The varied route includes low-lying desert washes cut by flowing water, steep canyons with lush riparian plant life, scenic vistas overlooking the city of Tucson, and dramatic rock formations. The way we planned to do it was to start on the Sendero Esperanza Trail. All rights reserved. The Grand Canyon draws astrotourists all year long, especially in the month of June when they host their annual star party. 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. Traveling between the two sections of the park takes 30-45 minutes depending on traffic. Hohokam Road ends at Golden Gate Road. The other plant and animal life just adds to the drama and beauty. They would be closest to I-10 but is that area good for sunrise? Thanks so much for writing in with these updates and information! Gaze Up at Mica Mountain (east) Turn off of the paved road and head towards the Mica View picnic area to see the park's highest peak, Mica Mountain. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots, Rustic Canopy At Overlook Arizona Sonora Desert Museum In Tucson. Its easy to walk, educational, and great for all ages. The Javelina Rocks are toward the last part of the loop road. On the easy-to-access Desert Discovery Trail off of Kinney Road in the West District, catch sunset views through a forest of saguaros. Besides the amazing forests of saguaro cacti, we see tons of prickly pear cacti and an antelope jackrabbit. . I never would have known about that road. . You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. That all sounds great! This 2-mile round trip trail is flat and easy to walk. If you're open to suggestions, I've always thought the best place to see the sunrise in town was A Mountain. 14-24mm or similar. Drive to Key's Viewpoint overlook. Saguaro National Park is made for photography adventures with kids and grown-ups. Gates Pass is what locals seem to favor as the top sunset spot. 70. A wide-angle lens. The Hazboy chillin' with the cactus at Saguaro National Park (the evening version) Old Tucson at Sunset. Day 5: Antelope Canyon. You can spend the night in a Saguaro-studded canyon, watch giant clouds of milling bats, or simply connect with nature at the foot of the magnificent Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. Through the years the amount of protected land has grown. There are a couple of easily accessible trails on the west side of Saguaro National Park. Continue to the end of the trail for a great viewpoint of the park. This hotel has a handy location just off of Route 10. QUIET CONTRASTS: SAGUARO NATIONAL PARK EAST. The giant saguaro is the universal symbol of the American west. In addition, youll see beautiful Sonoran Desert plants, wildlife, and wildlife viewing areas. Plus, its flat and easy and great for all ages. Seeker is on a mission to connect and inspire the worlds travelers. Go on Some Epic Hikes. For current status and frequent updates, check outSaguaros current conditions. It should only take a few minutes to reach from Ina that early in the morning. Note: This post contains affiliate links. But I will go to Gates Pass for sure at least one evening. Hike through the saguaro cactus forest and spot wildlife on our nature trails, or simply relax in one of our shaded picnic areas. Saguaro National Park is in the southern part of Arizona. Red Hills Visitor Center is on your left in 2 miles. There are several ways to get to the top of Wassen Peak. A lot of people climb up onto the rocks for sunset. They are often humanized in cartoons. "The best" sunrise spots in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Park at the Valley View trailhead parking, which is along the scenic route on the west side of Saguaro National Park. When we have visitors, Saguaro National Park (East) is always on the list of places to go. Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. The 0.4 mile Desert Discovery Trail is a flat, paved walkway that takes you through saguaros, as well as other desert plants, with signage that talks about the plants and wildlife in the area. A few times a year we get the kind of sunrise where the whole sky is full of pink or orange clouds lit from below as the sun rises. If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information about each point of interest. LOVE THE NATIONAL PARKS?Discover 65+ Perfect Gifts for National Park Lovers. Ask . Super cheap - $15 for a weeks worth of enjoyment. Tanque Verde Ridge Trail. This directs the viewers eyes to the top and emphasizes the size of the cactus. The best way to get around Tucson is to hire a car. The Saguaro cactus flowers from mid-May through early June. The . Looks cools though. How to Use This Map: Click the tab in the top left hand corner of the map to view the layers. It is located just outside of Saguaro West and he says you get great views of the cacti. In the Rincon Mountains District (the East Side of the Park) head to the Tanque Verde . If you only have time for one, dont miss our article Should You Visit Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon? more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Love the blog. East Saguaro is known as the Rincon Mountain District (RMD). The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is situated in the western part of Tucson close to Old Tucson, Saguaro National Park West along with Tucson Mountain Park In a remote desert canyon, the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum offers visitors a chance to explore the wonders of the Sonoran Desert region. NATIONAL PARKS: In our Guide to the US National Parks, get the full list of national parks with important travel planning information, such as things to do in the parks and sample itineraries. If you click the star next to the title of the map, this map will be added to your Google Maps account. Best Time to Visit Saguaro National Park. On this short, easy walking trail, get up close to the Saguaro cactus, prickly pears, and ironwood trees. 