The West Section remains open but receives too much light pollution from the city of Tucson to successfully shoot the night skies. Saguaro National Park is a good place to visit at any time of year. Although its not managed by the NPS, there is a campground managed by AZ state just south of the west district, Gilbert Ray campground. Not Another Sunset . Saguaro National Park was definitely the highlight. It was an incredible surprise! If you want to visit the park when the Saguaro cacti bloom, your best chance of seeing the blooms is between early May through the first week of June. We Dream of Travel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. For this reason, photographers hoping for a sunrise photoshoot should go to the West section. The two districts, Rincon Mountain and Tucson Mountain, offer stunning desert landscapes, petroglyphs of the ancient Hohokam people, and an abundance of cacti. The Loma Verde Trail is a 3.8 mile loop that offers a terrific variety of scenery. Distance: 3.8 miles. One of the best photography spots in Saguaro National Park, the Arizona desert is an ideal location for hiking, camping, and birdwatching. Budget: Hotel McCoy. We drove a Toyota Camry and had no issues on this road. Learn more on the official national park website. Join us on an adventure in the desert! While walking through the museum, a wild rattlesnake slithered across the sidewalk right in front of me. One day is all you need to visit Saguaro National Park, unless you plan to go camping in the backcountry. It was our 20th wedding anniversary and we got upgraded to the Presidential Suite. But it was still incredibly hot in June, hitting 95F by 8:30 am. If you enjoyed the information, please leave your feedback and suggest it to friends and acquaintances. The road is well-maintained and is suitable for cars. Gates Pass is what locals seem to favor as the top sunset spot. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. Best Campgrounds Near Saguaro National Park. And one big perk of this trail is that it is one of the few spots that dogs are allowed in Saguaro National Park West. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. Saguaro National Park West is rugged and sharp, beautiful cacti-clad mountains all around you. There are several pools, a lazy river, and corn hole, so theres a lot to keep kids busy and happy. 1603. 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.. 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. District and its trails to the western district. The Saguaro Cactus is the largest cactus in the United States. More Things to Do in Saguaro National Park . One of our awesome readers recommends Gilbert Ray Campground. 4. Valley View Overlook overlaps a few other trails. Its a long one of the most popular and highest trails in the park, so youre guaranteed to see plenty of wildlife on this trail. 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. Saguaro National Park is split into two sections -- the Tucson Mountain District sits west; the Rincon Mountain District sits east; and the city of Tucson and its 1-million residents sits in between the two. With both designated tent and RV sites, plus modern . Saguaro National Park is a fantastic desert park encompassing over 92,000 acres and an uncountable amount of Saguaro cacti. Similar to yours, I am thinking of doing Saguaro East on the day i land (afternoon to evening) and then Saguaro West all day Thursday. There are several ways to get to the top of Wassen Peak. April, however, sees relatively moderate temperatures and while the crowds have died down, the Saguaro cactuses begin to bloom. We quickly learned that the desert puts on a show at sunset. However, if you have the time, its still worth the visit. (520) 733-5159. I recommend avoiding a visit in June through August unless you're well acclimated to the scorching desert heat. On the way to the top, there's a particularly good view of saguaro as the slopes descend toward the valley floor. 9. 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. Javelina Rocks Overlook: climb up on top of the rocks for a view over Saguaro National Park and Tucson. Learn how to put all of this together in our Arizona Road Trip Itinerary. In point #3, we talked about finding the best sunset spots in the park and this was without a doubt one of them. In fact, its one of our picks for a national park to visit in February. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. You can walk or bike into the park 24 hours a day. Hey it is a National Park look at those Saguaros! This drive offers incredible scenic views of the jagged ridges and crevices atop the east slopes of this mountain. If youre traveling through spring, make sure you dont miss the spectacular blooms of desert wildflowers throughout these high-elevation areas. It is also far less crowded. I like the idea of Gates Pass and I don't want the city in my photos anyway. Plan your visit with our guide to the Best Things to Do in Petrified Forest National Park. However, there are some places in Saguaro West that are spectacular for sunrise photography as well. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Be advised: the park is split into an east side and a west side, with Tucson in between. Continue to the end of the trail for a great viewpoint of the park. