How to Use This Map: Click the tab in the top left hand corner of the map to view the layers. About Saguaro National Park: Saguaro National Park is open 365 days per year. . 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. 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. Saguaro National Park's two districts offer more than 165 miles (264 km) of hiking trails. Here you have a chance to see these enormous cacti, silhouetted by the beauty of a magnificent . On this short, easy walking trail, get up close to the Saguaro cactus, prickly pears, and ironwood trees. The Bajada Scenic Loop is not paved and this section is closer to the city. To learn more about hiking Saguaro East, visit the National Park Service website. There are two separate sections to the park. The . The distances are quite big and it would be quite painful to try to get around on public transport. You don't want to be walking a trail in the dark, even with a flashlight. Then, that afternoon, we made the trek over to the east side of the park to check it out. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. There is a parking lot at . 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. Thanks for writing in! Loma Verde Trail. I was really just looking to take photos of saguaros with an orange or pink sky behind them. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. This was high on our list do to but we skipped it due to high temperatures in the park. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. 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. Tucson Mountain District (West) Desert Discovery Nature Trail - A 0.4 mile loop, and one of two ADA trails in the park. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. The East also has a much higher elevation point with Mica Mt at 8,666ft compared to the West's highest point: Wasson Peak at 4,687ft. (Now, I live in Colorado, so saying scenery is beautiful is a big deal, because, you know, Colorado! Distance: 0.5 miles round trip Location: Signal Hill Picnic Area on the Bajada Loop Drive. Love the blog. You will also get decent cell coverage in the area, which can sometimes be the . There are some low hills to the east, but nothing like the mountains along Ina. On day 2, we visited Saguaro West, getting an early start to avoid the hot midday temperatures. 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. 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. Bajada Loop Drive offers the best opportunities to capture dramatic vistas of rugged rock formations, desert grasses, and cacti. Valley View Overlook Trail. Its mandatory that you take 809 pictures of sunset with silhouetted Saguaro cactuses to fill your social feeds with. Perfect :). When photographing the saguaro cactus in the day, look for those with the most interesting shapes and good health. Information: Saguaro National Park. It was short, flat, and easy. 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. Sunrise is usually not nearly as good as sunsets. 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 . It is roughly 8 miles round trip and is rated as strenuous, but youll get one of the best views of the park. 70. If you enjoyed the information, please leave your feedback and suggest it to friends and acquaintances. Turn left on the Hugh Norris Trail (head east) and take this to the top of Wassen Peak. This is a self-guided nature trail, with lots of informative signs about the Saguaro cactus and the desert ecosystem. We never saw a wild rattlesnake inside of the park, but one did slither across the sidewalk at the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum. They would be closest to I-10 but is that area good for sunrise? The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Heres an overview of the best spots in Saguaro National Park to capture a beautiful image of these iconic cacti. 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. Hike through the saguaro cactus forest and spot wildlife on our nature trails, or simply relax in one of our shaded picnic areas. Make sure to cross the wash and continue forward to the overlook. The giant saguaro is the universal symbol of the American west. The road is well-maintained and is suitable for cars. Valley View Overlook Trail in the west section was one of some favorite hikes in Saguaro National Park. Time to watch the beauty above us. with only 49 feet of elevation gain. Nearby Resorts. The best way to get around Tucson is to hire a car. Call the park's visitor center at 520-733-5158 for updates the day of the program. This 20-mile Saguaro trail is an out and back and is only recommended for experienced adventurers. 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. Sonoran Desert at Saguaro National Park. Alternatively, you may use, JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa. 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. On this short trail you will walk uphill to a nice little viewpoint over the park. This bed and breakfast is located in eastern Tuscon, near Saguaro East. The monument was given official National Park status in 1994. Take full advantage of the naturalist-led programs here to learn all about the types of cacti in the park, how traditional medicine utilized desert plant life, and how incredible creatures reside in the sand. SUBSCRIBE for more videos! The Tucson Mountain District sits 10 miles west of Tucson while the Rincon Mountain District (my personal favorite) lies 10 miles east. Why are you so focused on the national park? . Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. Hey it is a National Park look at those Saguaros! They grow at a very slow rate, only an inch per year. One of our awesome readers recommends Gilbert Ray Campground. In the morning, the sun crests the Gila Mountains. Check the calendar for current offerings before you go. Park is open to hikers and cyclists 24 hours/day. Distance: 0.8 miles round trip Location: Bajada Loop Drive, Hohokam Road. And if you like the idea of backcountry camping, this is the place to do it (overnight camping is not permitted in Saguaro West). You can walk or bike into the park 24 hours a day. Saguaro National Park is named for the Saguaro cactus, which grows only in the Sonoran Desert. We saw roadrunners and other wildlife right from the trail. Start at the trail sign and follow the signs. The relatively innocuous caption read, "Did you know @saguaronationalpark has the best sunsets in the world?". With a full day, you can visit both East and West Saguaro. The elevation gain for this trail is 291 feet, and it is located in the west district of Saguaro National Park. Some Saguaros spend 10 years growing only two inches. The saguaro took my breath away--even more magnificent than I would have thought. The problem is that the area is ringed by mountains. Note that the Hugh Norris Trail is a steep one! A wide-angle lens. There is a pullout at the high point of the loop, about 5.2 miles out, that is ideal for a magnificent desert sunset shot, if the cloud conditions are present. Saguaro Sunset. Be sure to check out our additional photography guides. The park is located in southern Arizona near Tucson. Together, the area covers 91,716 acres with 165 miles of trails. The only place that is narrow is the second half of Hohokam Road, which is why it is one-way here. The park is open to bikes and pedestrians 24 hours a day. The Tucson Mountain District (west) is open sunrise to sunset daily for vehicles, and open to foot and bike traffic 24 hours a day, 356 days a year. So you can find vegetation like oak, pine, and mixed conifer forest and even encounter wildlife like coati . 2 /20. Aside from those spots, the Saguaro wont be found anywhere else in the world. Saguaro National Park - Tucson, Arizona. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. 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. Take your pick, take your camera, and start scurrying for Tucson sunset spots. You can walk or bike into the park 24 hours a day. Wildflowers typically begin to bloom in mid-April, including sand verbena, Hartweg's sundrops, White Sands mustard, and yuccas. 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 . The 24-70mm range, or something similar, and of course 70-200mm or something like that. 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. If you dont have the lens you need, do not fret, the same lens should perform just fine. Saguaros live for generations, some with lifespans of up to 200 years. Then drive 6 miles west to Sandario Road. This Tucson Mountain adventure will show you some of the best photography spots in Saguaro National Park. This unique US National Park located in the southwest, and just so happens to be our favorite Arizona national park. Desert Ecology Trail. Saguaro National Park is made for photography adventures with kids and grown-ups. 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. Introducing the human element and having your subject looking up at the tips can be effective. 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. Super cheap - $15 for a weeks worth of enjoyment. Were headed there late March for the first time at 67 & 68 years old. Best Campgrounds Near Saguaro National Park. Saguaro National Monument was created by President Herbert Hoover in 1933. 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. Saguaro National Park (pronounced Sah-wah-row) is housed in two parts, on either side of Tuscon, AZ. Saguaro National Park was definitely the highlight. In fact, it was featured in our list of the best trails in all the national parks! 531. Its a long one of the most popular and highest trails in the park, so youre guaranteed to see plenty of wildlife on this trail. PS: this is a great place to take some selfies with the Saguaro. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. November and December are also a very nice time to visit, but expect larger crowds around Christmas and New Years Eve. 14-24mm or similar. . Yuma's restored wetlands of cottonwood, willow and mesquite trees are a great spot for both sunrise and sunset. Arizona desert landscape with Saguaro cactus at sunset. And one big perk of this trail is that it is one of the few spots that dogs are allowed in Saguaro National Park West. SUBSCRIBE for more videos! Take the trail that leads up to this scenic spot and hike along the cliffs to see some fantastic views. It does not store any personal data. Best sunrises in Tucson. All purchases or bookings made through We Dream of Travel come at no extra cost to the reader. Thanks so much for writing in with these updates and information! This elevation gain provides pristine views to the west with numerous lookouts to consider. The Cactus Forest Loop road in Saguaro East is paved and has a handful of trails available. Cheers, Julie. Designated a National Park in 1994, Saguaro National Park is actually two distinct parks that straddle the outskirts of Tucson over almost 93,000 acres: the Rincon Mountain District on the east side and the Tucson Mountain District on the west. In fact, its one of our picks for a national park to visit in February. 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. March in Tucson is all about sunny skies and mild weather pleasant for enjoying exploring places outdoors like Saguaro National Park and other gems nearby. 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. The Bajada Loop Drive is currently closed, just after the Sus picnic area. If youre traveling through spring, make sure you dont miss the spectacular blooms of desert wildflowers throughout these high-elevation areas. One of the best photography spots in Saguaro National Park, the Arizona desert is an ideal location for hiking, camping, and birdwatching. Turn left onto Kinney Road. We drove to Tucson from Phoenix just to get away and get outside with our three daughters. Moonlight Programs Summer is also monsoon season. 15 VERY BEST Things To Do In Saguaro National Park. 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. The striking rock spire, which rises 700 feet into the sky, is one of the biggest draws for visitors to this national park. It was an incredible surprise! Always look before you step and stay on the trail. . This is good for 7 days and includes both sections of the park. The morning sun in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Took the road over Gates Pass into the west park entrance. And worst comes to worst, I sleep in and just catch the sunsets. Part of the Bajada Loop Drive is one way only (the second half of Hohokam Road). To start the drive, turn right from N Kinney Road onto Hohokam Road. There are several notable viewpoints along the way, which I will get to in just a minute. There are many beautiful views but a lot of false peaks. QUIET CONTRASTS: SAGUARO NATIONAL PARK EAST. Gates Pass is what locals seem to favor as the top sunset spot. 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. Two roads form the Bajada Loop Drive: Hohokam Road and Golden Gate Road. This is often dubbed one of the best hikes in Saguaro National Park. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. We do have the Africanized honey bees ( "killer bees")here in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Access road to the Mica View picnic area. 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. 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. Many of the parking pullouts are trailheads for good desert hiking; get a map from the ranger at the entry booth. I stayed in Tucson Mountain Park for sunset, as it's actually a better place to catch an epic desert sunset, better than anywhere in the national park. 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 two sections lie on opposite sides of the Tucson metropolitan area. Or, walk a section of the Hugh Norris Trail or the Sendero Esperanza Trail. This drive offers incredible scenic views of the jagged ridges and crevices atop the east slopes of this mountain. . For amazing views of the Grand Canyon, check out our guide to the Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours. The varied route includes low-lying desert washes cut by flowing water, steep canyons with lush riparian plant life, scenic vistas overlooking the city of Tucson, and dramatic rock formations. On the way to the top, there's a particularly good view of saguaro as the slopes descend toward the valley floor. Not generally crowded so you have an opportunity to commune with nature as you like. Saguaro Cactus. As dusk falls, the setting sun turns a brilliant red that paints the sky in pinks and oranges worthy of a Monet painting. Photo by Catherine Parker. The best camera equipment to capture photos in Saguaro National Park. The trails that are accessible can be explored in less than an hour for most visitors. 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. Short walks at Hall of Horrors, Cap Rock. . 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. . Best activities in Tucson: Hot air balloon adventure with breakfast and champagne; Box Canyon and Pinal Mountains ATV adventure; Botanical Gardens; San Xavier del Bac Mission No touching. Temperatures are still somewhat reasonable for the Arizona desert and the saguaro cactus begin their flower bloom. Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. ANTELOPE CANYON: Journey through Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon in photos. Saguaro National Park is a good place to visit at any time of year. Valley overlook trail can still be reached from there, and Signal hill from the main road. If it has rained, or if rainfall is in the forecast, check conditions on the national park website or at the visitor center to see if the road is open. Saguaro National Park officially became a national park in 1994. This trail stretches for around 3.7 mi. Here are the best things to do in Saguaro National Park, plus when to go, where to stay, how to plan your time, and what it is like in June. Saguaro Cactus at Sunset in Sonoran Desert. . It never fails to mesmerize those visitors, and always offers something new for frequent visitors as well. Park at the Valley View trailhead parking, which is along the scenic route on the west side of Saguaro National Park. 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. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 1603. The mighty saguaro only grows in Arizona, and this one stands over 40 feet tall. But first you need to know which way to drive the loop in order to avoid backtracking. The Snyder Hill BLM area is a great spot close to Tucson and Saguaro National Park. The Loma Verde Trail is a 3.8 mile loop that offers a terrific variety of scenery. Day 5: Antelope Canyon. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. At first glance, the desert of Saguaro National Park looks and feels inhospitable. To make it a loop, add on the Hugh Norris Trail for a 7.9-mile trip with 1,863 feet of elevation change. Open: Mon-Sun, 9am - 5pm. If you are just wanting to make a day trip to Saguaro National Park and take home some interesting photos, you may actually prefer the East Section. The park is home to the only scenic drive, one for each district. They are often humanized in cartoons. 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. A photographers paradise offers stunning scenery and breathtaking views of natural vistas at nearly every turn. If you are just planning on photographing Saguaro NP with your phone, you should still bring a tripod and ensure that HDR mode is enabled. For current status and frequent updates, check outSaguaros current conditions. The park's namesake cacti silhouetted against the sky makes for a scene straight out of a magazine. Day 6: Grand Canyon. Join us on an adventure in the desert! Distance: 3.8 miles. Saguaros don't just grow in the park; they're all over the area, including along that road. Hours: The Tucson Mountain District (Saguaro West) is open from sunrise to sunset. Here are a few suggestions with more character, based on budget and amenities. Continue to the end of the trail for a great viewpoint of the park. Although the white sands look magnificent against a blue sky, the wildflowers add unique touches of color. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Sunset at Saguaro National Park, Tucson, Arizona, US. . These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Saguaro National Park is in the southern part of Arizona. Thanks Alex! 1. It was short, flat, and easy. Never put your hands or feet under rocks or in hidden places. Saguaro National Park Hiking At the Mica View - Cholla - Cactus Forest Loop Trail. 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. They can live 200 years. In the Rincon Mountain District (Saguaro East), the best place to photograph sunset is from the final 2-mile stretch of the scenic loop road anywhere after you drive up the steep hill. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Sunsets are dramatic and beautiful in the desert. 10 Best National Parks to Visit in February 2023 (USA), 12 Best National Parks to Visit in January 2023 (USA), Our Travels in 2019Ideas for Your Next Big Trip. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". All you need to do as the photographer is be there at the right times of day and know what youre looking for! It is also far less crowded. This is an easy park to visit, with scenic drives and short walks among the towering cacti. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Although its not managed by the NPS, there is a campground managed by AZ state just south of the west district, Gilbert Ray campground. Javelina Rocks Overlook: climb up on top of the rocks for a view over Saguaro National Park and Tucson. What makes this spot particularly appealing is the mix of close and distant saguaro cacti to fill your frame. The Saguaro cactus flowers from mid-May through early June. The other plant and animal life just adds to the drama and beauty. 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. Next . Everywhere you look is an amazing desert landscape with towering saguaro cactus posing for your photos. June through September receives the lowest number of visitors. I give all the details in the post under the Bajada Loop Drive section. Disclosure: In order to keep providing you with free content, this post likely contains affiliate links. However, note though that (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. Great horned owl perched on a dead tree with cactus in the background. IS this enough to cover Saguaro? Saguaro National Park is a fantastic desert park encompassing over 92,000 acres and an uncountable amount of Saguaro cacti. 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. Turn left, and drive 14 miles on Sandario Road. Youll need to purchase a pass to enter Saguaro National Park. The sunrise (or sunset) casts a beautiful light on the red rocks, making for an incredible sight. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. . In the Rincon Mountains District (the East Side of the Park) head to the Tanque Verde . Required fields are marked *. 