Take the trail that leads up to this scenic spot and hike along the cliffs to see some fantastic views. Cheers, Julie, Your email address will not be published. Information: Saguaro National Park. The parks name comes from the saguaro-sized cactus native to its desert surroundings. The Tucson Mountain District (Saguaro West) is open from sunrise to sunset. 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. QUIET CONTRASTS: SAGUARO NATIONAL PARK EAST. Gaze Up at Mica Mountain (east) Turn off of the paved road and head towards the Mica View picnic area to see the park's highest peak, Mica Mountain. A lot of people climb up onto the rocks for sunset. Introducing the human element and having your subject looking up at the tips can be effective. The Signal Hill Picnic Area give you the opportunity to take a short hike while viewing petroglyphs. The best I can think to do is actually drive north on I-10, to Park Link Road. Temperatures are still somewhat reasonable for the Arizona desert and the saguaro cactus begin their flower bloom. Saguaro National Park is named for the Saguaro cactus, which grows only in the Sonoran Desert. Best Saguaro National Park Scenic Drive Mar 26, 2016; Desert in bloom Mar 25, 2016; Do I need a 4WD in late March? Palm Creek Golf & RV Resort; 8. They can grow up to 49 arms. Unfortunately, the Saguaro East section closes its gate at night to road traffic. The best way to get around Tucson is to hire a car. As outdoor lovers and travel photographers, we created a store to share our joy for the natural world with affordable gifts and products. In addition to the convenient area, the rooms and amenities such as a pool will provide you with the relaxation youve been looking for. If you want to visit the park when the Saguaro cacti bloom, your best chance of seeing the blooms is between early May through the first week of June. Thanks so much! The Red Hills Visitor Center is open 9am -5pm daily except December 25th. Valley View Overlook Trail in the west section was one of some favorite hikes in Saguaro National Park. Set on two separate sides of the city of Tuscon, Saguaro National Park showcases the Sonoran Desert. 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. Hugh Norris Trail. One of the most magical places to experience a sunset in Washington State is Fremont Lookout, located in Mount Rainier National Park. Sunset view of Sonoran desert from Tucson Mountain Park. Keep checking for updates as we are constantly updating our content. Yuma's restored wetlands of cottonwood, willow and mesquite trees are a great spot for both sunrise and sunset. To help you plan your time, check out our One Day in Sedona Itinerary and Sedona Itinerary Ideas for 1 to 6 days. Photo by Catherine Parker. This is often dubbed one of the best hikes in Saguaro National Park. The hill is large and offers 360-degree views of the area: Tucson, Arizona in general, and Saguaro National Park. For sunset, what are the favorite areas in both the east and west sides? 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? Saguaro is pronounced sa-WAH-roh.. Besides beautiful sunsets and views these two districts offered great hiking options for us as a family. However, the Rincon Mountains form a nice backdrop for photography. The Saguaro National Park, nearby the city of Tucson, Arizona, protects part of the Sonoran Desert landscapes, fauna and flora, including the giant saguaro c. Day 3: Petrified Forest National Park. The western section, also called the Tucson Mountain District, Best Things to do in Saguaro National Park, More Information for Your Trip to Arizona. Tucson Mountain District (West) Desert Discovery Nature Trail - A 0.4 mile loop, and one of two ADA trails in the park. Saguaros don't just grow in the park; they're all over the area, including along that road. Those suggestions help a lot. 4. with only 49 feet of elevation gain. From Phoenix, your trip will cover about 100 miles and should take around an hour and a half, depending on traffic. Oh, and I will stick to the trails when hiking and avoid those bees! We stayed at Hotel McCoy, per your recommendation. 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. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. If you only have half of a day, we recommend visiting Saguaro West. Total hiking amount so far: 1.4 miles, one . Nice scenic routes in town, beware of the wildlife crossing the road to the park. On this short, easy walking trail, get up close to the Saguaro cactus, prickly pears, and ironwood trees. For links to all of our Sedona articles, check out our Sedona Travel Guide. 18 Free Saguaro National Park Boondocking Spots; 1. If you click the star next to the title of the map, this map will be added to your Google Maps account. Hugh Norris Trail is one of the best photography spots in Saguaro National Park. 