Saguaro National Park Visitors Guide

Saguaro National Park

Welcome to the Saguaro National Park Visitors Guide.
Here you will find general visitors information on regulations about bringing dogs to the park, wheelchair access, entrance fees, visitor centers, and reservations.
You will also learn what outdoor activities are available such as hiking, biking, camping, and fishing.

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Saguaro National Park Visitors Guide
  • Accessibility
  • Basic Recommendations
  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Entrance Fees
  • Food and Supplies
  • Hiking
  • Horseback Riding
  • Lodging
  • Permits
  • Pet Information
  • Picnic Areas
  • Programs
  • Visitor Centers
  • Weather

  • 
    Accessibility
    

    Visitor centers, restrooms, picnic areas, and some trails and programs are fully accessible.


    
    Basic Recommendations
    

    I recommend that you plan your trip and the areas you would like to see and then go and relax and make a day of it. Go and see all that is in the area and enjoy it. You spend more quality time and learn and see more than you could ever imagine.

    Saguaro East encompasses an aging saguaro forest at the foot of the majestic Rincon Mountains, as well as an exceptional variety of other desert communities. Saguaro West embraces a variety of Sonora Desert life against the backdrop of the rugged Tucson Mountains.


    
    Biking
    

    A popular way to view native plants and animals while surrounded by the spectacular scenery of the Sonora Desert is to take a bike ride around the Cactus Forest Loop Drive.

    See the Hiking Page for more information.


    
    Camping
    

    There is no drive-in camping in the park. Backcountry camping is permitted in Saguaro East; a free permit is required and can be obtained at the visitor center.

    There are 6 backcountry campgrounds; Douglas Spring, Grass Shack, Happy Valley Saddle, Juniper Basin, Manning Camp and Spud Rock. The Tanque Verde Ridge and Douglas Spring Trails lead to the higher elevations of the Ricon Wilderness area.

    See the Camping Page for more information.


    
    Entrance Fees
    

    Rincon Mountain District - Entrance
    Individual Entry (Bike, Foot, Motocycle & Moped) $ 5.00 (Seven Day Pass)
    Private Non-commercial Vehicle $ 10.00 (Seven Day Pass)
    Annual Pass (good 1 year from date of purchase) $ 25.00
    National Park Pass (good 1 year from date of purchase) $ 50.00 (Valid in all Natl Parks)
    Gold Access Pass (Blind or permanently disabled) Free (Lifetime - valid in all natl parks)
    Golden Age Pass (1 time fee - for those 62+ years young) $ 10.00 (Lifetime - good in all natl parks)
    Golden Eagle Pass (good 1 year from date of purchase) $ 15.00 (good in all natl parks & fed fee areas)

    The west district has no entrance fee.


    
    Food and Supplies
    

    Food and supplies are available in Tucson.


    
    Hiking
    

    A hike in Saguaro National Park can be a stroll on a day trail or a long wilderness trek. Within a mile of the visitor center in Saguaro West, there are two nature trails, the Cactus Garden Trail and the Desert Discovery Nature Trail. There are approximately 128 miles of trails that wind through the desert and mountain country of Saguaro East.

    See the Hiking Page for more information.


    
    Horseback Riding
    

    Horses are prohibited from traveling off trail throughout the park.

    Horseback riders must access the Douglas Spring Trail via the Wildhorse Trailhead. It is located on Speedway Boulevard, .12 mile west of Douglas Spring Trailhead.

    Horseback riding is permitted on all trails except the Tanque Verde Ridge Trail, Miller Creek Trail, and Rincon Peak Trail.


    
    Lodging
    

    There is no lodging in the park. See the Lodging Page for more information.


    
    Permits
    

    Permits are needed for backcountry camping. See the Camping Page for more information.


    
    Pet Information
    

    Pets are allowed on paved roads only and must be leashed.


    
    Picnic Areas
    

    There are seven picnic areas in the east and west Saguaro National Park.

    See the Hiking Page for more information.


    
    Programs
    

    Numerous guided walks are offered at each visitor center. Published schedules of programs are available during the winter season. Special environmental education programs are frequently conducted for local school groups. Several Junior Ranger Programs are available.

    See the Calendar Page for more information.


    
    Visitor Center
    

    There are two visitor centers. See the Calendar Page for more information.


    
    Weather
    

    Winters are delightful with mild warm days 60° F to 70° F, and cool nights 40° F. Summers can be extremely hot with daytime temperatures of 100° F to 115° F in the shade, and evening lows in the 80's. Long hikes are not recommended in the summer. Even short hikes require lots of water, a hat and sun screen lotion.

    See the Weather Page for current conditions, forecasts and other weather data.


    
    

    Saguaro National Park Links
    Bullet Activities and Calendar
    Bullet Address & Phone
    Bullet Annuals Blooming Season
    Bullet Biking Guide
    Bullet Birds in Saguaro
    Bullet Brochures, Maps, Written Info
    Bullet Cacti Blooming Season
    Bullet Camping Guide
    Bullet Desert Life
    Bullet Educational Field Trips
    Bullet Establishment
    Bullet Fees
    Bullet Flower Blooming Guide
    Bullet Hiking Guide
    Bullet History
    Bullet Horseback Riding
    Bullet Jobs, SCA, Volunteer Positions
    Bullet Junior Ranger Programs
    Bullet Location
    Bullet Lodging Guide
    Bullet Map Guide
    Bullet Outreach Programs
    Bullet Park Information
    Bullet Pet Information
    Bullet Picnic Areas
    Bullet Safety Tips
    Bullet Saguaro Cactus
    Bullet Search
    Bullet Self Guided Field Trips
    Bullet Sights Guide
    Bullet Size and Visitation
    Bullet Travel Guide
    Bullet Tree Blooming Season
    Bullet Visitors Guide
    Bullet Weather

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    by John William Uhler

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