National Parks Journal
Photo: NPS Photo
Saguaro National Park
Tucson, Arizona is home to the nation's largest cacti. The giant saguaro is the universal symbol of the American west. These majestic plants, found only in a small portion of the United States, are protected by Saguaro National Park, to the east and west of the modern city of Tucson. Here you have a chance to see these enormous cacti, silhouetted by the beauty of a magnificent desert sunset.
Entrance Fees
Activities
Top Hikes
8.7 mi · 4,000 ft gain · out & back
Ridge walk with panoramic desert scenery, a rare crested saguaro, and views from the Dome. The park's most challenging day hike.
Starts at: Javelina Picnic Area
2.4 mi · 380 ft gain · loop
Rocky stair-step sections lead through a historic mining route with excellent Sonoran Desert scenery.
Starts at: King Canyon Wash Trailhead
3.8 mi · 60 ft gain · loop
Pass through mature mesquite trees, a seasonal wash, the Loma Verde Mine, and an overlook of the cactus forest.
Starts at: Loma Verde Trailhead
1 mi · out & back
An easy trail to an old homestead foundation through a grove of large saguaros and a cool desert wash.
Starts at: Freeman Homestead Trailhead
Upcoming Events
Garden Walk (East District)
Join a ranger for a short stroll through the cactus garden located outside of the visitor center to learn about the saguaro cactus and other plants of the Sonoran Desert.
Broadway Hike (East District)
Join a ranger for a 2-hour hike to explore the beautiful Sonoran desert and learn about the native plants of Saguaro National Park! This hike starts at the Broadway trailhead, and will be approximately 2 miles with minimal elevation gain.
Sunset Hike (East District)
Hike up the Tanque Verde Ridge trail to get fantastic views of the sunset in the park. This hike is 0.5 miles round-trip on rugged terrain. Water, hiking shoes, and trekking poles are recommended.
Best Time to Visit
Best time to visit: November, December
Pleasant weather with fewer crowds
Weather & Climate
Winter Season With daytime temperature from the low 50's to the high 70's Summer Season As we get deeper into the summer season, temperatures will range from mid-90's to low 110's. This is a great time to experience the desert as the day breaks or in the late of the day as the sun disappears behind the surrounding mountain ranges. During the late spring and summer months Saguaro National Park only offers interpretive programs on an intermittent basis.