Saguaro National Park – Tucson Mountain District (West)
Saguaro National Park West
A forest of giant saguaro cacti in the Tucson Mountains, dense and spectacular against sunset skies. Gravel scenic drives and rock-art trails make this Tucson's classic landscape.
The national park has two districts. The West District, in the Tucson Mountains, has the densest saguaros. They can grow more than ten meters tall and live over 150 years, and they are the signature landscape of the American Southwest. From the Red Hills Visitor Center, you can drive the 8 km Bajada Loop Drive, which is unpaved but passable by regular cars. Along the way, stop at the short Signal Hill trail to see ancient Hohokam rock art, and at Valley View Overlook to watch the sunset. Admission is charged per vehicle, and the America the Beautiful annual pass is accepted. Daytime summer temperatures can exceed 40 °C, so bring plenty of water and avoid midday. The park is about 25 minutes from downtown and can be combined with the Desert Museum and Gates Pass for a full day.
Opening hours
Sunrise to sunset (visitor center 09:00–17:00)
Nearby sights
- Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
- Old Tucson
- Gates Pass
- Sentinel Peak (A Mountain)
- Mission Garden
- Barrio Viejo
- Tohono Chul
- Fourth Avenue