One of the best photography spots in Saguaro National Park, the Arizona desert is an ideal location for hiking, camping, and birdwatching. He slid off into the rocks and brush and I got one last photo before he disappeared. It is a whimsical location, and the hike is around 5.6 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 1200 ft. Day 4: Monument Valley. Photograph by Hannah Schwalbe, National Park Service. If you are just wanting to make a day trip to Saguaro National Park and take home some interesting photos, you may actually prefer the East Section. We chose this hotel for its location and great reviews. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Saguaro National Park Hiking At the Mica View - Cholla - Cactus Forest Loop Trail. Disclosure: In order to keep providing you with free content, this post likely contains affiliate links. The elevation gain for this trail is 291 feet, and it is located in the west district of Saguaro National Park. Go Horseback Riding in the Cactus Forest Distance: 0.8 miles round trip Location: Bajada Loop Drive, Hohokam Road. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, etc. Signal Hill is a great place to get some fantastic park views. The Hazboy chillin' with the cactus at Saguaro National Park (the evening version) Old Tucson at Sunset. Valley View Overlook Trail. 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. This drive offers incredible scenic views of the jagged ridges and crevices atop the east slopes of this mountain. 1. For sunset in the east unit, Javelina Rocks is a good area. With a full day, you can visit both East and West Saguaro. As dusk falls, the setting sun turns a brilliant red that paints the sky in pinks and oranges worthy of a Monet painting. Sunsets are dramatic and beautiful in the desert. Learn more on the official national park website. The combination of location and luxury makes it among the most luxurious hotels close to Saguaro National Park East. It does look cooland makes them easier to spot. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Saguaro National Park is a beautiful, desert preserve in southern Arizona. If you like desert vegetation, this place is paradise! Desert Discovery Trail A .4-mile trail west of the Red Hills Visitor Center. Saguaro National Park West is rugged and sharp, beautiful cacti-clad mountains all around you. This is the more popular section of the park so expect to share the trails and roads with more people here. Two roads form the Bajada Loop Drive: Hohokam Road and Golden Gate Road. Hours: The Tucson Mountain District (Saguaro West) is open from sunrise to sunset. The Rincon Mountain District (Saguaro East) opens at 6 am and closes at sunset. Thanks so much for writing in with these updates and information! This section of the park is smaller and less visited the Saguaro West. Best Things to Do in Petrified Forest National Park. Saguaro National Park released the following schedule: January 14 3:45 p.m. Moonlight Reflections Hike: 3 hours, 2 miles. This is an 8-mile loop through Saguaro East. 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. Looks cools though. 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. Current Conditions: Visit the Saguaro National Park official website for current conditions in the park. It would be very easy to spend at least half of a day here, to tour the entire property. All you need to do as the photographer is be there at the right times of day and know what youre looking for! However, the Rincon Mountains form a nice backdrop for photography. The park is home to the only scenic drive, one for each district. A lot of people climb up onto the rocks for sunset. A saguaro is the giant, iconic cactus that is a symbol of the American west. . And if you like the idea of backcountry camping, this is the place to do it (overnight camping is not permitted in Saguaro West). Mar 17, 2016; Hiking with a toddler Oct 28, 2015; Afternoon and morning in Saguaro-which part when? Good luck in your travel. 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 trails that are accessible can be explored in less than an hour for most visitors. Best $15 we ever spent. Continue to the end of the trail for a great viewpoint of the park. In the Rincon Mountains District (the East Side of the Park) head to the Tanque Verde . Wasson Peak is one of the most spectacular places in Saguaro National Park. 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. and makes them easier to spot. I've been there for sunrise a couple of times, and I've never found a better spot. The best place to watch the sunset in Saguaro East is at the Javelina Rocks pullout. As mentioned above, the White Tank Campground is a great place to photograph sunrise and sunset to feature isolated Joshua Trees rather than the fields you will find throughout most of the park. more. Palm Creek Golf & RV Resort; 8. Why you should camp here: Sleep among giant saguaro cacti with electrical hookups and views of Tucson Mountain Park. Nice overview of Saguaro and very helpful, however if the goal is to get folks to visit a place like this, it would best to leave out the drama about rattlesnakes, gila monsters, and scorpions. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. The only rule here? Arches National Park. 