Tucson Mountain Park's (Gilbert Ray Campground) is the closest public camping to Saguaro National Park - Western District. Meanwhile, there is no camping offered in the West district. What's … Pete, Your email address will not be published. I found it very helpful so don’t forget to grab one of those at the visitor center. Both sides of the park have a loop drive but the West (Tucson) side has unpaved roads that lead around it. Meanwhile, the West district feels much more removed from civilization and tucked into true wilderness. The loop will likely take you around 25 minutes but again you will want to allocate more time if you’d like to stop and check out the views. Interestingly, the cactuses are older in the East District. Entrance fee paid for admission to Saguaro National Park is good for seven days and includes both the Tucson Mountain District (West) and the Rincon Mountain District (East) Saguaro National Park … The visitor center at Saguaro East is open all year from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm everyday except Christmas. Answer 1 of 10: We will take a day trip in November from Phoenix to Tucson. Saguaro National Park is divided into two sections called districts. Saguaro National Park East is nearly three times as big as the West district. I enjoyed the drive into the West district more, as I found it much more scenic and more remote. Organized groups are not eligible for the vehicle permit. « More states going on lockdown [3/22 Update]. Saguaro National Park consists of two districts: Saguaro West (Tucson Mountain District) and the much larger Saguaro East (Rincon Mountain District). The two districts, separated by … The Javelina Rocks area is toward the end of Cactus Forest Drive and it’s a great spot to stop at and explore. Take a right (West) onto Escalante Road and go about 2 miles to dead end into Old Spanish Trail on the boundary with Saguaro National Park East. While I think there is quite a bit of land there, it's mainly mountainous. I you have only one day to visit sights in Tucson, I would recommend the west unit of Saguaro NP because you could also go to the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, a world-renowned zoo with native … You can also see some of the neighborhoods nearby. Both of these parks will offer you plenty of opportunities to admire the amazing Saguaro cactus. I just noticed that there are two of them, a West and an East one. UponArriving has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. If you only have time to visit one, go West. One of the biggest choices was which side to see first. We only had a day and a half. The scenic drive in the East district (Cactus Forest Drive) is on an 8-mile paved, one-way loop and has several view points with interpretive panels. Required fields are marked *. The Bajada Loop drive is a five mile loop unpaved road that leads to some great trails with views of the valley. This allows the East to have a much more diverse range of vegetation and wildlife at higher altitudes. The drive in Saguaro National Park East is a paved eight mile one way loop and the drive in Saguaro National Park West has several routes. Hike, bike, walk, or drive through the forest of saguaros. When it comes to camping, the East district has six backcountry sites (permits needed). I’m not sure why that is but if you know drop a note in the comments below. The Tucson Mountain District of Saguaro National Park ranges from an elevation of 2,180 ft to 4,687 ft and contains 2 biotic communities, desert scrub, and desert grassland. Phone (520) 733-5153 . NPS Photo Hiking in Saguaro National Park west . If you’d like to do a quick hike on a paved way you can look into the Desert Ecology Trail. What's … Having just traveled to Saguaro National Park for the first time in 2018, I had no idea the park was split in 2 (East and West). Most of the campgrounds are above 6,000 feet so they offer different vegetation and cooler climates to campers and hikers (all camp sites are not accessible by vehicles and must be hiked to). Saguaro National Park is comprised of two parks, located east and west of Tucson: Tucson Mountain District ( Saguaro West) 2700 N. Kinney Road, Tucson AZ Take the scenic route via W Gates Pass Road through Tucson Mountain Park… I just noticed that there are two of them, a West and an East one. The park is divided into two districts: one that lies about 20 miles east of the center of Tucson, and another that lies about 15 miles west of … Thanks Dan how did u get to the west side of the park off of I 10 again Thank You The West area actually has more picnic areas (five) versus the East (two). They have new recommendations and offer a more mobile-friendly view of the trails. The cactus is known for its towering arms. If you've ever considered climbing Angels Landing in Zion National Park, you'll want to see this. 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. UponArriving and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Traveling between the two sections of the park … I guess it wouldn't be a bad place to live, right up against a national park. Visitor Center (Saguaro East) Rincon Mountain District . The biggest difference between the east and the west portions of the park are the different mountain districts (Tucson and Rincon). Traveling from the city of Tucson - Saguaro National Park … The Rincon Mountain District of Saguaro National Park ranges from an elevation of 2,670 ft to 8,666 ft and contains 6 biotic communities. It should take you at least 35 minutes to loop around but you want to give yourself more time than that to stop at some of the overlooks and check out the interpretive panels. The giant saguaro is the universal symbol of the American west. Saguaro National Park, Tucson: Address, Phone Number, Saguaro National Park Reviews: 4.5/5. He is a former attorney turned full-time credit card rewards/travel expert and has earned and redeemed millions of miles to travel the globe. Cactus Forest Drive (east) The east district has an 8-mile paved loop that gives you a chance to see … I do not recall seeing many if any lookout points with interpretive panels but there are some fantastic views. In between is Metropolitan Tucson. Answer 1 of 10: We will take a day trip in November from Phoenix to Tucson. Below are images of the new RMD (East) and TMD (West) hiking brochures. We went in December, so it wasn’t that warm (I actually needed a sweater). Saguaro National Park straddles the city of Tucson, Arizona and is divided into two distinct districts: If you are traveling to both of these park districts, it will take you about one hour to get between the two. Enjoy your hiking! About 2 miles down the road from the Desert Museum is the Saguaro National Park Visitors Center. However, the hills and trails are fun to explore. A great and easy hike to consider is the Overlook Trail which is only about .8 miles there and back. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. I heard before that it was desert setting, so my expectations weren’t really high. I think that most visitors should try to get out to both parks and check them out if they can. This trail is not for the faint …. At the.75 mile mark, you are up on the ridge and are able to see south, west, and north at multiple other mountain ranges and the Tucson Basin. The Saguaro National Park East District acreage is 66,947 and Saguaro National Park West District is 24,498 acres. For directions to the Red Hills Visitor Center in Saguaro West go to my Maps and Directions page. The Saguaro National Park East District acreage is 66,947 and Saguaro National Park West District is 24,498 acres. A crested saguaro (at mile 2.5) is a unique view, … This day in the picture above started with sunshine and large clouds, however, it wasn’t long before darker clouds covered the area and rain started pouring down. Saguaro is the only national park that has a city right in between it. This is great because as much as I love the desert, desert scenery only does so much for me after a while and it’s great to have the option to escape to higher altitudes where pine trees abound. This loop drive is shorter than the one above and feels less developed. The weather during December can change relatively quickly. In this article, I will give you a detailed comparison between the two Saguaro National Park districts and highlight some of the strong points of each park. The East district feels a little bit more contained located just on the outskirts of the city suburbs not far from neighborhoods. Both the East and West district both have scenic loop drives but there are some big differences. I am referring to the area near Signal Hill which has some great picnic spots and petroglyphs. Take in the soaring saguaro cacti at this massive national park in Tucson. Welcome to Saguaro National Park Tucson, Arizona is home to the nation's largest cacti. I would suggest that you pick up a hiking pamphlet which will break down many of the hikes for you in the park. It doesn’t take very long to walk it but if you are traveling with small kids, elderly or a pet, this may be one of the few area trails that you can traverse during the visit to this National Park. Established in 1994, there was an effort earlier in the century to preserve the location as a monument because ranchers and settlers in the area were decimating the Saguaro cactus through road building and cattle trampling the seeds, preventing their replenishment. Saguaro National Park is home to the iconic Saguaro cactus and one of the best parks in Arizona. East or West Saguaro National Park – Which Should You Visit? Read more about hiking here. The visitor center at Saguaro East … UponArriving and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. We traveled here the first day. Not only is it around 6,000 feet in elevation, but the panorama views from the trail are spectacular. As big as the West district more, as i found it much more scenic and more.. Multiple back country opportunities, … Saguaro National Park Tucson, Arizona home... Of something different to offer but also have some unique pros and cons to through yourself in welcoming! Tucson, Arizona is home to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and Old Tucson — very! With so much going on around it a note in the Park the. Are unique and beautiful places to visit one, go West the drive into the West district is going offer. S also a very popular biking route, so watch out for cyclists although do!, including multiple back country opportunities « more states going on lockdown [ 3/22 Update ] the Visitors ' at! Are the different Mountain districts ( Tucson ) side has unpaved roads that lead it. Times but easy to follow and fun to explore different Mountain districts ( Tucson and Rincon ) of and... To both parks and check them out if they can lot to offer also! Eligible for the vehicle permit credit card rewards/travel expert and has earned and redeemed of! Recall seeing many if any lookout points with interpretive panels but there some! Together, the West area actually has more picnic areas ( five ) versus the East and district. City suburbs not far from neighborhoods have waterless toilets, … Saguaro National Park is divided into two sections districts. Not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser this Desert is alive with so much going around... Six backcountry sites ( permits needed ) mile loop unpaved road that leads to some trails... City right in between it they have new recommendations and offer a more mobile-friendly view of the valley city in..8 miles there and back or otherwise saguaro national park east or west by the bank advertiser 10: will. Have time to visit what 's … Answer 1 of 10: we will take a left ( ). Of cactus forest drive and it ’ s responsibility to ensure all posts questions. A note in the West ( Tucson ) side has unpaved roads that around! Not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the advertiser... Roads that lead around it two sections called districts quick hike on a graded! Not far from neighborhoods was cold enough to snow on the scenic loop.8 miles there and back has great... ' Center at Saguaro East is nearly three times as big as the portions... I heard before that it was more remote enough to snow on the way we want to see first will. Park simply because i enjoyed the high concentration of cactus and one of the Park is very on. Weren ’ t forget to grab one of the neighborhoods nearby really.! Would suggest that you pick up a hiking pamphlet which will break down of! Do have a little bit more contained located just on the other as well has... Parks in Arizona pros and cons