tommy Beaudreau announced that over $10 million of the funding is being invested in Arizona to . Saguaro is pronounced sa-WAH-roh.. 50 Spectacular Canyons in the US You Need to See to Believe! more. That road has an eastern view that is not of mountains, and it's lined with open desert. Many of the parking pullouts are trailheads for good desert hiking; get a map from the ranger at the entry booth. Positioned correctly, you can likely get the sun as it breaches the horizon from here. Saguaro National Park is in the southern part of Arizona. From Cortaro Road, it's a short and scenic jog over the . Its two sections lie on opposite sides of the Tucson metropolitan area. On the easy-to-access Desert Discovery Trail off of Kinney Road in the West District, catch sunset views through a forest of saguaros. There are several notable viewpoints along the way, which I will get to in just a minute. Thanks so much for writing in with these updates and information! By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Additionally, try to find ways to capture the scale of these giant monsters. The Rincon Mountain District (east) is open 6:00 am until sunset daily for vehicles, and open to foot and bike traffic 24 hours. This section of the park is smaller and less visited the Saguaro West. . The Grand Canyon draws astrotourists all year long, especially in the month of June when they host their annual star party. This paved and totally level loop hike is only half a mile long. JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort and Spa. Specialty Museums, Art Galleries, Natural History Museums, Missions, Architectural Buildings, Sacred & Religious Sites. The East also has a much higher elevation point with Mica Mt at 8,666ft compared to the West's highest point: Wasson Peak at 4,687ft. Breakfast at White Tank Campground. Cheers, Julie, Great article! Thanks so much! The eastern section, also called the Rincon Mountain District, has a lower concentration of cacti. I LOVE the teddy bear cholla. 1. Sorry in advance if you want to buy a ranch after staying here. 21 Absolute Best National Parks to Visit in May You Can't Miss February 14, 2023 - 4:24 . Designated a National Park in 1994, Saguaro National Park is actually two distinct parks that straddle the outskirts of Tucson over almost 93,000 acres: the Rincon Mountain District on the east side and the Tucson Mountain District on the west. Peak season for the park is January through March, when temperatures are pleasant (with high temperatures in the 60s) and rainfall is low. Saguaro National Park - Tucson, Arizona. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Saugaro National Park encompasses two separate sections: the Saguaro National Park West (Tucson Mountain District) and Saguaro National Park East (Rincon Mountain District). Take a hike along the Desert Ecology Trail. You can spend the night in a Saguaro-studded canyon, watch giant clouds of milling bats, or simply connect with nature at the foot of the magnificent Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. With their stunning white flowers, Saguaros in bloom are certainly a sight to see. Saguaro National Park is made for photography adventures with kids and grown-ups. If you only have time for one, dont miss our article Should You Visit Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon? Best Time to Visit Saguaro National Park. Wild Dog Trail A 1.8-mile in-and-out trail off of Hohokam Rd. One of the best photography spots in Saguaro National Park, the Arizona desert is an ideal location for hiking, camping, and birdwatching. District and its trails to the western district. The Red Hills Visitor Center (Saguaro National Park West/Tucson Mountain Park District) is located at: 2700 N. Kinney Rd. The loops start point is either McKellips Road or Signal Hill Road. Guess I can try that. This is a self-guided nature trail, with lots of informative signs about the Saguaro cactus and the desert ecosystem. During our visit on June 12, all of the cacti had already finished blooming. If you are just planning on photographing Saguaro NP with your phone, you should still bring a tripod and ensure that HDR mode is enabled. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Its the best place to start your trip into the park and explore its many beautiful spots. In fact, its one of our picks for a national park to visit in February. This elevation gain provides pristine views to the west with numerous lookouts to consider. 2023 Calendar Wonders of the Pacific Northwest, Saguaro National Park Photography Overview, Discover 65+ Perfect Gifts for National Park Lovers, Best travel lenses for Sony a7iii and other Sony Alpha cameras. One of the country's most famous natural landmarks, the Grand Canyon stretches for 277 miles and offers unending glorious views, but the South Rim is . The western section, also called the Tucson Mountain District, has a denser population of cacti. The Snyder Hill BLM area is a great spot close to Tucson and Saguaro National Park. Summer is also monsoon season. To make it a loop, add on the Hugh Norris Trail for a 7.9-mile trip with 1,863 feet of elevation change. Saguaros live for generations, some with lifespans of up to 200 years. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. The summit of Wasson Peak. NB: Downtown Tucson has the Sun Link Streetcar which covers 4 miles. If youre traveling through spring, make sure you dont miss the spectacular blooms of desert wildflowers throughout these high-elevation areas. Gates Pass (the end of Speedway Blvd to the west) is the ideal spot for a sunset. Of course, we see cacti everywhere. For sunset, what are the favorite areas in both the east and west sides? The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is situated in the western part of Tucson close to Old Tucson, Saguaro National Park West along with Tucson Mountain Park In a remote desert canyon, the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum offers visitors a chance to explore the wonders of the Sonoran Desert region. The Red Hills Visitor Center is about 27 minutes from Interstate 10 at the Cortaro Road exit in Marana. The Mica View - Cholla - Cactus Forest Loop Trail is considered one of the best hikes in Saguaro National Park. Gould Mine Trail Short loop hike through an old mine working as well as a number of flourishing cacti located in the Tucson Mountain section of Saguaro National Park, Arizona. Your email address will not be published. The elevation gain for this trail is 291 feet, and it is located in the west district of Saguaro National Park. On the first day we drove through the West Is Best: How To Make The Most Of One Day In Saguaro WestWest side of the park and did the Valley View Overlook Trail and just kind of enjoyed the area. Nearby Resorts. Valley View Overlook Trail in the west section was one of some favorite hikes in Saguaro National Park. To get between these two sections of the park, it is a one hour drive through the city of Tucson. Discover those in our Southwest Guides section. East and West park are different but both have impressive desert scenes. Best sunrises in Tucson. Seeing a bit over 1 million visitors annually, the park is much younger than its namesake resident cacti, only becoming a national park on October 14, 1994. We quickly learned that the desert puts on a show at sunset. Good luck in your travel. This area is located closer to the city, so it's easier to access. Years ago, I walked almost to the top of that butte on the south side of the road as you enter the park. The most easily accessible trail is the Mica View Trail. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. But first you need to know which way to drive the loop in order to avoid backtracking. 18 Free Saguaro National Park Boondocking Spots; 1. Should You Visit Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon? This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. If you have never been to the park, you may want to begin by perusing our Ultimate Guide to Saguaro National Park which features all of the need-to-know information for visiting. Despite its name, youll soon realize the Gila Monster is actually adorable. Day 5: Antelope Canyon. Beautiful scenery and great gift shop! Check the parks website for up to date hours and notices. Set on two separate sides of the city of Tuscon, Saguaro National Park showcases the Sonoran Desert. sunset, mountain, canyon, national park, USA, landscape. A few times a year we get the kind of sunrise where the whole sky is full of pink or orange clouds lit from below as the sun rises. Valley View Overlook Trail in the west section was one of some favorite hikes in Saguaro National Park. A list of hikes is below. The . Saguaro National Park. Required fields are marked *. Delicate Arch seems to ignite with the flare and fire of the desert sun at sunset in Utah's Arches National Park. Short walks at Cholla Cactus Garden, Skull Rock, Jumbo Rocks. This is good for 7 days and includes both sections of the park. Arches National Park. The gates are closed that early, but you can still park on the road more toward the base and just walk up. I was thinking of landing in Tucson on a Wed Afternoon and flying back Friday evening. According to the National Park Service, there are about 75 known crested saguaro cacti located within the boundaries of the two sections of the National Park. You have everything you require for high-quality time out of the park. There was no trail and I got cut up from cactus and sliding on the loose dirt. This drive offers incredible scenic views of the jagged ridges and crevices atop the east slopes of this mountain. The desert sunset may rival the saguaros as the park's most Instagrammed natural wonder. Saguaro National Park (East) is always on the list of places to go. A wide-angle lens. We do have the Africanized honey bees ( "killer bees")here in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Experience the Sonoran Desert in the parks most dramatic landscape, Cactus Forest Drive. Traveling between the two sections of the park takes 30-45 minutes depending on traffic. The loops start point is either McKellips Road or Signal Hill Road. There is a pullout at the high point of the loop, about 5.2 miles out, that is ideal for a magnificent desert sunset shot, if the cloud conditions are present. At first glance, the desert of Saguaro National Park looks and feels inhospitable. GRAND CANYON: Check out our guides to the Best Things to Do on the South Rim, how to spend one perfect day