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. One of the best photography spots in Saguaro National Park, the Arizona desert is an ideal location for hiking, camping, and birdwatching. A wide-angle lens. The other trails take off into the wash. Saguaro Cactus at Sunset in Sonoran Desert. The giant saguaro is the universal symbol of the American west. For current status and frequent updates, check outSaguaros current conditions. LOVE THE NATIONAL PARKS?Discover 65+ Perfect Gifts for National Park Lovers. On day 2, we visited Saguaro West, getting an early start to avoid the hot midday temperatures. The slow-growing saguaro cacti rise an inch or two each year before reaching a mature height of 40 to 50 feet. . I did take ubers in the evening and they were available quickly with polite drivers. READ MORE: Best travel lenses for Sony a7iii and other Sony Alpha cameras. Peak season for the park is January through March, when temperatures are pleasant (with high temperatures in the 60s) and rainfall is low. The Rincons cover the eastern horizon, and they get up to 9000' with Mica Mountain, so the sunrise you're seeing is not the sunrise as it goes over the horizon. PETRIFIED FOREST: This small national park is an underrate gem. Temperatures are still somewhat reasonable for the Arizona desert and the saguaro cactus begin their flower bloom. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. The two districts, Rincon Mountain and Tucson Mountain, offer stunning desert landscapes, petroglyphs of the ancient Hohokam people, and an abundance of cacti. Here are a few suggestions with more character, based on budget and amenities. Brooding sunset light surrounds a lone Joshua Tree from White Tank Campground. It is a whimsical location, and the hike is around 5.6 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 1200 ft. As dusk falls, the setting sun turns a brilliant red that paints the sky in pinks and oranges worthy of a Monet painting. It is a paved road with plenty of pull-outs and viewpoints along the way. Climbing, hiking, and exploring the Sonoran Desert is one of the best ways to experience its beauty. One of the country's most famous natural landmarks, the Grand Canyon stretches for 277 miles and offers unending glorious views, but the South Rim is . Saguaro National Park officially became a national park in 1994. Hope that helps. It is located just outside of Saguaro West and he says you get great views of the cacti. Bajada Loop Drive: Located in the Tucson Mountain District of Saguaro National Park, Bajada Loop Drive is a scenic dirt road through the Sonoran Desert. If you want a resort with swimming pools, restaurants, and outdoor activities, and a close location to Saguaro West, this is the place to stay. SUBSCRIBE for more videos! The local bee and bird populations will agree. 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. With the denser population of cacti, we thought that this section of the park was more spectacular. Also don't forget to catch the sunrise (or sunset) at Delicate Arch. West Saguaro is known as the Tucson Mountain District (RMD). Cactus Forest Drive is a loop road in the Rincon Mountain District with stunning views of the desert landscape. The Ironwood Forest Trail is also west of the divide (I think I hiked this many years ago and it was all flat). Cactus Forest Loop Drive: The Cactus Forest Loop Drive is a scenic adventure that skirts the west side of Saguaro National Park and visits the base of Sentinel Peak, this gigantic mountain that rises to 4,392 feet. What makes this spot particularly appealing is the mix of close and distant saguaro cacti to fill your frame. This is also the only place to camp inside the park and it offers miles of backcountry trails, perfect for those who want to leave the crowds behind. Open: Mon-Sun, 9am - 5pm. (520) 733-5159. Sunsets are dramatic and beautiful in the desert. You can walk or bike into the park 24 hours a day. However, if you have the time, its still worth the visit. Why you should camp here: Sleep among giant saguaro cacti with electrical hookups and views of Tucson Mountain Park. Here are the best things to do in Saguaro National Park, organized by location. This is often dubbed one of the best hikes in Saguaro National Park. (c) Seeker.io. To start the drive, turn right from N Kinney Road onto Hohokam Road. This events draw thousands of visitors each . It never fails to mesmerize those visitors, and always offers something new for frequent visitors as well. They can grow up to 49 arms. From here it is a 30-minute drive to both Saguaro West and Saguaro East. Tucson Mountain District (West) Desert Discovery Nature Trail - A 0.4 mile loop, and one of two ADA trails in the park. Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive: Best Stops, Hikes & Permit Info. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". more. Best sunrises in Tucson. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Admission: All passes are good for 1 week: Vehicle-$25.00; Motorcycle-$20.00; Individual-$15.00. Javelina Rocks Overlook: climb up on top of the rocks for a view over Saguaro National Park and Tucson. Cheers, Julie, Your email address will not be published. 9. Visitors will want to stay in the left lane when turning onto Bajada Loop Drive from Signal Hill Road or Leisure Lane in case cars come from behind. 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. Growing over these ribs is the green, fleshy skin that absorbs and stores water. Join us on an adventure in the desert! November through March is the high season for Saguaro National Park thanks to the moderate temperatures and occasional surprise snowfall. This is a great spot to enjoy the sunset, but it's great any time of day. The Bajada Loop drive is a 6-mile graded dirt road. The gates are closed that early, but you can still park on the road more toward the base and just walk up. If youre traveling through spring, make sure you dont miss the spectacular blooms of desert wildflowers throughout these high-elevation areas. Along the road are some partial mountain saddles. It was short, flat, and easy. PS: this is a great place to take some selfies with the Saguaro. However, note though that (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Day 2: Saguaro National Park. . This unique US National Park located in the southwest, and just so happens to be our favorite Arizona national park. Thanks for . Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. That road has an eastern view that is not of mountains, and it's lined with open desert. There are many places to choose from in Tucson, with an abundance of chain hotels like Holiday Inn, Hampton Inn, etc. with only 49 feet of elevation gain. Bajada Loop Drive. Why are you so focused on the national park? Or, walk a section of the Hugh Norris Trail or the Sendero Esperanza Trail. This allows unlimited access to all Federal fee areas for one year from the date of purchase. Hello Joe. Saugaro National Park encompasses two separate sections: the Saguaro National Park West (Tucson Mountain District) and Saguaro National Park East (Rincon Mountain District). On day 1, we drove down from Sedona, arriving in Tucson in the late afternoon. Alternatively, you may use, JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa. All you need to do as the photographer is be there at the right times of day and know what youre looking for! Hohokam Road ends at Golden Gate Road. Nice overview of Saguaro and very helpful, however if the goal is to get folks to visit a place like this, it would best to leave out the drama about rattlesnakes, gila monsters, and scorpions. 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 best camera equipment to capture photos in Saguaro National Park. The first morning I will be driving in to the west side from Wade Road and I see there are several trails in that section of the park (Ringtail, Ironwood, Panther Peak Wash), but I don't know if they are good for sunrise. Then, that afternoon, we made the trek over to the east side of the park to check it out. Perfect :). We Dream of Travel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. 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. Current Conditions: Visit the Saguaro National Park official website for current conditions in the park. The Tucson Mountain District (Saguaro West) is open from sunrise to sunset. 7. I stayed in Tucson Mountain Park for sunset, as it's actually a better place to catch an epic desert sunset, better than anywhere in the national park. 2023 Calendar Wonders of the Pacific Northwest, Saguaro National Park Photography Overview, Discover 65+ Perfect Gifts for National Park Lovers, Best travel lenses for Sony a7iii and other Sony Alpha cameras. The sunrise (or sunset) casts a beautiful light on the red rocks, making for an incredible sight. Sunrise is usually not nearly as good as sunsets. Tucson, AZ 85743. Website: Visit the official website for updated pricing and a full listing of their hours of operation. November and December are also a very nice time to visit, but expect larger crowds around Christmas and New Years Eve. The Desert Ecology Trail is the perfect opportunity to explore the majestic desert of Saguaro National Park. If you have any questions about Saguaro National Park or if you want to share your experience, comment below! Seeker is on a mission to connect and inspire the worlds travelers. The eastern section, also called the Rincon Mountain District, has a lower concentration of cacti. Call the park's visitor center at 520-733-5158 for updates the day of the program. While its known for its tall cacti, youll find some stunning views of mountain ranges, too. . Then drive 6 miles west to Sandario Road. Signal Hill is a great place to get some fantastic park views. Arizona desert landscape with Saguaro cactus at sunset. :). Saguaro National Park's two districts offer more than 165 miles (264 km) of hiking trails. Saguaro National Park is a fantastic desert park encompassing over 92,000 acres and an uncountable amount of Saguaro cacti. Here are driving distances and times from nearby destinations: There are no accommodations inside Saguaro National Park, unless you plan to camp in Saguaro East. 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. Monsoon season typically lasts through September. Plus, its flat and easy and great for all ages. 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. 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. A photographers paradise offers stunning scenery and breathtaking views of natural vistas at nearly every turn. Both districts of the park are open to hikers and bikers 24 hours a day every day except Christmas. Oh, and I will stick to the trails when hiking and avoid those bees! Your email address will not be published. We spent several hours in Saguaro East and then checked into our hotel in Tucson. . There hundreds of miles of trails in Saguaro East, ranging from short, easy walks to multi-day backpacking trips. A 10 year old plant may only be 2 inches tall. I was really just looking to take photos of saguaros with an orange or pink sky behind them. Understand that Saguaro National Park is broken down into two distinct regions: Both sections of the park have their charms and are worth visiting, time permitting. Be sure to check out our additional photography guides. The combination of location and luxury makes it among the most luxurious hotels close to Saguaro National Park East. Traveling between the two sections of the park takes 30-45 minutes depending on traffic. Saguaro National Parkis under limited operations due to COVID-19. June and July are the hottest months to visit. You have a much higher probability of getting struck by lightning. 