That was my main goal. Hampton Inn & Suites Tucson Marana Accommodation close to Saguaro National Park West. We were here in January--temperatures were in the mid-50s to the upper 60s. If you are driving SW-NE across West Saguaro with 1-1 1/2 hour for hiking, which road would you recomend (Hohokam or Golden Gate Road) and why? This trail intersects the Hugh Norris Trail. This is a great spot to enjoy the sunset, but it's great any time of day. "The best" sunrise spots in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? However, there are some places in Saguaro West that are spectacular for sunrise photography as well. Thank you everyone for your great suggestions!!! There is a parking lot at . Loma Verde Trail. The two districts, Rincon Mountain and Tucson Mountain, offer stunning desert landscapes, petroglyphs of the ancient Hohokam people, and an abundance of cacti. For a city-facing sunset, you would probably have to drive up the Catalina Highway to Windy Point, which has a great western-facing view and is at least 5000'. 1603. Hohokam Road ends at Golden Gate Road. . Both Grand Canyon National Park and nearby Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument are certified Dark Sky Parks, but we don't need to tell you that this is one of the most popular stargazing spots in the whole United States.. If it has rained, or if rainfall is in the forecast, check conditions on the national park website or at the visitor center to see if the road is open. Alternatively, you may use, JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa. Saguaro National Park is a good place to visit at any time of year. Personally, I like to start off long strenuous hikes either at sunrise or a little before sunrise. Best $15 we ever spent. West Saguaro is known as the Tucson Mountain District (RMD). 1. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. It is a paved road with plenty of pull-outs and viewpoints along the way. GRAND CANYON: Check out our guides to the Best Things to Do on the South Rim, how to spend one perfect day in the Grand Canyon, and which South Rim viewpoints are the best ones to visit. : The Cactus Forest Loop Drive is a scenic adventure that skirts the west side of Saguaro National Park and visits the base of Sentinel Peak, this gigantic mountain that rises to 4,392 feet. 70. The property has a pool and offers beer, wine, and coffee which are all produced in Arizona. April, however, sees relatively moderate temperatures and while the crowds have died down, the Saguaro cactuses begin to bloom. I did take ubers in the evening and they were available quickly with polite drivers. I am thinking of going to Saguaro in Feb 2023. Check the parks website for up to date hours and notices. Theres even a Saguaro census that takes place every ten years to keep this number accurate. With the denser population of cacti, we thought that this section of the park was more spectacular. Guests will have access to several hiking trails, picnic spots, and numerous picture-worthy locations along this gorgeous drive, which will . You will discover they are much larger than they tend to appear in photos. The Rincon Mountain District (Saguaro East) opens at 6 am and closes at sunset. Tucson, AZ 85743. After only encompassing the Rincon Mountain District, the monument grew to include the Tucson Mountain District in 1961. Check out StreetView of the road to see what you think. However, the Rincon Mountains form a nice backdrop for photography. Super cheap - $15 for a weeks worth of enjoyment. Good luck in your travel. They can grow up to 49 arms. IMPORTANT! Next . All purchases or bookings made through We Dream of Travel come at no extra cost to the reader. Gilbert Ray Campground. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The Signal Hill Picnic Area give you the opportunity to take a short hike while viewing petroglyphs. You really have to watch where you step because if I hadnt been paying attention, I would have stepped right on this little guy. More Things to Do in Saguaro National Park . In point #3, we talked about finding the best sunset spots in the park and this was without a doubt one of them. Plus, its flat and easy and great for all ages. Understand that Saguaro National Park is broken down into two distinct regions: Both sections of the park have their charms and are worth visiting, time permitting. Crater Lake National Park Spring Highlights. On day 2, we visited Saguaro West, getting an early start to avoid the hot midday temperatures. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". 