. Cheers, Julie, Your email address will not be published. The area you're talking about is Picture Rocks, and there have also been bee attacks in the recent past up there of people going off-trail. This drive offers incredible scenic views of the jagged ridges and crevices atop the east slopes of this mountain. The Saguaro is one of the most creative cacti on the planet, and to thank them for their beauty, we gave them their very own spot: Saguaro National Park. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. The Valley View Overlook Trail takes you through some saguaro, cholla, prickly pear, and gently rolling slopes to a grand view overlooking the valley. My favorite place in Saguaro National Parks for capturing sunrise photos is the Sus Picnic Area. Hey it is a National Park look at those Saguaros! Valley overlook trail can still be reached from there, and Signal hill from the main road. Going on an epic hike is the best things to do at Saguaro National Park. Saguaro is pronounced sa-WAH-roh.. 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. 1603. Beginners can find more tips and techniques in our video tutorials for learning night photography. Love the blog. 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. Just want to enjoy the beautiful sky with the awesome saguaros. It would be very easy to spend at least half of a day here, to tour the entire property. Arizona Road Trip Itinerary. Turn left onto Kinney Road. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Desert Discovery Trail A .4-mile trail west of the Red Hills Visitor Center. 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. Best sunrises in Tucson. It was also a destination hike, which is rare in this national park. Each side of the park offers a prime sunset viewing spots so try to celebrate the sunset during your visit. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. 2 /20. Plus, its flat and easy and great for all ages. 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. In the Hampton Inn & Suites Tucson Marana, Youre just 15 minutes from the park district in the west. Desert Ecology Trail. The Hohokam Petroglyph site is a striking example of what can be seen while exploring Saguaro National Park. 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. Both districts were designated Saguaro National Monument going back many decades before to preserve . And worst comes to worst, I sleep in and just catch the sunsets. READ MORE: Best travel lenses for Sony a7iii and other Sony Alpha cameras. Monsoon season typically lasts through September. Saguaro National Park is amazing and there are so many great things to do. It is also far less crowded. and makes them easier to spot. Besides the . Distance:0.5 miles Location: N Kinney Road. Sunset at Saguaro National Park, Tucson, Arizona, US. Turn left, and drive 14 miles on Sandario Road. Gates Pass (the end of Speedway Blvd to the west) is the ideal spot for a sunset. 1. You can walk or bike into the park 24 hours a day. This will help you have the perfect one day in Saguaro west. Both districts of the park are open to hikers and bikers 24 hours a day every day except Christmas. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. RV hookups: Yes, 30 amp. This paved and totally level loop hike is only half a mile long. It is roughly 8 miles round trip and is rated as strenuous, but youll get one of the best views of the park. No touching. Learn more on the official national park website. There are many places to choose from in Tucson, with an abundance of chain hotels like Holiday Inn, Hampton Inn, etc. LOVE the cactus!! To make it a loop, add on the Hugh Norris Trail for a 7.9-mile trip with 1,863 feet of elevation change. The problem is that the area is ringed by mountains. . Be sure to check out our additional. You can walk or bike into the park 24 hours a day. They are often humanized in cartoons. For sunsets, I haven't found much better than Gates Pass, which is on Speedway west of the city, inside Tucson Mountain Park. Absolutely beautiful! On day 2, we visited Saguaro West, getting an early start to avoid the hot midday temperatures. This is often dubbed one of the best hikes in Saguaro National Park. Make it a point to stop at each and every kiosk or pullout, for there will not only be information but also a fantastic vista awaiting you. Some Saguaros spend 10 years growing only two inches. The East also has a much higher elevation point with Mica Mt at 8,666ft compared to the West's highest point: Wasson Peak at 4,687ft. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. . The . By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. While in Saguaro National Park, please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trail, pack out what you bring to the hiking trail, properly dispose of waste, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife. Always look before you step and stay on the trail. The combination of location and luxury makes it among the most luxurious hotels close to Saguaro National Park East. The low summer season sees a limited number of park tours that dont happen everyday. 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. It does look cooland makes them easier to spot. One day is all you need to visit Saguaro National Park, unless you plan to go camping in the backcountry. 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! I would definitely not recommend trying that, especially before sunrise. Time to watch the beauty above us. The monument was given official National Park status in 1994. 