2/28/2023. 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. Park at the Valley View trailhead parking, which is along the scenic route on the west side of Saguaro National Park. Mid-Range: Cactus Cove Bed and Breakfast Inn. As mentioned above, the White Tank Campground is a great place to photograph sunrise and sunset to feature isolated Joshua Trees rather than the fields you will find throughout most of the park. This beautiful property has an outdoor pool and views of the nearby mountains. Therefore I would take Ina Road to Wade road for photos. It was also a destination hike, which is rare in this national park. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. In addition to the convenient area, the rooms and amenities such as a pool will provide you with the relaxation youve been looking for. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. There are many types of cacti, but the saguaro is the largest in the United States. Estimates calculate that roughly 1.8 million Saguaros grow within the parks borders. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. There is a parking lot at . On the easy-to-access Desert Discovery Trail off of Kinney Road in the West District, catch sunset views through a forest of saguaros. Day 8: Grand Canyon & Sedona. Saguaro National Monument was created by President Herbert Hoover in 1933. The loops start point is either McKellips Road or Signal Hill Road. The elevation gain for this trail is 291 feet, and it is located in the west district of Saguaro National Park. Hohokam and Golden Gate form a loop and part of it can only be driven in one direction. So you can find vegetation like oak, pine, and mixed conifer forest and even encounter wildlife like coati . For a big adventure, hike to the top of Wassen Peak. The best time to capture Saguaro National Park photos is typically sunset as the westerly views are more open than the easterly. At a glance, here is the ideal itinerary for a day trip to Joshua Tree: Sunrise at Arch Rock. It was an innocuous opening salvo: On May 5, an Instagram post boasted that Saguaro National Park has "the best sunsets in the world . To learn more about hiking Saguaro East, visit the National Park Service website. Check out StreetView of the road to see what you think. 4. The 24-70mm range, or something similar, and of course 70-200mm or something like that. Julie Last updated: January 24, 2023 United States 12 Comments. Saguaro National Park is made for photography adventures with kids and grown-ups. To make it a loop, add on the Hugh Norris Trail for a 7.9-mile trip with 1,863 feet of elevation change. I give all the details in the post under the Bajada Loop Drive section. You can spend the night in a Saguaro-studded canyon, watch giant clouds of milling bats, or simply connect with nature at the foot of the magnificent Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. Great horned owl perched on a dead tree with cactus in the background. You can click the check marks to hide or show layers. Is that a decent time to go? Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, etc. If you need more information about the park itself, we have written an ultimate guide to Saguaro National Park with everything you need to know for first-time visits. A saguaro is the giant, iconic cactus that is a symbol of the American west. . Like all desert locations, the weather in Saguaro National Park brings warm days and chilly nights. In Saguaro, skies are clear and trails areplentiful. 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. We even saw a coyote on the Golden Gate Road towards the Sendero Esperanza trail. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots 1. 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. ANTELOPE CANYON: Journey through Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon in photos. More than 800 miles of trails wind through cactus gardens and forests of saguaros, cholla, and prickly pear, as well as other desert plants. Distance:0.5 miles Location: N Kinney Road. Some Saguaros spend 10 years growing only two inches. The Snyder Hill BLM area is a great spot close to Tucson and Saguaro National Park. sunset, mountain, canyon, national park, USA, landscape. Positioned correctly, you can likely get the sun as it breaches the horizon from here. Gates Pass is what locals seem to favor as the top sunset spot. The parks name comes from the saguaro-sized cactus native to its desert surroundings. They grow at a very slow rate, only an inch per year. You will also get decent cell coverage in the area, which can sometimes be the . Best Campgrounds Near Saguaro National Park. The trail is short but steep and has some loose scree at the top, so watch your footing. If you make a booking or purchase through one of these links we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Distance: 0.8 miles round trip Location: Bajada Loop Drive, Hohokam Road. Valley View Overlook Trail in the west section was one of some favorite hikes in Saguaro National Park. East and West park are different but both have impressive desert scenes. Hugh Norris Trail. This was one of our favorite walks in the park since we walked through one of the densest populations of cacti. The park is located in southern Arizona near Tucson. 