Saguaro National Park
- juliannereas
- Dec 16, 2020
- 3 min read
Saguaro National Park sits split between east and west sides in Tuscon, AZ.
The west side of the park is more densely populated with the infamous saguaro cacti and is the perfect stop if you only have a half-day to explore the park. The east side is larger and home to more hiking trails- this is also the only side of the park that allows backcountry camping.
We decided to tackle the west side of the park since we only had a half-day. If you're there to see the cacti, then this is a bigger bang for your buck (if you're visiting more than a few National Parks at a time it is worth the money to buy an $80 annual pass).
Saguaro cacti, pronounced "suh-waa-row," are only found in the Sonoran desert. A desert which covers large parts of Arizona, California, and Mexico. The Saguaro can live to be 200 years old and the arms only start growing once they reach upwards of 50 years old! They flower in the late spring and have red fruit in the summer (guess we have to come back!). They can grow up to 40-60 feet and weight 3,200-4,800 pounds.
Just look at that!
I was not disappointed by this park- and that is because I am now obsessed with the Saguaro cacti! They are just so cool and I had a smile plastered to my face the whole time.
Start your visit by driving the 6 mile, scenic Bajada Loop drive (any car can handle this dirt road+ the Golden Gate Loop & Hohokam roads). Stop by the Red Hills Visitor Center (closed right now on Tues/Wed) and pick up a map. Then start hiking among the cacti! (Keep in mind, temperatures in the winter are much more manageable (it was 60 degrees), summer hikes need to start early & you will need to have ample water)
Hiking: The west side of the park is in the Tuscon Mountain Region
If you want cacti, views, and a longer hike... hike to Wasson Peak
Option 1: Sendero Esperanza Trail to the Ridge/ To Wasson Peak (3.4-8 miles, 220-1600 feet elevation), gradual elevation gain, moderate, great views. We did this in 3 hours and ate lunch alone on the peak. Chilly on the top! This is the highest peak in Tuscon at 4,687 feet. Drive to the SE trailhead on the map off the Bajada Loop.
Option 2: Hugh Norris Trail- 9.8 out & back, 2,395 elevation gain.
Option 3: Kings Canyon, intersects with Sweetwater to Wasson Peak- 7 miles out & back, 1,785 elevation gain. Include Signal Hill to see the petroglyphs (adds .5). The trailhead for this is closed for construction currently.
Option 3: Kings Canyon, to Wasson Peak- 7 miles out & back, 1,785 elevation gain. Include Signal Hill to see the petroglyphs (adds .5). The trailhead for this is closed for construction currently but people park at the Arizona Desert Museum.
These trails intersect so you can choose your own route along the way!
If you have time, or are looking for a shorter hike, the Desert Discovery trail is right by the visitor center and is short.
The Wild Dog trail is 1.8 and starts at the Valley View Trail. The NPS provides a nice hiking guide: https://www.nps.gov/sagu/planyourvisit/maps.htm
East Side Hiking: The east side of the park is located in the Rincon Mountains.
Something easier:
Mica View/Cactus Forest: 2 miles, should see some desert animals!
Something we didn't get to do but looked great:
Douglas Spring/Garwood- 5+ miles, highlights: cacti, Bridal Wreath Falls
Challenging:
Option 1: Tanque Verde Ridge Trail, 17.3 miles, out and back, strenuous, 4300 elevation gain
Option 2: Rincon Peak, 15.5 miles, out and back, strenuous, 4300 elevation gain
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