This was one of our favorite walks in the park since we walked through one of the densest populations of cacti. Drive to Key's Viewpoint overlook. I preferred the Rincon Mt. (c) Seeker.io. Also don't forget to catch the sunrise (or sunset) at Delicate Arch. The Bajada Scenic Loop is not paved and this section is closer to the city. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Saguaro National Park is split into two divisions (east and west) which border the city of Tucson, Arizona. This is a self-guided nature trail, with lots of informative signs about the Saguaro cactus and the desert ecosystem. The accommodations are exquisite as well. SEE THE LAKE SURROUNDED BY SNOW - Crater Lake is situated at 7,000 ft, so spring can still be very snowy. Mini Adventures. But first you need to know which way to drive the loop in order to avoid backtracking. I just looked on Google Maps and I do see E. Park Link Drive north of Marara and I see how it goes east from the highway. His photos have won awards fromNatures . Required fields are marked *. This hotel has a handy location just off of Route 10. But we also checked out a few smaller sites, events, and hikes in the park that are worth mentioning. More than 800 miles of trails wind through cactus gardens and forests of saguaros, cholla, and prickly pear, as well as other desert plants. It is a whimsical location, and the hike is around 5.6 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 1200 ft. Check out StreetView of the road to see what you think. The first morning I will be driving in to the west side from Wade Road and I see there are several trails in that section of the park (Ringtail, Ironwood, Panther Peak Wash), but I don't know if they are good for sunrise. Pay particular attention as you are going up to black rocks on top of the hill on your left (west?). Turn left, and drive 14 miles on Sandario Road. 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. I mean, you could get up to Wasson Peak and get a gorgeous sunrise (and sunset from points along the way), but it's at least 3 miles one-way. We Dream of Travel is also a participant with the Booking.com and Get Your Guide affiliate programs. Located both to the east and west of Tucson, Saguaro National Park is an iconic experience in the American Southwest. . Its two sections lie on opposite sides of the Tucson metropolitan area. Palm Creek Golf & RV Resort; 8. Due to my toddler's nap schedule and the driving distance, we had to make a calculated effort to arrive there before sunset. But for sunset, I can go anywhere and will explore the area. EXPLORE WITHOUT CARS - Spring is an excellent time of year to visit Crater Lake if you want no crowds or traffic. Valley View Overlook overlaps a few other trails. The slow-growing saguaro cacti rise an inch or two each year before reaching a mature height of 40 to 50 feet. The property has a pool and offers beer, wine, and coffee which are all produced in Arizona. Were headed there late March for the first time at 67 & 68 years old. Is that a decent time to go? . Growing over these ribs is the green, fleshy skin that absorbs and stores water. This is an incredible time to be in the park as it adds a beautiful floral arrangement to your photos and also attracts birds and wildlife. This 20-mile Saguaro trail is an out and back and is only recommended for experienced adventurers. For amazing views of the Grand Canyon, check out our guide to the Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours. If you visit in the summer months, be prepared for temperatures reaching above 110 and be prepared with proper sun protection and plenty of water. Arizona desert landscape with Saguaro cactus at sunset. If you have never been to the park, you may want to begin by perusing our Ultimate Guide to Saguaro National Park which features all of the need-to-know information for visiting. April, however, sees relatively moderate temperatures and while the crowds have died down, the Saguaro cactuses begin to bloom. The problem is that the area is ringed by mountains. Make sure to cross the wash and continue forward to the overlook. 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. 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. Thanks so much! Took the road over Gates Pass into the west park entrance. 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. 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. Arches National Park. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Love the blog. This area is located closer to the city, so it's easier to access. IMPORTANT! Ringtail may bring you up to where you can see the basin and, thus, the east, but I kinda doubt it. 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. Saguaro National Parkis under limited operations due to COVID-19. From the scenic Tumacacori National Historical Park to informative museums like Casa Grande Ruins National Monument and Sonoran Desert Museum, there are plenty of opportunities to learn about this areas rich history. JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort and Spa. Take I-10E to Avra Valley Road, exit 242. This is an easy park to visit, with scenic drives and short walks among the towering cacti. A photographers paradise offers stunning scenery and breathtaking views of natural vistas at nearly every turn. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. Take your pick, take your camera, and start scurrying for Tucson sunset spots. The Rincon Mountain District (Saguaro East) opens at 6 am and closes at sunset. Distance:0.5 miles Location: N Kinney Road. The gates are closed that early, but you can still park on the road more toward the base and just walk up. The eastern section, also called the Rincon Mountain District, has a lower concentration of cacti. Monsoon season typically lasts through September. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. One of our awesome readers recommends Gilbert Ray Campground. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. The mighty saguaro only grows in Arizona, and this one stands over 40 feet tall. The Hazboy chillin' with the cactus at Saguaro National Park (the evening version) Old Tucson at Sunset. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. Valley View Overlook Trail in the west section was one of some favorite hikes in Saguaro National Park. Saguaro is a fantastic place to wander dry washes and winding trails, smelling the sweet scented air and stopping to admire cacti and scurrying wildlife. Best Time to Visit Saguaro National Park. and makes them easier to spot. Bajada Loop Drive. 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. A swimming pool with a slide and a putting green are here for your enjoyment but the real attraction are the mini donkeys, goats and rescue horses you get to hang out with. READ MORE: Best travel lenses for Sony a7iii and other Sony Alpha cameras. 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. A 10 year old plant may only be 2 inches tall. In fact, the entire East section is tucked so tightly into the Rincon Mountains that you will not even see the sun until an hour or so after it has risen. Join us on an adventure in the desert! Nearby Resorts. There are two separate sections to the park. Peak season for the park is January through March, when temperatures are pleasant (with high temperatures in the 60s) and rainfall is low. From Phoenix, your trip will cover about 100 miles and should take around an hour and a half, depending on traffic. :). Although its not managed by the NPS, there is a campground managed by AZ state just south of the west district, Gilbert Ray campground. If you do get close enough to be in danger, they do this amazing thing.they typically warn you with a rattle which means back off!. It does look cooland makes them easier to spot. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. However, if you have the time, its still worth the visit. From sunrise to sunset, this tour will take you to areas away from the crowds, giving you a chance to capture iconic images of these cacti. 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. Make it a point to stop at each and every kiosk or pullout, for there will not only be information but also a fantastic vista awaiting you. Additionally, try to find ways to capture the scale of these giant monsters. LOVE the cactus!! Saguaro Cactus at Sunset in Sonoran Desert. There are many types of cacti, but the saguaro is the largest in the United States. 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. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, etc. Sunset photography in Saguaro National Park is much easier than sunrise. The Red Hills Visitor Center (Saguaro National Park West/Tucson Mountain Park District) is located at: 2700 N. Kinney Rd. 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. 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. Temperatures are still somewhat reasonable for the Arizona desert and the saguaro cactus begin their flower bloom. Hours: Vehicles, Saguaro East-5:00 am to 8:00 pm in summer, 5:00 am to 6:00 pm in winter; Saguaro West-sunrise to sunset, year-round. Or, walk a section of the Hugh Norris Trail or the Sendero Esperanza Trail. From Cortaro Road, it's a short and scenic jog over the . Your email address will not be published. Saguaro National Park (pronounced Sah-wah-row) is housed in two parts, on either side of Tuscon, AZ. Day 1: Arrive in Phoenix, Saguaro National Park. Keep checking for updates as we are constantly updating our content. The trails that are accessible can be explored in less than an hour for most visitors. For a city-facing sunset, you would probably have to drive up the Catalina Highway to Windy Point, which has a great western-facing view and is at least 5000'. We explore Saguaro National Park, both the east and west sections of the park. I've been there for sunrise a couple of times, and I've never found a better spot. Really appreciate your informative descriptions. 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