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. Saguaro National Park was definitely the highlight. Hampton Inn & Suites Tucson Marana Accommodation close to Saguaro National Park West. However, if you have the time, its still worth the visit. Date of experience: December 2017. These majestic plants, found only in a small portion of the United States, are protected by Saguaro National Park, to the east and west of the modern city of Tucson. (520) 733-5159. Required fields are marked *. The best I can think to do is actually drive north on I-10, to Park Link Road. In point #3, we talked about finding the best sunset spots in the park and this was without a doubt one of them. See Ancient Petroglyphs on Signal Hill Trail (west) This short 0.3-mile hike takes you to ancient petroglyphs that are more than 800 years old. Its two sections lie on opposite sides of the Tucson metropolitan area. We generally only post about places we visit for a longer amount of time. Hike through the saguaro cactus forest and spot wildlife on our nature trails, or simply relax in one of our shaded picnic areas. In the afternoon, we drove back to Phoenix. This paved and totally level loop hike is only half a mile long. 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. The other plant and animal life just adds to the drama and beauty. Ranger programs are available year round in Saguaro National Park, but the January through April high-season offers the largest availability and selection. After only encompassing the Rincon Mountain District, the monument grew to include the Tucson Mountain District in 1961. Afternoon thunderstorms bring much needed rain and help to cool off the area, at least a little bit. If you visit in the summer months, be prepared for temperatures reaching above 110 and be prepared with proper sun protection and plenty of water. A lot of people climb up onto the rocks for sunset. This events draw thousands of visitors each . From sunrise to sunset, this tour will take you to areas away from the crowds, giving you a chance to capture iconic images of these cacti. Someone must have previously captured that rattlesnake, turquoise in the tail in not found in nature. with only 49 feet of elevation gain. Best Photography Spots in Arches National Park, Best Places For Landscape Photography in USA, 20 Best Photography Spots in Nebraska Photo Guide, 21 Best Photography Spots in Santa Fe New Mexico, 21 Best Photography Spots in Waikiki Hawaii, 21 Photography Spots in San Antonio, Texas, Most Admirable Photography Spots in Charleston. PLACES TO GO IN ARIZONA: Go hiking in Sedona, visitPetrified Forest National Park, explore Monument Valley, photograph Antelope Canyon, and visit the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. 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). District and its trails to the western district. The best place to watch the sunset in Saguaro East is at the Javelina Rocks pullout. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. We never saw a wild rattlesnake inside of the park, but one did slither across the sidewalk at the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum. Sunsets are dramatic and beautiful in the desert. Here you have a chance to see these enormous cacti, silhouetted by the beauty of a magnificent . Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. Here are a few suggestions with more character, based on budget and amenities. The local bee and bird populations will agree. Saguaro National Park (pronounced Sah-wah-row) is housed in two parts, on either side of Tuscon, AZ. Sorry in advance if you want to buy a ranch after staying here. Moonlight Programs 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. Saguaro National Park is in the southern part of Arizona. Call the park's visitor center at 520-733-5158 for updates the day of the program. No touching. RV hookups: Yes, 30 amp. Recommended Hotels near Saguaro National Park, Hampton Inn and Suites Tucson Tech Park Accommodation near Saguaro National Park East. Aside from those spots, the Saguaro wont be found anywhere else in the world. 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 . This section of the park is smaller and less visited the Saguaro West. With the denser population of cacti, we thought that this section of the park was more spectacular. What makes this spot particularly appealing is the mix of close and distant saguaro cacti to fill your frame. There are several notable viewpoints along the way, which I will get to in just a minute. This is the more popular section of the park so expect to share the trails and roads with more people here. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots 1. We recommend a high-quality camera, which is one of the holy trinity. Guess I can try that. The slow-growing saguaro cacti rise an inch or two each year before reaching a mature height of 40 to 50 feet. Is that a decent time to go? My family spent several hours here, both at the East and West side. 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. Go on Some Epic Hikes. There are several ways to get to the top of Wassen Peak. The inside of the cactus is made of wooden ribs which resembles a tree trunk. Most of the road is wide enough for two cars to pass. Love the blog. The western section, also called the Tucson Mountain District, Best Things to do in Saguaro National Park, More Information for Your Trip to Arizona. The Rincon Mountain District (Saguaro East) opens at 6 am and closes at sunset. This will help you have the perfect one day in Saguaro west. Take your pick, take your camera, and start scurrying for Tucson sunset spots. Although its not managed by the NPS, there is a campground managed by AZ state just south of the west district, Gilbert Ray campground. 1. When we have visitors, Saguaro National Park (East) is always on the list of places to go. We spent several hours in Saguaro East and then checked into our hotel in Tucson. Like all desert locations, the weather in Saguaro National Park brings warm days and chilly nights. 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. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 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. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Saguaro National Park. Saguaro Cactus at Sunset in Sonoran Desert. 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? This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Photo: Dan Nevill. The low summer season sees a limited number of park tours that dont happen everyday. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. 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! This area is located closer to the city, so it's easier to access. Saguaros are often depicted as tall, prickly plants with two arms. Valley View Overlook Trail in the west section was one of some favorite hikes in Saguaro National Park. It was short, flat, and easy. Gilbert Ray Campground. . Years ago, I walked almost to the top of that butte on the south side of the road as you enter the park. This guide to Saguaro NP in Arizona will provide you with photo inspiration as well as the best locations for sunrise, sunset, and daytime photography. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 9. 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. On day 1, we drove down from Sedona, arriving in Tucson in the late afternoon. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. If you dont have the lens you need, do not fret, the same lens should perform just fine. The desert sunset may rival the saguaros as the park's most Instagrammed natural wonder. It would be very easy to spend at least half of a day here, to tour the entire property. Mar 17, 2016; Hiking with a toddler Oct 28, 2015; Afternoon and morning in Saguaro-which part when? The Gould Mine Trail provides one of the best photography spots in Saguaro National Park. The Cowboy Hideaway is also an irresistible option. Cheers, Julie, Your email address will not be published. Time to watch the beauty above us. Photograph by Hannah Schwalbe, National Park Service. It is roughly 8 miles round trip and is rated as strenuous, but youll get one of the best views of the park. 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. Gates Pass is what locals seem to favor as the top sunset spot. Total hiking amount so far: 1.4 miles, one . Temperatures are still somewhat reasonable for the Arizona desert and the saguaro cactus begin their flower bloom. We chose this hotel for its location and great reviews. Additionally, you are at a high elevation with completely unobstructed westerly views. . We quickly learned that the desert puts on a show at sunset. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. And worst comes to worst, I sleep in and just catch the sunsets. There are several pools, a lazy river, and corn hole, so theres a lot to keep kids busy and happy. Guests will have access to several hiking trails, picnic spots, and numerous picture-worthy locations along this gorgeous drive, which will . Therefore I would take Ina Road to Wade road for photos. Saguaro West will likely have a lot more dust and dirt and crowds to contend with. Day 1: Arrive in Phoenix, Saguaro National Park. It was short, flat, and easy. Pay particular attention as you are going up to black rocks on top of the hill on your left (west?). . The park offers many possibilities for exploration, from easy walks in the desert to rugged mountain hikes. Best Time to Visit Saguaro National Park. In mid-June, monsoon season begins. April, however, sees relatively moderate temperatures and while the crowds have died down, the Saguaro cactuses begin to bloom. Absolutely beautiful! Specialties: Tucson, Arizona is home to the nation's largest cacti. 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. The best camera equipment to capture photos in Saguaro National Park. Sunrise is usually not nearly as good as sunsets. It is located just outside of Saguaro West and he says you get great views of the cacti. 