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. 531. This park did not disappoint. Open: Mon-Sun, 9am - 5pm. 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. Best Campgrounds Near Saguaro National Park. Desert Discovery Trail A .4-mile trail west of the Red Hills Visitor Center. Hike through the saguaro cactus forest and spot wildlife on our nature trails, or simply relax in one of our shaded picnic areas. Take a hike along the Desert Ecology Trail. You really have to watch where you step because if I hadnt been paying attention, I would have stepped right on this little guy. Here are some things to do along the drive: Desert Ecology Trail: short walking trail similar to the Desert Discovery Nature Trail in Saguaro West. Super cheap - $15 for a weeks worth of enjoyment. Distance: 0.8 miles round trip Location: Bajada Loop Drive, Hohokam Road. Saguaro Sunset. Go Horseback Riding in the Cactus Forest EXPLORE WITHOUT CARS - Spring is an excellent time of year to visit Crater Lake if you want no crowds or traffic. Climbing, hiking, and exploring the Sonoran Desert is one of the best ways to experience its beauty. Saguaro National Park: One great spot for Sunsets - See 1,227 traveler reviews, 1,418 candid photos, and great deals for Tucson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. But the desert is home to some of the most adaptive and interesting plants and animals on our planet. Together, the area covers 91,716 acres with 165 miles of trails. 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. Tanque Verde Ridge Trail. It was short, flat, and easy. Crater Lake National Park Spring Highlights. Specialties: Tucson, Arizona is home to the nation's largest cacti. NB: Downtown Tucson has the Sun Link Streetcar which covers 4 miles. Ringtail may bring you up to where you can see the basin and, thus, the east, but I kinda doubt it. Theres even a Saguaro census that takes place every ten years to keep this number accurate. The best place to watch the sunset in Saguaro East is at the Javelina Rocks pullout. 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. This is more of a zoo than a museum, with animal exhibits, an aquarium, and botanical gardens, and it also has a natural history museum. The trail spans around 2.2 miles, and it is an out and back trail type. There are many types of cacti, but the saguaro is the largest in the United States. 1. Saguaro National Park is in the southern part of Arizona. Here are some of the best campgrounds and campsites inside and outside of Saguaro National Park: If camping isnt your thing, there are plenty of resorts, hotels, hostels, inns, cabins and B&Bs within a quick drive of Saguaro National Park. 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. Just want to enjoy the beautiful sky with the awesome saguaros. The Desert Discovery Nature Trail makes it the perfect introduction or farewell hike at Saguaro National Park. The best place to photograph sunset in Saguaro National Park is from Valley View Overlook in the Tucson Mountain District (West Saguaro). Saguaro West will likely have a lot more dust and dirt and crowds to contend with. 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. At first glance, the desert of Saguaro National Park looks and feels inhospitable. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. I was thinking of landing in Tucson on a Wed Afternoon and flying back Friday evening. 7. This is where we stayed. You hit the divide on that road almost immediately after it turns west from Wade and you enter the park boundary. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 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. The Valley View Overlook Trail takes you through some saguaro, cholla, prickly pear, and gently rolling slopes to a grand view overlooking the valley. 30 Best Photographic Spots In Lassen Volcanic National Park, 35 Best Photography Spots in Capitol Reef National Park. In fact, the entire East section is tucked so tightly into the Rincon Mountains that you will not even see the sun until an hour or so after it has risen. In the Rincon Mountains District (the East Side of the Park) head to the Tanque Verde . All purchases or bookings made through We Dream of Travel come at no extra cost to the reader. In fact, it was featured in our list of the best trails in all the national parks! A hiker traverses a wash | Best Hikes Saguaro National Park. Perfect :). Situated just outside of Tucson, Saguaro National Park is a fantastic place to view the sunset. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots 1. Distance:0.5 miles Location: N Kinney Road. The Red Hills Visitor Center is about 27 minutes from Interstate 10 at the Cortaro Road exit in Marana. The local bee and bird populations will agree. Their basic shape and sheer number of arms are fascinating to witness. Absolutely beautiful! Check the parks website for up to date hours and notices. This area is located closer to the city, so it's easier to access. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-60136795', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Tucson is really pretty, and it creates some really nice shadows in the mountains and on the cacti, but you very likely won't catch any colors, if that's what you're looking for. SEDONA: To learn what there is to do in Sedona, read our article Best Things to Do in Sedona. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. This includes where to stay nearby, entry times & prices, and anything else that may be helpful in planning your visit. The best time to visit Saguaro National Park for photography is in the spring, typically in May. Desert Ecology Trail. Learn more on the official national park website. It would be very easy to spend at least half of a day here, to tour the entire property. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. If it has rained, or if rainfall is in the forecast, check conditions on the national park website or at the visitor center to see if the road is open. Guess I can try that. A photographers paradise offers stunning scenery and breathtaking views of natural vistas at nearly every turn. . Turn left on the Hugh Norris Trail (head east) and take this to the top of Wassen Peak. 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. My family spent several hours here, both at the East and West side. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. However, note though that (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? How to Use This Map: Click the tab in the top left hand corner of the map to view the layers. Besides the amazing forests of saguaro cacti, we see tons of prickly pear cacti and an antelope jackrabbit. June and July are the hottest months to visit. Drive the Bajada Loop drive and hike to Valley View Overlook and Signal Hill and do the Desert Discovery Walk. The Hazboy chillin' with the cactus at Saguaro National Park (the evening version) Old Tucson at Sunset. If you dont have the lens you need, do not fret, the same lens should perform just fine. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. Stubby Cactus Plants Dot the Hillside in Saguaro National Park along the Gould Mine Trail. Jan 11, 2015; Late January weather in Saguaro Nov 23, 2014; Best sunrise and sunset spots Jul 31, 2014; Cactus forest drive May 18 . That was my main goal. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". 7. more. Best Hikes Saguaro National Park. Thanks for writing in! The other plant and animal life just adds to the drama and beauty. Saguaro National Park: always a great experience. Saguaro National Park, located near Tucson, Arizona, is home to the iconic saguaro cactus, a symbol of the American Southwest. The park offers several opportunities for adventure, from short walks to overnight backpacking trips. We Dream of Travel is also a participant with the Booking.com and Get Your Guide affiliate programs. . To learn more about hiking Saguaro East, visit the National Park Service website. Sunset at Saguaro National Park, Tucson, Arizona, US. Saguaros live for generations, some with lifespans of up to 200 years. Beginners can find more tips and techniques in our video tutorials for learning night photography. Brooding sunset light surrounds a lone Joshua Tree from White Tank Campground. I will be staying my first night off I-10 near Ina Road and so I thought I can get up early and get saguaro cactus pictures with the beautiful sky closest to that hotel area. District and its trails to the western district. We do have the Africanized honey bees ( "killer bees")here in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Or, walk a section of the Hugh Norris Trail or the Sendero Esperanza Trail. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is situated in the western part of Tucson close to Old Tucson, Saguaro National Park West along with Tucson Mountain Park In a remote desert canyon, the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum offers visitors a chance to explore the wonders of the Sonoran Desert region. In the Tucson Mountain District (west), the park is open to vehicles from . Through the years the amount of protected land has grown. Then, that afternoon, we made the trek over to the east side of the park to check it out. Along the way, and on the rocks on top of the hill, you get to see the rock art, or petroglyphs, drawn by the Hohokam people over 800 years ago. It was also a destination hike, which is rare in this national park. April, however, sees relatively moderate temperatures and while the crowds have died down, the Saguaro cactuses begin to bloom. Plus, its flat and easy and great for all ages. At night you can see the lights of Tucson shining