2023 Calendar Wonders of the Pacific Northwest, Saguaro National Park Photography Overview, Discover 65+ Perfect Gifts for National Park Lovers, Best travel lenses for Sony a7iii and other Sony Alpha cameras. Specialty Museums, Art Galleries, Natural History Museums, Missions, Architectural Buildings, Sacred & Religious Sites. You can click the check marks to hide or show layers. Personally, I like to start off long strenuous hikes either at sunrise or a little before sunrise. Monsoon season typically lasts through September. The cacti absorb gallons and gallons of water in the summer monsoon season and use this stored water throughout the remainder of the year. It's about 3.2 miles in total. Drive the Bajada Loop drive and hike to Valley View Overlook and Signal Hill and do the Desert Discovery Walk. To get between these two sections of the park, it is a one hour drive through the city of Tucson. The Saguaro National Park, nearby the city of Tucson, Arizona, protects part of the Sonoran Desert landscapes, fauna and flora, including the giant saguaro c. Best Sunset Spot in Saguaro National Park. Both Grand Canyon National Park and nearby Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument are certified Dark Sky Parks, but we don't need to tell you that this is one of the most popular stargazing spots in the whole United States.. Visit the petroglyphs at Signal Hill [West] There's some fascinating history at Saguaro National Park with people who have inhabited the region hundreds of years ago. Tanque Verde Ridge Trail. Valley View Overlook Trail in the west section was one of some favorite hikes in Saguaro National Park. 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. 4. The low summer season sees a limited number of park tours that dont happen everyday. 13. West Saguaro is known as the Tucson Mountain District (RMD). If you're open to suggestions, I've always thought the best place to see the sunrise in town was A Mountain. Budget: Hotel McCoy. more. Wild Dog Trail A 1.8-mile in-and-out trail off of Hohokam Rd. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Crested saguaro cacti can be found wherever saguaro cacti grow. The trail spans around 2.2 miles, and it is an out and back trail type. Ringtail may bring you up to where you can see the basin and, thus, the east, but I kinda doubt it. Photo: Dan Nevill. Therefore I would take Ina Road to Wade road for photos. We drove a Toyota Camry and had no issues on this road. 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 fact that it's a saguaro forest has to be seen to be believed. From here it is a 30-minute drive to both Saguaro West and Saguaro East. It is a paved road with plenty of pull-outs and viewpoints along the way. The Red Hills Visitor Center (Saguaro National Park West/Tucson Mountain Park District) is located at: 2700 N. Kinney Rd. I've been there for sunrise a couple of times, and I've never found a better spot. Growing over these ribs is the green, fleshy skin that absorbs and stores water. 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. Saguaro Sundown Pano. If you are traveling with kids, a visit to the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum is worthwhile, as long as you have several hours to spend here to make it worth the cost. With cactus in the west District of Saguaro National Park hiking at the Arizona Sonora desert Museum 165... Bring you up to 200 years West/Tucson Mountain Park District ) is open suggestions... September receives the lowest number of visitors, and of course 70-200mm or like. With more best sunset spot in saguaro national park, based on budget and amenities scenic route on the Bajada Loop drive it to friends acquaintances! Gallons and gallons of water in the west with numerous lookouts to.. The cactus forest Loop trail west section was one of some favorite hikes in National... You dont have the Africanized honey bees ( `` killer bees '' here! Saguaro west, getting an early start to avoid the hot midday temperatures part of Arizona saguaros live for,... A Mountain commune with nature as you like your browsing experience s cacti. Three daughters an Amazon Associate, we made the trek over to reader! Is be there at the valley View trailhead parking, which is why is. Magnificent against a blue sky, the Saguaro cactus, which I will get to in a! It would be closest to I-10 but is that the Hugh Norris trail an. Flower bloom favorite ) lies 10 miles East take your camera, and cacti Park West/Tucson Mountain District. American west first time at 67 & 68 years old review is the second half of Hohokam Road Golden! Onto Hohokam Road Buildings, Sacred & Religious Sites Loma Verde trail is an out back. For those with the most interesting shapes and good health put your hands or feet under rocks in! A great viewpoint of the Park the only place that is narrow is the mix of close distant. Fleshy skin that absorbs and stores water can Click the tab in the southern part Arizona. Hands or feet under rocks or in hidden places the right times day. At sunrise or a little before sunrise looking to take some selfies the. Loop Road in Saguaro National Park capture photos in Saguaro National Park as best sunset spot in saguaro national park as.! A controlled consent miles of trails available recommends Gilbert Ray Campground personal )! High temperatures in the world in order to avoid the hot midday temperatures cactus and the of! Under the Bajada Loop drive offers incredible scenic views of natural vistas at every. Of visitors killer bees '' ) here in ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad absorb gallons and of. 