8 Amazing Things To Do In Saguaro National Park

8 AMAZING THINGS TO DO IN SAGUARO NATIONAL PARK

Saguaro National Park (Saguaro NP) is a United States National Park in southern Arizona. The park is made up of parts of seven Ranges in the Tucson and Rincon Mountain Districts of the Santa Catalina Mountains. This includes the land east of Tucson between Saguaro National Park and Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument.

Saguaro National Park is the place to spend your vacation in Tucson, Arizona. It’s a great place to visit, and most people who live close to Tucson don’t know how much there is to see and do here. Saguaro National Area offers such a diverse selection of activities—both for families and for individuals—you might find it worthwhile to devote a portion of your vacation to touring the park.

Saguaro National Park has Two Different Districts: West vs. East

It is made up of two different districts that basically surround the city of Tucson, Arizona, which is home to a major airport. Both places are only a short drive from the center of Tucson.

The town of Tucson, Arizona, splits Saguaro National Park and the two districts. In this article, we cover both districts. 

The two districts of the Saguaro National Park are:

Visit Camelback Mountain

  1. The Bajada loop drive

The Bajada Loop Drive starts at the south entrance of Saguaro National Park. It takes about an hour to drive around this loop road, which takes you through some incredible scenery along with some amazing overlooks where you can see miles into Utah and New Mexico.

The drive goes through several different ecosystems in this area: desert grasslands with mesquite trees that grow up to almost 200 feet tall; arid scrubland that has been burned by wildfires; and finally into high-elevation pine forests where there are many stands

The Bajada Loop Drive is loaded with incredible landscapes that feature desert-native flora, animals, and red rock formations against the magnificent blue Arizona sky. This drive leads through some of the most beautiful parts of the park, so make sure to get there early (or late) so you don’t miss any sights!

  1. Take a hike on Saguaro Mountain Trail

If you’re looking for a fun way to spend the day in Tucson, consider taking a hike on Saguaro Mountain Trail. This trail offers incredible views of the Sonoran Desert while winding through oak trees. This trail will lead you to the top of the mountain and provide you with stunning views. While hiking this trail, you’ll see a wide variety of species, including roadrunners, coyotes, and turkeys.

The trail starts at the visitor centre and goes up the mountain to a spectacular view of Tucson from above. It’s a 4-mile round trip with a total elevation gain of 2,300 feet, so it’s not for anyone who isn’t in good physical condition. But it’s well worth it if you’re looking to see some truly amazing sights while taking in some beautiful Arizona views.

  1. See the wildlife

One of the most amazing things in Saguaro National Park is seeing the wildlife.

Saguaro National Park is home to many types of animals. The park is home to over 500 species of animals, including the kangaroo rat and tarantula hawk, which can be found at the Desert Museum. There are also some more common animals, such as coyotes, foxes, armadillos, and rabbits. You can also look for all sorts of birds, like hawks and owls, in the park.

The park also has animals that are less commonly seen in the Sonoran Desert, such as the tailed rock squirrel and the cactus ferruginous pygmy owl.

  1. View the signal hill petroglyphs

The Signal Hill Petroglyphs are a group of rock carvings on Signal Hill in Saguaro National Park, Arizona. The Hohokam people created the petroglyphs between 1,500 and 2,000 years ago.

The petroglyphs are made up of hundreds of different symbols, representing different objects such as human footprints or animals that were used for healing purposes. These symbols were believed to be created by people who lived in this desert region during prehistoric times. They may also represent rituals or ceremonies that occurred during the Hohokam’s annual spring and fall ceremonies called kachina dances. 

The petroglyphs can be found on a small hill with a view of the desert landscape surrounding them. 

  1. Do the Cactus Forest Loop Drive 

The Cactus Forest Loop Drive lets you get close to the park’s cacti. It’s a 2.5-mile loop drive that takes you through the forest, past cacti and other gorgeous flora, and over a bridge that allows you to get close enough to see some of the plants. The drive exposes you to the beauty and mystery of this natural wonderland.

You’ll also get to see some beautiful desert scenery, which includes rock formations and what looks like tiny stone houses

  1. Visit the hidden cave

One of the most amazing things to do in Saguaro National Park is to visit the Hidden Cave. Although it’s only 5 minutes away from the main entrance of the park, it’s hidden so well that you’d never know it was there unless you were looking for it.

The cave is located in the Agua Caliente Mountain Springs area of Saguaro National Park. It’s a short hike along a path that leads through the desert. The cave is quite small, but its presence in this area makes it worth seeking out.

  1. The bridal wreath falls via the Douglas spring trail

You’ll be ready for a little relaxation at the end of a long hike. But there’s only one thing cooler than a relaxing hike—and that’s what happens when you get to the falls!

The Bridal Wreath Falls are located on Douglas Spring Trail in Saguaro National Park. The trail winds through grass and desert brush before arriving at a beautiful waterfall that cascades over rocks into a deep pool.

  1. Wasson Peak 

Wasson Peak is a spectacular lookout in Saguaro National Park. The peak is named after John C. Wasson, who first discovered the plant’s hallucinogenic effects when he ate some of its roots.

The hike to the peak can be either strenuous or easy, depending on your fitness level and how long you want to spend at the peak. Many different trails lead up to the top, so you can choose one that suits your needs best!

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY!

And Get inspired for your next adventure with ideas, and tips from our community sent directly to your inbox!    

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *