One of the most recognizable symbols of the American Southwest is the tree-like cactus – saguaro. There is no better place to hike among the magnificent giant plants than in the Saguaro National Park. While the park is one of the more recently established national parks (1994), it had previously existed as a national monument since 1933. The park is divided into two sections – the Tucson Mountain District to the west of Tucson, and the Rincon Mountain District to the east. I think both sections are amazing and offer slightly different scenery. Here are several suggestions on how to best visit Saguaro National Park in southern Arizona.
How to Best Visit Saguaro National Park?
Even though both sections of the park could be done in one day, I would discourage it. Visiting them on two different days will allow you to take your time, go on several longer hikes, and enjoy the desert without rushing. If you’re staying in Tucson, you’re within a 30 minute drive to either entrance. I recommend going fairly early to avoid crowds and if you’re visiting in the summer time, the heat. The best time to go would actually be in the spring when the saguaros and the lovely Sonoran Desert are in bloom.
Rincon Mountain District - East
The only paved road in the eastern section of the Saguaro National Park is the Cactus Forest Loop Drive. Even though the loop is only 8 miles long, it offers many trailheads and vista points. We stopped multiple times along the road and enjoyed hiking and checking out the rich diversity of the desert plants. The saguaros really interesting here. They seemed older, with multiple arms, and many bird nests. However, other cacti were equally remarkable. I particularly liked the little forests of chollas of different types and colors. You will also see prickly pears, barrel cacti, ocotillos, and many other succulents.
* Hiking in the Rincon Mountain District - East
Hiking here was lots of fun! My favorite trail was around Javalina Rocks, towards the end of the Cactus Forest Loop. The rocks were really pretty and the saguaros were magnificent. I also enjoyed the Cactus Forest Trail and the Loma Verde Trail. Many of the trails intersect, so you can start with one trail and come back along another. We took several hikes and walked for about a mile or so each time. Each hike took us a while, as we stopped frequently to admire the magical saguaros and to take pictures.
Tucson Mountain District - West
Considerably smaller in size than the Rincon Mountain District, the Tucson Mountain District is equally beautiful. The unpaved Bajada Scenic Loop Drive is only 5 miles long and offers wonderful hiking opportunities. The saguaros in the west section of the park seem much younger, have fewer arms, and fewer bird nests. I found the views a bit more dramatic in this part of the park too.
* Hiking in the Tucson Mountain District - West
As for hiking in the western part of the park, we loved the Hugh Norris Trail. It is uphill and takes you past a forest of lovely saguaros. Large boulders along the trail provide wonderful viewpoints from where you can admire the valley. They’re a great destination as well, especially if you don’t want to continue with the trail. Another hike we really enjoyed was the Cactus Wren Trail. The trail is mostly flat and offers gorgeous views over the mountains.
