The saguaro has been described as the monarch of the Sonoran Desert, as a prickly horror, as the supreme symbol of the American Southwest, and as a plant with personality. It is renowned for the variety of odd, all-too-human shapes it assumes, shapes that inspire wild and fanciful imaginings. Giant saguaro cacti, unique to the Sonoran Desert, sometimes reach a height of 50 feet in a cactus forest that covers the valley floor, rising into the Rincon and West Tucson Mountains. Since 1933, this extraordinary giant cactus has been protected. Preserved along with it are many other members of the Sonoran Desert community - other cacti, desert trees and shrubs and animals. In lushness and variety of life the Sonoran Desert far surpasses all other North American deserts.

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General Information

Visitation

2.9 million annually

Location

Tucson, Arizona

Address

3693 South Old Spanish Trail, Tucson, AZ 85730-5601

Telephone

Visitor Center/Information: (520) 733-5153
Administrative Offices: (520) 733-5100
FAX: (520) 733-5183

Operating Hours & Seasons

Both districts of the park (east and west) are open daily from sunrise to sunset. Visitor centers are open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except Christmas.

Climate & Recommended Clothing

Winters are delightful with mild, warm days (60¡F-70¡F) and cool nights (40¡F). Summers can be extremely hot with daytime temperatures reaching 100-115¡F in the shade, and evening lows in the 80s. Long hikes are not recommended in summer. Even short hikes require lots of water, a hat, and sunscreen.

Directions

Saguaro East, or the Rincon Mountain District, may be reached from Tucson by traveling east on Broadway or Speedway to Freeman Road; turn right to Old Spanish Trail; turn left. Look for signs to park entrance.

Saguaro West, or the Tucson Mountain District, may be reached from Tucson by traveling Speedway Road west. Speedway becomes Gates Pass Road; the road ends at Kinney Road where you turn right and continue to the park entrance.

Note: Saguaro East and West are each about 15 miles from downtown Tucson. Along Interstate 10, there are signs directing travelers to Saguaro National Park.

Transportation

Bus lines and major airlines serve Tucson, which is a short drive from the park. Both districts of the park feature scenic loop drives.

Fees, Costs & Rates

The east district has a $4 entrance fee per private car. Golden Eagle, Golden Age, and Golden Access Passports are honored and are available for purchase. The west district has no entrance fee.

Golden Eagle Passport

The Golden Eagle Passport is an entrance pass to any national park, monument, historical site, recreation area, and national wildlife refuge that charges an entrance fee. It is a great convenience for those who plan on visiting several different areas that charge special fees. It is valid for one year from the purchase date. A Golden Eagle Passport may be purchased for $50 at any National Park Service entrance fee area or by mail. To order by mail, send check or money order (no cash, please) to:

National Park Service
1100 Ohio Drive, SW
Room 138
Washington, DC 20242
Attention: Golden Eagle Passport

Where entry is by private vehicle, the Golden Eagle Passport will admit the passholder as well as any passengers. Where entry by private vehicle is not possible, the pass will admit the passholder, spouse, children and parents.

The Golden Eagle Passport will not reduce use fees, such as those for camping, swimming, parking, boat launching, or cave tours. It covers entrance fees only.

Golden Age Passport

The Golden Age Passport is a lifetime entrance pass for those United States residents 62 years or older. These may be purchased at any National Park Service entrance fee area for a one-time processing fee of $10. The Golden Age Passport cannot be purchased by mail or telephone. Proof of age and citizenship or permanent residence must be shown at the time of purchase.

The Golden Age Passport will admit the passholder and any passengers in a private vehicle. When entrance is not via private vehicle, the pass will admit the passholder as well as children, spouse, and parents.

The Golden Age Pass grants a 50% discount to the holder on any federal use fees charged for things such as camping, swimming, parking, boat launching, or tours. It does not, however, reduce the price of special recreation permit fees or fees for concessions.

