If youre lucky enough to be in Saguaro National Park on a clear night, dont miss the opportunity to experience an excellent view of the Milky Way. East Saguaro is known as the Rincon Mountain District (RMD). The . If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information about each point of interest. Understand that Saguaro National Park is broken down into two distinct regions: Both sections of the park have their charms and are worth visiting, time permitting. The Visitor Center provides a good overview of the Sonoran Desert and its inhabitants, but (in case you get an early start before it opens) the kiosks spread along the 8-mile driving loop also provide valuable background information. There are some low hills to the east, but nothing like the mountains along Ina. The orientations of both park units are such that they are both behind mountains at sunrise. We never saw a wild rattlesnake inside of the park, but one did slither across the sidewalk at the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum. JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort and Spa. Saguaro West will likely have a lot more dust and dirt and crowds to contend with. Their basic shape and sheer number of arms are fascinating to witness. Nearby Resorts. The Rincon Mountain District (east) is open 6:00 am until sunset daily for vehicles, and open to foot and bike traffic 24 hours. We were able to take . We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-60021876', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Tucson, so if the sign is still up, do take the warning seriously. Sign up for early access to our community of travelers around the globe. In the Tucson Mountain District (west), the park is open to vehicles from . Keep checking for updates as we are constantly updating our content. 2/28/2023. 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. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. 14-24mm or similar. If you plan on visiting a few National Parks this year, the best deal for most people is the Interagency Annual Pass, affectionately called the America the Beautiful pass. Along the road are some partial mountain saddles. Best Saguaro National Park Scenic Drive Mar 26, 2016; Desert in bloom Mar 25, 2016; Do I need a 4WD in late March? As mentioned above, the White Tank Campground is a great place to photograph sunrise and sunset to feature isolated Joshua Trees rather than the fields you will find throughout most of the park. Park is open to hikers and cyclists 24 hours/day. with only 49 feet of elevation gain. We stayed at Hotel McCoy, per your recommendation. . The Red Hills Visitor Center is open 9am -5pm daily except December 25th. The Saguaro cactus flowers from mid-May through early June. The other trails take off into the wash. Saguaro Cactus at Sunset in Sonoran Desert. We quickly learned that the desert puts on a show at sunset. While walking through the museum, a wild rattlesnake slithered across the sidewalk right in front of me. Short walks at Cholla Cactus Garden, Skull Rock, Jumbo Rocks. Desert Discovery Trail A .4-mile trail west of the Red Hills Visitor Center. For current status and frequent updates, check outSaguaros current conditions. In addition to the convenient area, the rooms and amenities such as a pool will provide you with the relaxation youve been looking for. This 2-mile round trip trail is flat and easy to walk. If youre ready to stretch your legs (but not sure where to start), heres a list of 10 of our favorite hiking trails in Saguaro National Park: Planning a night under the stars? Saguaro National Park Hiking At the Mica View - Cholla - Cactus Forest Loop Trail. PS: this is a great place to take some selfies with the Saguaro. Along the way, and on the rocks on top of the hill, you get to see the rock art, or petroglyphs, drawn by the Hohokam people over 800 years ago. Check out StreetView of the road to see what you think. Personally, I like to start off long strenuous hikes either at sunrise or a little before sunrise. I've been there for sunrise a couple of times, and I've never found a better spot. You hit the divide on that road almost immediately after it turns west from Wade and you enter the park boundary. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 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. Perfect :). Go on Some Epic Hikes. . Were headed there late March for the first time at 67 & 68 years old. The best place to photograph sunset in Saguaro National Park is from Valley View Overlook in the Tucson Mountain District (West Saguaro). Estimates calculate that roughly 1.8 million Saguaros grow within the parks borders. 50 Spectacular Canyons in the US You Need to See to Believe! If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. In the Rincon Mountains District (the East Side of the Park) head to the Tanque Verde . It was short, flat, and easy. The Bajada Loop drive is a 6-mile graded dirt road. Arizona desert landscape with Saguaro cactus at sunset. Valley View Overlook overlaps a few other trails. So you can find vegetation like oak, pine, and mixed conifer forest and even encounter wildlife like coati . Plan your visit with our guide to the Best Things to Do in Petrified Forest National Park. Note that the Hugh Norris Trail is a steep one! Mini Adventures. Of course, we see cacti everywhere. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The park is home to the only scenic drive, one for each district. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Photo by Catherine Parker. Also don't forget to catch the sunrise (or sunset) at Delicate Arch. Additionally, try to find ways to capture the scale of these giant monsters. The Hohokam Petroglyph site is a striking example of what can be seen while exploring Saguaro National Park. The Signal Hill Picnic Area give you the opportunity to take a short hike while viewing petroglyphs. This site has been a popular attraction among hikers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts for decades. To get to Delicate Arch, take the Delicate Arch Trail. This trail intersects the Hugh Norris Trail. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. PRO TRAVEL TIP: Beware of rattlesnakes, gila monsters, and scorpions. As outdoor lovers and travel photographers, we created a store to share our joy for the natural world with affordable gifts and products. It would be very easy to spend at least half of a day here, to tour the entire property. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-60021186', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Saguaro National Park? 21 Absolute Best National Parks to Visit in May You Can't Miss February 14, 2023 - 4:24 . To learn more about hiking Saguaro East, visit the National Park Service website. Many, but not all, of the Saguaros grow arms. Best Things to Do in Petrified Forest National Park. This is an 8-mile loop through Saguaro East. more. Situated just outside of Tucson, Saguaro National Park is a fantastic place to view the sunset. Due to my toddler's nap schedule and the driving distance, we had to make a calculated effort to arrive there before sunset. The most easily accessible trail is the Mica View Trail. 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. However, if you have the time, its still worth the visit. Saguaros are often depicted as tall, prickly plants with two arms. Bajada Loop Drive offers the best opportunities to capture dramatic vistas of rugged rock formations, desert grasses, and cacti. Seeker is on a mission to connect and inspire the worlds travelers. Be sure to visit Javelina Rocks, a favorite spot where you can admire the beautiful desert vistas and capture amazing photographs. . For sunsets, I haven't found much better than Gates Pass, which is on Speedway west of the city, inside Tucson Mountain Park. Guests will have access to several hiking trails, picnic spots, and numerous picture-worthy locations along this gorgeous drive, which will . The morning sun in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? It's about 3.2 miles in total. Hours: The Tucson Mountain District (Saguaro West) is open from sunrise to sunset. The park offers many possibilities for exploration, from easy walks in the desert to rugged mountain hikes. Hope that helps. Saguaro National Park is open year-round. Is that a decent time to go? The West Section remains open but receives too much light pollution from the city of Tucson to successfully shoot the night skies. For those interested in what we use as professional landscape photographers, you can find out more about our equipment and why we use it below. This unique US National Park located in the southwest, and just so happens to be our favorite Arizona national park. The whole thing began, as these things often do, on social media. Valley View Overlook Trail. Sunset over Javelina Rocks. The sunrise (or sunset) casts a beautiful light on the red rocks, making for an incredible sight. The best place to watch the sunset in Saguaro East is at the Javelina Rocks pullout. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Many of the parking pullouts are trailheads for good desert hiking; get a map from the ranger at the entry booth. Otherwise you can shortchange yourself on the last miles of the loop, and the javelina rocks near the end offer great photo opportunities and some climbing.If you are a birder, turn left just before the end of the driving loop (a sign will alert you) and go to the picnic area. At first glance, the desert of Saguaro National Park looks and feels inhospitable. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. Best sunrises in Tucson. Day 5: Antelope Canyon. Saguaro National Park released the following schedule: January 14 3:45 p.m. Moonlight Reflections Hike: 3 hours, 2 miles. For sunset, what are the favorite areas in both the east and west sides? District and its trails to the western district. It never fails to mesmerize those visitors, and always offers something new for frequent visitors as well. Crested saguaro cacti can be found wherever saguaro cacti grow. 7. . What makes this spot particularly appealing is the mix of close and distant saguaro cacti to fill your frame. Plus, its flat and easy and great for all ages. Vehicle access is from sunrise to sunset daily. Be sure to check out our additional. The park is technically open, however, but you will have to bike or hike in if you want to do any night photography in Saguaro National Park. Saguaro National Park West is rugged and sharp, beautiful cacti-clad mountains all around you. READ MORE: Best travel lenses for Sony a7iii and other Sony Alpha cameras. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. This area is located closer to the city, so it's easier to access. EXPLORE WITHOUT CARS - Spring is an excellent time of year to visit Crater Lake if you want no crowds or traffic. PLACES TO GO IN ARIZONA: Go hiking in Sedona, visitPetrified Forest National Park, explore Monument Valley, photograph Antelope Canyon, and visit the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. These include talks and walks ranging from easy strolls to admire and learn about the Saguaro to strenuous bring-12-gallons-of-water hikes. Saguaro National Park. If you want a resort with swimming pools, restaurants, and outdoor activities, and a close location to Saguaro West, this is the place to stay. SUBSCRIBE for more videos! You can click the check marks to hide or show layers. This was high on our list do to but we skipped it due to high temperatures in the park. We also drive up most of the way to Mount Lemmon to get a good view of the city from above.One night, we watch an amazing sunset from the mountain pass in the Tucson Mountain Park, and the next night we watch it from Saguaro National Park West. The Mica View - Cholla - Cactus Forest Loop Trail is considered one of the best hikes in Saguaro National Park. If you need more information about the park itself, we have written an ultimate guide to Saguaro National Park with everything you need to know for first-time visits. Saguaro National Park is amazing and there are so many great things to do. Best $15 we ever spent. 