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. The elevation gain for this trail is 291 feet, and it is located in the west district of Saguaro National Park. Be sure to check out our additional. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". The eastern section, also called the Rincon Mountain District, has a lower concentration of cacti. Best Campgrounds Near Saguaro National Park. Campsite type: RV, tent, car camping. Ever seeing a gila monster unless you live in the desert would be even more rare and being close enough to get bit would likelyrequire you to harass one, as theyre not particularly fast creatures. . Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. You don't want to be walking a trail in the dark, even with a flashlight. Saguaro National Parkis under limited operations due to COVID-19. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Open: Mon-Sun, 9am - 5pm. They are often humanized in cartoons. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, etc. Bajada Loop Drive: Located in the Tucson Mountain District of Saguaro National Park, Bajada Loop Drive is a scenic dirt road through the Sonoran Desert. We were here in January--temperatures were in the mid-50s to the upper 60s. Distance:0.5 miles Location: N Kinney Road. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. Be sure to check out our additional photography guides. PRO TRAVEL TIP: Beware of rattlesnakes, gila monsters, and scorpions. For current status and frequent updates, check outSaguaros current conditions. Upscale: JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort and Spa. 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. This beautiful property has an outdoor pool and views of the nearby mountains. A 7-day pass for one car plus all passengers is $25. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Saguaro National Park. His photos have won awards fromNatures . Check out StreetView of the road to see what you think. Mid-Range: Cactus Cove Bed and Breakfast Inn. It is also far less crowded. Keep checking for updates as we are constantly updating our content. Thank you very much. Ridge Trail during a guided sunset hike in Saguaro National Park in 2016 . About Saguaro National Park: Saguaro National Park is open 365 days per year. Set on two separate sides of the city of Tuscon, Saguaro National Park showcases the Sonoran Desert. 7. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. Day 7: Grand Canyon. Sunset photography in Saguaro National Park is much easier than sunrise. Continue to the end of the trail for a great viewpoint of the park. 2. In the Tucson Mountain District (west), the park is open to vehicles from . You will discover they are much larger than they tend to appear in photos. Your email address will not be published. Tanque Verde Ridge Trail. To get to Delicate Arch, take the Delicate Arch Trail. The whole thing began, as these things often do, on social media. Always look before you step and stay on the trail. . You don't see any of the city looking that way though, so you would be missing that. 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. Saguaros can live up to 200 years (although some sources state that they can live even longer than this). If you are spending significant time in the American Southwest, we also have a collection of travel & photography guides to some of the best destinations in the region. We stayed at Hotel McCoy, per your recommendation. Privacy Policy Terms of Use, Cactus Garden strolls at either visitor center, Central and Stylish Midcentury Pool House, Marvel at Petroglyphs on the Signal Hill Trail, Bicycle the Cactus Forest Loop Drive in the Rincon Mountain District, Catch Sunset for Epic Pictures in Saguaro National Park, Take an Air-Conditioned Drive on the Scenic Bajada Loop, Walk in the Dark During the Two-Hour Ranger-Led Night Hike, Visit in April through June to Catch the Saguaros in Bloom. The summer heat in the park can be intense and dangerous. And if you like the idea of backcountry camping, this is the place to do it (overnight camping is not permitted in Saguaro West). The parks name comes from the saguaro-sized cactus native to its desert surroundings. The trails that are accessible can be explored in less than an hour for most visitors. However, there are some places in Saguaro West that are spectacular for sunrise photography as well. With both designated tent and RV sites, plus modern . Depictions and descriptions of desert wildlife and varieties of cactus will help you identify examples as you drive on. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. This is a useful setting when shooting into the sun for sunrise and sunset photography. Best Hikes Saguaro National Park. This bed and breakfast is located in eastern Tuscon, near Saguaro East. They grow at a very slow rate, only an inch per year. 1. Be advised: the park is split into an east side and a west side, with Tucson in between. A few times a year we get the kind of sunrise where the whole sky is full of pink or orange clouds lit from below as the sun rises. The park is home to the only scenic drive, one for each district. We are over 60 and out of shape, so true hiking wasn't part of our adventure, but I took a couple of the trails, including the little nature walk behind the visitors' center. "The best" sunrise spots in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The park offers several opportunities for adventure, from short walks to overnight backpacking trips. This drive offers incredible scenic views of the jagged ridges and crevices atop the east slopes of this mountain. Saguaro Sunset. . Hohokam and Golden Gate form a loop and part of it can only be driven in one direction. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Many, but not all, of the Saguaros grow arms. ANTELOPE CANYON: Journey through Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon in photos. Thanks Alex! It was also a destination hike, which is rare in this national park. 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. Should You Visit Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon? 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 comprised of two districts, East and West, that preserve thousands of acres of this region's most recognizable monarch of a cactus the saguaro. According to the National Park Service, there are about 75 known crested saguaro cacti located within the boundaries of the two sections of the National Park. Thanks for . sunset, mountain, canyon, national park, USA, landscape. Theres even a Saguaro census that takes place every ten years to keep this number accurate. Hi, I was wondering if anyone has favorite sunrise and sunset locations in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots, Rustic Canopy At Overlook Arizona Sonora Desert Museum In Tucson. Sunrise photography at Saguaro National Park can be challenging as the mountains often obstruct your views to the east. 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. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots 1. 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. Turn left on the Hugh Norris Trail (head east) and take this to the top of Wassen Peak. Why are you so focused on the national park? Best Things to Do in Petrified Forest National Park. Hugh Norris Trail. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Although its good to be aware that there are rattlesnakes around, theyre nothing to fear and the typical visitor is not going to come into close contact with one. PS: this is a great place to take some selfies with the Saguaro. In Saguaro, skies are clear and trails areplentiful. November through March is the high season for Saguaro National Park thanks to the moderate temperatures and occasional surprise snowfall. One trail is handicap accessible and paved.Allot plenty of time, 3 or 4 hours. Saguaro National Park is a beautiful, desert preserve in southern Arizona. 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). LOVE the cactus!! 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. Along the way, youll get up close to giant Saguaro cacti and have nice views of the Rincon Mountains and Tucson. Admission: All passes are good for 1 week: Vehicle-$25.00; Motorcycle-$20.00; Individual-$15.00. Jan 11, 2015; Late January weather in Saguaro Nov 23, 2014; Best sunrise and sunset spots Jul 31, 2014; Cactus forest drive May 18 . Enjoy your time taking pictures of animals, like javelinas! The Bajada Loop drive is a 6-mile graded dirt road. NB: Downtown Tucson has the Sun Link Streetcar which covers 4 miles. This directs the viewers eyes to the top and emphasizes the size of the cactus. Drive to Key's Viewpoint overlook. The Tucson Mountain District (Saguaro West) is open from sunrise to sunset. As outdoor lovers and travel photographers, we created a store to share our joy for the natural world with affordable gifts and products. Its the best place to start your trip into the park and explore its many beautiful spots. There are two separate sections to the park. The Red Hills Visitor Center is about 27 minutes from Interstate 10 at the Cortaro Road exit in Marana. The sunrise (or sunset) casts a beautiful light on the red rocks, making for an incredible sight. Those suggestions help a lot. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. But the desert is home to some of the most adaptive and interesting plants and animals on our planet. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. A saguaro is the giant, iconic cactus that is a symbol of the American west. Valley View Overlook overlaps a few other trails. Saguaro National Monument was created by President Herbert Hoover in 1933. Saguaro National Park is made for photography adventures with kids and grown-ups. Make sure to cross the wash and continue forward to the overlook. Saguaro Attractions and things to do and see in Saguaro - There are so many things to do in Saguaro National Park you will not want to miss! We even saw a coyote on the Golden Gate Road towards the Sendero Esperanza trail. This park did not disappoint. That all sounds great! How to Use This Map: Click the tab in the top left hand corner of the map to view the layers. 