Saguaro National Park

Saguaro National Park West, located in the Tucson Mountains, and Saguaro National Park East, located in the Rincon Mountains, are home to over 2 million saguaros. With over 91,000 acres of land, visitors can experience a beautiful desert oasis filled with saguaros and wildlife.

The Saguaro Cactus

Exclusive to the Sonoran Desert, the saguaro cactus has long been a symbol of the Old West and Tucson, Arizona. These cacti are tall and tree-like, with branches commonly referred to as arms. Saguaros can grow up to 45 feet tall, weigh 4,800 pounds when fully hydrated and can often live 150 to 200 years.

Saguaro National Park, Arizona — Stunning 8K Tour

Flora and Fauna

While they are certainly the main characters, saguaros aren't the only stars of the park. Saguaro National Park hosts over 25 unique cactus species; including the creosote bush and several different species of prickly pear cacti, barrel cacti, cholla cacti and more.

With such diverse plant life comes an abundance of wildlife that call the park home. Common wildlife includes roadrunners, Gila monsters, javelinas, jackrabbits, mountain lions, bobcats, bats, and hundreds of bird species. In the upper elevations of Saguaro East where the temperatures are cooler, black bears, white-tailed deer, Arizona mountain king snakes, and Mexican spotted owls roam.

These creatures have adapted to the Sonoran Desert's heat and low water supply, making the Saguaro National Park a great spot for spotting a variety of animals that can only be found in Southern Arizona.

When to Visit

Due to the wonderful weather we experience from late fall to spring, the ideal time to visit the park is between October and April, especially if you’re interested in hiking at Saguaro National Park. To experience awe-inspiring wildflowers, mid-March through mid-April is best.

For hotels near Saguaro National Park, visit our accommodations page.

Things to Do

Besides marveling at the wide-open landscape and endless sea of saguaros and other cacti, Saguaro National Park offers beautiful hikes, backcountry camping, petroglyphs up to 1,550 years old, cactus garden walks, and jaw-dropping sunset views.

Great Hiking

There are a variety of trails for everyone, ranging from beginners to advanced levels. Before setting out on any trail, make sure you pack the proper gear, bring lots of water for the Arizona heat and check the trail and weather information.

For trail recommendations in Saguaro National Park, visit the National Park Service Hiking Trail Recommendations. Also, check out their Hiking Safety Information.

Top-Shelf Sunsets

To catch an unforgettable sunset in Saguaro National Park East, hit the 0.5 mile Tanque Verde Ridge Trail. The Javelina Rocks pullout also offers epic sunset views.

For sunsets in Saguaro National Park West, the Gates Pass overlook is your go-to spot. A parking lot at the top of the pass provides easy access to the overlook for a stunning view of the setting Sonoran Desert sun.