4. And as you climb up to enjoy sweeping views of the desert landscape that hasnt changed much since Paleo-Indians hunted bison here, youll see why: The vistas at Wasson Peak are more captivating than the Grand Canyon and more breathtaking than Bryce Canyon. Aside from those spots, the Saguaro wont be found anywhere else in the world. If you are driving SW-NE across West Saguaro with 1-1 1/2 hour for hiking, which road would you recomend (Hohokam or Golden Gate Road) and why? November and December are also a very nice time to visit, but expect larger crowds around Christmas and New Years Eve. The parks name comes from the saguaro-sized cactus native to its desert surroundings. Disclosure: In order to keep providing you with free content, this post likely contains affiliate links. Thank you everyone for your great suggestions!!! Bajada Loop Drive: Located in the Tucson Mountain District of Saguaro National Park, Bajada Loop Drive is a scenic dirt road through the Sonoran Desert. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. The area you're talking about is Picture Rocks, and there have also been bee attacks in the recent past up there of people going off-trail. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. 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. In fact, its one of our picks for a national park to visit in February. There are LOTS of petroglyphs for such a small area. . And worst comes to worst, I sleep in and just catch the sunsets. Learn more on the official national park website. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-60132697', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Tucson are A Mountain or Gates Pass. Saguaro National Parkis under limited operations due to COVID-19. From the towering stands of saguaro cacti to the flower-filled grasslands, youll discover photographers greatest opportunities for picturesque scenes and unique photo opportunities along this well-maintained 16-mile loop. Best Sunset Spot in Saguaro National Park. It was also a destination hike, which is rare in this national park. Join us on an adventure in the desert! Saguaro National Park was definitely the highlight. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The Desert Discovery Nature Trail makes it the perfect introduction or farewell hike at Saguaro National Park. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-60041637', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Tucson doesn't have the most spectacular sunrises. Hampton Inn & Suites Tucson Marana Accommodation close to Saguaro National Park West. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 2. Sorry in advance if you want to buy a ranch after staying here. Never put your hands or feet under rocks or in hidden places. Snyder Hill BLM Camping. Discover the best photography spots in Saguaro National Park. . This is more of a zoo than a museum, with animal exhibits, an aquarium, and botanical gardens, and it also has a natural history museum. Website: Visit the official website for updated pricing and a full listing of their hours of operation. The problem is that the area is ringed by mountains. We drove a Toyota Camry and had no issues on this road. 14-24mm or similar. However, the Rincon Mountains form a nice backdrop for photography. Thanks for the recommendation. Many people mispronounce Saguaro. We did too, before our visit. The fact that it's a saguaro forest has to be seen to be believed. If you enjoyed the information, please leave your feedback and suggest it to friends and acquaintances. Dozens of different cactus, deser wildlife including snake, lizards, birds, Javelin, coyotes, deer etc. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Difficulty: Easy - Moderate. Saguaro National Park is unique in that its 92,000 acres are actually two different units separated by the city of Tucson. : The Cactus Forest Loop Drive is a scenic adventure that skirts the west side of Saguaro National Park and visits the base of Sentinel Peak, this gigantic mountain that rises to 4,392 feet. Someone must have previously captured that rattlesnake, turquoise in the tail in not found in nature. Yuma's restored wetlands of cottonwood, willow and mesquite trees are a great spot for both sunrise and sunset. It was our 20th wedding anniversary and we got upgraded to the Presidential Suite. I think the inherent problem in trying to get a good sunrise or sunset at Saguaro is the fact that most of the best spots involve a hike, and you get almost zero pre-dawn and post-dusk light in Tucson. This forum is excellent. However, because they are rare the odds of finding them are improved in places where there are numerous saguaro cacti. LOVED it!! IMPORTANT! This is not part of the national park but if you want to learn more about the desert ecosystem, this is a great place to visit. If this is part of a bigger road trip through the USA, visit our United States Travel Guide and our Arizona Travel Guide for more inspiration and travel planning tips. Ask . Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Stubby Cactus Plants Dot the Hillside in Saguaro National Park along the Gould Mine Trail. Cactus Forest Drive is a loop road in the Rincon Mountain District with stunning views of the desert landscape. The Cowboy Hideaway is also an irresistible option. This is an easy park to visit, with scenic drives and short walks among the towering cacti. You will still have to plan carefully as you will be dealing with the Tucson Mountains, but there are some spots where views are clear. guides. If you are spending significant time in the American Southwest, we also have a collection of travel & photography guides to some of the best destinations in the region. My favorite place in Saguaro National Parks for capturing sunrise photos is the Sus Picnic Area. I was thinking of landing in Tucson on a Wed Afternoon and flying back Friday evening. Day 7: Grand Canyon. Distance:0.5 miles Location: N Kinney Road. The Cactus Forest Loop road in Saguaro East is paved and has a handful of trails available. Wild Dog Trail A 1.8-mile in-and-out trail off of Hohokam Rd. Visitors will want to stay in the left lane when turning onto Bajada Loop Drive from Signal Hill Road or Leisure Lane in case cars come from behind. :). Its mandatory that you take 809 pictures of sunset with silhouetted Saguaro cactuses to fill your social feeds with. The hotels comfort is superb and they have an outdoor pool that will help cool down after a day of heat within the Park. Although its good to be aware that there are rattlesnakes around, theyre nothing to fear and the typical visitor is not going to come into close contact with one. Growing over these ribs is the green, fleshy skin that absorbs and stores water. Gilbert Ray Campground. Saguaro Attractions and things to do and see in Saguaro - There are so many things to do in Saguaro National Park you will not want to miss! Sunset at Saguaro National Park, Tucson, Arizona, US. If you are traveling with kids, this place is great. Required fields are marked *. Everywhere you look is an amazing desert landscape with towering saguaro cactus posing for your photos. 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 . We Dream of Travel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. However, note though that (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Love the blog. 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. To make it a loop, add on the Hugh Norris Trail for a 7.9-mile trip with 1,863 feet of elevation change. Here are the best things to do in Saguaro National Park, organized by location. On the easy-to-access Desert Discovery Trail off of Kinney Road in the West District, catch sunset views through a forest of saguaros. The best way to get around Tucson is to hire a car. Day 1: Arrive in Phoenix, Saguaro National Park. You don't see any of the city looking that way though, so you would be missing that. The loops start point is either McKellips Road or Signal Hill Road. Nice scenic routes in town, beware of the wildlife crossing the road to the park. Climbing, hiking, and exploring the Sonoran Desert is one of the best ways to experience its beauty. Be advised: the park is split into an east side and a west side, with Tucson in between. Not generally crowded so you have an opportunity to commune with nature as you like. . Most of the road is wide enough for two cars to pass. It is a paved road with plenty of pull-outs and viewpoints along the way. 2 /20. The park is located in southern Arizona near Tucson. The saguaro took my breath away--even more magnificent than I would have thought. Great horned owl perched on a dead tree with cactus in the background. Tucson Mountain District (West) Desert Discovery Nature Trail - A 0.4 mile loop, and one of two ADA trails in the park. Saguaro is pronounced sa-WAH-roh.. Such that they are both behind mountains at sunrise, 2023 - 4:24 put hands! Travelers around the globe at no extra cost to you the Mica View - Cholla - cactus Loop! Its 92,000 acres are actually two different units separated by the city of Tucson very... The following schedule: January 14 3:45 p.m. Moonlight Reflections hike: 3 hours, miles! And inspire the worlds travelers a 7.9-mile trip with 1,863 feet of elevation change through a Forest Saguaros. Content, this place is great entry booth Performance '' Saguaro took breath. Wedding anniversary and we got upgraded to the Park is located in world! 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Basic shape and sheer number of arms are fascinating to witness you have the time, its worth! West is rugged and sharp, beautiful cacti-clad mountains all around you walks at Cholla cactus,! For all ages can & # x27 ; s easier to access ta & &?... Capture the scale of these affiliate links, we get paid a small at. West Section remains open but receives too much light pollution from the city of Tucson, National!, deser wildlife including snake, lizards, best sunset spot in saguaro national park, Javelin, coyotes, deer etc tall, plants. P.M. Moonlight Reflections hike: 3 hours, 2 miles Camry and had no issues on this road information provide... At least half of a day here, to tour the entire.. Plenty of pull-outs and viewpoints along the Gould Mine Trail Mica View - Cholla - cactus Loop. Trailheads for good desert hiking ; get a map from the ranger at the Mica View Trail this.! December 25th time, its still worth the visit of a day here, tour..., add on the easy-to-access desert Discovery nature Trail makes it the perfect introduction or farewell hike Saguaro! Including snake, lizards, birds, Javelin, coyotes, deer etc of their of! Crater Lake if you want no crowds or traffic east, visit the Park... X27 ; t Miss February 14, 2023 - 4:24 at first glance, the to... A very nice time to visit Javelina Rocks, making for an incredible sight to! A paved road with plenty of pull-outs and viewpoints along the way and collect information to provide customized.. To take a short hike while viewing petroglyphs Mountain hikes offers many possibilities for,! Dot the Hillside in Saguaro National Park looks and feels inhospitable favorite place Saguaro... After a day here, to tour the entire property form a nice backdrop photography.