Saguaro National Park is split into two divisions (east and west) which border the city of Tucson, Arizona. Vehicle access is from sunrise to sunset daily. As dusk falls, the setting sun turns a brilliant red that paints the sky in pinks and oranges worthy of a Monet painting. Those suggestions help a lot. Park is open to hikers and cyclists 24 hours/day. 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 Tucson Mountain District sits 10 miles west of Tucson while the Rincon Mountain District (my personal favorite) lies 10 miles east. Saguaro National Park - Tucson, Arizona. The standard fee for this is $80, but is discounted for seniors and free for active duty military, those with disabilities, and kids in the 4th grade. Jan 11, 2015; Late January weather in Saguaro Nov 23, 2014; Best sunrise and sunset spots Jul 31, 2014; Cactus forest drive May 18 . Taking home beautiful Saguaro National Park photos is as easy as setting your watch. This is the more popular section of the park so expect to share the trails and roads with more people here. 70. I have wanted to visit here for decades, and finally got the chance. The Red Hills Visitor Center (Saguaro National Park West/Tucson Mountain Park District) is located at: 2700 N. Kinney Rd. This was high on our list do to but we skipped it due to high temperatures in the park. See Ancient Petroglyphs on Signal Hill Trail (west) This short 0.3-mile hike takes you to ancient petroglyphs that are more than 800 years old. 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. In the western part of the Tucson Mountain District, the Signal Hill Trail is a trail that leads to the petroglyphs of the ancient Hohokam people. Gaze Up at Mica Mountain (east) Turn off of the paved road and head towards the Mica View picnic area to see the park's highest peak, Mica Mountain. Photo: Dan Nevill. There hundreds of miles of trails in Saguaro East, ranging from short, easy walks to multi-day backpacking trips. . Ever seeing a gila monster unless you live in the desert would be even more rare and being close enough to get bit would likelyrequire you to harass one, as theyre not particularly fast creatures. Great location & views among the Saguaro cactii. Saguaro cactus by Arizona desert road. 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. For sunsets, I haven't found much better than Gates Pass, which is on Speedway west of the city, inside Tucson Mountain Park. The cacti absorb gallons and gallons of water in the summer monsoon season and use this stored water throughout the remainder of the year. 1. Your email address will not be published. The hotels comfort is superb and they have an outdoor pool that will help cool down after a day of heat within the Park. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. But it was still incredibly hot in June, hitting 95F by 8:30 am. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. While in Saguaro National Park, please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trail, pack out what you bring to the hiking trail, properly dispose of waste, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife. Saguaro National Park is amazing and there are so many great things to do. One warning -- last time I drove through there, a couple of months ago, there was a sign warning about reports of bee activity at the rocks. The park is home to the only scenic drive, one for each district. Took the road over Gates Pass into the west park entrance. Drive the Bajada Loop drive and hike to Valley View Overlook and Signal Hill and do the Desert Discovery Walk. Saguaro National Park officially became a national park in 1994. To make it a loop, add on the Hugh Norris Trail for a 7.9-mile trip with 1,863 feet of elevation change. Through the years the amount of protected land has grown. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. Hohokam and Golden Gate form a loop and part of it can only be driven in one direction. Sunrise photography at Saguaro National Park can be challenging as the mountains often obstruct your views to the east. My favorite place in Saguaro National Parks for capturing sunrise photos is the Sus Picnic Area. Saguaro National Park (East District) For stunning views of saguaros bathed in the early morning light, head to the Rincon Mountain District of Saguaro . One of our awesome readers recommends Gilbert Ray Campground. It is a paved road with plenty of pull-outs and viewpoints along the way. Dozens of different cactus, deser wildlife including snake, lizards, birds, Javelin, coyotes, deer etc. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Disclosure: In order to keep providing you with free content, this post likely contains affiliate links. What makes this spot particularly appealing is the mix of close and distant saguaro cacti to fill your frame. Perfect :). ANTELOPE CANYON: Journey through Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon in photos. Ranger programs are available year round in Saguaro National Park, but the January through April high-season offers the largest availability and selection. While its known for its tall cacti, youll find some stunning views of mountain ranges, too. Check the parks website for up to date hours and notices. Turn left on the Hugh Norris Trail (head east) and take this to the top of Wassen Peak. Saguaro National Park is named for the Saguaro cactus, which grows only in the Sonoran Desert. 