Saguaro
National Park
Saguaro National Park in Tucson, Arizona is named after the iconic saguaro cactus. Over 2 million of them live here! These massive cacti (pronounced “sa-wah-ro”) are the largest in the U.S. and only grow in southern Arizona and parts of Mexico.
They live up to 200 years, can reach 60 feet tall, and don’t even sprout arms until around age 50. Despite their size, they grow super slowly. A 10-year-old cactus might be just 1.5 inches tall! Inside, they have wooden ribs, which have traditionally been used for things like fences and furniture after the cactus dies.
Besides the towering cacti, the park also features rugged mountains, ancient petroglyphs, and a surprising variety of desert plant life.
Saguaro At a Glance
$25 per vehicle for 7 days or FREE with the America the Beautiful pass.
Saguaro National Park is located in Tucson, which is in southern Arizona. It’s a large city, so getting to the park is pretty easy! You’ll want to fly into Tucson International Airport and drive just 30 minutes to the park.
Saguaro National Park West gets extremely hot in the summer, and with no tree cover, there’s little to no shade. The best time to visit is between November and March, when the weather is much cooler and more comfortable for exploring.
Different Areas of the Park
Saguaro National Park is divided into two sections: the Rincon Mountain District to the east of Tucson and the Tucson Mountain District to the west. The east side has older, taller saguaros, while the west side boasts a denser concentration of them.
The BEST Things to do in Saguaro National Park West
In this guide we’re sharing the best things to do in Saguaro National Park West, plus where to stay, things to know before you go, and more!
Hiking Wasson Peak at Saguaro National Park
Looking to hike Wasson Peak in Saguaro National Park? This hiking guide covers all of the details for the hike, including the different route options, what to expect, and more!
Saguaro VIDEO
We spent a day exploring Saguaro National Park’s west side in Tucson, Arizona, including a very windy hike up Wasson Peak, seeing tons of saguaro cacti, cooking a cactus themed meal, and watching a beautiful sunset.