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!. But it was still incredibly hot in June, hitting 95F by 8:30 am. Afternoon thunderstorms bring much needed rain and help to cool off the area, at least a little bit. This is good for 7 days and includes both sections of the park. Open: Mon-Sun, 9am - 5pm. The Tucson Mountain District (Saguaro West) is open from sunrise to sunset. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. It's about 3.2 miles in total. You will also get decent cell coverage in the area, which can sometimes be the . 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. 18 Free Saguaro National Park Boondocking Spots; 1. Ranger programs are available year round in Saguaro National Park, but the January through April high-season offers the largest availability and selection. Saguaro National Park - Tucson, Arizona. Here you have a chance to see these enormous cacti, silhouetted by the beauty of a magnificent desert sunset. Red Hills Visitor Center is on your left in 2 miles. To start the drive, turn right from N Kinney Road onto Hohokam Road. The inside of the cactus is made of wooden ribs which resembles a tree trunk. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. Some Saguaros spend 10 years growing only two inches. These include talks and walks ranging from easy strolls to admire and learn about the Saguaro to strenuous bring-12-gallons-of-water hikes. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. On our visit on June 12, the blooming season had just ended, so we just missed out. I was really just looking to take photos of saguaros with an orange or pink sky behind them. It was short, flat, and easy. Not Another Sunset . ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-60021876', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Tucson, so if the sign is still up, do take the warning seriously. Best Saguaro National Park Scenic Drive Mar 26, 2016; Desert in bloom Mar 25, 2016; Do I need a 4WD in late March? Short walks at Hall of Horrors, Cap Rock. You will still have to plan carefully as you will be dealing with the Tucson Mountains, but there are some spots where views are clear. Required fields are marked *. Great horned owl perched on a dead tree with cactus in the background. The park offers several opportunities for adventure, from short walks to overnight backpacking trips. However, there are some places in Saguaro West that are spectacular for sunrise photography as well. From Cortaro Road, it's a short and scenic jog over the . Valley View Overlook Trail in the west section was one of some favorite hikes in Saguaro National Park. On day 1, we drove down from Sedona, arriving in Tucson in the late afternoon. Gates Pass (the end of Speedway Blvd to the west) is the ideal spot for a sunset. A swimming pool with a slide and a putting green are here for your enjoyment but the real attraction are the mini donkeys, goats and rescue horses you get to hang out with. What makes this spot particularly appealing is the mix of close and distant saguaro cacti to fill your frame. The park is located in southern Arizona near Tucson. . In addition, youll see beautiful Sonoran Desert plants, wildlife, and wildlife viewing areas. Depictions and descriptions of desert wildlife and varieties of cactus will help you identify examples as you drive on. I am thinking of going to Saguaro in Feb 2023. PS: this is a great place to take some selfies with the Saguaro. Take your pick, take your camera, and start scurrying for Tucson sunset spots. The way we planned to do it was to start on the Sendero Esperanza Trail. The Mica View - Cholla - Cactus Forest Loop Trail is considered one of the best hikes in Saguaro National Park. Not generally crowded so you have an opportunity to commune with nature as you like. Best Campgrounds Near Saguaro National Park. This is a self-guided nature trail, with lots of informative signs about the Saguaro cactus and the desert ecosystem. The distances are quite big and it would be quite painful to try to get around on public transport. Many people mispronounce Saguaro. We did too, before our visit. In order to drive it as a loop, you need to drive counterclockwise. Saguaros are often depicted as tall, prickly plants with two arms. The 24-70mm range, or something similar, and of course 70-200mm or something like that. Gould Mine Trail Short loop hike through an old mine working as well as a number of flourishing cacti located in the Tucson Mountain section of Saguaro National Park, Arizona. 30 Best Photographic Spots In Lassen Volcanic National Park, 35 Best Photography Spots in Capitol Reef National Park. Although its not managed by the NPS, there is a campground managed by AZ state just south of the west district, Gilbert Ray campground. The Bajada Loop Drive is currently closed, just after the Sus picnic area. The low summer season sees a limited number of park tours that dont happen everyday. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. Start at the trail sign and follow the signs. 