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. We saw roadrunners and other wildlife right from the trail. Although the white sands look magnificent against a blue sky, the wildflowers add unique touches of color. Why visit White Sands National Park in April. If you dont have the lens you need, do not fret, the same lens should perform just fine. Red Hills Visitor Center is on your left in 2 miles. Saguaro National Park (pronounced Sah-wah-row) is housed in two parts, on either side of Tuscon, AZ. Snyder Hill BLM Camping. This is a photo of the welcome sign in Saguaro National Park. The combination of location and luxury makes it among the most luxurious hotels close to Saguaro National Park East. LOVE the cactus!! The desert sunset may rival the saguaros as the park's most Instagrammed natural wonder. Thanks for the recommendation. Along the way, and on the rocks on top of the hill, you get to see the rock art, or petroglyphs, drawn by the Hohokam people over 800 years ago. PETRIFIED FOREST: This small national park is an underrate gem. Note: This post contains affiliate links. The vista changes from desert to mountains, to ravine, to rock formations. ANTELOPE CANYON: Journey through Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon in photos. 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. Arches National Park. The best place to watch the sunset in Saguaro East is at the Javelina Rocks pullout. 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. Cheers, Julie. It was also a destination hike, which is rare in this national park. Depictions and descriptions of desert wildlife and varieties of cactus will help you identify examples as you drive on. Plenty of birds to see: rock wren, cactus wren, curve-bill thrasher, canyon towhee, gila woodpecker, black-chinned sparrows and more.On a return trip or if more serious hiking is your desire, try the Freeman Homestead Trail (1.1 mile loop; halfway to the picnic area, with some good birding as you traverse a wash are) or the Tanque Verde Ridge Trail (8 mile in and out; more rigorous and to higher elevation, but you can turn around any time). SUBSCRIBE for more videos! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. My favorite place in Saguaro National Parks for capturing sunrise photos is the Sus Picnic Area. Take full advantage of the naturalist-led programs here to learn all about the types of cacti in the park, how traditional medicine utilized desert plant life, and how incredible creatures reside in the sand. This investment is part of $103 million of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding that the Interior Department allocated earlier this year to reduce wildfire risk, mitigate impacts, and rehabilitate burned areas. East Saguaro is known as the Rincon Mountain District (RMD). Saguaro National Park is made for photography adventures with kids and grown-ups. SUBSCRIBE for more videos! Really appreciate your informative descriptions. 2023 Calendar Wonders of the Pacific Northwest, Saguaro National Park Photography Overview, Discover 65+ Perfect Gifts for National Park Lovers, Best travel lenses for Sony a7iii and other Sony Alpha cameras. Sonoran Desert at Saguaro National Park. Go Horseback Riding in the Cactus Forest Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. You hit the divide on that road almost immediately after it turns west from Wade and you enter the park boundary. Here are a few suggestions with more character, based on budget and amenities. The best time to visit Saguaro National Park for photography is in the spring, typically in May. Located both to the east and west of Tucson, Saguaro National Park is an iconic experience in the American Southwest. That road has an eastern view that is not of mountains, and it's lined with open desert. Saguaro National Park officially became a national park in 1994. Always look before you step and stay on the trail. This directs the viewers eyes to the top and emphasizes the size of the cactus. The striking rock spire, which rises 700 feet into the sky, is one of the biggest draws for visitors to this national park. The Desert Ecology Trail is the perfect opportunity to explore the majestic desert of Saguaro National Park. I am thinking of going to Saguaro in Feb 2023. Saguaro National Park. If you like the idea of hiking, consider the hike to Wassen Peak. 13. This is a great spot to enjoy the sunset, but it's great any time of day. Hours: The Tucson Mountain District (Saguaro West) is open from sunrise to sunset. Peak season for the park is January through March, when temperatures are pleasant (with high temperatures in the 60s) and rainfall is low. Saguaro National Park's two districts offer more than 165 miles (264 km) of hiking trails. You get an unparalleled view of Downtown and the Rincons to the east. 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'. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Each side of the park offers a prime sunset viewing spots so try to celebrate the sunset during your visit. We stayed at Hotel McCoy, per your recommendation. They can grow up to 49 arms. This drive offers incredible scenic views of the jagged ridges and crevices atop the east slopes of this mountain. 1. Youll need to purchase a pass to enter Saguaro National Park. In addition to the convenient area, the rooms and amenities such as a pool will provide you with the relaxation youve been looking for. How to Use This Map: Click the tab in the top left hand corner of the map to view the layers. Super cheap - $15 for a weeks worth of enjoyment. This unique US National Park located in the southwest, and just so happens to be our favorite Arizona national park. Take I-10E to Avra Valley Road, exit 242. Situated just outside of Tucson, Saguaro National Park is a fantastic place to view the sunset. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. PS: this is a great place to take some selfies with the Saguaro. I preferred the Rincon Mt. This is an incredible time to be in the park as it adds a beautiful floral arrangement to your photos and also attracts birds and wildlife. The 24-70mm range, or something similar, and of course 70-200mm or something like that. This bed and breakfast is located in eastern Tuscon, near Saguaro East. Saguaro National Park is made for photography adventures with kids and grown-ups. It was also a destination hike, which is rare in this national park. The Saguaro National Park, nearby the city of Tucson, Arizona, protects part of the Sonoran Desert landscapes, fauna and flora, including the giant saguaro c. After only encompassing the Rincon Mountain District, the monument grew to include the Tucson Mountain District in 1961. . Super cheap - $15 for a weeks worth of enjoyment. The staff knew nothing about our travel blog (and we always book and pay for our hotel stays), so our upgrade had nothing to do with running this website. Sunset at Saguaro National Park, Tucson, Arizona, US. If you are traveling with kids, this place is great. The park offers many possibilities for exploration, from easy walks in the desert to rugged mountain hikes. In the Tucson Mountain District (west), the park is open to vehicles from . The Cowboy Hideaway is also an irresistible option. Viewing the lake rimmed by snow drifts is stunning! The Rincons cover the eastern horizon, and they get up to 9000' with Mica Mountain, so the sunrise you're seeing is not the sunrise as it goes over the horizon. Many people mispronounce Saguaro. We did too, before our visit. Specialties: Tucson, Arizona is home to the nation's largest cacti. If youre ready to stretch your legs (but not sure where to start), heres a list of 10 of our favorite hiking trails in Saguaro National Park: Planning a night under the stars? If you need more information about the park itself, we have written an ultimate guide to Saguaro National Park with everything you need to know for first-time visits. They grow at a very slow rate, only an inch per year. I give all the details in the post under the Bajada Loop Drive section. So a HUGE thank you to you if you click one of these links . 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. . Someone must have previously captured that rattlesnake, turquoise in the tail in not found in nature. We Dream of Travel is also a participant with the Booking.com and Get Your Guide affiliate programs. To get between these two sections of the park, it is a one hour drive through the city of Tucson. Thanks Alex! Access road to the Mica View picnic area. If you reserve a spot but then cannot make the scheduled hike, call to cancel your reservations by 9 a.m. the day of the hike. There are several notable viewpoints along the way, which I will get to in just a minute. This is good for 7 days and includes both sections of the park. 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. Great location & views among the Saguaro cactii. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. With their stunning white flowers, Saguaros in bloom are certainly a sight to see. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Growing over these ribs is the green, fleshy skin that absorbs and stores water. The gates are closed that early, but you can still park on the road more toward the base and just walk up. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. The Rincon Mountain District of Saguaro National Park ranges from an elevation of 2,670 ft to 8,666 ft and contains 6 biotic communities. 70. In order to drive it as a loop, you need to drive counterclockwise. For sunset in the east unit, Javelina Rocks is a good area. Saguaro National Park is split into two divisions (east and west) which border the city of Tucson, Arizona. IMPORTANT! Loma Verde Trail. Enjoy your time taking pictures of animals, like javelinas! The area you're talking about is Picture Rocks, and there have also been bee attacks in the recent past up there of people going off-trail. Julie Last updated: January 24, 2023 United States 12 Comments. Sweetwater Trail leading to Wasson Peak. more. Taking home beautiful Saguaro National Park photos is as easy as setting your watch. . The most easily accessible trail is the Mica View Trail. There is a pullout at the high point of the loop, about 5.2 miles out, that is ideal for a magnificent desert sunset shot, if the cloud conditions are present. Beautiful Saguaro National Park located in eastern Tuscon, near Saguaro east is at Javelina... My name, email, and it 's lined with open desert must have previously captured that rattlesnake, best sunset spot in saguaro national park! Night skies and other wildlife right from the city of Tucson, Arizona is home to the end the. Arizona is home to the scorching desert heat, on either side of Park... 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Saguaro cactus is the Sus Picnic Area the Booking.com and get your affiliate... The visit base and just so happens to be our favorite Arizona National Park in 1994 fine!
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