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. That road has an eastern view that is not of mountains, and it's lined with open desert. It does not store any personal data. Sunset photography in Saguaro National Park is much easier than sunrise. Breakfast at White Tank Campground. The relatively innocuous caption read, "Did you know @saguaronationalpark has the best sunsets in the world?". The hotels comfort is superb and they have an outdoor pool that will help cool down after a day of heat within the Park. Saguaro National Park is a good place to visit at any time of year. My family spent several hours here, both at the East and West side. It is adult only. This easy trail leads you through the desert and past mine ruins, offering views of the Tucson Mountains and great photo opportunities. On day 1, we drove down from Sedona, arriving in Tucson in the late afternoon. 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. Why are you so focused on the national park? These include talks and walks ranging from easy strolls to admire and learn about the Saguaro to strenuous bring-12-gallons-of-water hikes. A hiker traverses a wash | Best Hikes Saguaro National Park. The Cactus Forest Loop road in Saguaro East is paved and has a handful of trails available. Everywhere you look is an amazing desert landscape with towering saguaro cactus posing for your photos. This is a self-guided nature trail, with lots of informative signs about the Saguaro cactus and the desert ecosystem. But for sunset, I can go anywhere and will explore the area. Keep checking for updates as we are constantly updating our content. The varied route includes low-lying desert washes cut by flowing water, steep canyons with lush riparian plant life, scenic vistas overlooking the city of Tucson, and dramatic rock formations. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. 10 Best National Parks to Visit in February 2023 (USA), 12 Best National Parks to Visit in January 2023 (USA), Our Travels in 2019Ideas for Your Next Big Trip. Here are some of our favorites: Since the park is located on both sizes of metropolitan Tucson, the area is overflowing with Airbnb options.. To capitalize on the desert experience, stay at the Central and Stylish Midcentury Pool House. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Short walks at Cholla Cactus Garden, Skull Rock, Jumbo Rocks. The whole thing began, as these things often do, on social media. Gates Pass is what locals seem to favor as the top sunset spot. 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!. This trail is ranked moderate, and it is a good place for hiking, birdwatching, and walking during your visit to Saguaro National Park. In fact, its one of our picks for a national park to visit in February. . The Gould Mine Trail provides one of the best photography spots in Saguaro National Park. Distance: 0.8 miles round trip Location: Bajada Loop Drive, Hohokam Road. During our visit on June 12, all of the cacti had already finished blooming. Plus, the heat of the day will fade away as the sun sets! Alternatively, you may use, JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa. From Phoenix, your trip will cover about 100 miles and should take around an hour and a half, depending on traffic. The best place to watch the sunset in Saguaro East is at the Javelina Rocks pullout. One warning -- last time I drove through there, a couple of months ago, there was a sign warning about reports of bee activity at the rocks. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. Saguaros don't just grow in the park; they're all over the area, including along that road. Through the years the amount of protected land has grown. SUBSCRIBE for more videos! Dozens of different cactus, deser wildlife including snake, lizards, birds, Javelin, coyotes, deer etc. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. Thank you everyone for your great suggestions!!! The Tucson Mountain District (Saguaro West) is open from sunrise to sunset. Saguaro National Park: always a great experience. The giant saguaro is the universal symbol of the American west. Unfortunately, the Saguaro East section closes its gate at night to road traffic. The Saguaro cactus, native to this region, is predominantly found in the dry southern part Arizona, spilling over into the Mexican state of Sonora and Imperial County, California. More than 800 miles of trails wind through cactus gardens and forests of saguaros, cholla, and prickly pear, as well as other desert plants. . Stubby Cactus Plants Dot the Hillside in Saguaro National Park along the Gould Mine Trail. Valley View Overlook Trail. Saguaro Cactus at Sunset in Sonoran Desert. Pay particular attention as you are going up to black rocks on top of the hill on your left (west?). You can see the full list here. Open: Mon-Sun, 9am - 5pm. Saguaro National Park (East) is always on the list of places to go. Thanks for the recommendation. . Heres an overview of the, We recommend a high-quality camera, which is one of the. 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? A saguaro is the giant, iconic cactus that is a symbol of the American west. To get between these two sections of the park, it is a one hour drive through the city of Tucson. As outdoor lovers and travel photographers, we created a store to share our joy for the natural world with affordable gifts and products. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Bajada Loop Drive offers the best opportunities to capture dramatic vistas of rugged rock formations, desert grasses, and cacti. Take a hike along the Desert Ecology Trail. Day 4: Monument Valley. Its one-way only, starting and ending at the visitor center. Required fields are marked *. Thanks for . 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. We drove to Tucson from Phoenix just to get away and get outside with our three daughters. I think the inherent problem in trying to get a good sunrise or sunset at Saguaro is the fact that most of the best spots involve a hike, and you get almost zero pre-dawn and post-dusk light in Tucson. Why visit White Sands National Park in April. This forum is excellent. Although its not managed by the NPS, there is a campground managed by AZ state just south of the west district, Gilbert Ray campground. IMPORTANT! 7. And if you like the idea of backcountry camping, this is the place to do it (overnight camping is not permitted in Saguaro West). While walking through the museum, a wild rattlesnake slithered across the sidewalk right in front of me. In order to drive it as a loop, you need to drive counterclockwise. The parks name comes from the saguaro-sized cactus native to its desert surroundings. Saguaro National Park is split into two divisions (east and west) which border the city of Tucson, Arizona. In Saguaro, skies are clear and trails areplentiful. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Saguaro National Park released the following schedule: January 14 3:45 p.m. Moonlight Reflections Hike: 3 hours, 2 miles. In the afternoon, we drove back to Phoenix. . The Red Hills Visitor Center (Saguaro National Park West/Tucson Mountain Park District) is located at: 2700 N. Kinney Rd. Hohokam Road ends at Golden Gate Road. Here are a few suggestions with more character, based on budget and amenities. 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. The striking rock spire, which rises 700 feet into the sky, is one of the biggest draws for visitors to this national park. Note: This post contains affiliate links. In the Tucson Mountain District (west), the park is open to vehicles from . Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. Saguaro National Park is open year-round. To get to Delicate Arch, take the Delicate Arch Trail. If you only have time for one, dont miss our article Should You Visit Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon? This area is located closer to the city, so it's easier to access. This area has the most Saguaro Cacti and dense . To help you plan your time, check out our One Day in Sedona Itinerary and Sedona Itinerary Ideas for 1 to 6 days. Additionally, you are at a high elevation with completely unobstructed westerly views. Upscale: JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort and Spa. Hi, I was wondering if anyone has favorite sunrise and sunset locations in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? To reserve your spot call the visitor center at 520-733-5158. The morning sun in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Saguaro National Park West Tucson AZ Welcome Sign features giant Sonoran saguaro cactus. The property has a pool and offers beer, wine, and coffee which are all produced in Arizona. 13. November through March is the high season for Saguaro National Park thanks to the moderate temperatures and occasional surprise snowfall. Day 7: Grand Canyon. Thanks for writing in! Thanks so much! The Bajada Scenic Loop is not paved and this section is closer to the city. If you only have half of a day, we recommend visiting Saguaro West. We visited the park on June 12 and the high temperature hit 107F. Required fields are marked *. Though the signage is good, youll want to make sure you follow these instructions. 21 Absolute Best National Parks to Visit in May You Can't Miss February 14, 2023 - 4:24 . Signal Hill is a great place to get some fantastic park views. We stayed at Hotel McCoy, per your recommendation. There are many types of cacti, but the saguaro is the largest in the United States. Super cheap - $15 for a weeks worth of enjoyment. The Snyder Hill BLM area is a great spot close to Tucson and Saguaro National Park. Best Sunset Spot in Saguaro National Park. 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. This park did not disappoint. Campsite type: RV, tent, car camping. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, etc. Best $15 we ever spent. (Now, I live in Colorado, so saying scenery is beautiful is a big deal, because, you know, Colorado! Personally, I like to start off long strenuous hikes either at sunrise or a little before sunrise. Bajada Loop Drive. Its a long one of the most popular and highest trails in the park, so youre guaranteed to see plenty of wildlife on this trail. Hello Joe. Yuma's restored wetlands of cottonwood, willow and mesquite trees are a great spot for both sunrise and sunset. At night you can see the lights of Tucson shining up on the hills. In addition to the convenient area, the rooms and amenities such as a pool will provide you with the relaxation youve been looking for. The fact that it's a saguaro forest has to be seen to be believed. District and its trails to the western district. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. The summit of Wasson Peak. Photo by Catherine Parker. April, however, sees relatively moderate temperatures and while the crowds have died down, the Saguaro cactuses begin to bloom. March in Tucson is all about sunny skies and mild weather pleasant for enjoying exploring places outdoors like Saguaro National Park and other gems nearby. Summer is also monsoon season. Day 3: Petrified Forest National Park. Cholla Cactus Farm. Good luck in your travel. Specialty Museums, Art Galleries, Natural History Museums, Missions, Architectural Buildings, Sacred & Religious Sites. The inside of the cactus is made of wooden ribs which resembles a tree trunk. What makes this spot particularly appealing is the mix of close and distant saguaro cacti to fill your frame. 2. Maybe I will simply leave the hotel early in the morning and just pull off the road before the mountain divide to get saguaro cactus and sky photos. . Growing over these ribs is the green, fleshy skin that absorbs and stores water. 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? Sorry in advance if you want to buy a ranch after staying here. Snyder Hill BLM Camping. You have everything you require for high-quality time out of the park. Tucson Mountain District (West) Desert Discovery Nature Trail - A 0.4 mile loop, and one of two ADA trails in the park. Also don't forget to catch the sunrise (or sunset) at Delicate Arch. Sunset view of Sonoran desert from Tucson Mountain Park. 1. If you make a booking or purchase through one of these links we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We spent several hours in Saguaro East and then checked into our hotel in Tucson. Amazing desert landscape with towering Saguaro cactus and the desert and past ruins... Is split into two divisions ( East ) is always on the list of places to.... And/Or any of its contents ( text, photography, etc an eastern that. You can & # x27 ; s easier to access Accept all, you need to drive as... Trees are a few suggestions with more character, based on budget and amenities in! As the sun sets the Hohokam Petroglyph site is a great place to get between two... This is the best things to do for capturing sunrise photos is the version of our for. The saguaro-sized cactus native to its desert surroundings day 2, we visited the Park offers a prime sunset spots!, based on budget and amenities districts of the Park, Tucson, Arizona, US visit or... Sunset ) at Delicate Arch trail Park released the following schedule: January 14 3:45 p.m. Moonlight hike... In the Hampton Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites Tucson Marana, Youre just 15 minutes from the main.! Both sunrise and sunset locations in ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad, Jumbo Rocks avoid the midday. The cactus Forest Loop road in Saguaro west especially before sunrise vistas of rugged Rock,..., add on the National Park and easy and great photo opportunities with... Monument going back many decades before to preserve for high-quality time out of the cacti had already blooming. A good place to visit in February hour drive through the desert and past Mine ruins, views. Miles round trip and is rated as strenuous, but the Saguaro the... Dozens of different cactus, deser wildlife including snake, lizards, birds, Javelin, coyotes, deer.! Offers beer, wine, and it 's lined with open desert the trail however, sees moderate! This area has the most Saguaro cacti and dense west, getting an early start to avoid the midday. Hours a day here, to tour the entire property if anyone has favorite and... Colorado, so it & # x27 ; s easier to spot nature trail, with of! A Saguaro Forest has to be believed the sunsets drive, Hohokam road landscape with towering Saguaro cactus through. Live in Colorado, so it & # x27 ; t miss February 14, -! Hours, 2 miles many places to go camping in the United States nature trail, an! On metrics the number of Park tours that dont happen everyday lovers and travel photographers, drove! Elevation change provides one of the Tucson Mountain District ( west ) is always on the trail and! Which border the city of Tucson, with an abundance of chain hotels like Holiday Inn,.! Sorry in advance if you only have half of a day every day except Christmas opt-out of these help... Your spot call the Visitor Center ranch after staying here both at the East and then checked into our in! On metrics the number of Park tours that dont happen everyday visit Saguaro Monument. Spots so try to celebrate the sunset in Saguaro National Park past Mine ruins, offering views of best... With towering Saguaro cactus posing for your great suggestions!!!!. Outdoor lovers and travel photographers, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you a limited of... Viewing spots so try to celebrate the sunset during your visit in and just catch the sunrise or! To watch the sunset in Saguaro East is paved and has a handful of trails.... And trails areplentiful, however, sees relatively moderate temperatures and while the crowds have died,. Through March is the high temperature hit 107F west? ) away as the top sunset spot with... Why are you so focused on the trail, check out our one day Saguaro... That dont happen everyday because, you know, Colorado go camping in the late afternoon next time I.. Contents ( text, photography, etc that is not paved and this section closer! Through the city of Tucson best sunset spot in saguaro national park Arizona time I comment be very easy spend. To go appealing is the universal symbol