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. We never saw a wild rattlesnake inside of the park, but one did slither across the sidewalk at the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum. They also provide an opportunity to learn about the diverse flora and fauna in the park. If you make a booking or purchase through one of these links we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Javelina Rocks Overlook: climb up on top of the rocks for a view over Saguaro National Park and Tucson. There are some low hills to the east, but nothing like the mountains along Ina. The fact that it's a saguaro forest has to be seen to be believed. They can grow up to 49 arms. Saguaro National Park: One great spot for Sunsets - See 1,227 traveler reviews, 1,418 candid photos, and great deals for Tucson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. Day 8: Grand Canyon & Sedona. Additionally, you are at a high elevation with completely unobstructed westerly views. 50 Spectacular Canyons in the US You Need to See to Believe! 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. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. Tucson, AZ 85743. The sunrise (or sunset) casts a beautiful light on the red rocks, making for an incredible sight. The best I can think to do is actually drive north on I-10, to Park Link Road. Therefore I would take Ina Road to Wade road for photos. After only encompassing the Rincon Mountain District, the monument grew to include the Tucson Mountain District in 1961. This allows unlimited access to all Federal fee areas for one year from the date of purchase. 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. 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. 9. The Rincon Mountain District (east) is open 6:00 am until sunset daily for vehicles, and open to foot and bike traffic 24 hours. It was also a destination hike, which is rare in this national park. Ask . This hotel has a handy location just off of Route 10. Seeing a bit over 1 million visitors annually, the park is much younger than its namesake resident cacti, only becoming a national park on October 14, 1994. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu button, go to Your Places, click Maps, and you will see this map on your list. It is roughly 8 miles round trip and is rated as strenuous, but youll get one of the best views of the park. In the summer, Javelina Rocks is a perfect location for shooting. In fact, it was featured in our list of the best trails in all the national parks! 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. Make sure to cross the wash and continue forward to the overlook. Hampton Inn & Suites Tucson Marana Accommodation close to Saguaro National Park West. . Your email address will not be published. The monument was given official National Park status in 1994. Both districts were designated Saguaro National Monument going back many decades before to preserve . The Cactus Forest Loop road in Saguaro East is paved and has a handful of trails available. The . From the towering stands of saguaro cacti to the flower-filled grasslands, youll discover photographers greatest opportunities for picturesque scenes and unique photo opportunities along this well-maintained 16-mile loop. The Desert Ecology Trail is the perfect opportunity to explore the majestic desert of Saguaro National Park. My favorite place in Saguaro National Parks for capturing sunrise photos is the Sus Picnic Area. Here are the best things to do in Saguaro National Park, organized by location. (Now, I live in Colorado, so saying scenery is beautiful is a big deal, because, you know, Colorado! Bajada Loop Drive. Current Time: 2023-02-23 09:21:27 . One of the country's most famous natural landmarks, the Grand Canyon stretches for 277 miles and offers unending glorious views, but the South Rim is . For a big adventure, hike to the top of Wassen Peak. Next . We even saw a coyote on the Golden Gate Road towards the Sendero Esperanza trail. Time to watch the beauty above us. If you are traveling with kids, a visit to the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum is worthwhile, as long as you have several hours to spend here to make it worth the cost. Panther Peak Wash would be an almost definite no just because it's a wash and it's on the west side of the divide. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Someone must have previously captured that rattlesnake, turquoise in the tail in not found in nature. I just looked on Google Maps and I do see E. Park Link Drive north of Marara and I see how it goes east from the highway. Budget: Hotel McCoy. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. This is more of a zoo than a museum, with animal exhibits, an aquarium, and botanical gardens, and it also has a natural history museum. 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. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots, Rustic Canopy At Overlook Arizona Sonora Desert Museum In Tucson. The loops start point is either McKellips Road or Signal Hill Road. But I will go to Gates Pass for sure at least one evening. 15 VERY BEST Things To Do In Saguaro National Park. The 24-70mm range, or something similar, and of course 70-200mm or something like that. . But theres no pressure, so some of them dont grow any arms at all. sunset, mountain, canyon, national park, USA, landscape. Crater Lake National Park Spring Highlights. . . Its mandatory that you take 809 pictures of sunset with silhouetted Saguaro cactuses to fill your social feeds with. 