Saguaro National Park

The Saguaro National Park is divided into the East and the West Sections. Each is a prime example of the upland region of the Arizona Sonora desert. Formerly known as the Saguaro National Monument, they were promoted to Park status in October of 1994.

The older and larger of the two, the SAGUARO PARK EAST section is located off Old Spanish Trail, 5 miles east of Broadway. There is a small admission fee. Permits for overnight trips may be obtained free of charge at the Visitor Center, open 8-5 daily. Phone number is (520) 733-5153. The Visitor Center located just inside the monument contains exhibits of desert geology, flora and fauna. Books, trail guides, brochures, maps, and a 12 minute slide program shown every 1/2 hour, as well as ranger-guided walks are available. There is a cactus garden with a variety of labeled plants.

There are many huge saguaro cacti which mature very slowly. The seeds are tiny but numerous. One saguaro produces tens of thousands of seeds in a year, and over 30 million throughout its life. Perhaps one of these will grow to adulthood. In 25 years, they grow just 2 feet. Arms don't appear until the saguaro is about75 years old. Oldest saguaros reach 200 years, over 50 feet and 15,000 pounds. Supported by a strong frame of woody ribs, they grow in spurts, mainly during the summer rainy season. The cacti assume odd shapes, sometimes appearing almost human.

The saguaros may die of many causes: old age, lightning, winds and severe droughts. Killing freezes are a prime cause as well. Grazing cattle trampled the young saguaro for many years in the area. The cattle were removed beginning in the late 1950's, but it will be a long time before the saguaro forest recovers. Today there are mainly very young and very old specimens. Creamy white flowers, the state flower, appear in early May.

There are many ways to enjoy the east Monument. A scenic, paved, 8-mile Cactus Forest Drive winds through the foothills of the Rincon mountains. Views are fantastic. About 2.2 miles into the drive you'll find the Mica View Picnic area to the north. There are picnic tables and outhouses, but no water. Another .3 mile past the turnoff look for the Desert Ecology Trail on the left. On this 1/4 mile paved trail you can learn how plants and animals cope with the environment.

The SAGUARO PARK WEST section is located off of Kinney Road. You can take the scenic route through Gates Pass by taking Speedway West. You'll see a breathtaking panorama of the mountains from this small winding road. (RV's are not recommended.) On the South you can take Ajo Way to Kinney Road, or on the North you can take Ina Road West and follow the signs. This stand of Saguaro is denser and more vigorous. The Information Center, open 8-5 daily, offers a few exhibits, books, maps, trail guides and advice. Naturalists talks or walks take place daily. Phone number is (520) 733-5158.

Something you won't want to miss are the ancient petroglyphs carved into the rock. Designs, animals and people are represented. But don't touch them! Penalties are very severe, and the rangers keep a close eye out. There are 5 scenic picnic areas , four that can be reached by road, and one by trail. These have shaded tables and outhouses, but no water. All trash must be packed out. A 100 yard paved trail beside the Information Center introduces the Saguaro and other plants of the Sonoran Desert. Desert Discovery Nature Trail makes a 1/2 mile loop. The 6-mile Bajada Loop Drive takes in the scenic countryside and passes through dense saguaro forest. This graded dirt road starts about 1.6 miles northwest of the Information Center. Valley View Overlook Trail begins at the one-way section of the loop drive and climbs to a beautiful panorama. Other trails wind through the desert to Wasson Peak (4,687 feet) and other destinations.

Both the East and the West sites were chosen because they have large stands of saguaro cacti, which grow only in portions of the Arizona and Mexican Sonoran desert. The East section was established in 1933 by president Hoover on his last day in office to preserve the large number of saguaro growing there. The West side was established in 1961 by President Kennedy after it was determined that many of the older plants were dying. When you are touring either park, keep an eye open for the endless varieties of birds and animals in the forest. Many people elect to explore the Parks on horseback, as horses are allowed on many trails. You won't want to miss these fantastic sights.