Saguaro National Park is a desert icon and a must do on any trip to the southwest. It’s located in southern Arizona in the city of Tucson and is split into two areas, the east side and the west side. Both sides offer several hiking trails, scenic drives, ranger programs, visitor centers, and of course, tons of giant Saguaro Cacti.
It’s one of the only places in the U.S where you can see Saguaros, also known as the guardian of the desert. The most ideal time to visit is fall through spring when the temperatures are cooler and hiking is safe. Summer temperatures reach up to 120 degrees which make exploring this park extremely dangerous and not advisable.
In this post we are spending one day on the west side of the park.
Check out our national park essentials list for recommended hiking and safety gear to have while exploring the parks.
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STOP 1. RED HILLS VISITOR CENTER
Start your exploration of Saguaro National Park at the Red Hills Visitor Center. Load up on info, pick up a park map, and get exploring. Check out the park film to learn about the geology of the Tucson Mountains. Stop at the restroom and get the latest scoop from the park ranger.
Here you can also find water filling stations, gift shop, museum exhibit, two short trails, and jaw dropping views of the surrounding cacti forest. The Cactus Garden trail is a short paved loop located outside the visitor center and displays some of the cacti found within the park. The Javalina Wash Trail is a 600 yard path that meanders behind the visitor center, through a wash and showcases the plant and animal life that call the Sonoran Desert home.
STOP 2. DESERT DISCOVERY TRAIL
The desert discovery trail is an easy 0.5 mile loop that wonders through a garden filled with giant Saguaros and also offers views of the surrounding mountain landscape. It’s located 1 mile north of the red hills visitor center and is a great place to learn about the ecology and habitats of the Sonoran Desert. It’s also a great trail for the whole family because it’s wheel chair accessible, pet friendly and easy for kids. If you’re short on time, this is the trail i’d recommend.
STOP 3. BAJADA LOOP SCENIC DRIVE
The Bajada Loop scenic drive is a 6 mile loop road and a popular way to explore the west side of the park. The drive features access to several hiking trails, picnic areas, and overlooks in a rustic fashion. The 6 mile loop is unpaved and gravel however high clearance or 4×4 isn’t needed.
STOP 4. VALLEY VIEW OVERLOOK TRAIL
Next stop one our day in Saguaro National Park is to the Valley View Overlook trail located along the Bajada Loop scenic drive. This 0.8 mile out and back trail wonders up and around fields of towering Saguaro cacti and offers breathtaking views of the valley below. This is a great place to see some of the unique formations that cacti can create. If you were to do one trail in the park this is the one I would recommend. Additional trails such as Wild Dog and Bajada Wash can also be accessed from this trail.
STOP 5. SIGNAL HILL
Signal Hill is another stop along the Bajada Loop scenic drive and offers a short 0.3 mile trail to an amazing view of petroglyphs and the surrounding desert landscape. If you enjoy a bit of history this is a great trail to explore. The trail is rated easy, gains 36ft of elevation, and takes about 10 minutes to complete. There are several steps so it is not wheel accessible nor are dogs allowed. Manville and Cactus Wren Trails can be accessed from this area as well.
Parking is limited and currently under construction so check park conditions before you hike this trail.
STOP 6. SUNSET AT GATES PASS
On your visit to Saguaro National Park you can’t miss a stop to Gates Pass. Gates Pass is located in Tucson Mountain Park just 15 minutes from the national park and features a scenic overlook, most popular for sunset, as well as several hiking trails to explore.
Be sure to get there early as parking is limited. The gates close at 8pm and open at 6am.
STOP 7. CAMP OVERNIGHT AT GILBERT RAY CAMPGROUND
If camping is your thing, then Gilbert Ray Campground is where you’ll want to stay on your visit to Saguaro National Park. This scenic campground is immersed in a desert oasis and offers RV and tent sites with electric hookups and water. The campground is run by Pima County, offers numerous hiking trails, and is located minutes from the national park.
I hope you found this post helpful in planning your day in Saguaro National Park! Leave a comment below of your favorite thing to do in the park.