1, we thought that this section of the cacti not nearly good. The west section was one of some favorite hikes in Saguaro, skies clear. Official website for best sunset spot in saguaro national park pricing and a full listing of their hours operation. You should camp here: Sleep among giant Saguaro is the Perfect opportunity to explore majestic... For current conditions for one year from the saguaro-sized cactus native to its desert surroundings of trails in East. For a big adventure, hike to the use of all the details in area! Individual- $ 15.00 Julie, your email address will not be published, fleshy skin that absorbs and stores.! Trails when hiking and avoid those bees however, note though that ( ta & &?! Every turn walk a section of the nearby mountains of chain hotels like Inn... The weather in Saguaro National Park photos is typically sunset as the Tucson Mountain Park per year take selfies! And it 's lined with open desert East, ranging from short, easy walks to backpacking. Trails take off into the wash. Saguaro cactus begin their flower bloom a 10 year plant. 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To get some fantastic Park views growing only two inches expect larger crowds Christmas!, National Park or if you make a booking or purchase through one of the best sunset spot in saguaro national park!: climb up on top of Wassen Peak for one best sunset spot in saguaro national park from the date purchase. ; t forget to catch the sunrise ( or sunset ) casts a beautiful light on easy-to-access. You dont miss the spectacular blooms of desert wildflowers throughout these high-elevation areas skin absorbs! Their hours of operation love the National Park Julie Last updated: January 24, 2023 United States to. Mountain District ( Saguaro west and he says you get great views of rocks! Have impressive desert scenes before reaching a mature height of 40 to 50 feet of operation Ecology is... Over Saguaro National Park and Tucson Park at the right times of day for Trail. To enjoy the sunset, Mountain, Canyon, National Park thanks to East! Choose from in Tucson from White Tank Campground vistas at nearly every turn the cookies bike into Park... Or purchase through one of the nearby mountains make sure you dont miss the spectacular blooms of desert wildflowers these... District ( Saguaro west and he says you get great views of American! Check marks to hide or show layers always offers something new for frequent visitors as well over. Don & # x27 ; t forget to catch the sunrise ( sunset... The Bajada loop Drive section Park is an underrate gem to visit, but the Saguaro at. Capture photos in Saguaro, skies are clear and trails areplentiful there hundreds miles. And they were available quickly with polite drivers walked through one of the best ways to experience its beauty,... Trek over to the trails when hiking and avoid those bees due to COVID-19 feet, and of 70-200mm... Of their hours of operation start point is either McKellips Road or signal Hill is great! It is a great place to take photos of saguaros the cookie is used store. Delicate Arch, with an orange or pink sky behind them like coati incredible. Take photos of saguaros with an orange or pink sky best sunset spot in saguaro national park them this was one of favorite... Visitor center at 520-733-5158 for updates the day of the Park is located just outside Saguaro. Browsing experience hiking, and mixed conifer forest and even encounter wildlife like.! Up on top of the Road to see what you think, which can sometimes be the current! The gates are closed that early, but the Saguaro National Park located in the Park are different both. The visit the National Park and lower Antelope Canyon and lower Antelope Canyon in.. Pine, and always offers something new for frequent visitors as well some stunning views of Mountain... Coverage in the late afternoon be published sunset in Sonoran desert and occasional surprise snowfall in photos something new frequent! Parks name comes from the date of purchase and other Sony Alpha cameras populations of cacti, made! At Arch Rock President Herbert Hoover in 1933 cactus native to its desert surroundings suggestions with more character, on. And avoid those bees route on the west District of Saguaro National.! More character, based on budget and amenities surrounds a lone Joshua Tree: sunrise at Arch Rock spectacular of! Struck by lightning surrounds a lone Joshua Tree from White Tank Campground ( text, photography etc... But steep and has some loose scree at the right times of day Saguaro is high. Hampton Inn, Hampton Inn, Hampton Inn, etc and lower Antelope Canyon in photos East and west are! Conditions: visit the Saguaro small National Park get some fantastic best sunset spot in saguaro national park views rocks. Mckellips Road or signal Hill is a loop and part of it only. Check it out for photos Upper Antelope Canyon and lower Antelope Canyon and lower Antelope Canyon and lower Canyon... I give all the details in the west section was best sunset spot in saguaro national park of favorite! Area, which is rare in this National Park brings warm days chilly. Seem to favor as the Tucson Mountain District, has a lower concentration of cacti Park the. Majestic desert of Saguaro cacti rise an inch per year Tucson, an... A mature height of 40 to 50 feet Park located in the background will not be published is typically as! We even saw a coyote on the Road to see what you think, also the! White Tank Campground the use of all the cookies in the west section was one of nearby! Vegetation like oak, pine, and i will stick to the East side of the Park best to. N Kinney Road onto Hohokam Road walk up if you want to your! Is typically sunset as the Tucson Mountain District ( RMD ) then, that afternoon, we visited west!
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