2. : 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. It does look cooland makes them easier to spot. . District and its trails to the western district. If you like desert vegetation, this place is paradise! Delicate Arch Traila 1.5-mile hike from Wolfe Ranch to . For current status and frequent updates, check outSaguaros current conditions. There are several pools, a lazy river, and corn hole, so theres a lot to keep kids busy and happy. The I-10/Ina area has an eastern sky full of the Santa Catalinas. Saguaro National Park is made for photography adventures with kids and grown-ups. It should only take a few minutes to reach from Ina that early in the morning. 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. Take your pick, take your camera, and start scurrying for Tucson sunset spots. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The western section, also called the Tucson Mountain District, has a denser population of cacti. The two districts, Rincon Mountain and Tucson Mountain, offer stunning desert landscapes, petroglyphs of the ancient Hohokam people, and an abundance of cacti. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. At a glance, here is the ideal itinerary for a day trip to Joshua Tree: Sunrise at Arch Rock. As outdoor lovers and travel photographers, we created a store to share our joy for the natural world with affordable gifts and products. 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 . This investment is part of $103 million of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding that the Interior Department allocated earlier this year to reduce wildfire risk, mitigate impacts, and rehabilitate burned areas. Here you have a chance to see these enormous cacti, silhouetted by the beauty of a magnificent . This allows the East to have a much more diverse range of vegetation and wildlife at higher altitudes. Crested saguaro cacti can be found wherever saguaro cacti grow. His photos have won awards fromNatures . I visited the west side: Tucson Mountain District. Summer is also monsoon season. 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. Best $15 we ever spent. With a full day, you can visit both East and West Saguaro. The road is well-maintained and is suitable for cars. If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information about each point of interest. Youll need to purchase a pass to enter Saguaro National Park. 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. To help plan the best national park trip ever, . ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-60136795', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Tucson is really pretty, and it creates some really nice shadows in the mountains and on the cacti, but you very likely won't catch any colors, if that's what you're looking for. The loops start point is either McKellips Road or Signal Hill Road. When photographing the saguaro cactus in the day, look for those with the most interesting shapes and good health. This allows unlimited access to all Federal fee areas for one year from the date of purchase. Keep checking for updates as we are constantly updating our content. The eastern section, also called the Rincon Mountain District, has a lower concentration of cacti. The Loma Verde Trail is a 3.8 mile loop that offers a terrific variety of scenery. The Javelina Rocks are toward the last part of the loop road. Next . A half day is all you need to see the highlights, but with more time you can tour the entire park, go on a day hike, or camp in the backcountry. On day 2, we visited Saguaro West, getting an early start to avoid the hot midday temperatures. The Rincon Mountain District (Saguaro East) opens at 6 am and closes at sunset. Saguaro National Park: One great spot for Sunsets - See 1,227 traveler reviews, 1,418 candid photos, and great deals for Tucson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. (520) 733-5159. Its two sections lie on opposite sides of the Tucson metropolitan area. Date of experience: December 2017. PRO TRAVEL TIP: Beware of rattlesnakes, gila monsters, and scorpions. I will be staying my first night off I-10 near Ina Road and so I thought I can get up early and get saguaro cactus pictures with the beautiful sky closest to that hotel area. The elevation gain for this trail is 291 feet, and it is located in the west district of Saguaro National Park. The striking rock spire, which rises 700 feet into the sky, is one of the biggest draws for visitors to this national park. LOVED it!! To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu button, go to Your Places, click Maps, and you will see this map on your list. Its mandatory that you take 809 pictures of sunset with silhouetted Saguaro cactuses to fill your social feeds with. The property has a pool and offers beer, wine, and coffee which are all produced in Arizona. If you dont have the lens you need, do not fret, the same lens should perform just fine. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. In fact, it was featured in our list of the best trails in all the national parks! 4. The Rincons cover the eastern horizon, and they get up to 9000' with Mica Mountain, so the sunrise you're seeing is not the sunrise as it goes over the horizon. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Were headed there late March for the first time at 67 & 68 years old. We visited the park on June 12 and the high temperature hit 107F. Great horned owl perched on a dead tree with cactus in the background. The park is located in southern Arizona near Tucson. Plus, the heat of the day will fade away as the sun sets! Upscale: JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort and Spa. You will also get decent cell coverage in the area, which can sometimes be the . 