Disclosure: In order to keep providing you with free content, this post likely contains affiliate links. Specialties: Tucson, Arizona is home to the nation's largest cacti. However, there are some places in Saguaro West that are spectacular for sunrise photography as well. Along the way, youll get up close to giant Saguaro cacti and have nice views of the Rincon Mountains and Tucson. Required fields are marked *. Thanks so much! East Saguaro is known as the Rincon Mountain District (RMD). Thanks for . It is located just outside of Saguaro West and he says you get great views of the cacti. We also drive up most of the way to Mount Lemmon to get a good view of the city from above.One night, we watch an amazing sunset from the mountain pass in the Tucson Mountain Park, and the next night we watch it from Saguaro National Park West. LOVED it!! Wildflowers typically begin to bloom in mid-April, including sand verbena, Hartweg's sundrops, White Sands mustard, and yuccas. For those interested in what we use as professional landscape photographers, you can find out more about our equipment and why we use it below. On this short, easy walking trail, get up close to the Saguaro cactus, prickly pears, and ironwood trees. The 0.4 mile Desert Discovery Trail is a flat, paved walkway that takes you through saguaros, as well as other desert plants, with signage that talks about the plants and wildlife in the area. Saguaro National Park is in the southern part of Arizona. . The Bajada Scenic Loop is not paved and this section is closer to the city. Saguaros live for generations, some with lifespans of up to 200 years. SUBSCRIBE for more videos! Day 7: Grand Canyon. We drove a Toyota Camry and had no issues on this road. 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. There is a parking lot at . June through September receives the lowest number of visitors. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. The best place to view the sunset on the east side is either the Tanque Verde Ridge trail (.5 mile hike) or the Javelina Rocks pull out. When we have visitors, Saguaro National Park (East) is always on the list of places to go. The morning sun in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Just want to enjoy the beautiful sky with the awesome saguaros. 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. Arizona Road Trip Itinerary. Ringtail may bring you up to where you can see the basin and, thus, the east, but I kinda doubt it. For current status and frequent updates, check outSaguaros current conditions. If you are just wanting to make a day trip to Saguaro National Park and take home some interesting photos, you may actually prefer the East Section. However, note though that (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Top 5 Best Things to Do in Saguaro National Park. Make sure to cross the wash and continue forward to the overlook. Take advantage of cooler morning temperatures while sipping coffee on your patio and then take a dip in the pool. A heavily-trafficked albeit, difficult trail in Saguaro National Park is Tanque Verde Ridge Trail in Rincon Mountain District. The sunrise (or sunset) casts a beautiful light on the red rocks, making for an incredible sight. Distance: 3.8 miles. Best Campgrounds Near Saguaro National Park. If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information about each point of interest. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Cost: $25 per vehicle. These majestic plants, found only in a small portion of the United States, are protected by Saguaro National Park, to the east and west of the modern city of Tucson. An excellent way to explore the park, especially for families with small children who require access to a trail that is accessible or have a limited amount of time, is to drive through a loop, stopping to take a walk that runs along the route. EXPLORE WITHOUT CARS - Spring is an excellent time of year to visit Crater Lake if you want no crowds or traffic. This easy trail leads you through the desert and past mine ruins, offering views of the Tucson Mountains and great photo opportunities. To start the drive, turn right from N Kinney Road onto Hohokam Road. Part of the Bajada Loop Drive is one way only (the second half of Hohokam Road). Afternoon thunderstorms bring much needed rain and help to cool off the area, at least a little bit. From sunrise to sunset, this tour will take you to areas away from the crowds, giving you a chance to capture iconic images of these cacti. The Desert Ecology Trail is the perfect opportunity to explore the majestic desert of Saguaro 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. The other trails take off into the wash. Saguaro Cactus at Sunset in Sonoran Desert. Join us on an adventure in the desert! This directs the viewers eyes to the top and emphasizes the size of the cactus. 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. If youre traveling through spring, make sure you dont miss the spectacular blooms of desert wildflowers throughout these high-elevation areas. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. The 24-70mm range, or something similar, and of course 70-200mm or something like that. Best Sunset Spot in Saguaro National Park. Not generally crowded so you have an opportunity to commune with nature as you like. The park's desert landscapes, vibrant sunsets . Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. 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 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. Brittney R. Indianapolis, IN. I was really just looking to take photos of saguaros with an orange or pink sky behind them. Cactus Forest Drive is a loop road in the Rincon Mountain District with stunning views of the desert landscape. 7. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. This trail is ranked moderate, and it is a good place for hiking, birdwatching, and walking during your visit to Saguaro National Park. This area is located closer to the city, so it's easier to access. Growing over these ribs is the green, fleshy skin that absorbs and stores water. 1603. It was our 20th wedding anniversary and we got upgraded to the Presidential Suite. Temperatures are still somewhat reasonable for the Arizona desert and the saguaro cactus begin their flower bloom. 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. 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. Also don't forget to catch the sunrise (or sunset) at Delicate Arch. Here are a few suggestions with more character, based on budget and amenities. Each side of the park offers a prime sunset viewing spots so try to celebrate the sunset during your visit. Desert Ecology Trail. But for sunset, I can go anywhere and will explore the area. Delicate Arch Traila 1.5-mile hike from Wolfe Ranch to . Time to watch the beauty above us. Best sunrises in Tucson. The desert sunset may rival the saguaros as the park's most Instagrammed natural wonder. Learn how to put all of this together in our Arizona Road Trip Itinerary. Through the years the amount of protected land has grown. They can grow up to 49 arms. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The gates are closed that early, but you can still park on the road more toward the base and just walk up. 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. Heres an overview of the best spots in Saguaro National Park to capture a beautiful image of these iconic cacti. Thanks for the recommendation. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. But now I am not so sure, if the mountains block any chance of sunrise photos with the cactus. Designated a National Park in 1994, Saguaro National Park is actually two distinct parks that straddle the outskirts of Tucson over almost 93,000 acres: the Rincon Mountain District on the east side and the Tucson Mountain District on the west. Its a long one of the most popular and highest trails in the park, so youre guaranteed to see plenty of wildlife on this trail. Note that the Hugh Norris Trail is a steep one! Wild Dog Trail A 1.8-mile in-and-out trail off of Hohokam Rd. Make it a point to stop at each and every kiosk or pullout, for there will not only be information but also a fantastic vista awaiting you. To reserve your spot call the visitor center at 520-733-5158. Great location & views among the Saguaro cactii. The best spot to catch sunset at the park is on the east side at either the Tanque Verde Ridge Trail (.5 mile hike) or the Javelina Rocks pull out. Sign up for early access to our community of travelers around the globe. Join us on an adventure in the desert! The best spot to catch sunset at the park is on the east side at either the Tanque Verde Ridge Trail (.5 mile hike) or the Javelina Rocks pull out. It is adult only. The inside of the cactus is made of wooden ribs which resembles a tree trunk. If youre lucky enough to be in Saguaro National Park on a clear night, dont miss the opportunity to experience an excellent view of the Milky Way. Note: This post contains affiliate links. and makes them easier to spot. If you plan on visiting a few National Parks this year, the best deal for most people is the Interagency Annual Pass, affectionately called the America the Beautiful pass. Our website uses cookies. If you like desert vegetation, this place is paradise! Saguaro National Park is a beautiful, desert preserve in southern Arizona. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. The Mica View - Cholla - Cactus Forest Loop Trail is considered one of the best hikes in Saguaro National Park. I visited the west side: Tucson Mountain District. . Valley View Overlook Trail. Crater Lake National Park Spring Highlights. We spent several hours in Saguaro East and then checked into our hotel in Tucson. Learn more on the official national park website. The West Section remains open but receives too much light pollution from the city of Tucson to successfully shoot the night skies. The two districts, Rincon Mountain and Tucson Mountain, offer stunning desert landscapes, petroglyphs of the ancient Hohokam people, and an abundance of cacti. Valley View Overlook Trail. We recommend a high-quality camera, which is one of the holy trinity. Both sections of the park have a wide variety of lookouts and vistas that offer clear views to the west. This was one of our favorite walks in the park since we walked through one of the densest populations of cacti. June and July are the hottest months to visit. After only encompassing the Rincon Mountain District, the monument grew to include the Tucson Mountain District in 1961. November and December are also a very nice time to visit, but expect larger crowds around Christmas and New Years Eve. The other plant and animal life just adds to the drama and beauty. There are several notable viewpoints along the way, which I will get to in just a minute. To help you plan your time, check out our One Day in Sedona Itinerary and Sedona Itinerary Ideas for 1 to 6 days. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots 1. The Rincon Mountain District (Saguaro East) opens at 6 am and closes at sunset. Ranger programs are available year round in Saguaro National Park, but the January through April high-season offers the largest availability and selection. One of our awesome readers recommends Gilbert Ray Campground. One of the most magical places to experience a sunset in Washington State is Fremont Lookout, located in Mount Rainier National Park. Valley View Overlook Trail. Were headed there late March for the first time at 67 & 68 years old. 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. Saguaro National Park: always a great experience. However, because they are rare the odds of finding them are improved in places where there are numerous saguaro cacti. Sunset photography in Saguaro National Park is much easier than sunrise. If you enjoyed the information, please leave your feedback and suggest it to friends and acquaintances. Drive the Bajada Loop drive and hike to Valley View Overlook and Signal Hill and do the Desert Discovery Walk. Lunch at Live Oak Picnic Area. Budget: Hotel McCoy. Ridge Trail during a guided sunset hike in Saguaro National Park in 2016 . If you only have time for one, dont miss our article Should You Visit Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon? So a HUGE thank you to you if you click one of these links . But first you need to know which way to drive the loop in order to avoid backtracking. Love the blog. Day 3: Petrified Forest National Park. Many, but not all, of the Saguaros grow arms. 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. 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. 7. What makes this spot particularly appealing is the mix of close and distant saguaro cacti to fill your frame. 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. It never fails to mesmerize those visitors, and always offers something new for frequent visitors as well. Palm Creek Golf & RV Resort; 8. 2. Photo: Dan Nevill. Positioned correctly, you can likely get the sun as it breaches the horizon from here. Of course, we see cacti everywhere. We were here in January--temperatures were in the mid-50s to the upper 60s. Day 4: Monument Valley. 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. More than 800 miles of trails wind through cactus gardens and forests of saguaros, cholla, and prickly pear, as well as other desert plants. Saguaro Sundown Pano. If you found one of our travel guides invaluable in planning your next trip and would like to show your appreciation to the authors, please consider buying us a cup of coffee! Photo opportunities heres an overview of the cacti miss our article Should you visit Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon a. Hottest months to visit overlook and Signal Hill and Do the desert Ecology Trail is considered one of our readers!, at least a little bit English in the pool content, this post likely contains affiliate links no or! 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