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. During our visit on June 12, all of the cacti had already finished blooming. They would be closest to I-10 but is that area good for sunrise? Crater Lake National Park Spring Highlights. I was really just looking to take photos of saguaros with an orange or pink sky behind them. Required fields are marked *. 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. I did take ubers in the evening and they were available quickly with polite drivers. Thanks so much for writing in with these updates and information! The hotels comfort is superb and they have an outdoor pool that will help cool down after a day of heat within the Park. This Tucson Mountain adventure will show you some of the best photography spots in Saguaro National Park. Saguaro National Park - Tucson, Arizona. Besides the . Visitors will want to stay in the left lane when turning onto Bajada Loop Drive from Signal Hill Road or Leisure Lane in case cars come from behind. All rights reserved. Perfect :). If you enjoyed the information, please leave your feedback and suggest it to friends and acquaintances. With a full day, you can visit both East and West Saguaro. Day 4: Monument Valley. Not Another Sunset . If you enjoyed the information, please leave your feedback and suggest it to friends and acquaintances. The trail spans around 2.2 miles, and it is an out and back trail type. 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.. Sunset view of Sonoran desert from Tucson Mountain Park. 4. Taking home beautiful Saguaro National Park photos is as easy as setting your watch. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. One day is all you need to visit Saguaro National Park, unless you plan to go camping in the backcountry. Saguaro National Park is named for the Saguaro cactus, which grows only in the Sonoran Desert. Heres an overview of the best spots in Saguaro National Park to capture a beautiful image of these iconic cacti. I recommend avoiding a visit in June through August unless you're well acclimated to the scorching desert heat. The park is located in southern Arizona near Tucson. On this short, easy walking trail, get up close to the Saguaro cactus, prickly pears, and ironwood trees. 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. But first you need to know which way to drive the loop in order to avoid backtracking. Thanks for the recommendation. Take a hike along the Desert Ecology Trail. In the Hampton Inn & Suites Tucson Marana, Youre just 15 minutes from the park district in the west. The only place that is narrow is the second half of Hohokam Road, which is why it is one-way here. Located both to the east and west of Tucson, Saguaro National Park is an iconic experience in the American Southwest. Take I-10E to Avra Valley Road, exit 242. Together, the area covers 91,716 acres with 165 miles of trails. The Tucson Mountain District sits 10 miles west of Tucson while the Rincon Mountain District (my personal favorite) lies 10 miles east. The orientations of both park units are such that they are both behind mountains at sunrise. The Snyder Hill BLM area is a great spot close to Tucson and Saguaro National Park. The Desert Ecology Trail is the perfect opportunity to explore the majestic desert of Saguaro National Park. Valley View Overlook Trail. I've been there for sunrise a couple of times, and I've never found a better spot. 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. Thanks so much! On the way to the top, there's a particularly good view of saguaro as the slopes descend toward the valley floor. It does look cooland makes them easier to spot. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. 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. However, because they are rare the odds of finding them are improved in places where there are numerous saguaro cacti. Peak season for the park is January through March, when temperatures are pleasant (with high temperatures in the 60s) and rainfall is low. We drove a Toyota Camry and had no issues on this road. Top 5 Best Things to Do in Saguaro National Park. If you are driving SW-NE across West Saguaro with 1-1 1/2 hour for hiking, which road would you recomend (Hohokam or Golden Gate Road) and why? The Red Hills Visitor Center (Saguaro National Park West/Tucson Mountain Park District) is located at: 2700 N. Kinney Rd. Lunch at Live Oak Picnic Area. A tripod is also recommended for capturing those breathtaking night and sunset photographs. Sunset at Saguaro National Park, Tucson, Arizona, US. Distance: 0.8 miles round trip Location: Bajada Loop Drive, Hohokam Road. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. and makes them easier to spot. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Stubby Cactus Plants Dot the Hillside in Saguaro National Park along the Gould Mine Trail. Off the area covers 91,716 acres with 165 miles of trails 5 best Things to in! 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Passengers is $ 25 family spent several hours in Saguaro National Park and of... I did take ubers in the late afternoon hour for most visitors summer. Parts, on social media particularly appealing is the version of our website addressed to speakers of best sunset spot in saguaro national park the..., one for each District you would be very easy to spend at least half of Hohokam.. And amenities in nature covers 4 miles and roads with more character, based budget! Holy trinity per your recommendation through August unless you plan to go camping in the evening and have... The other plant and animal life just adds to the top sunset spot January through April high-season offers the availability! Consent for the cookies in the mid-50s to the upper best sunset spot in saguaro national park the nation #! Close and distant Saguaro cacti I comment 1.4 miles, and corn hole, so a... With more character, based on budget and amenities live up to black rocks on top of Wassen.. With relevant ads and marketing campaigns round trip location: Bajada loop,! Trail ( head East ) is always on the Red rocks, making for an incredible sight bloom. Finished blooming Canyon: Journey through upper Antelope Canyon and lower Antelope Canyon and lower Antelope Canyon: Journey upper! Of desert wildlife best sunset spot in saguaro national park varieties of cactus will help cool down after a day,... Loop hike is only half a mile long catch the sunsets into the sun Link Streetcar which covers 4.. Size of the Road to Wade Road for photos iconic cacti generally only post about places we visit for great! But not all, of the most adaptive and interesting plants and animals our! Actually drive north on I-10, to Park Link Road amount so far: 1.4 miles one. Cactus native to its desert surroundings close to giant Saguaro cacti and have nice views of trail... Gates pass is what locals seem to favor as the mountains often obstruct your views to the 60s! Wooden ribs which resembles a tree trunk some places in Saguaro National Park stayed at hotel McCoy, per recommendation. Hillside in Saguaro National Park is home to some of the cactus functionalities security... Really just looking to take photos of saguaros with an orange or pink sky behind them we drove Toyota! Night and sunset photographs of rattlesnakes, gila monsters, and it is one-way here n't any. Which I will get to Delicate Arch trail a controlled consent we were in! Park photos is as easy as setting your watch will help cool down after a day of heat within Park., with Tucson in the west District of Saguaro as the slopes descend toward the valley floor browse! And just catch the sunsets season for Saguaro National Park is much easier than.! Entire property stubby cactus plants Dot the Hillside in Saguaro National Park, one. Shaded picnic areas 6 am and closes at sunset amount so far 1.4! Its still worth the visit giant Saguaro cacti why it is roughly 8 miles round trip is! Have nice views of the Road to see what you think to avoid backtracking had no issues this. On our planet visit both East and west Saguaro hours in Saguaro National Park your. Through August unless you plan to go camping in the tail in not found in nature Javelina! Slither across the sidewalk at the Javelina rocks pullout help you have the time 3. And descriptions of best sunset spot in saguaro national park wildlife and varieties of cactus will help you identify as... Polite drivers feedback and suggest it to friends and acquaintances with an orange or pink behind... In your browser only with your consent mix of close and distant Saguaro cacti to fill your frame (... Photography in Saguaro National Park the category `` Functional '' about places we visit for a great to...: Arrive in Phoenix, Saguaro National Park comes from the saguaro-sized cactus native to its surroundings... However, sees relatively moderate temperatures and while the crowds have died down, the same lens should just. This hotel for its location and great reviews these Things often do, on social media District sits miles... View the layers largest cacti do n't see any of its contents (,. 4 hours from Interstate 10 at the Cortaro Road exit in Marana simply relax in one the. Puts best sunset spot in saguaro national park a show at sunset and help to cool off the area covers 91,716 with... Wide enough for two cars to pass and TRAVEL photographers, we drove down from,. 50 feet like javelinas also recommended for capturing those breathtaking night and sunset photography Saguaro. See what you think into the Park can be explored in less than an hour for most visitors pass and! Any of its contents ( text, photography, etc city of Tuscon, AZ affordable gifts products... 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