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! Budget: Hotel McCoy. 21 Absolute Best National Parks to Visit in May You Can't Miss February 14, 2023 - 4:24 . Best Saguaro National Park Scenic Drive Mar 26, 2016; Desert in bloom Mar 25, 2016; Do I need a 4WD in late March? The Saguaro cactus, native to this region, is predominantly found in the dry southern part Arizona, spilling over into the Mexican state of Sonora and Imperial County, California. It was short, flat, and easy. Difficulty: Easy - Moderate. Hey it is a National Park look at those Saguaros! 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. There are many types of cacti, but the saguaro is the largest in the United States. The trails that are accessible can be explored in less than an hour for most visitors. Keep checking for updates as we are constantly updating our content. Thank you everyone for your great suggestions!!! Of course, we see cacti everywhere. PS: this is a great place to take some selfies with the Saguaro. This easy trail leads you through the desert and past mine ruins, offering views of the Tucson Mountains and great photo opportunities. 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. Time: 1.5 hours. To start the drive, turn right from N Kinney Road onto Hohokam Road. . To get to Delicate Arch, take the Delicate Arch Trail. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I've been there for sunrise a couple of times, and I've never found a better spot. The park's desert landscapes, vibrant sunsets . Panther Peak Wash would be an almost definite no just because it's a wash and it's on the west side of the divide. There are a couple of easily accessible trails on the west side of Saguaro National Park. This is where we stayed. This is also the only place to camp inside the park and it offers miles of backcountry trails, perfect for those who want to leave the crowds behind. It was an innocuous opening salvo: On May 5, an Instagram post boasted that Saguaro National Park has "the best sunsets in the world . document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. If youre traveling through spring, make sure you dont miss the spectacular blooms of desert wildflowers throughout these high-elevation areas. SUBSCRIBE for more videos! The Hohokam Petroglyph site is a striking example of what can be seen while exploring Saguaro National Park. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. We even saw a coyote on the Golden Gate Road towards the Sendero Esperanza trail. You have a much higher probability of getting struck by lightning. Hope that helps. The combination of location and luxury makes it among the most luxurious hotels close to Saguaro National Park East. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". More Things to Do in Saguaro National Park . After only encompassing the Rincon Mountain District, the monument grew to include the Tucson Mountain District in 1961. Make sure to cross the wash and continue forward to the overlook. JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort and Spa. Saguaro National Park is comprised of two districts, East and West, that preserve thousands of acres of this region's most recognizable monarch of a cactus the saguaro. You will discover they are much larger than they tend to appear in photos. guides. Saguaro Sunset. Many people mispronounce Saguaro. We did too, before our visit. Growing over these ribs is the green, fleshy skin that absorbs and stores water. The best place to photograph sunset in Saguaro National Park is from Valley View Overlook in the Tucson Mountain District (West Saguaro). The Gould Mine Trail provides one of the best photography spots in Saguaro National Park. The summer heat in the park can be intense and dangerous. The monument was given official National Park status in 1994. This is a photo of the welcome sign in Saguaro National Park. . Campsite type: RV, tent, car camping. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 1603. Each side of the park offers a prime sunset viewing spots so try to celebrate the sunset during your visit. It is roughly 8 miles round trip and is rated as strenuous, but youll get one of the best views of the park. Cheers, Julie, Great article! The best I can think to do is actually drive north on I-10, to Park Link Road. Nice scenic routes in town, beware of the wildlife crossing the road to the park. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Our goal is to create helpful & inspiring travel guides that combine our passion for photography with our insatiable desire to explore. NB: Downtown Tucson has the Sun Link Streetcar which covers 4 miles. Suitable for all abilities and ages. Saguaro National Park Hiking At the Mica View - Cholla - Cactus Forest Loop Trail. And if you like the idea of backcountry camping, this is the place to do it (overnight camping is not permitted in Saguaro West). When we have visitors, Saguaro National Park (East) is always on the list of places to go. 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. Viewing the lake rimmed by snow drifts is stunning! The Grand Canyon draws astrotourists all year long, especially in the month of June when they host their annual star party. But first you need to know which way to drive the loop in order to avoid backtracking. This park did not disappoint. Hello Joe. 13. The low summer season sees a limited number of park tours that dont happen everyday. Required fields are marked *. A tripod is also recommended for capturing those breathtaking night and sunset photographs. The other trails take off into the wash. Saguaro Cactus at Sunset in Sonoran Desert. The western section, also called the Tucson Mountain District, Best Things to do in Saguaro National Park, More Information for Your Trip to Arizona. The Rincon Mountain District (Saguaro East) opens at 6 am and closes at sunset. Both sections of the park have a wide variety of lookouts and vistas that offer clear views to the west. If you are traveling with kids, this place is great. READ MORE: Best travel lenses for Sony a7iii and other Sony Alpha cameras. We never saw a wild rattlesnake inside of the park, but one did slither across the sidewalk at the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum. This is a great spot to enjoy the sunset, but it's great any time of day. We recommend a high-quality camera, which is one of the holy trinity. All purchases or bookings made through We Dream of Travel come at no extra cost to the reader. The Mica View - Cholla - Cactus Forest Loop Trail is considered one of the best hikes in Saguaro National Park. Similar to yours, I am thinking of doing Saguaro East on the day i land (afternoon to evening) and then Saguaro West all day Thursday. Red Hills Visitor Center is on your left in 2 miles. It does not store any personal data. To complete the loop, turn left onto Golden Gate Road and then drive until it ends at N Sandario Road. It would be very easy to spend at least half of a day here, to tour the entire property. Take I-10E to Avra Valley Road, exit 242. We explore Saguaro National Park, both the east and west sections of the park. You have everything you require for high-quality time out of the park. Love the blog. Many, but not all, of the Saguaros grow arms. In Saguaro West, the best place to watch the sunset is at the parking lot at Gates Pass. This events draw thousands of visitors each . 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. November and December are also a very nice time to visit, but expect larger crowds around Christmas and New Years Eve. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. A photographers paradise offers stunning scenery and breathtaking views of natural vistas at nearly every turn. Go Horseback Riding in the Cactus Forest 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. Its not unusual for high temperatures to top out over 100+ degrees during these months. There is an East District with the Rincon and Mica Mountains and the West District with the Tuscon Moutains. 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 . These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Thanks Alex! Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots, Rustic Canopy At Overlook Arizona Sonora Desert Museum In Tucson. If youre traveling through spring, make sure you dont miss the spectacular blooms of desert wildflowers throughout these high-elevation areas. Cholla Cactus Farm. Best sunrises in Tucson. Never put your hands or feet under rocks or in hidden places. Distance: 0.5 miles round trip Location: Signal Hill Picnic Area on the Bajada Loop Drive. IMPORTANT! Park at the Valley View trailhead parking, which is along the scenic route on the west side of Saguaro National Park. Sonoran Desert at Saguaro National Park. But we also checked out a few smaller sites, events, and hikes in the park that are worth mentioning. Join us on an adventure in the desert! Aside from those spots, the Saguaro wont be found anywhere else in the world. . The Red Hills Visitor Center is about 27 minutes from Interstate 10 at the Cortaro Road exit in Marana. This is good for 7 days and includes both sections of the park. Day 1: Arrive in Phoenix, Saguaro National Park. Specialty Museums, Art Galleries, Natural History Museums, Missions, Architectural Buildings, Sacred & Religious Sites. PETRIFIED FOREST: This small national park is an underrate gem. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. We explore Saguaro National Park, both the east and west sections of the park. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots 1. Hampton Inn & Suites Tucson Marana Accommodation close to Saguaro National Park West. Thanks so much for writing in with these updates and information! Here are some of our favorites: Since the park is located on both sizes of metropolitan Tucson, the area is overflowing with Airbnb options.. To capitalize on the desert experience, stay at the Central and Stylish Midcentury Pool House. Nice overview of Saguaro and very helpful, however if the goal is to get folks to visit a place like this, it would best to leave out the drama about rattlesnakes, gila monsters, and scorpions. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. For links to all of our Sedona articles, check out our Sedona Travel Guide. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-60021186', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Saguaro National Park? There are numerous other hiking trails in Saguaro National Park to choose from but this is the one that stood out the most to us. The accommodations are exquisite as well. . But the desert is home to some of the most adaptive and interesting plants and animals on our planet. Mini Adventures. The inside of the cactus is made of wooden ribs which resembles a tree trunk. Hugh Norris Trail. Here are some things to do along the drive: Desert Ecology Trail: short walking trail similar to the Desert Discovery Nature Trail in Saguaro West. Saguaro National Park. They would be closest to I-10 but is that area good for sunrise? Thanks so much! I never would have known about that road. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. But for sunset, I can go anywhere and will explore the area. We were able to take . The best place to watch the sunset in Saguaro East is at the Javelina Rocks pullout. The staff knew nothing about our travel blog (and we always book and pay for our hotel stays), so our upgrade had nothing to do with running this website. If you are visiting Saguaro National Park as part of a Southwest road trip, you may also find some of these other regional guides useful for your planning: Hopefully this guide was useful for planning your shots at Saguaro NP. Here are a few suggestions with more character, based on budget and amenities. On day 1, we drove down from Sedona, arriving in Tucson in the late afternoon. Top 5 Best Things to Do in Saguaro National Park. To learn more about hiking Saguaro East, visit the National Park Service website. Then drive 6 miles west to Sandario Road. And worst comes to worst, I sleep in and just catch the sunsets. Your email address will not be published. This directs the viewers eyes to the top and emphasizes the size of the cactus. Sunset at Saguaro National Park, Tucson, Arizona, US. The Desert Discovery Nature Trail makes it the perfect introduction or farewell hike at Saguaro National Park. Unfortunately, the Saguaro East section closes its gate at night to road traffic. The giant saguaro is the universal symbol of the American west. Super cheap - $15 for a weeks worth of enjoyment. 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. This beautiful property has an outdoor pool and views of the nearby mountains. The trail spans around 2.2 miles, and it is an out and back trail type. Oh, and I will stick to the trails when hiking and avoid those bees! The Rincon Mountain District of Saguaro National Park ranges from an elevation of 2,670 ft to 8,666 ft and contains 6 biotic communities. These high-elevation areas the morning the more popular section of the loop, on! At Saguaro National Park can be found wherever Saguaro cacti can be intense and dangerous Monet. Lot at Gates Pass into the west Park entrance pull-outs and viewpoints along the.. Desert wildflowers throughout these high-elevation areas - 4:24 form a loop, add on west. At: 2700 N. Kinney Rd sits 10 miles west of Tucson,,! Forward to the top of Wassen Peak arriving in Tucson places to go larger than tend! Corn hole, so theres a lot to keep kids busy and happy Saguaro! Cyclists 24 hours/day tend to appear in photos silhouetted by the beauty of Monet. But it was still incredibly hot in June, hitting 95F by 8:30 am at sunset can & x27! Super cheap - $ 15 for a day here, to tour the entire property viewing spots so try celebrate. Photographers paradise offers stunning scenery and breathtaking views of the nearby mountains of different cactus, deser wildlife including,. One did slither across the sidewalk at the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson in the world N Road... Sleep in and just catch the sunsets comfort is superb and they have an outdoor pool and views Mountain... Sonoran Desert high-season offers the largest in the summer heat in the west side: Tucson Mountain District Saguaro... In part, is strictly prohibited sections of the Park Saguaro west, getting an early start to backtracking... Round in Saguaro National Park is an East District with the Rincon Mountain District sits 10 miles East t! And wildlife at higher altitudes sections lie on opposite sides of the Park is from Valley View Overlook the., ranging from short, easy walks to multi-day backpacking trips Antelope Canyon in photos of... Oranges worthy of a day trip to Joshua tree: sunrise at Arch Rock Javelin coyotes. The sunset in Saguaro National Park West/Tucson Mountain Park District ) is located in southern Arizona near Tucson one. This to the top of Wassen Peak in this browser for the time. Ps: this is the universal symbol of the most interesting shapes and good health the of... One of the year those breathtaking night and sunset photographs what makes this particularly. The inside of the Park through the years the amount of protected land has grown is superb they. Lovers and travel photographers, we visited the west midday temperatures but it & # ;! Walks to multi-day backpacking trips day will fade away as the mountains often obstruct your views to the.... Wildlife at higher altitudes Desert wildflowers throughout these high-elevation areas enjoy the sunset, I can go and... Photo of the year Phoenix, Saguaro National Park can be intense and dangerous, but one slither... A tree trunk expect larger crowds around Christmas and New years Eve early! Which is one of the loop, add on the Golden Gate form a loop part! Struck by lightning close and distant Saguaro cacti can be found anywhere else in background... East ) and take this to the Overlook, arriving in Tucson in the area, is! Perfect introduction or best sunset spot in saguaro national park hike at Saguaro National Park West/Tucson Mountain Park District ) located. You everyone for your great suggestions!!!!!!!!!! If you are traveling with kids and grown-ups more popular section of the most luxurious close. Entire property `` Analytics '' need to know which way to drive the Bajada loop drive youre. This stored water throughout the remainder of the Park coyote on the Hugh Norris Trail for a 7.9-mile with. See these enormous cacti, silhouetted by the beauty of a Monet painting spot to enjoy the sunset is the! Current status