Saguaro National Park Expedition a Western Gem
Tucson, the second largest city in Arizona, is a perfect place to visit if you like the Great Outdoors but are not all that interested in playing in the snow. For six months out of the year, when the temperatures are mild, visitors who love to hike, sightsee, or even ride in hot air balloons travel to Tucson to have a ball.
Also found there is Saguaro National Park, which is one of the truly glorious sites to be seen in the western half of the United States. Home of the nation’s largest cacti, Saguaro, this Tucson park offers one and all a view of these majestic plants that have come to be known as the universal symbol of the American West. In fact, the Saguaro can only be found in a small portion of this country and this National Park is their protector.
Saguaro is Split into Two Districts
When it comes to hiking and exploration, the Rincon Mountain District rises to over 8,000 feet and includes over 128 miles of trails offering glorious views of those beloved desert sunrises. The Mountain District (Saguaro West) is lower in elevation due to the denser Saguaro forest. And when it comes to wintertime, the hotels and resorts of Tucson welcome a great many because of the wonderful temperatures that are definitely not felt in the dead heat of summer. Spending time at the two visitor’s centers are also a great deal of fun. When visiting Saguaro.
West (which is open all year from 9:00 am to 5:00 every day) not only is the center attractive, but the views of the mountains and Saguaros that can be seen right from the back porch are beyond spectacular. Inside, visitors have access to cultural and natural history exhibits of the Sonoran Desert, as well as a 15-minute program entitled “Voices of the Desert.” In addition, there is a great bookstore run by the Western National Parks Association where you can attain some of the most incredible literature pertaining to the area. When wishing to take a guided tour, ranger programs are held during the winter months (November to mid-April) and offered daily. You simply call the Visitor Center and ask what is available for you and your family to enjoy.
Saquaro’s Visitor Centers are a Great Deal of Fun
Spending time at the two visitor’s centers are also a great deal of fun. When visiting Saguaro West (which is open all year from 9:00 am to 5:00 every day) not only is the center attractive, but the views of the mountains and Saguaros that can be seen right from the back porch are beyond spectacular. Inside, visitors have access to cultural and natural history exhibits of the Sonoran Desert, as well as a 15-minute program entitled “Voices of the Desert.” In addition, there is a great bookstore run by the Western National Parks Association where you can attain some of the most incredible literature pertaining to the area. When wishing to take a guided tour, ranger programs are held during the winter months (November to mid-April) and offered daily. You simply call the Visitor Center and ask what is available for you and your family to enjoy.
Rincon Mountain District
When it comes to Saguaro East (AKA: the Rincon Mountain District), the Center is also open all year, but is incredibly rustic and perfectly ‘fits in’ with the surroundings. Here,
there is a very well-done exhibit located just outside that visitors highly recommend. Walking past major plant-life that lives in the Sonoran Desert, you come away with a very educational and eye-catching experience. The 15-minute program shown throughout the day focuses on the Native American viewpoint of the area, as well as delves into their incredible culture. There is even a bookstore here to find treasures to take home.
When jumping into the car, excited about taking a drive around the area, there are none better than the Saguaro National Park Scenic Drives open from 7 a.m. to sunset. In the
east, you will enjoy a paved, eight-mile, one-way loop that runs through the heart of an extensive Saguaro forest and offers a leisurely look at a wide variety of Sonoran Desert life.
Mountain District Saguaro West
The western half has the Bajada Loop Drive. A graded dirt road suitable for low clearance vehicles, you can begin the six-mile trek 1.5 miles northwest of the Visitor’s Center West. The Hohokam Road is a two-way strip until you get to the Sus Picnic Area, turning to one-way until you get to the Golden Gate Road. Featuring beautiful wild flowers, you can park the car and take on the trails that are good for all skill levels. Primarily used for hiking, walking, and road biking, it is accessible year-round and something you simply shouldn’t miss. You will set eyes upon the Signal Hill Petroglyphs and its stunning rock art, as you snap as many pictures as possible.
Therefore, if you’re not the ‘snow bunny’ that others are, Saguaro National Park is a great place to visit in order to enjoy mild temperatures, culture, art, and the all-round beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Learn about the park, see great galleries of pictures, and plan your trip at https://www.nps.gov/sagu today.
Sun Protection in the Desert
Have the right outdoor apparel when hiking in Saquaro National Park is important. Our Graphic Hoodies have a built in Facemask as well as being a UPF-50 for sun protection and moisture wicking. For winter and Spring hike you ought to consider our Hydrophobic 1/4 zip hoodie. View the whole line of outdoor apparel.
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