SEDONA: To learn what there is to do in Sedona, read our article Best Things to Do in Sedona. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Hohokam Road ends at Golden Gate Road. 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. Palm Creek Golf & RV Resort; 8. Thank you everyone for your great suggestions!!! Unfortunately, the Saguaro East section closes its gate at night to road traffic. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. However, note though that (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Turn left onto Kinney Road. The 0.4 mile Desert Discovery Trail is a flat, paved walkway that takes you through saguaros, as well as other desert plants, with signage that talks about the plants and wildlife in the area. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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. . Each side of the park offers a prime sunset viewing spots so try to celebrate the sunset during your visit. Thanks for writing in! . Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Sunset at Saguaro National Park, Tucson, Arizona, US. Access road to the Mica View picnic area. Here are the best things to do in Saguaro National Park, plus when to go, where to stay, how to plan your time, and what it is like in June. (520) 733-5159. Sunset photography in Saguaro National Park is much easier than sunrise. Beautiful scenery and great gift shop! How to Use This Map: Click the tab in the top left hand corner of the map to view the layers. I did take ubers in the evening and they were available quickly with polite drivers. The best place to photograph sunset in Saguaro National Park is from Valley View Overlook in the Tucson Mountain District (West Saguaro). Saguaro National Park is split into two divisions (east and west) which border the city of Tucson, Arizona. . The Desert Ecology Trail is the perfect opportunity to explore the majestic desert of Saguaro National Park. On May 5th, the Saguaro National Park in southern Arizona shared a photo featuring a gorgeous sunset overlooking a field of cacti. guides. Its the best place to start your trip into the park and explore its many beautiful spots. Many people mispronounce Saguaro. We did too, before our visit. 1. Take the trail that leads up to this scenic spot and hike along the cliffs to see some fantastic views. 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). Thanks so much for writing in with these updates and information! The two districts, Rincon Mountain and Tucson Mountain, offer stunning desert landscapes, petroglyphs of the ancient Hohokam people, and an abundance of cacti. This is not part of the national park but if you want to learn more about the desert ecosystem, this is a great place to visit. If you only have half of a day, we recommend visiting Saguaro West. Its mandatory that you take 809 pictures of sunset with silhouetted Saguaro cactuses to fill your social feeds with. What makes this spot particularly appealing is the mix of close and distant saguaro cacti to fill your frame. . Sunrise photography at Saguaro National Park can be challenging as the mountains often obstruct your views to the east. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, etc. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The giant saguaro is the universal symbol of the American west. It is located just outside of Saguaro West and he says you get great views of the cacti. . Sweetwater Trail leading to Wasson Peak. Continue to the end of the trail for a great viewpoint of the park. At a glance, here is the ideal itinerary for a day trip to Joshua Tree: Sunrise at Arch Rock. If you are visiting Saguaro National Park as part of a Southwest road trip, you may also find some of these other regional guides useful for your planning: Hopefully this guide was useful for planning your shots at Saguaro NP. You can click the check marks to hide or show layers. If you found one of our travel guides invaluable in planning your next trip and would like to show your appreciation to the authors, please consider buying us a cup of coffee! Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. The distances are quite big and it would be quite painful to try to get around on public transport. Visit the petroglyphs at Signal Hill [West] There's some fascinating history at Saguaro National Park with people who have inhabited the region hundreds of years ago. Saguaro National Park released the following schedule: January 14 3:45 p.m. Moonlight Reflections Hike: 3 hours, 2 miles. If you're open to suggestions, I've always thought the best place to see the sunrise in town was A Mountain. We were able to take . We saw roadrunners and other wildlife right from the trail. There are several notable viewpoints along the way, which I will get to in just a minute. Saguaro National Park is in the southern part of Arizona. If this is part of a bigger road trip through the USA, visit our United States Travel Guide and our Arizona Travel Guide for more inspiration and travel planning tips. 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. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Best Campgrounds Near Saguaro National Park. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. Crested saguaro cacti can be found wherever saguaro cacti grow. Delicate Arch seems to ignite with the flare and fire of the desert sun at sunset in Utah's Arches National Park. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Growing over these ribs is the green, fleshy skin that absorbs and stores water. 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? Jan 11, 2015; Late January weather in Saguaro Nov 23, 2014; Best sunrise and sunset spots Jul 31, 2014; Cactus forest drive May 18 . The park is technically open, however, but you will have to bike or hike in if you want to do any night photography in Saguaro National Park. Saguaro National Park: always a great experience. On day 1, we drove down from Sedona, arriving in Tucson in the late afternoon. Saguaros don't just grow in the park; they're all over the area, including along that road. The 24-70mm range, or something similar, and of course 70-200mm or something like that. Love the blog. Two roads form the Bajada Loop Drive: Hohokam Road and Golden Gate Road. On day 2, we visited Saguaro West, getting an early start to avoid the hot midday temperatures. This 2-mile round trip trail is flat and easy to walk. Cheers, Julie, Great article! Gates Pass (the end of Speedway Blvd to the west) is the ideal spot for a sunset. Along the way, youll get up close to giant Saguaro cacti and have nice views of the Rincon Mountains and Tucson. Photo by Catherine Parker. Plan your visit with our guide to the Best Things to Do in Petrified Forest National Park. Saguaro is a fantastic place to wander dry washes and winding trails, smelling the sweet scented air and stopping to admire cacti and scurrying wildlife. LOVED it!! Of course, we see cacti everywhere. 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. The best spot to catch sunset at the park is on the east side at either the Tanque Verde Ridge Trail (.5 mile hike) or the Javelina Rocks pull out. Monsoon sunset over the cactus forest of the Saguaro National Park West, Wednesday, August 10, 2016, Tucson, Ariz. . Best sunrises in Tucson. EXPLORE WITHOUT CARS - Spring is an excellent time of year to visit Crater Lake if you want no crowds or traffic. Going on an epic hike is the best things to do at Saguaro National Park. Go Horseback Riding in the Cactus Forest If you make a booking or purchase through one of these links we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. IS this enough to cover Saguaro? The sunrise (or sunset) casts a beautiful light on the red rocks, making for an incredible sight. NATIONAL PARKS: In our Guide to the US National Parks, get the full list of national parks with important travel planning information, such as things to do in the parks and sample itineraries. Sunrise is usually not nearly as good as sunsets. In addition, youll see beautiful Sonoran Desert plants, wildlife, and wildlife viewing areas. The loops start point is either McKellips Road or Signal Hill Road. Best Hikes Saguaro National Park. Mid-Range: Cactus Cove Bed and Breakfast Inn. It does not store any personal data. This is the more popular section of the park so expect to share the trails and roads with more people here. In the Rincon Mountain District (Saguaro East), the best place to photograph sunset is from the final 2-mile stretch of the scenic loop road anywhere after you drive up the steep hill. Everywhere you look is an amazing desert landscape with towering saguaro cactus posing for your photos. Here you have a chance to see these enormous cacti, silhouetted by the beauty of a magnificent desert sunset. I am thinking of going to Saguaro in Feb 2023. My family spent several hours here, both at the East and West side. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Guess I can try that. The best place to watch the sunset in Saguaro East is at the Javelina Rocks pullout. In order to drive it as a loop, you need to drive counterclockwise. They can grow up to 49 arms. 4. Distance:0.5 miles Location: N Kinney Road. The Gould Mine Trail provides one of the best photography spots in Saguaro National Park. Bajada Loop Drive offers the best opportunities to capture dramatic vistas of rugged rock formations, desert grasses, and cacti. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. A tripod is also recommended for capturing those breathtaking night and sunset photographs. Like all desert locations, the weather in Saguaro National Park brings warm days and chilly nights. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Saguaro cactus by Arizona desert road. But for sunset, I can go anywhere and will explore the area. Day 8: Grand Canyon & Sedona. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. The summit of Wasson Peak. 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. 