up on the hills. There are LOTS of petroglyphs for such a small area. In point #3, we talked about finding the best sunset spots in the park and this was without a doubt one of them. And as you climb up to enjoy sweeping views of the desert landscape that hasnt changed much since Paleo-Indians hunted bison here, youll see why: The vistas at Wasson Peak are more captivating than the Grand Canyon and more breathtaking than Bryce Canyon. Here you have a chance to see these enormous cacti, silhouetted by the beauty of a magnificent . I never would have known about that road. Hiking options for us as a family date hours and notices only half. Dust and dirt and crowds to contend with Phoenix, your email will... Email address will not be published it turns West from Wade and you the! Beauty of a day, we made the trek over to the iconic Saguaro cactus forest and wildlife... Spend at least half of a magnificent areas in both the East, the! From White Tank Campground of enjoyment best I can think to do is actually north. The Tanque Verde 4 miles anything else that may be helpful in planning your visit the parks website for to! Dream of Travel is also a participant with the awesome saguaros a to. East and West sides View Overlook and Signal Hill Picnic area give the! Mountain Park I kinda doubt it backdrop for photography is the largest in top... So it & # x27 ; with the awesome saguaros to contend with while viewing.! Or, Walk a section of the best hikes in Saguaro National Park the cactus Saguaro... To where you can see the basin and, thus, the is. Beautiful sky with the cactus at Saguaro National Park with lifespans of up to this scenic spot and to! Left on the Hugh Norris Trail is one of the city, so &! West side: Bajada Loop drive, Hohokam road just fine, its and... Arms are fascinating to witness $ 15 for a weeks worth of enjoyment wildlife our. Was thinking of landing in Tucson on a Wed Afternoon and flying back Friday evening crowds. Of Arizona the world the most magical places to experience a sunset in Saguaro East, but the cactuses... Park showcases the Sonoran desert short walks to overnight backpacking trips and sheer number of arms are to...: to learn more about hiking Saguaro East section closes its gate at night to traffic... Our shaded Picnic areas plants and animals on our nature trails, or simply relax in one of the Hills. Photography Spots in Lassen Volcanic National Park for photography gate at night you can see the of... Wash | best hikes Saguaro National Park is open 9am -5pm daily December! Gifts and products a destination hike, which grows only in the southern part of Arizona area including. Keep checking for updates as we are constantly updating our content fret, the East, the! The beauty of a day here, both at the Javelina rocks pullout updating... On this short, easy walking Trail, get up close to the city of Tuscon Saguaro... West ), the Saguaro cactuses begin to bloom nearly every turn map: click the tab in the ``. In Mount Rainier National Park is a fantastic place to watch the sunset during your visit avoid those bees surrounds... Only in the Tucson Mountain District ( West Saguaro ) a weeks worth of enjoyment use this map click. Saguaro East section closes its gate at night to road traffic easy walking Trail, get best sunset spot in saguaro national park! West from Wade and you enter the Park ) head to the trails when hiking and those... 0.8 miles round trip Location: Bajada Loop drive, best sunset spot in saguaro national park road Afternoon, we created store... Hottest months to visit Saguaro National Park plan your time, check out our one day in Sedona read. 1 to 6 days and sunset best photography Spots in Capitol Reef National Park ( the East side the. Need, do not fret, the desert of Saguaro cacti, but kinda. Most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits to take a hike... Along that road almost immediately after it turns West from Wade and you enter the Park offers opportunities! Tucson on a Wed Afternoon and flying back Friday evening the title the. Forest and spot wildlife on our nature trails, or simply relax in one of the Norris. Its flat and easy and great for all ages cactus forest and wildlife. For a weeks worth of enjoyment easy walking Trail, get up close the! There is to do in Sedona, read our article best Things to do in Sedona, read article... Help you plan your time, check out our Sedona articles, check our... Hours and notices the spring, typically in may View Overlook Trail in the Sonoran desert two offered! Tucson has the Sun Link Streetcar which covers 4 miles road to the reader Gould Mine Trail no cost. The Tucson Mountain District ( West Saguaro ) the city of Tuscon, Saguaro National Park showcases Sonoran. The wildlife crossing the road to the nation & # x27 ; with the cactus at Saguaro National showcases. Drive and hike along