Saguaro National Park
The iconic saguaro cactus forests of the Sonoran Desert flanking Tucson in two distinct mountain districts.
Quick Info
Highlights
- Sunset on the Bajada Loop Drive through dense saguaro forests
- Hiking to the summit of Wasson Peak for 360-degree desert views
- Spring wildflower blooms carpeting the desert floor
- Saguaro blossoms in late May, Arizona's state flower
- Cactus Forest Scenic Loop Drive in the Rincon District
- Spotting Gila monsters, roadrunners, and javelinas at dawn
Park Map
Explore trailheads, hotels, and points of interest
About Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park protects the nation's largest cacti in two separate districts on either side of Tucson, Arizona. The Rincon Mountain District to the east rises from desert scrub into pine forests, while the Tucson Mountain District to the west showcases dense saguaro forests at lower elevations. The park preserves a complete Sonoran Desert ecosystem where saguaros can live over 200 years and grow to 50 feet tall, providing homes for Gila woodpeckers, elf owls, and countless other desert species.
Explore More
Where to Stay
View all hotelsTanque Verde Ranch
$$$$A premier all-inclusive dude ranch nestled against the Rincon Mountains, operating since 1868. Horseback riding, nature programs, and gourmet Southwestern cuisine create an authentic desert ranch experience.
JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort
$$$A luxurious desert resort set in the Tucson Mountains with a championship golf course, full-service spa, lazy river pool complex, and panoramic views of the Sonoran Desert landscape.
Hotel Congress
$A landmark 1919 downtown Tucson hotel with a storied past, famous as the site where John Dillinger was captured. Eclectic rooms, a lively bar and music venue, and a beloved cafe make it a Tucson institution.