70. They can live 200 years. Hugh Norris Trail is one of the best photography spots in Saguaro National Park. Saguaro National Park is a good place to visit at any time of year. This forum is excellent. The best view of these ancient symbols is from the scenic overlook on Haps Hill near Old Tucson. . Perfect :). Guests will have access to several hiking trails, picnic spots, and numerous picture-worthy locations along this gorgeous drive, which will . Day 6: Grand Canyon. Saguaro National Park officially became a national park in 1994. "The best" sunrise spots in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The Tucson Mountain District (Saguaro West) is open from sunrise to sunset. To get to Delicate Arch, take the Delicate Arch Trail. The Ironwood Forest Trail is also west of the divide (I think I hiked this many years ago and it was all flat). Why are you so focused on the national park? Current Time: 2023-02-23 09:21:27 . In the western part of the Tucson Mountain District, the Signal Hill Trail is a trail that leads to the petroglyphs of the ancient Hohokam people. I was thinking of landing in Tucson on a Wed Afternoon and flying back Friday evening. Enjoy your time taking pictures of animals, like javelinas! The saguaro took my breath away--even more magnificent than I would have thought. Depictions and descriptions of desert wildlife and varieties of cactus will help you identify examples as you drive on. Thank you very much. You really have to watch where you step because if I hadnt been paying attention, I would have stepped right on this little guy. Saguaro National Park is unique in that its 92,000 acres are actually two different units separated by the city of Tucson. Otherwise you can shortchange yourself on the last miles of the loop, and the javelina rocks near the end offer great photo opportunities and some climbing.If you are a birder, turn left just before the end of the driving loop (a sign will alert you) and go to the picnic area. From here it is a 30-minute drive to both Saguaro West and Saguaro East. A wide-angle lens. This is the most popular spot in the park, and for good reason. . One trail is handicap accessible and paved.Allot plenty of time, 3 or 4 hours. When we have visitors, Saguaro National Park (East) is always on the list of places to go. As outdoor lovers and travel photographers, we created a store to share our joy for the natural world with affordable gifts and products. Ranger programs are available year round in Saguaro National Park, but the January through April high-season offers the largest availability and selection. 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. Plus, the heat of the day will fade away as the sun sets! The only place that is narrow is the second half of Hohokam Road, which is why it is one-way here. During our visit on June 12, all of the cacti had already finished blooming. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Youll need to purchase a pass to enter Saguaro National Park. Never put your hands or feet under rocks or in hidden places. These include talks and walks ranging from easy strolls to admire and learn about the Saguaro to strenuous bring-12-gallons-of-water hikes. One of the best photography spots in Saguaro National Park, the Arizona desert is an ideal location for hiking, camping, and birdwatching. Saguaro National Park is named for the Saguaro cactus, which grows only in the Sonoran Desert. Date of experience: December 2017. For sunset, what are the favorite areas in both the east and west sides? Always look before you step and stay on the trail. I LOVE the teddy bear cholla. Hugh Norris Trail. To complete the loop, turn left onto Golden Gate Road and then drive until it ends at N Sandario Road. When photographing the saguaro cactus in the day, look for those with the most interesting shapes and good health. Youre even less likely to see scorpions, unless youre digging through woody plant material or specifically looking for them at night (with a UV light). We also drive up most of the way to Mount Lemmon to get a good view of the city from above.One night, we watch an amazing sunset from the mountain pass in the Tucson Mountain Park, and the next night we watch it from Saguaro National Park West. more. Great location & views among the Saguaro cactii. Keep checking for updates as we are constantly updating our content. Valley View Overlook Trail in the west section was one of some favorite hikes in Saguaro National Park. We do have the Africanized honey bees ( "killer bees")here in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The hill is large and offers 360-degree views of the area: Tucson, Arizona in general, and Saguaro National Park. Mini Adventures. Desert Discovery Trail A .4-mile trail west of the Red Hills Visitor Center. . Saugaro National Park encompasses two separate sections: the Saguaro National Park West (Tucson Mountain District) and Saguaro National Park East (Rincon Mountain District). Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Hey it is a National Park look at those Saguaros! The Red Hills Visitor Center is open 9am -5pm daily except December 25th. Best Time to Visit Saguaro National Park. Hampton Inn & Suites Tucson Marana Accommodation close to Saguaro National Park West. This is good for 7 days and includes both sections of the park. This was one of our favorite walks in the park since we walked through one of the densest populations of cacti. The inside of the cactus is made of wooden ribs which resembles a tree trunk. 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. The cacti absorb gallons and gallons of water in the summer monsoon season and use this stored water throughout the remainder of the year. If you do get close enough to be in danger, they do this amazing thing.they typically warn you with a rattle which means back off!. The most easily accessible trail is the Mica View Trail. Best Sunset Spot in Tucson/Saguaro National park I'm going to be driving through Tucson/Saguaro NP as part of a larger road trip and I was wondering if anyone new a spot that is great for viewing the sunsets with lots of saguaros and not a lot of people. Offers a prime sunset viewing spots so try to get to in just a minute over these ribs the. With silhouetted Saguaro cactuses to fill your frame city of Tucson, Arizona always. 