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. Short walks at Hall of Horrors, Cap Rock. Best Campgrounds Near Saguaro National Park. Like all desert locations, the weather in Saguaro National Park brings warm days and chilly nights. The best spot to catch sunset at the park is on the east side at either the Tanque Verde Ridge Trail (.5 mile hike) or the Javelina Rocks pull out. Saguaro National Park is a beautiful, desert preserve in southern Arizona. Day 6: Grand Canyon. You don't want to be walking a trail in the dark, even with a flashlight. The slow-growing saguaro cacti rise an inch or two each year before reaching a mature height of 40 to 50 feet. Part of the Bajada Loop Drive is one way only (the second half of Hohokam Road). All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. The Snyder Hill BLM area is a great spot close to Tucson and Saguaro National Park. Arizona desert landscape with Saguaro cactus at sunset. 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. On May 5th, the Saguaro National Park in southern Arizona shared a photo featuring a gorgeous sunset overlooking a field of cacti. Growing over these ribs is the green, fleshy skin that absorbs and stores water. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. More Things to Do in Saguaro National Park . Brittney R. Indianapolis, IN. One of our awesome readers recommends Gilbert Ray Campground. . The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots 1. Saguaro Attractions and things to do and see in Saguaro - There are so many things to do in Saguaro National Park you will not want to miss! Afternoon thunderstorms bring much needed rain and help to cool off the area, at least a little bit. If you are willing and able to make the hike in, you will need to find your favorite south-facing views and compositions if you want to include the Milky Way. April, however, sees relatively moderate temperatures and while the crowds have died down, the Saguaro cactuses begin to bloom. Valley View Overlook overlaps a few other trails. Saguaro National Park is split into two divisions (east and west) which border the city of Tucson, Arizona. In the Rincon Mountain District (Saguaro East), the best place to photograph sunset is from the final 2-mile stretch of the scenic loop road anywhere after you drive up the steep hill. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. If you are just wanting to make a day trip to Saguaro National Park and take home some interesting photos, you may actually prefer the East Section. This guide to Saguaro NP in Arizona will provide you with photo inspiration as well as the best locations for sunrise, sunset, and daytime photography. Hampton Inn & Suites Tucson Marana Accommodation close to Saguaro National Park West. 2 /20. I have wanted to visit here for decades, and finally got the chance. Saguaro Cactus. Top 5 Best Things to Do in Saguaro National Park. It does look cooland makes them easier to spot. From Cortaro Road, it's a short and scenic jog over the . Hugh Norris Trail is one of the best photography spots in Saguaro National Park. Current Time: 2023-02-23 09:21:27 . Check the calendar for current offerings before you go. While its known for its tall cacti, youll find some stunning views of mountain ranges, too. 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. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. With the denser population of cacti, we thought that this section of the park was more spectacular. A saguaro is the giant, iconic cactus that is a symbol of the American west. Saguaro National Monument was created by President Herbert Hoover in 1933. In Saguaro West, the best place to watch the sunset is at the parking lot at Gates Pass. Took the road over Gates Pass into the west park entrance. 13. The mighty saguaro only grows in Arizona, and this one stands over 40 feet tall. This is often dubbed one of the best hikes in Saguaro National Park. Crested saguaro cacti can be found wherever saguaro cacti grow. Saguaros live for generations, some with lifespans of up to 200 years. The Red Hills Visitor Center is open 9am -5pm daily except December 25th. Saguaro National Park in Arizona is offering a number of ranger-guided hikes in February. 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. District and its trails to the western district. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, etc. Seeing a bit over 1 million visitors annually, the park is much younger than its namesake resident cacti, only becoming a national park on October 14, 1994. This area is located closer to the city, so it's easier to access. I will be staying my first night off I-10 near Ina Road and so I thought I can get up early and get saguaro cactus pictures with the beautiful sky closest to that hotel area. The saguaro took my breath away--even more magnificent than I would have thought. Saguaro National Park is unique in that its 92,000 acres are actually two different units separated by the city of Tucson. Crater Lake National Park Spring Highlights. 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. It was also a destination hike, which is rare in this national park. Sunset over Javelina Rocks. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. Day 8: Grand Canyon & Sedona. Beginners can find more tips and techniques in our video tutorials for learning night photography. All purchases or bookings made through We Dream of Travel come at no extra cost to the reader. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-60132697', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Tucson are A Mountain or Gates Pass. Vehicle access is from sunrise to sunset daily. Admission to the park is $15.00/vehicle, $10.00/motorcycle, or $5.00/person and $5.00/bicycle. Here are the best things to do in Saguaro National Park, plus when to go, where to stay, how to plan your time, and what it is like in June. Set on two separate sides of the city of Tuscon, Saguaro National Park showcases the Sonoran Desert. Someone must have previously captured that rattlesnake, turquoise in the tail in not found in nature. Here are driving distances and times from nearby destinations: There are no accommodations inside Saguaro National Park, unless you plan to camp in Saguaro East. If you are traveling with kids, this place is great. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". The Desert Discovery Nature Trail makes it the perfect introduction or farewell hike at Saguaro National Park. In the Tucson Mountain District (west), the park is open to vehicles from . These majestic plants, found only in a small portion of the United States, are protected by Saguaro National Park, to the east and west of the modern city of Tucson. One of the most magical places to experience a sunset in Washington State is Fremont Lookout, located in Mount Rainier National Park. But first you need to know which way to drive the loop in order to avoid backtracking. The Hohokam Petroglyph site is a striking example of what can be seen while exploring Saguaro National Park. 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. The best place to view the sunset on the east side is either the Tanque Verde Ridge trail (.5 mile hike) or the Javelina Rocks pull out. The accommodations are exquisite as well. A photographers paradise offers stunning scenery and breathtaking views of natural vistas at nearly every turn. And if you like the idea of backcountry camping, this is the place to do it (overnight camping is not permitted in Saguaro West). We drove a Toyota Camry and had no issues on this road. You don't see any of the city looking that way though, so you would be missing that. Estimates calculate that roughly 1.8 million Saguaros grow within the parks borders. The park is split into two sections on both the east and west sides of the city of Tuscon, and while it is possible to see many of the park's best spots in one day, I would recommend carving out more time than that to experience it. The trail is short but steep and has some loose scree at the top, so watch your footing. Plus, the heat of the day will fade away as the sun sets! Be sure to check out our additional photography guides. Besides the . For sunsets, I haven't found much better than Gates Pass, which is on Speedway west of the city, inside Tucson Mountain Park. Aside from those spots, the Saguaro wont be found anywhere else in the world. Sign up for early access to our community of travelers around the globe. I stayed in Tucson Mountain Park for sunset, as it's actually a better place to catch an epic desert sunset, better than anywhere in the national park. (520) 733-5159. A 10 year old plant may only be 2 inches tall. If you are spending significant time in the American Southwest, we also have a collection of travel & photography guides to some of the best destinations in the region. The fact that it's a saguaro forest has to be seen to be believed. This easy trail leads you through the desert and past mine ruins, offering views of the Tucson Mountains and great photo opportunities. 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 sure to cross the wash and continue forward to the overlook. If you plan on visiting a few National Parks this year, the best deal for most people is the Interagency Annual Pass, affectionately called the America the Beautiful pass. That was my main goal. SUBSCRIBE for more videos! Breakfast at White Tank Campground. Julie Last updated: January 24, 2023 United States 12 Comments. 7. Saugaro National Park encompasses two separate sections: the Saguaro National Park West (Tucson Mountain District) and Saguaro National Park East (Rincon Mountain District). Saguaro National Park (East) is always on the list of places to go. Why you should camp here: Sleep among giant saguaro cacti with electrical hookups and views of Tucson Mountain Park. Nice overview of Saguaro and very helpful, however if the goal is to get folks to visit a place like this, it would best to leave out the drama about rattlesnakes, gila monsters, and scorpions. The Saguaro is one of the most creative cacti on the planet, and to thank them for their beauty, we gave them their very own spot: Saguaro National Park. You will discover they are much larger than they tend to appear in photos. Lunch at Live Oak Picnic Area. Privacy Policy Terms of Use, Cactus Garden strolls at either visitor center, Central and Stylish Midcentury Pool House, Marvel at Petroglyphs on the Signal Hill Trail, Bicycle the Cactus Forest Loop Drive in the Rincon Mountain District, Catch Sunset for Epic Pictures in Saguaro National Park, Take an Air-Conditioned Drive on the Scenic Bajada Loop, Walk in the Dark During the Two-Hour Ranger-Led Night Hike, Visit in April through June to Catch the Saguaros in Bloom. Nice scenic routes in town, beware of the wildlife crossing the road to the park. Loma Verde Trail. The desert sunset may rival the saguaros as the park's most Instagrammed natural wonder. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. The 24-70mm range, or something similar, and of course 70-200mm or something like that. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-60021186', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Saguaro National Park? When photographing the saguaro cactus in the day, look for those with the most interesting shapes and good health. SUBSCRIBE for more videos! The Ironwood Forest Trail is also west of the divide (I think I hiked this many years ago and it was all flat).
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