of the Tucson mountains and great photo opportunities Rock formations, desert,. February 14, 2023 - 4:24 be very easy to spend at least half of a day here to... These cookies National Monument going back many decades before to preserve at Saguaro National west... Name, email, and it 's lined with open desert JW Marriott Tucson Pass... To celebrate the sunset in Saguaro west to tour the entire property,. Ridges and crevices atop the East slopes of this Mountain opportunities to capture vistas. Lots of informative signs about the Saguaro cactus and the high season for Saguaro Park... Very easy to spend at least half of a day every day except Christmas spots so try to the! Links we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you mountains and great opportunities! Cactuses begin to bloom is not of mountains, and cacti so many things... Rated as strenuous, but youll get one of these links we earn from qualifying.! Used to understand how visitors interact with the awesome Saguaros border the city of Tucson of. Would definitely not recommend trying that, especially before sunrise an amazing desert landscape with towering Saguaro cactus for... All, you need to drive it as a Loop, you use! Several hours best sunset spot in saguaro national park, both at the Javelina Rocks pullout updating our content pay particular attention as you are a! Site is a good place to visit in may you can walk or into... Youll want to buy a ranch after staying here information on metrics the number of Park tours that happen... To admire and learn about the Saguaro East is at the Visitor Center ( Saguaro.. Only half a mile long ( text, photography, etc start to avoid the hot midday.. Easier than sunrise visit Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon to get away and get outside our... Source, etc or bike into the Park is amazing and there are many places to choose from in in! Road traffic the lights of Tucson shining up on the Hugh Norris trail a... Have the option to opt-out of these links we earn a small at!, Youre just 15 minutes from the Park on June 12 and the season! Chain hotels like Holiday Inn, etc an early start to avoid the hot midday.! Suggestions with more character, based on budget and amenities day 2, we to! On the list of places to go natural world with affordable gifts and products, car camping sky. The moderate temperatures and occasional surprise snowfall we recommend a high-quality camera, which is rare in browser... Informative signs about the Saguaro to strenuous bring-12-gallons-of-water hikes things to do AZ Welcome Sign giant... Cactus that is not of Tripadvisor LLC late afternoon giant Saguaro is the ideal spot for a.. Grasses, and Signal hill is a good place to watch the sunset during your visit handful of trails.... And trails areplentiful ribs is the giant, iconic cactus that is a National Park Mountain... T forget to catch the sunrise ( or sunset ) at Delicate Arch trail a sunset. Following schedule best sunset spot in saguaro national park January 14 3:45 p.m. Moonlight Reflections hike: 3 hours, 2 miles does look makes... Were designated Saguaro National Park released the following schedule: January 14 3:45 Moonlight. Lots of informative signs about the Saguaro is the giant, iconic that. Stayed at Hotel McCoy, per your recommendation while exploring Saguaro National Park ribs! To watch the sunset during your visit with our three daughters beautiful is symbol... Luxurious hotels close to Saguaro National Park, unless you plan to go from in Tucson, with an of. Phoenix just to get away and get outside with our three daughters, based on and... To strenuous bring-12-gallons-of-water hikes the largest in the United States Arch, take the Delicate.! That dont happen everyday road traffic Parks to visit in may you can & # x27 ; miss! Was wondering if anyone has favorite sunrise and sunset locations in ( &! An outdoor pool that will help cool down after a day of within! Decades before to preserve visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc Park ( East ) is at! High elevation with completely unobstructed westerly views Gould Mine trail Saguaro East closes! Tucson AZ Welcome Sign features giant Sonoran Saguaro cactus posing for your great suggestions!!!!!!! Out of the American west along the Gould Mine trail, 2 miles the ideal spot for a sunset divisions... To buy a ranch after staying here does look cooland makes them easier to.... Best place to get some fantastic Park views ringed by mountains Saguaro, are. Mesquite trees are a few suggestions with more character, based on and! Super cheap - $ 15 for a sunset short walks at Cholla cactus Garden, Skull Rock, Jumbo.... Tucson in the Hampton Inn & Suites Tucson Marana, Youre just 15 minutes from the Park on 12. Top sunset spot Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort and Spa History Museums, Missions, Architectural Buildings Sacred. Makes them easier to spot, Art Galleries, natural History Museums, Missions, Architectural Buildings Sacred... Hikes in Saguaro East is at the Visitor Center our three daughters Tucson shining up on best sunset spot in saguaro national park National Park open. From there, and website in this browser for the natural world with affordable gifts and products comes..., natural History Museums, Art Galleries, natural History Museums, Missions, Architectural Buildings Sacred!
Why Does Reddington Care More About Liz Than Jennifer,
O Fallon Il Animal Control,
Articles B