Golden Access Passport

The Golden Access Passport is a free entrance pass to any national park, monument, historic site, recreation area, and national wildlife refuge for those who are blind or permanently disabled. The Golden Access passport may be obtained at any National Park Service entrance fee area. Proof of a medically determined disability and eligibility for receiving benefits under federal law is necessary at purchase.

The Golden Access Passport will admit the passholder and any passengers in a private vehicle. Where entrance is not by vehicle, the pass will admit the passholder, spouse, children and parents.

The Golden Access Passport also provides a 50% discount on any federal use fees charged for services and facilities. It does not cover special recreation permit fees or fees charged for concessions.

All passes described above are non-transferable.

Facilities & Opportunities

Both districts feature visitor centers, offering side shows, museums, cactus gardens, and sales outlets.

Trails & Roadways

Both districts offer miles of hiking trails and scenic loop drives. For more information on these trails, stop at the visitor center.

Programs & Activities

Numerous guided walks are offered at each visitor center. Published schedules of programs are available during the winter season. Special environmental education programs are frequently conducted for local school groups. Several Junior Ranger programs are available.

Lodging & Camping Facilities

There is no lodging or drive-in camping in the park. Lodging is abundant in Tucson and campgrounds are available in the community. Backcountry camping is permitted in Saguaro East; a free permit is required and can be obtained at the visitor center.

Food & Supplies

Food and supplies are available in Tucson.

There are no other concessions, NPS-managed visitor facilities or opportunities.

Accessibility

Visitor centers, restrooms, picnic areas, and some trails and programs are fully accessible.

Recommended Activities & Park Use

Start a park visit by stopping at the visitor center for maps, information, and suggestions. Most visitors enjoy the scenic drives, bird watching, photography, hiking, and guided walks.

Reservations & Permits

Reservations are required for backcountry camping and for some interpretive programs. There is no charge for reservations. Contact the park for more information.

Basic Visit Recommendations

Plan to spend a couple hours to a full day exploring the park.

Special Events & Programs

There are many special programs throughout the cooler months. Check at a visitor center for a detailed list.

Visitor Impacts

Leave only footprints; take nothing but wonderful memories.

Adjacent Visitor Attractions

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, adjacent to Saguaro West, is a high quality, non-profit, live animal museum. An excellent place to see the many residents of the Sonoran Desert up close.

Additional Information

For additional information write:

Saguaro National Park
3693 South Old Spanish Trail
Tucson, AZ 85730-5601
http://www.nps.gov/sagu/

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History

For centuries, the people of the Sonoran Desert have used natural products culled from the saguaro. In the summer, it provided a nourishing bounty of fig-like fruits. Native Tohono O'Odham Indians harvested them by knocking them off the tall cacti with long poles. From the fresh fruit they made jam, syrup, and wine for their religious ceremonies. So important was the fruit to the Tohono O'Odhams that the harvest season marked the beginning of their new year. The saguaro also provided seeds for the Tohono O'Odhams and their chickens to eat, and the strong, woody ribs that support the plant were used to build shelters and fences.

Rangers can direct visitors to areas abundant in petroglyphs, many carved at least 1,000 years ago.

Saguaro National Park was established October 4,1994.

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Reservation Information

Reservations are required for backcountry camping at designated sites and for some interpretive programs.

A permit is required for each group or individual camping overnight in the park. Camping is permitted only in designated campgrounds. Maximum stay is 14 days. The permit must be in the possession of the permit holder and must be displayed. Leave the permit attached to a tent or backpack so that it can be seen. The permit holder is responsible for ensuring all group members comply with all rules and regulations. Permits can be issued up to two months in advance, but no later than noon of the day of departure.

Permits are free and may be obtained:

• In person at the Rincon Mountain District Visitor Center, 3693 South Old Spanish Trail, Tucson, AZ. The visitor center is open daily 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• By obtaining an application from the park, filling it out and mailing it at least 14 days prior to your arrival. The permit can be mailed or picked up in person at the visitor center.

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