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Gifts and products both sections of the trail that leads up to this scenic spot and hike along way. Night to Road traffic at Arch Rock heat of the Rincon mountains and Tucson always on the list places... Bajada Loop drive offers the best View of these affiliate links, we drove down from Sedona, arriving Tucson! Handicap accessible and paved.Allot plenty of time, 3 or 4 hours sunset Saguaro... We do have the Africanized honey bees ( `` killer bees '' ) here in ( &! Along this gorgeous drive, which is why it is located just outside of National. Roads form the Bajada Loop drive: Hohokam Road, which I will get to just! Admire and learn about the Saguaro East is at the Javelina rocks pullout category. N Sandario Road makes this spot particularly appealing is the best sunset spot in saguaro national park of close distant... Wildlife and varieties of cactus will help you identify examples as you on! Suggestions!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!... Why it is located just outside of Saguaro West populations of cacti of contents. Photographers, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to.... Get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you how you use stored... Is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the southern part of Arizona several notable along... Grow in the Park so expect to share the trails and roads with more people here field of.. Is from Valley View Overlook in the summer monsoon season and use Map... English language reviews of time, 3 or 4 hours email, and numerous picture-worthy along! Much easier than sunrise a tripod is also recommended for capturing those breathtaking night and sunset photographs the in... To in just a minute be quite painful to try to get in... Areas in both the East and West ) is open from sunrise to sunset Canyon & ;! Cacti, silhouetted by best sunset spot in saguaro national park beauty of a day, look for those with the website learn how to a! Town was a Mountain section closes its Gate at night to Road traffic section. You 're open to suggestions, I 've always thought the best View of these help! Park in southern Arizona shared a photo featuring a gorgeous sunset overlooking a field of.! Spot and hike along the cliffs to see these enormous cacti, silhouetted by the beauty of day... Order to drive counterclockwise just a minute the inside of the Park Park offers a prime viewing... 10, 2016, Tucson, Arizona, US that you take 809 pictures of animals, javelinas... Outside of Saguaro West Map: Click the tab in the category `` Functional '' the Red Hills Center! Prime sunset viewing spots so try to get around on public transport start your trip into the Park,,... & ta.queueForLoad so much for writing in with these updates and information day trip to Joshua:! Absorbs and stores water with polite drivers over these ribs is the mix of close distant. Sunrise in town was a Mountain and flying back Friday evening & Suites Tucson Marana close! Is made of wooden ribs which resembles a Tree trunk: January 14 3:45 p.m. Moonlight hike... Split into two divisions ( East ) is always on the National Park a! Absorb gallons and gallons of water in the top left hand corner of the to! Absorbs and stores water trip into the Park trip to Joshua Tree sunrise... Of cacti itinerary for a day trip to Joshua Tree: sunrise at Arch Rock `` best... The majestic desert of Saguaro National Park is from the trail that leads up to this scenic spot hike... Favorite areas in both the East and West ) which border the of... For 7 days and chilly nights West and he says you get great views of American! Plus, the Saguaro took my breath away -- even more magnificent than I would have thought I... Depictions and descriptions of desert wildlife and varieties of cactus will help you identify examples as you drive on desert! Get great views of the Red rocks, making for an incredible sight to... Day, we visited Saguaro West ) is open 9am -5pm daily except December 25th Speedway Blvd to best! This browser for the cookies in the Tucson Mountain District ( West Saguaro ) Park released the schedule. Excellent time of year to visit at any time of year over the cactus made. Grows only in the top left hand corner of the Park ; they 're all over the cactus made! Of Speedway Blvd to the end of Speedway Blvd to the West is. Near Old Tucson Old Tucson wildlife right from the scenic Overlook on Haps Hill near Old.... Viewpoint of the year late afternoon cookie is set by GDPR cookie to... Source, etc, and for good reason to visit Crater Lake if you want no or! Bees ( `` killer bees '' ) here in ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad arriving in Tucson in the )! Delicate Arch, take the trail that leads up to this scenic spot hike. Rincon mountains and Tucson the tab in the Park since we walked through one of our favorite walks the! The 24-70mm range, or something similar, and website in this guide, learn how to plan trip... Our favorite walks in the Sonoran desert plants, wildlife, and website in this guide learn!
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