The most eye-catching sight when driving south and west from Tucson is the forest of giant saguaros covering the hillsides. This impressive cactus is the largest on the continent, and it's even more awesome when seen up close on a desert walk.
One of the top Tucson tourist attractions is Saguaro National Park. It consists of two districts, Saguaro National Park East and Saguaro National Park West, on either side of the city. Here, hundreds of giant saguaros tower above more than 91,000 acres of pristine desert, criss-crossed by hiking trails and scenic drives.
Though the parks have similar desert plants, wildlife, picnic areas and visitor centers, each has a unique landscape and feel. In the western district, stop by the Red Hills Visitor Center to learn about the desert environment and find out what to see.
Saguaro National Park West
The western branch of Saguaro National Park is also called the Tucson Mountain District. Wasson Peak, the highest point in these mountains, rises to 4,687 feet and is the terminus for several park trails.
The park's dense groves of saguaros covering steep hillsides are a remarkable sight. Many of the cactuses here are over 30 feet tall, and many surpass 40 feet in height. The hills give the park a remote atmosphere, even in popular areas.
Another exciting feature of Saguaro National Park West is the many ancient petroglyphs, carved into the rocks by Native Americans over 800 years ago. They can be seen on Signal Hill.
The park has four picnic areas with tables, grills, shaded ramadas and pit toilets. There is no running water, however. Camping is not allowed, but there are campsites in the adjoining Tucson Mountain County Park off Kinney Road.
Scenic Drives in Saguaro National Park West
Bajada Loop Drive is the main scenic drive in Saguaro National Park West. This 5-mile loop begins a short way beyond the visitor center and leads to hiking trails, picnic areas and pullouts where you can stop and admire the scenery.
The drive is an unpaved but graded dirt road, with both one-way and two-way stretches. A high-clearance vehicle is not necessary, but drivers should take it slow to avoid creating dust clouds or throwing up paint-chipping gravel. Dirt roads can become muddy during the rainy summer season, and drivers should watch for signs warning of flooded areas.
Kinney Road, Golden Gate Road, and Picture Rocks Road are paved roads through various sections of the park.
Hiking Trails in Saguaro National Park West
With 43 miles of hiking trails, the park has something for everyone from easy nature walks to challenging climbs. Hiking trails in Saguaro National Park West include:
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Just outside the boundary of Saguaro National Park West is the wonderful Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. There's no better place to see a range of desert dwelling animals, birds and reptiles up close, and to stroll among beautiful cactus and wildflower gardens while learning about the desert environment.
Highlights include the raptor free-flight shows in cooler months, the hummingbird aviary, and watching the prairie dogs and river otters at play.
Also nearby is Old Tucson Studios, a top attractions for families.
One of the top Tucson tourist attractions is Saguaro National Park. It consists of two districts, Saguaro National Park East and Saguaro National Park West, on either side of the city. Here, hundreds of giant saguaros tower above more than 91,000 acres of pristine desert, criss-crossed by hiking trails and scenic drives.
Though the parks have similar desert plants, wildlife, picnic areas and visitor centers, each has a unique landscape and feel. In the western district, stop by the Red Hills Visitor Center to learn about the desert environment and find out what to see.
Saguaro National Park West
The western branch of Saguaro National Park is also called the Tucson Mountain District. Wasson Peak, the highest point in these mountains, rises to 4,687 feet and is the terminus for several park trails.
The park's dense groves of saguaros covering steep hillsides are a remarkable sight. Many of the cactuses here are over 30 feet tall, and many surpass 40 feet in height. The hills give the park a remote atmosphere, even in popular areas.
Another exciting feature of Saguaro National Park West is the many ancient petroglyphs, carved into the rocks by Native Americans over 800 years ago. They can be seen on Signal Hill.
The park has four picnic areas with tables, grills, shaded ramadas and pit toilets. There is no running water, however. Camping is not allowed, but there are campsites in the adjoining Tucson Mountain County Park off Kinney Road.
Scenic Drives in Saguaro National Park West
Bajada Loop Drive is the main scenic drive in Saguaro National Park West. This 5-mile loop begins a short way beyond the visitor center and leads to hiking trails, picnic areas and pullouts where you can stop and admire the scenery.
The drive is an unpaved but graded dirt road, with both one-way and two-way stretches. A high-clearance vehicle is not necessary, but drivers should take it slow to avoid creating dust clouds or throwing up paint-chipping gravel. Dirt roads can become muddy during the rainy summer season, and drivers should watch for signs warning of flooded areas.
Kinney Road, Golden Gate Road, and Picture Rocks Road are paved roads through various sections of the park.
Hiking Trails in Saguaro National Park West
With 43 miles of hiking trails, the park has something for everyone from easy nature walks to challenging climbs. Hiking trails in Saguaro National Park West include:
- Desert Discovery Nature Trail. A mile beyond the visitor center, this is a good introductory walk to learn about the desert plants and environment. The flat trail is wheelchair accessible and an audio tour is available for the visually impaired. 1/2 mile, approximately 20 minutes.
- Signal Hill Trail. From the Signal Hill Picnic Area, a short but moderately steep trail leads up stone steps to a rocky ridge, where the rocks are covered with dozens of ancient Hohokam petroglyphs. 1/2 mile, approximately 20 minutes.
- Valley View Overlook Trail. For those seeking an easy to moderate walk, this is a good option. Accessed from the Bajada Loop Drive, it crosses two washes before a mild ascent up wide stone steps leads to a fabulous panoramic view that takes in the Avra Valley and Picacho Peak some 45 miles to the north. 3/4 mile, approximately 30 minutes.
- Sendero Esperanza Trail. A moderate trails along an old mine road and up steep switchbacks, to a ridgetop with scenic views. 6.2 miles, 3-4 hours.
- King Canyon Trail. Beginning opposite the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, this moderate hike intersects other trails and, after a set of steep switchbacks, continues to the top of Wasson Peak. 7 miles, 4 hours.
- Hugh Norris Trail. The park's longest, most difficult trail follows a ridge overlooking a saguaro forest, past unusual tuff rock formations, and continues to Wasson Peak. 10 miles, 5.6 hours.
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Just outside the boundary of Saguaro National Park West is the wonderful Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. There's no better place to see a range of desert dwelling animals, birds and reptiles up close, and to stroll among beautiful cactus and wildflower gardens while learning about the desert environment.
Highlights include the raptor free-flight shows in cooler months, the hummingbird aviary, and watching the prairie dogs and river otters at play.
Also nearby is Old Tucson Studios, a top attractions for families.
Comments