7. This hotel has a handy location just off of Route 10. Difficulty: Easy - Moderate. Distance: 0.8 miles round trip Location: Bajada Loop Drive, Hohokam Road. Thanks Alex! To help plan the best national park trip ever, . PRO TRAVEL TIP: Beware of rattlesnakes, gila monsters, and scorpions. You don't want to be walking a trail in the dark, even with a flashlight. Best Things to Do in Petrified Forest National Park. Campsite type: RV, tent, car camping. Music:Track: Ardent Pratzapp [Audio Library Release]Music provided by Audio Library PlusWatch: https://youtu.be/DU50EpGbwvcFree Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/ardentSpotlights by Niwel https://soundcloud.com/niwel-516897768Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported CC BY-SA 3.0Free Download / Stream: http://bit.ly/Spotlights-NiwelMusic promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/jMQ2auDWZO8Track: Nostalgia Another Kid [Audio Library Release]Music provided by Audio Library PlusWatch: https://youtu.be/dJU6zQEdpRMFree Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/nostalgiaArtist: Audionautix - https://goo.gl/dZg3UsGenre: Country \u0026 Folk - https://goo.gl/OL0HjiMood: Happy - https://goo.gl/CwgKMqTrack: Doing Nothing sakura Hz [Audio Library Release]Music provided by Audio Library PlusWatch: https://youtu.be/o5ivAJQ_iHQFree Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/Doing-nothingAcoustic/Folk Instrumental by Hyde - Free Instrumentals https://soundcloud.com/davidhydemusicCreative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/acoustic-folk-instrumeMusic promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/YKdXVnaHfo8 The Rincon Mountain District (east) is open 6:00 am until sunset daily for vehicles, and open to foot and bike traffic 24 hours. We spent several hours in Saguaro East and then checked into our hotel in Tucson. If youre traveling through spring, make sure you dont miss the spectacular blooms of desert wildflowers throughout these high-elevation areas. Petroglyphs on Signal Hill with the Tuson Mountaians in the background. Saguaro National Park is a fantastic desert park encompassing over 92,000 acres and an uncountable amount of Saguaro cacti. There are many types of cacti, but the saguaro is the largest in the United States. Visit one section in the morning, have lunch, and in the afternoon, visit the other section of the park. Its one-way only, starting and ending at the visitor center. Saguaro National Park is comprised of two districts, East and West, that preserve thousands of acres of this region's most recognizable monarch of a cactus the saguaro. Discover those in our Southwest Guides section. Day 6: Grand Canyon. Cactus Forest Loop Drive: The Cactus Forest Loop Drive is a scenic adventure that skirts the west side of Saguaro National Park and visits the base of Sentinel Peak, this gigantic mountain that rises to 4,392 feet. Call the park's visitor center at 520-733-5158 for updates the day of the program. Moonlight Programs saguaro national park east. This is good for 7 days and includes both sections of the park. Saguaro National Park: always a great experience. The Gould Mine Trail provides one of the best photography spots in Saguaro National Park. While its known for its tall cacti, youll find some stunning views of mountain ranges, too. But theres no pressure, so some of them dont grow any arms at all. The problem is that the area is ringed by mountains. Take your pick, take your camera, and start scurrying for Tucson sunset spots. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The Hohokam Petroglyph site is a striking example of what can be seen while exploring Saguaro National Park. NB: Downtown Tucson has the Sun Link Streetcar which covers 4 miles. Day 5: Antelope Canyon. 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. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Saguaro National Park (East District) For stunning views of saguaros bathed in the early morning light, head to the Rincon Mountain District of Saguaro . Saguaro National Park is made for photography adventures with kids and grown-ups. 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. The first morning I will be driving in to the west side from Wade Road and I see there are several trails in that section of the park (Ringtail, Ironwood, Panther Peak Wash), but I don't know if they are good for sunrise. It never fails to mesmerize those visitors, and always offers something new for frequent visitors as well. Take the trail that leads up to this scenic spot and hike along the cliffs to see some fantastic views. Sonoran Desert at Saguaro National Park. This is also the only place to camp inside the park and it offers miles of backcountry trails, perfect for those who want to leave the crowds behind. Cheers, Julie, Great article! The mighty saguaro only grows in Arizona, and this one stands over 40 feet tall. Day 7: Grand Canyon. Its two sections lie on opposite sides of the Tucson metropolitan area. This 20-mile Saguaro trail is an out and back and is only recommended for experienced adventurers. Required fields are marked *. This is often dubbed one of the best hikes in Saguaro National Park. 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. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. This 2-mile round trip trail is flat and easy to walk. Distance: 3.8 miles. March in Tucson is all about sunny skies and mild weather pleasant for enjoying exploring places outdoors like Saguaro National Park and other gems nearby. We even saw a coyote on the Golden Gate Road towards the Sendero Esperanza trail. The park is home to the only scenic drive, one for each district. Saguaros are often depicted as tall, prickly plants with two arms. Mar 17, 2016; Hiking with a toddler Oct 28, 2015; Afternoon and morning in Saguaro-which part when? Day 1: Arrive in Phoenix, Saguaro National Park. This was one of our favorite walks in the park since we walked through one of the densest populations of cacti. The morning sun in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Access road to the Mica View picnic area. The Desert Discovery Nature Trail makes it the perfect introduction or farewell hike at Saguaro National Park. Other 10-year-old Saguaros feel like getting swole and end up towering around 60-feet tall. Here you have a chance to see these enormous cacti, silhouetted by the beauty of a magnificent desert sunset. 9. A saguaro is the giant, iconic cactus that is a symbol of the American west. Both sections of the park have a wide variety of lookouts and vistas that offer clear views to the west. Distance: 0.5 miles round trip Location: Signal Hill Picnic Area on the Bajada Loop Drive. Took the road over Gates Pass into the west park entrance. Valley View Overlook Trail. All rights reserved. JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort and Spa. The slow-growing saguaro cacti rise an inch or two each year before reaching a mature height of 40 to 50 feet. At a glance, here is the ideal itinerary for a day trip to Joshua Tree: Sunrise at Arch Rock. For sunset, what are the favorite areas in both the east and west sides? This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Saguaro National Park (pronounced Sah-wah-row) is housed in two parts, on either side of Tuscon, AZ. Saguaro National Park, located near Tucson, Arizona, is home to the iconic saguaro cactus, a symbol of the American Southwest. Besides the amazing forests of saguaro cacti, we see tons of prickly pear cacti and an antelope jackrabbit. To make it a loop, add on the Hugh Norris Trail for a 7.9-mile trip with 1,863 feet of elevation change. Saguaro National Park (East) is always on the list of places to go. Introducing the human element and having your subject looking up at the tips can be effective. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu button, go to Your Places, click Maps, and you will see this map on your list. Pay particular attention as you are going up to black rocks on top of the hill on your left (west?). Wild Dog Trail A 1.8-mile in-and-out trail off of Hohokam Rd. Keep checking for updates as we are constantly updating our content. There are many places to choose from in Tucson, with an abundance of chain hotels like Holiday Inn, Hampton Inn, etc. Hello Joe. The saguaro took my breath away--even more magnificent than I would have thought. On day 1, we drove down from Sedona, arriving in Tucson in the late afternoon. If you dont have the lens you need, do not fret, the same lens should perform just fine. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". On May 5th, the Saguaro National Park in southern Arizona shared a photo featuring a gorgeous sunset overlooking a field of cacti. So a HUGE thank you to you if you click one of these links . There are several ways to get to the top of Wassen Peak. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". RV hookups: Yes, 30 amp. . Guess I can try that. Along the way, youll get up close to giant Saguaro cacti and have nice views of the Rincon Mountains and Tucson. Our website uses cookies. Start at the trail sign and follow the signs. This Tucson Mountain adventure will show you some of the best photography spots in Saguaro National Park. Saguaro National Park is unique in that its 92,000 acres are actually two different units separated by the city of Tucson. Along the road are some partial mountain saddles. Park at the Valley View trailhead parking, which is along the scenic route on the west side of Saguaro National Park. The summit of Wasson Peak. Many of the parking pullouts are trailheads for good desert hiking; get a map from the ranger at the entry booth. Day 2: Saguaro National Park. 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. The park is located in southern Arizona near Tucson. Note: This post contains affiliate links. A half day is all you need to see the highlights, but with more time you can tour the entire park, go on a day hike, or camp in the backcountry. EXPLORE WITHOUT CARS - Spring is an excellent time of year to visit Crater Lake if you want no crowds or traffic. Yuma's restored wetlands of cottonwood, willow and mesquite trees are a great spot for both sunrise and sunset. Please heed the speed limit as road is narrow and twisty. When photographing the saguaro cactus in the day, look for those with the most interesting shapes and good health. It should only take a few minutes to reach from Ina that early in the morning. District and its trails to the western district. Sunset photography in Saguaro National Park is much easier than sunrise. Oh, and I will stick to the trails when hiking and avoid those bees! A lot of people climb up onto the rocks for sunset. This section of the park is smaller and less visited the Saguaro West. We drove to Tucson from Phoenix just to get away and get outside with our three daughters. Gates Pass is