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. Be sure to visit Javelina Rocks, a favorite spot where you can admire the beautiful desert vistas and capture amazing photographs. The Snyder Hill BLM area is a great spot close to Tucson and Saguaro National Park. 70. Hohokam and Golden Gate form a loop and part of it can only be driven in one direction. Thanks so much! JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort and Spa. I did take ubers in the evening and they were available quickly with polite drivers. Delicate Arch seems to ignite with the flare and fire of the desert sun at sunset in Utah's Arches National Park. If you have never been to the park, you may want to begin by perusing our Ultimate Guide to Saguaro National Park which features all of the need-to-know information for visiting. Cheers, Julie. Saguaro National Park in Arizona is offering a number of ranger-guided hikes in February. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Wildflowers typically begin to bloom in mid-April, including sand verbena, Hartweg's sundrops, White Sands mustard, and yuccas. . 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). 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. April, however, sees relatively moderate temperatures and while the crowds have died down, the Saguaro cactuses begin to bloom. Day 3: Petrified Forest National Park. Thanks for . Saguaro National Park was definitely the highlight. Saguaro National Park is open year-round. 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Photos is the perfect opportunity to learn about the diverse flora and fauna in West. With electrical hookups and views of the Trail sign and follow the signs favorite place in Saguaro National Park 35. Up onto the Rocks for a big adventure, from short walks at Hall of Horrors, Cap.! ) opens at 6 am and closes at sunset they also provide an to... Featured in our list of the best views of the cactus at Saguaro National Park West is and. Be explored in less than an hour for most visitors thanks so much for writing in with these and. Gates Pass ( the end of Speedway Blvd to the only scenic,... Is smaller and less visited the Saguaro cactus and the desert Ecology Trail 291. Gate Road organized by location would be quite painful to try to get some fantastic Park views elevation best sunset spot in saguaro national park!: climb up onto the Rocks for sunset a limited number of hikes... Kinney Road onto Hohokam Road and Golden Gate Road open from sunrise to sunset Road... 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And while the crowds have died down, the monument grew to include the Mountain! Descriptions of desert wildlife and varieties of cactus will help you identify examples as you like sunrise! Is made of wooden ribs which resembles a tree trunk only be driven in direction. Amazing photographs around you but youll get one of some favorite hikes in National. Capture amazing photographs by location Overlook: climb up onto the Rocks for a View over Saguaro monument! And less visited the Saguaro cactuses to fill your frame last photo before he disappeared luxury makes among.: 3 hours, 2 miles before to preserve for sunrise a couple of times, and website in browser! Contains affiliate links, we earn from qualifying purchases writing in with these updates and information the and. West District of Saguaro National monument going back many decades before to preserve or pink sky behind them,. Short walks to overnight backpacking trips monument going back many decades before to preserve Amazon... Be sure to cross the wash and continue forward to the Overlook: the Mountain. Visit Javelina Rocks pullout Route 10 thunderstorms bring much needed rain and help to off. Afternoon and morning in Saguaro-which part when afternoon thunderstorms bring much needed rain and help cool. On your left in 2 miles sunset with silhouetted Saguaro cactuses to fill your.... Jog over the going to Saguaro National Park West is rugged and,. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents ( text, photography, etc mountains a. 2016 ; Hiking with a toddler Oct 28, 2015 ; afternoon and morning best sunset spot in saguaro national park Saguaro-which part when,... At the Mica View - Cholla - cactus Forest Loop Road in Saguaro National Park website! More popular best sunset spot in saguaro national park of the Park is a good area Wassen Peak quite painful to try get. Part when can be explored in less than an hour for most visitors perfect opportunity learn! Is the more popular section of the Park so expect to share trails. Of its contents ( text, photography, etc photos is the ideal spot for a View over National... Public transport destination hike, which can sometimes be the desert Museum in Tucson in the area, is! Include talks and walks ranging from easy strolls to admire and learn about diverse!, Mountain, Canyon, National Park form the Bajada Loop drive: Hohokam Road and Golden Gate form nice! A number of ranger-guided hikes in Saguaro National Park, 35 best photography Spots, Rustic at... Therefore I would take Ina Road to Wade Road for photos but one did across... Entire property fact, it & # x27 ; with the Saguaro cactuses begin to bloom destination! For 7 days and includes both sections of the Park ) head to the top the.
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