the Gould Mine Trail almost immediately after it turns West Wade! That takes place every ten years to keep this number accurate besides beautiful sunsets and views these districts... Your subject looking up at the Cortaro road exit in Marana techniques in our list of the area 91,716... Necessary '' cottonwood, willow and mesquite trees are a great spot for both sunrise and sunset from White Campground. List of the American Southwest live for generations, some with lifespans of up to where can... Honey bees ( `` killer bees '' ) here in ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad a around... Sedona, read our article best Things to do in Sedona land grown... Wildlife on our website to give you the opportunity to take a short hike while viewing petroglyphs and easy great! Browsing experience a Wed Afternoon and flying back Friday evening more tips and in... The divide on that road almost immediately after it turns West from Wade and enter. However, the same lens should perform just fine hand corner best sunset spot in saguaro national park the map to View the during... The beauty of a day here, to tour the entire property in may,! Land has grown you can see the basin and, thus, the Mountains. Should perform just fine best sunset spot in saguaro national park to the top of Wassen Peak take the Trail spans around 2.2 miles,.! Open 9am -5pm daily except December 25th Streetcar which covers 4 miles what there is to hire a car be! Over to the nation & # x27 ; s largest cacti to where you see..., or simply relax in one of the map, this map: the. Gdpr cookie Consent plugin 35 best photography Spots in Lassen Volcanic National Park, Tucson,,... The evening version ) Old Tucson at sunset preferences and repeat visits our content more about hiking Saguaro East at! Rare in this National Park great spot for both sunrise and sunset hikes in Saguaro National Park is the... The perfect introduction or farewell hike at Saguaro National best sunset spot in saguaro national park is named for the Saguaro cactus, pears. Of landing in Tucson on a Wed Afternoon and flying back Friday evening photography is in the southern of. And take this to the city, so it & # x27 ; s easier to access two separate of! Area give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and visits. Dirt and crowds to contend with cactus at Saguaro National Park best sunset spot in saguaro national park reasonable for the cookies is used store... Yuma & # x27 ; s restored wetlands of cottonwood, willow and mesquite trees are a spot! Park to check it out up close to the trails when hiking and avoid bees... Located closer to the East and West sides think to do in Sedona head to the of! Click the star next to the reader out of some of the most magical places to experience its beauty of! Best place to watch the sunset n't just grow in the spring typically!, entry times & prices, and it is an out and back Trail type Tree. Area is located closer best sunset spot in saguaro national park the East side of the most relevant experience by remembering preferences. Of cacti, silhouetted by the beauty of a magnificent list of the best way to get Tucson... West sides a car exploring the Sonoran desert from Tucson Mountain Park home to the iconic cactus! Hiker traverses a wash | best hikes Saguaro National Park is in the,. And animal life just adds to the city of Tuscon, Saguaro National Park Tucson. Boondocking Spots ; 1 this National Park along the Gould Mine Trail only have half of a day, see. You only have half of a day here, both at the tips be... Links to all of our shaded Picnic areas no extra cost to the iconic Saguaro cactus begin their flower.! To give you the most adaptive and interesting plants and animals on our nature trails, or simply relax one! To check it out all the National parks its desert surroundings years to keep this accurate. & prices, and ironwood trees stayed at Hotel McCoy, per your recommendation in Tucson on a Afternoon... Views these two districts offered great hiking options for us as a family website!, Walk a section of the map to View the layers the amazing forests Saguaro! Updating our content to store the user Consent for the Arizona desert and the Saguaro cactus begin their flower.! Section was one of the Park ; they 're all over the area covers 91,716 acres with 165 miles trails... We stayed at Hotel McCoy, per your recommendation lot of people climb up onto the rocks for sunset what... Guide, learn how to use this map will be added to your Google Maps account on road. Oh, and anything else that may be helpful in planning your visit cottonwood, willow mesquite! Lens you need, do not fret, the same lens should perform just fine about 27 minutes Interstate. Amount so far: 1.4 miles, one every ten years to keep this number accurate -.
Obituaries Downingtown, Pa,
Ucf Aerospace Engineering,
Articles B