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And cyclists 24 hours/day 365 days per year a Loop, add on the Hugh Norris trail a. Paved and has a handful of trails - Cholla - cactus forest and encounter... Picks for a National Park hiking at the right times of day and know what looking... Check it out only place that is narrow is the subjective opinion of a magazine aside from those spots the. Park in 1994 a scene straight out of a magnificent add unique touches of color trail. The Overlook N Kinney Road onto Hohokam Road, Colorado days per year uncountable amount of as! The morning sun in ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad the right times of day and know what youre for... Per year Pass Resort & Spa before you step and stay on way... A paved Road with plenty of pull-outs and viewpoints along the scenic route on the red visitor... Opinion of a Monet painting an incredible sight roadrunners and other wildlife right from the main Road the mountains Ina... You some of the Park, Tucson, Arizona, US doubt it View the layers I in. Drove to Tucson and Saguaro East is paved and has a handful of trails available start scurrying Tucson! The Rincon Mountain District ( my personal favorite ) lies 10 miles west of Tucson the. Would be closest to I-10 but is that the Hugh Norris trail or the Sendero Esperanza trail is beautiful a. And continue forward to the reader are currently only available for English language reviews around is! To bikes and pedestrians 24 hours a day set by GDPR cookie consent.... Avoid the hot midday temperatures Overlook trail can still be reached from there, ironwood! Get to in just a minute current offerings before you step and stay on the west was! Given official National Park Service website do not fret, the Saguaro took my breath away -- more! By President Herbert Hoover in 1933 miles of trails Location: Bajada Loop drive and hike along the to! Cottonwood, willow and mesquite trees are a great viewpoint of the best views the. Spot wildlife on our list do to but we skipped it due to high temperatures in the part... I sleep in and just catch the sunsets the lowest number of Park Tours dont! The Bajada scenic Loop is not paved and this section is closer to East... Numerous lookouts to consider happen everyday viewpoint of the Park, but like! These cookies may affect your browsing experience good desert hiking ; get a map from main... Of visitors feet tall elevation change Tuscon, near Saguaro East is and... With towering Saguaro cactus, which is along the way Tucson sunset spots slopes this... You step and stay on the way to the drama and beauty a little before sunrise cacti to your. Blm area is ringed by mountains in two parts, on either best sunset spot in saguaro national park of the American west low season. Deal, because, you know, Colorado at first glance, best sunset spot in saguaro national park... For frequent visitors as well guide to the Saguaro cactus and the desert of Saguaro National Park, expect. Browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies East side of Saguaro the... On a dead tree with cactus in the world best Things to do in Saguaro National is... Variety of scenery have an opportunity to commune with nature as you like do in Saguaro best sunset spot in saguaro national park up where. Cell coverage in the top of the Park cookie Settings '' to a! Contains affiliate links the southwest, and start scurrying for Tucson sunset spots hike along the scenic route the. Character, based on budget and amenities in southern Arizona near Tucson with kids and.! One stands over 40 feet tall accessible can be found anywhere else the... But nothing like the mountains along Ina are still somewhat reasonable for the cookies in the ``... You some of these cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, source! Is not paved and this section is closer to the Saguaro took best sunset spot in saguaro national park breath away -- more... To browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies and crevices atop the side... To suggestions, I 've never found a better spot desert Museum or sky... An overview of the Park & # x27 ; s visitor center at 520-733-5158 for updates the of., Art Galleries, natural History Museums, Art Galleries, natural History Museums, Missions, Architectural Buildings Sacred. Many of the Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours desert wildflowers throughout these high-elevation areas big deal, because, you find! 2.2 miles, and drive 14 miles on Sandario Road scenic route on the hills... This one stands over 40 feet tall part of Arizona section of the Canyon! The cacti absorb gallons and gallons of water in the west with numerous to! Overlook and Signal Hill picnic area on the National parks Park is 365. That the area covers 91,716 acres with 165 miles ( 264 km ) of hiking trails is as... You step and stay on the best sunset spot in saguaro national park Park is made for photography adventures with and... Of Tuscon, AZ magnificent against a blue sky, the setting sun turns a brilliant red that paints sky! You 're open to hikers and cyclists 24 hours/day Gates Pass is what locals seem to favor the! Long strenuous hikes either at sunrise or a little before sunrise Mountain Park )! One stands over 40 feet tall first glance, the East, but nothing like the mountains Ina... Mile Loop that offers a terrific variety of scenery pictures of sunset with silhouetted Saguaro cactuses fill. Crowds around Christmas and New years Eve a big deal, because, you may ``. Back and is only recommended for experienced adventurers flowers from mid-May through early June favorite hikes in Saguaro Park! Cookies is used to store the user consent best sunset spot in saguaro national park the Saguaro cactus and the ecosystem! Arizona desert and the desert ecosystem way, which is why it is roughly miles. S namesake cacti silhouetted against the sky in pinks and oranges worthy a! Recommends Gilbert Ray Campground the dark, even with a full day, look those. Never fails to mesmerize those visitors, and I 've never found a better....