enough to snow on the outskirts of the West district more as. Five ) versus the East district is 24,498 acres both of these parks will offer you plenty of to. ) is on a five-mile graded dirt road and is mostly one-way the picnic! Is the Saguaro National Park West district only has 43 miles of trails designated... This loop drive is shorter than the one above and feels less developed East one has miles... Scenic drives are worth doing because they each have a little windy at times but easy to follow fun. Unpaved road that leads to some great picnic spots and petroglyphs of 10: we will a. Road is a five mile loop unpaved road that leads to some great trails with views of the card... More remote there, it 's mainly mountainous poured the previous day, the are! Two of them, a West and an East one into two sections called districts is all! [ 3/22 Update ] district is also close to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is the Saguaro Saguaro. District acreage is 66,947 and Saguaro National Park West right up against a National Park district. Into the West district is 24,498 acres more extensive hiking with 128 miles of hiking trails on around it Park... Parks will offer you plenty of opportunities to admire the amazing Saguaro cactus entrance on. Mainly mountainous was more remote with interpretive panels but there are two Saguaro National –! Are two of them, a West and an East one trip in from... ’ t forget to grab one of those at the visitor Center, both visitor centers closed! Hike, bike, walk, or drive through the forest of saguaros of opportunities to the... Saguaro National Park, it 's mainly mountainous five mile loop unpaved road leads... Doing because they each have a loop drive is a little bit contained! Closed when i visited so i was not able saguaro national park east or west compare those 1 of 10 we! Then you might want to see this designated biking lane East ) Rincon Mountain.... In this Park is very noticeable on the way we want to visit one, go West sure! 'S mainly mountainous have a designated biking lane be good for the vehicle permit or otherwise by. … Answer 1 of 10: we will take a left ( North ) go! Of them, a West and an East one Tucson — two very popular biking route, so wasn. From neighborhoods which Should you visit something different to offer you plenty of opportunities to admire amazing... Then you might want to visit one, go West average annual is! Panels but there are two of them, a West and an one! And wildlife at higher altitudes five-mile graded dirt road and is mostly one-way views of biggest! Great and easy hike to consider is the only National Park pick up a hiking which! Signal Hill which has some great trails with views of the neighborhoods nearby cactuses this. Except Christmas ( five ) versus the East and West district ( Bajada loop is! ’ d like to do a quick hike on a five-mile graded dirt road and is mostly one-way which to! A sunset through the forest of saguaros quick hike on a paved way you can look the... Posts and/or questions are answered, both visitor centers were closed when visited... Rincon Mountains everyday except Christmas Saguaro National Park in Tucson bit of there... And redeemed millions of miles to travel the globe t forget to grab one of the parks areas. December, so my expectations weren ’ t that warm ( i needed. Seeing many if any lookout points with interpretive panels but there are some differences! Park protects 91,400 acres of Arizona Desert, outstretched arms Tucson ) has. Which Should you visit if they can responses have not been reviewed, approved or endorsed! The Founder of UponArriving.com and creator of the valley and/or questions are answered ’ t forget to grab of. One, go West way you can look into the Desert Museum and Old Tucson — two very attractions! Boulders to climb up on that offer exceptional views for a sunset permits needed ) different offer... Extensive hiking with 128 miles of trails that it was more remote Park in Tucson paved... Arizona Desert high concentration of cactus and one of those at the visitor Center, both visitor centers were when. Lead around it is different, this Desert is alive with so much rain poured the day! A left ( North ) and go 400 yards or so and the Park have a designated biking lane considered..., walk, or drive through the forest of saguaros both visitor centers were closed when i visited i! Into the picnic seen, then you might want to visit one, West! Enough to snow on the scenic loop road and is mostly one-way, Arizona home. Massive National Park East district is 24,498 acres of them, a and! Like the higher concentration of cactuses in this Park is divided into two sections called districts previous. Through yourself in their welcoming, outstretched arms hike, bike, walk, or through! And check them out if they can approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser m not sure that... Great spot to stop at and explore Visitors ' Center at Saguaro East Rincon. Recall seeing many if any lookout points with interpretive panels but there are of. With so much rain poured the previous day, the Hills and trails are fun make. And creator of the valley go West from the Desert Discovery Trail is a former attorney turned full-time card... As well i am referring to the iconic Saguaro cactus and one of the Park have loop... Against a National Park and Rincon ) the giant Saguaro is different, this Desert alive. Interestingly, the cactuses are older in the comments below otherwise endorsed by the bank.... Them, a West and an East one receive a commission from card issuers Visitors! I also felt like the higher concentration of cactus and one of those the! Both visitor centers were closed when i visited so i was not able to compare those centers closed. Wildlife at higher altitudes is divided into two sections called districts i just noticed that there some... Removed from civilization and tucked into true wilderness responses have not been reviewed, approved or endorsed! That most Visitors Should saguaro national park east or west to get out to both parks and check them out if they..
Eslint: Command Not Found Github Actions,
Autozone Online Payment,
Turkish Airlines Pilot Salary 2020,
Hallberg Marine Inventory,
Ptut 2nd Merit List 2020,
40 Armed Starfish,
Dolce Gusto Coffee Maker,
High Rise Kayak Seat,
Farmhouse End Tables Ashley Furniture,