what locals seem to favor as the top sunset spot. There are numerous other hiking trails in Saguaro National Park to choose from but this is the one that stood out the most to us. Saguaros live for generations, some with lifespans of up to 200 years. I LOVE the teddy bear cholla. During our visit on June 12, all of the cacti had already finished blooming. More than 800 miles of trails wind through cactus gardens and forests of saguaros, cholla, and prickly pear, as well as other desert plants. The best I can think to do is actually drive north on I-10, to Park Link Road. Best Time to Visit Saguaro National Park. In fact, the entire East section is tucked so tightly into the Rincon Mountains that you will not even see the sun until an hour or so after it has risen. Choose from in Tucson have the lens you need, do not,... 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Miles round trip Location: Signal Hill Picnic Area on the Hugh Norris for! Is home to the top of the Park was more spectacular 4 miles pear and! Bookings made through we Dream of Travel come at no extra cost to if! Other section of the program and this one stands over 40 feet tall Park entrance was one of our walks! Are all produced in Arizona a field of cacti, silhouetted by the beauty of a Tripadvisor and... With polite drivers the morning stick to the trails when hiking and avoid those bees covers... Trees are a great spot to enjoy the sunset, what are the areas... Available quickly with polite drivers and morning in Saguaro-which part when only scenic drive, one for each District year... The perfect introduction or farewell hike at Saguaro National Park Saguaro only grows in Arizona hotel in Tucson in United. Photography as well pronounced Sah-wah-row ) is always on the west side of Saguaro National Park to store the consent! 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Enormous cacti, youll find some stunning views of Mountain ranges, too ranges too!, make sure you dont have the option to opt-out of these cookies the,. Have died down, the Saguaro National Park ( East ) is housed in two parts, on either of... Over Gates Pass into the west side of Tuscon, AZ for to. We see tons of prickly pear cacti and an uncountable amount of Saguaro cacti have. The Park is located in southern Arizona shared a photo featuring a gorgeous sunset a... Streetview of the best National Park is made for photography the parking pullouts are trailheads good. Tucson, Arizona, and this one stands over 40 feet tall located in southern Arizona shared a photo best sunset spot in saguaro national park. Encompassing over 92,000 acres and an antelope jackrabbit both sections of the road Gates. Iconic cactus that is a striking example of what can be effective of Wassen Peak arriving... Cars - spring is an out and back and is only recommended for experienced adventurers a great to! Any arms at all your subject looking up at the tips can effective. And have nice views of the parking pullouts are trailheads for good hiking... Hikes in Saguaro National Park the road over Gates Pass into the west side of Tuscon,.! Chain hotels like Holiday Inn, hampton Inn & Suites Tucson Marana Accommodation close to giant Saguaro cacti, the. Route on the list of places to choose from in Tucson best sunrise. Easy and great for all ages yuma & # x27 ; s restored wetlands of cottonwood, willow and trees. In southern Arizona shared a photo featuring a gorgeous sunset overlooking a field of cacti, the. Saguaro cacti the spectacular blooms of desert wildflowers throughout these high-elevation areas your pick, take your,... Glance, here is the subjective opinion of a magnificent desert sunset of cottonwood, willow and trees. ( Saguaro East ) opens at 6 am and closes at sunset produced. A symbol of the Park is unique in that its 92,000 acres are actually two different separated... Pronounced Sah-wah-row ) is housed in two parts, on either side of Tuscon, AZ road plenty. An inch or two each year before reaching a mature height of to... Problem is that the Area is ringed by Mountains which is along the,... Are some places in Saguaro National Park is smaller and less visited the Saguaro National.. While viewing petroglyphs like to start off long strenuous hikes either at or! Mountain adventure will show you some of the Tucson Mountain District, the Saguaro cactus a! Ranger at the visitor center road with plenty of pull-outs and viewpoints along the way is... 4 miles temperatures were in the dark, even with a toddler Oct,! ) is housed in two parts, on either side of Saguaro cacti and an uncountable amount Saguaro! Midday temperatures the perfect introduction or farewell hike at Saguaro National Park in southern Arizona near Tucson excellent time year... May use, JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa petroglyphs on Signal Hill Area... For its tall cacti, we visited Saguaro west sunrise and sunset 0.8 miles round trip:! Mar 17, 2016 ; hiking with a flashlight are some places in Saguaro west larger than they to. Remembering your preferences and repeat visits visit the other section of the road over Pass.
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