Saguaro National Park sits on two sides of Tucson: to the east of the city, the park’s Rincon Mountain District (RMD); to the west, the park’s Tucson Mountain District (TMD). You can drive scenic routes in both districts (portions of the TMD loop are unpaved), hike more than150 miles of trails or bicycle in designated areas. Limited backcountry and hike-in camping is available, too. Plus, DarkSky International named the park an Urban Night Sky Place, the second national park to earn the nod.
Getting to Saguaro National Park
From I-10, exit at Houghton Road for RMD and drive eight miles to Escalante Road.Turn right on Escalante Road and continue two miles to Old Spanish Trail. Turnleft to enter the park.
To enter TMD, exit I-10 at Speedway Boulevard and follow it to the left as it becomes Gates Pass Road. Turn right on Kinney Road. Drive four miles and turn right into the park.
The Basics
When to go
Saguaro National Park is open year-round. In the summer, temperatures can reach well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit so head out early in the morning for hikes. Winter temperatures average 65 degrees throughout most of the park, but snow is not unheard of at higher elevations in RMD. Be prepared for crowds in spring when wildflowers bloom February–May, and watch for monsoon rains June–September.
What it costs
Admission into Saguaro National Park costs $25 per vehicle, $20 per motorcycle and $15 per person for those entering by bicycle or foot. Admission is good for seven days from date of purchase in both districts. A valid America the Beautiful annual pass allows access as well.
What you’ll need
First, stop at the visitor center for a map before continuing into the park since Wi-Fi and cell reception are spotty in both RMD and TMD. If you plan to hike, especially the backcountry, consider packing a personal locator beacon, a satellite-synced device that sends an SOS signal to rescue agencies, along with your location, for added safety. You’ll also need to bring your own water and food as the park doesn’t offer concessions.
What to pack
Saguaro National Park is home to some 2 million saguaros. To capture the incredible sight of forests and forests of saguaros, be sure to have a camera readily accessible.
Dress in layers as temperatures can vary at least 20 degrees from morning to late afternoon, and from the park’s lowest and highest elevations. You should also bring:
- Sturdy closed toed shoes for hiking
- Sunscreen (even in winter)
- A wide-brimmed hat
- Water, salty snacks and electrolyte packets, especially in summer
A Day at Saguaro National Park
You’ll enjoy a similar experience in both sides of the park, according to Elizabeth Hudick, the Interpretation, Education and Outreach Manager for Saguaro NationalPark. Both offer scenic drives, a visitor center and hikes for all abilities. Don’t worry, you’ll see tons of saguaro in both districts, too!
“Most visitors aren’t going to notice a difference (between the two),” Hudick says.The exception is at higher elevations. Because RMD peaks at over 8,600 feet(compared to TMD’s 4,500 feet), you’ll see things you might normally not spot in a desert such as pine trees and the occasional black bear.
Hudick advises visitors to stay after dark to take advantage of the park’s designation as an Urban Night Sky Place, one of only nine in the world. Winter is the best time for viewing stars in the park because the sun sets well before the gates close at 8 p.m. Pull off on Cactus Forest Drive or near Loma Alta Trailhead in RMD, or on Bajada Loop Drive in TMD for the best stargazing.
Where to Stay
DowntownTucson hotels offer a central location for exploring both sides of the park as well as other Tucson attractions. For easy access to RMD and a taste of the OldWest, stay at the family-friendly Tanque Verde Ranch. If you want to stay close to the TMD entrance, consider the luxury accommodations available at JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa.
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations near Saguaro National Park
Since there are no stations near either district’s entrance, charge up off I-10. You’ll find several charging spots just off Ina Road in north Tucson and more at hotels in downtown Tucson. The Amtrack Station downtown also has six chargers.
Header photo credit: Cruise America
Teresa Bitler
Teresa Bitler is an award-winning travel writer whose work has appeared in National Geographic Traveler, American Way, Wine Enthusiast, and AAA publications. She is the author of two guidebooks and a contributor to Fodors Arizona & The Grand Canyon.
