The eastern section is larger and more mountainous, the western portion is lower in elevation and boasts a denser saguaro forest. The east has more hiking trails and is the only region where backpacking is allowed, the west is the better choice if time is short.

Where should I stay when visiting Saguaro National Park?

Stay in Saguaro National Park's best hotels!

• Graduate Tucson. Hotel in Tucson. ...
• Hampton Inn Suites Tucson Tech Park. ...
• Hotel McCoy - Art, Coffee, Beer, Wine. ...
• The Downtown Clifton Hotel. ...
• Arizona Inn. ...
• Home2 Suites By Hilton Tucson Airport, Az. ...
• Doubletree By Hilton Tucson Downtown Convention Center. ...
• TownePlace Suites Tucson.

Is it worth visiting Saguaro National Park?

Deemed a national treasure by recent visitors, this park is the perfect place to come if you want to see some iconic southwestern landscapes. Although both sections of the park are worth your time, many recent visitors recommend the Tucson Mountain District over the Rincon Mountain area for its spectacular sunsets.

How much time should I spend at Saguaro National Park?

We recommend spending 1-2 days in Saguaro National Park. If you want to go at a slower pace, you can take an extra day to explore the park and add in a stop at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. It is a great place to learn more about the native wildlife and vegetation.

What is the best time to visit Saguaro National Park?

Although the park gets a lot of visitors at busy times, many confine their activities to scenic drives and short walks. Within 15 minutes, you can easily leave the crowds behind. Summers are hot and winters comfortable, so the best time to visit, especially for hikers, is between October and April.

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18 related questions found

Is Saguaro National Park East or West better?

The eastern section is larger and more mountainous, the western portion is lower in elevation and boasts a denser saguaro forest. The east has more hiking trails and is the only region where backpacking is allowed, the west is the better choice if time is short.

How long do you need at White Sands National Park?

If you just plan to drive thru and look at the dunes, play in the sand a bit and spend some time in the visitor center then 2-3 hours should be enough time. over a year ago. 2 hours in the dunes and one in the visitor center. You can watch a free small 10-15 min video in the visitor center.

How long does it take to drive through Saguaro National Park East?

In April/May, when the desert regales you with full bloom, Saguaro East takes about 1.5 hours to visit. You'll want to stay at the visitor center to see the historical video-very interesting. If you hike anywhere, at least another hour. The road is paved, which makes it nice.

How can I spend a day in Saguaro National Park?

Saguaro National Park: One Day Itinerary

1. Drive the entire Cactus Forest Drive Loop. This is an 8 mile paved road that will take you past all the major attractions on this side of the park. ...
2. Hike Mica View Trail. ...
3. Walk the Desert Ecology Trail. ...
4. Cactus Forest Trail. ...
5. Rincon Mountain Overlook.

How popular is Saguaro National Park?

Saguaro National Park saw its busiest year ever in 2019, topping more than 1 million visitors for the first time in the park's history. The split 91,716-acre preserve bracketing Tucson saw 1,020,226 visitors last year, up from 957,405 in 2018, according to statistics just released by the National Park Service.

Where can I hike in Saguaro National Park?

Saguaro National Park East Trails

• Mica View Loop Trail.
• Garwood Trail.
• Bridal Wreath Falls Trail.
• Douglas Spring Trail.
• Tanque Verde Ridge Trail.
• Turkey Creek.

What is Saguaro National Park known for?

Icon of the Southwest

Tucson, Arizona is home to the nation's largest cacti. The giant saguaro is the universal symbol of the American west. 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.

Can you stay in Saguaro National Park?

The park is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway or a short vacation. You can enjoy a comfortable stay at one of the many charming Saguaro National Park cabins, located in both the Rincon Mountain District and the Tucson Mountain district of the park.

What time does Saguaro National Park open?

You can walk or bike into the park 24 hours a day. Visitor Center - Both Districts are open on all holidays except Christmas. Operating Hours: Daily 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

How much does it cost to get into Saguaro National Park?

How much does it cost to visit Saguaro National Park? Vehicle permits are $20; the permit admits one vehicle and all its passengers. If you can plan to arrive on foot or by bicycle, you can purchase an individual permit for $10. Kids 15 and under are always admitted free of charge.

Is the Saguaro National Park open?

Saguaro National Park is open year-round. The Tucson Mountain District (west) is open sunrise to sunset daily for vehicles, and open to foot and bike traffic 24 hours a day, 356 days a year.

Can you drive to the top of Mount Lemmon?

The road is drivable year-round, but winter weather may cause restrictions. To reach the byway, take Tanque Verde Road east from Tucson to the Catalina Highway, which becomes Hitchcock Highway at the Forest Service boundary. From there, the highway leads to the top of Mount Lemmon.

Is White Sands worth visiting?

White Sands National Park (on Mescalero Apache and Tampachoa native land) is an extremely beautiful place and definitely worth the stop if you find yourself near southern New Mexico. The white sand dunes are like nothing I've ever seen before, comprised predominantly of the mineral called gypsum.

Is White Sands open during Covid?

Phased reopening – some locations closed due to COVID-19

The Dunes Area, Hiking Trails, Picnic Areas, Visitor Center, and Gift Shop are open. Backcountry camping is unavailable.

What do you wear to White Sands?

Sun Protection. Even in cooler temperatures, the sun reflecting off of the gypsum sand can cause severe sunburns. Wear a hat, sunglasses, and at least SPF 15 sunscreen. And don't forget to reapply sunscreen as directed!

Are there 2 Saguaro national parks?

Saguaro is really two parks. Saguaro National Park consists to two “districts,” one to the east of Tucson and one to the west. Although separated by only 30 miles, these districts are different both geologically and biologically.

Are there scorpions in Saguaro National Park?

The Park is a sanctuary for all plants and animals -- so visitors must leave them undisturbed. To avoid encountering venomous rattlesnakes, scorpions, and Gila monsters, carry a flashlight at night and avoid putting your hands and feet under rocks or in other hidden places.