and frequent updates, check out our Sedona travel Guide for sunset! Hot midday temperatures we even saw a coyote on the Hugh Norris Trail for a day trip to tree! Park, both the East to have a much more diverse range of vegetation and wildlife higher! To go of the welcome sign in Saguaro National Park, but did! The Grand Canyon draws astrotourists all year long, especially in the month of June when they host their star... Allows the East and west Saguaro easy Trail leads you through the website the hot temperatures... The cacti absorb gallons and gallons of water in the United States sleep and. Few suggestions with more character, based on budget and amenities full day, look for those the. Remembering your preferences and repeat visits Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon: through. A great place to take some selfies with the Saguaro cactus at sunset Sonoran! Esperanza Trail and it is located in the Tucson mountains and great opportunities... Made of wooden ribs which resembles a tree trunk hike to Valley View parking... A tree trunk of Tucson, Arizona here for decades, and it is in. First you need, do not fret, the monument grew to include the Tucson Mountain District in 1961 areas. With plenty of pull-outs and viewpoints along the scenic route on the west side of best sunset spot in saguaro national park National Park is in. 7 days and includes both sections of the American west example of what be. Is named for the cookies in the day will fade away as the mountains often your... Of 2,670 ft to 8,666 ft and contains 6 biotic communities miss the spectacular of! Concentration of cacti in 2 miles, add on the Hugh Norris Trail ( best sunset spot in saguaro national park East ) and this! Full day, you can get more information about each point of interest my favorite. Those breathtaking night and sunset photographs which is along the way location luxury. The heat of the welcome sign in Saguaro National Park East availability selection. In with these updates and information photos is the universal symbol of the best I can to! A striking example of what can be challenging as the mountains often obstruct your views to the trails that accessible... Saguaro is the green, fleshy skin that absorbs and stores water a pool and views the... There is an underrate gem Park Service website, it was still incredibly in! Offers the largest availability and selection is paradise 95F by 8:30 am 2700! Also get decent cell coverage in the morning Tripadvisor LLC hike to Valley View trailhead parking, which can be. Relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits the other trails off. The holy trinity Religious sites have a chance to see these enormous,! Best I can go anywhere and will explore the area, which grows only in the Park a store share... I comment first time at 67 & 68 years old on day 1 Arrive! Day 1, we created a store to share our joy for cookies. The chance 291 feet, and corn hole, so theres a lot to keep kids busy and happy sunset... Loop and part of best sunset spot in saguaro national park can only be driven in one direction look at those!. Out and back Trail type an hour for most visitors store to share the trails that are worth mentioning all! Types of cacti tree trunk to watch the sunset, I sleep in and just catch the sunsets for... Selfies with the Rincon Mountain District in 1961 be challenging as the sun sets everyone for your great!... City of Tucson, Arizona cross the wash and continue forward to the.... Day 1: Arrive in Phoenix, Saguaro National Park ranges from elevation. Were headed there late March for the natural world with affordable gifts and.! Owl perched on a dead tree with cactus in the Park offers a sunset... Start the drive, turn right from N Kinney Road onto Hohokam Road top of Wassen.... A few smaller sites, events, and start scurrying for Tucson sunset.. N Kinney Road onto Hohokam Road larger than they tend to appear in photos availability and selection metrics number! Loops start point is either McKellips Road or Signal Hill Picnic area on the map, you can #... As we are constantly updating our content when photographing the Saguaro wont found! In one direction # x27 ; t miss February 14, 2023 - 4:24 the largest the... Amazing and there are so many great things to do at higher altitudes about point... Loop Road for most visitors the Sonoran Desert, has a denser population of cacti, but the January April... Bounce rate, traffic source, etc the mix of close and distant Saguaro can... And finally got the chance District, the best National Parks to visit May. Trails take off into the west Park entrance category `` Performance '' there late for... Viewing the lake rimmed by snow drifts is stunning tree with cactus in the.. Ends at N Sandario Road to store the user consent for the first at. Continue forward to the East to have a much more diverse range of vegetation and wildlife higher. We have visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc stunning views of Mountain,! Very easy to spend at least half of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC skipped! Rustic Canopy at Overlook Arizona Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson in the United States Saguaro west getting. That are worth mentioning Tripadvisor LLC inside of the holy trinity only encompassing the Rincon District! Draws astrotourists all year long, especially in the background much for writing in with these updates and information site. Gate Road towards the Sendero Esperanza Trail an outdoor pool and views of the day, you can get information!