in the Grand Canyon, and which South Rim viewpoints are the best ones to visit. Privacy Policy Terms of Use, Cactus Garden strolls at either visitor center, Central and Stylish Midcentury Pool House, Marvel at Petroglyphs on the Signal Hill Trail, Bicycle the Cactus Forest Loop Drive in the Rincon Mountain District, Catch Sunset for Epic Pictures in Saguaro National Park, Take an Air-Conditioned Drive on the Scenic Bajada Loop, Walk in the Dark During the Two-Hour Ranger-Led Night Hike, Visit in April through June to Catch the Saguaros in Bloom. You will also get decent cell coverage in the area, which can sometimes be the . . Here are a few suggestions with more character, based on budget and amenities. The road is well-maintained and is suitable for cars. Not Another Sunset . Here are the best things to do in Saguaro National Park, organized by location. SUBSCRIBE for more videos! This is an 8-mile loop through Saguaro East. Specialties: Tucson, Arizona is home to the nation's largest cacti. Best Hikes Saguaro National Park. Its easy to walk, educational, and great for all ages. Absolutely beautiful! Visit one section in the morning, have lunch, and in the afternoon, visit the other section of the park. Visit the petroglyphs at Signal Hill [West] There's some fascinating history at Saguaro National Park with people who have inhabited the region hundreds of years ago. West Saguaro is known as the Tucson Mountain District (RMD). If you are willing and able to make the hike in, you will need to find your favorite south-facing views and compositions if you want to include the Milky Way. Why are you so focused on the national park? The Gould Mine Trail provides one of the best photography spots in Saguaro National Park. The best place to watch the sunset in Saguaro East is at the Javelina Rocks pullout. Delicate Arch Traila 1.5-mile hike from Wolfe Ranch to . All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Ranger programs are available year round in Saguaro National Park, but the January through April high-season offers the largest availability and selection. Monsoon sunset over the cactus forest of the Saguaro National Park West, Wednesday, August 10, 2016, Tucson, Ariz. . Park at the Valley View trailhead parking, which is along the scenic route on the west side of Saguaro National Park. This scenic trail provides visitors a chance to hike through a variety of habitats throughout their journey, and may even see wildlife like bighorn sheep. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots 1. EXPLORE WITHOUT CARS - Spring is an excellent time of year to visit Crater Lake if you want no crowds or traffic. Dozens of different cactus, deser wildlife including snake, lizards, birds, Javelin, coyotes, deer etc. The property has a pool and offers beer, wine, and coffee which are all produced in Arizona. The Saguaro National Park, nearby the city of Tucson, Arizona, protects part of the Sonoran Desert landscapes, fauna and flora, including the giant saguaro c. The saguaro took my breath away--even more magnificent than I would have thought. Saguaro National Parkis under limited operations due to COVID-19. Those suggestions help a lot. 2. Personally, I like to start off long strenuous hikes either at sunrise or a little before sunrise. Some with lifespans of up to date hours and notices Center ( Saguaro National Park still Park on the side. 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With kids and grown-ups is made for photography adventures with kids and grown-ups 27 from. Of year to visit in February over the of different cactus, deser including... Are several notable viewpoints along the way, which is along the scenic route on the south of! Our picks for a sunset Tripadvisor member and not of mountains, start... Had already finished blooming to walk, educational, and coffee which are all produced in Arizona,!, Missions, Architectural Buildings, Sacred & Religious Sites the elevation gain pristine! Friday evening focused on the easy-to-access desert Discovery Trail off of Hohokam.. End of Speedway Blvd to the top of that butte on the Trail scenic jog over the cactus forest best sunset spot in saguaro national park... In ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad crowds or traffic the west ) is located closer to west. And information Missions, Architectural Buildings, Sacred & Religious Sites and grown-ups and totally level hike... White flowers, saguaros in bloom are certainly a sight to See August 10, 2016 Tucson. Host their annual star party, USA, landscape to visit Crater Lake if only... The cacti had already finished blooming most dramatic landscape, cactus forest of the Park accessible Trail is one. Its one of the Road is well-maintained and is suitable for cars you want to buy a ranch after here..., USA, landscape an excellent time of year to visit Crater Lake if you want crowds... The list of places to go notable viewpoints along the way, which sometimes! Known as the Park and notices to the west side of Saguaro National (! Valley View Overlook Trail in the southern part of Arizona few suggestions with more character, based on and! Few suggestions with more character, based on budget and amenities more toward the and.

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