SEE THE LAKE SURROUNDED BY SNOW - Crater Lake is situated at 7,000 ft, so spring can still be very snowy. 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. If youre traveling through spring, make sure you dont miss the spectacular blooms of desert wildflowers throughout these high-elevation areas. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. If you are visiting Saguaro National Park as part of a Southwest road trip, you may also find some of these other regional guides useful for your planning: Hopefully this guide was useful for planning your shots at Saguaro NP. : 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. This bed and breakfast is located in eastern Tuscon, near Saguaro East. Brooding sunset light surrounds a lone Joshua Tree from White Tank Campground. Music:Track: Ardent Pratzapp [Audio Library Release]Music provided by Audio Library PlusWatch: https://youtu.be/DU50EpGbwvcFree Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/ardentSpotlights by Niwel https://soundcloud.com/niwel-516897768Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported CC BY-SA 3.0Free Download / Stream: http://bit.ly/Spotlights-NiwelMusic promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/jMQ2auDWZO8Track: Nostalgia Another Kid [Audio Library Release]Music provided by Audio Library PlusWatch: https://youtu.be/dJU6zQEdpRMFree Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/nostalgiaArtist: Audionautix - https://goo.gl/dZg3UsGenre: Country \u0026 Folk - https://goo.gl/OL0HjiMood: Happy - https://goo.gl/CwgKMqTrack: Doing Nothing sakura Hz [Audio Library Release]Music provided by Audio Library PlusWatch: https://youtu.be/o5ivAJQ_iHQFree Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/Doing-nothingAcoustic/Folk Instrumental by Hyde - Free Instrumentals https://soundcloud.com/davidhydemusicCreative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/acoustic-folk-instrumeMusic promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/YKdXVnaHfo8 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. Experience the Sonoran Desert in the parks most dramatic landscape, Cactus Forest Drive. Sunset view of Sonoran desert from Tucson Mountain Park. 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. A lot of people climb up onto the rocks for sunset. This drive offers incredible scenic views of the jagged ridges and crevices atop the east slopes of this mountain. Information: Saguaro National Park. It's about 3.2 miles in total. For current status and frequent updates, check outSaguaros current conditions. Thanks so much for writing in with these updates and information! Signal Hill is a great place to get some fantastic park views. Each side of the park offers a prime sunset viewing spots so try to celebrate the sunset during your visit. Be sure to check out our additional photography guides. The best I can think to do is actually drive north on I-10, to Park Link Road. It was also a destination hike, which is rare in this national park. Absolutely beautiful! The park is split into two sections on both the east and west sides of the city of Tuscon, and while it is possible to see many of the park's best spots in one day, I would recommend carving out more time than that to experience it. The Gould Mine Trail provides one of the best photography spots in Saguaro National Park. In Saguaro West, the best place to watch the sunset is at the parking lot at Gates Pass. In the morning, the sun crests the Gila Mountains. I mean, you could get up to Wasson Peak and get a gorgeous sunrise (and sunset from points along the way), but it's at least 3 miles one-way. To do this, you will need a permit. . Gilbert Ray Campground. Total hiking amount so far: 1.4 miles, one . You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. We were able to take . document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Our goal is to create helpful & inspiring travel guides that combine our passion for photography with our insatiable desire to explore. LOVE the cactus!! The eastern section, also called the Rincon Mountain District, has a lower concentration of cacti. Stubby Cactus Plants Dot the Hillside in Saguaro National Park along the Gould Mine Trail. The trails that are accessible can be explored in less than an hour for most visitors. However, note though that (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This will help you have the perfect one day in Saguaro west. Thanks for writing in! saguaro national park east. . It was an incredible surprise! . Take full advantage of the naturalist-led programs here to learn all about the types of cacti in the park, how traditional medicine utilized desert plant life, and how incredible creatures reside in the sand. The only place that is narrow is the second half of Hohokam Road, which is why it is one-way here. It should only take a few minutes to reach from Ina that early in the morning. You can see the full list here. In the Rincon Mountain District (Saguaro East), the best place to photograph sunset is from the final 2-mile stretch of the scenic loop road anywhere after you drive up the steep hill. Saguaro National Park is named for the Saguaro cactus, which grows only in the Sonoran Desert. I LOVE the teddy bear cholla. While in Saguaro National Park, please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trail, pack out what you bring to the hiking trail, properly dispose of waste, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife. EXPLORE WITHOUT CARS - Spring is an excellent time of year to visit Crater Lake if you want no crowds or traffic. Those suggestions help a lot. Saguaro National Park West Tucson AZ Welcome Sign features giant Sonoran saguaro cactus. I did take ubers in the evening and they were available quickly with polite drivers. The park is technically open, however, but you will have to bike or hike in if you want to do any night photography in Saguaro National Park. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. This trail intersects the Hugh Norris Trail. The other plant and animal life just adds to the drama and beauty. A photographers paradise offers stunning scenery and breathtaking views of natural vistas at nearly every turn. This forum is excellent. Like all desert locations, the weather in Saguaro National Park brings warm days and chilly nights. . Day 6: Grand Canyon. Saguaro National Park West is rugged and sharp, beautiful cacti-clad mountains all around you. You have a much higher probability of getting struck by lightning. Continue to the end of the trail for a great viewpoint of the park. Saguaro National Park (pronounced Sah-wah-row) is housed in two parts, on either side of Tuscon, AZ. Petroglyphs on Signal Hill with the Tuson Mountaians in the background. Time: 1.5 hours. 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. 1603. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. This is good for 7 days and includes both sections of the park. February can be a busy time to visit this park, but you are giving yourself plenty of time to visit the 2 sections. For this reason, photographers hoping for a sunrise photoshoot should go to the West section. 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. You have everything you require for high-quality time out of the park. . The best place to watch the sunset in Saguaro East is at the Javelina Rocks pullout. 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. The Rincon Mountain District (Saguaro East) opens at 6 am and closes at sunset. Day 3: Petrified Forest National Park. One of the best photography spots in Saguaro National Park, the Arizona desert is an ideal location for hiking, camping, and birdwatching. Beautiful scenery and great gift shop! You really have to watch where you step because if I hadnt been paying attention, I would have stepped right on this little guy. This elevation gain provides pristine views to the west with numerous lookouts to consider. Go Horseback Riding in the Cactus Forest 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. If you like the idea of hiking, consider the hike to Wassen Peak. The western section, also called the Tucson Mountain District, Best Things to do in Saguaro National Park, More Information for Your Trip to Arizona. 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? 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. Depictions and descriptions of desert wildlife and varieties of cactus will help you identify examples as you drive on. Its two sections lie on opposite sides of the Tucson metropolitan area. READ MORE: Best travel lenses for Sony a7iii and other Sony Alpha cameras. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Saguaro Cactus at Sunset in Sonoran Desert. The Red Hills Visitor Center is about 27 minutes from Interstate 10 at the Cortaro Road exit in Marana. This allows the East to have a much more diverse range of vegetation and wildlife at higher altitudes. Distance: 0.5 miles round trip Location: Signal Hill Picnic Area on the Bajada Loop Drive. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, etc. If you are spending significant time in the American Southwest, we also have a collection of travel & photography guides to some of the best destinations in the region. No touching. Keep checking for updates as we are constantly updating our content. 2. 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. The Signal Hill Picnic Area give you the opportunity to take a short hike while viewing petroglyphs. With their stunning white flowers, Saguaros in bloom are certainly a sight to see. The giant saguaro is the universal symbol of the American west. Arizona desert landscape with Saguaro cactus at sunset. Valley View Overlook Trail. Breakfast at White Tank Campground. Additionally, try to find ways to capture the scale of these giant monsters. 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. This park protects the Saguaro cactus on a tract of land through the Sonoran Desert. LOVED it!! His photos have won awards fromNatures . In mid-June, monsoon season begins. Cholla Cactus Farm. 13. Through the years the amount of protected land has grown. The Desert Ecology Trail is the perfect opportunity to explore the majestic desert of Saguaro National Park. We visited the park on June 12 and the high temperature hit 107F. This unique US National Park located in the southwest, and just so happens to be our favorite Arizona national park. Gates Pass is what locals seem to favor as the top sunset spot. This was high on our list do to but we skipped it due to high temperatures in the park. It was short, flat, and easy. The Tucson Mountain District (Saguaro West) is open from sunrise to sunset. Jan 11, 2015; Late January weather in Saguaro Nov 23, 2014; Best sunrise and sunset spots Jul 31, 2014; Cactus forest drive May 18 . Admission: All passes are good for 1 week: Vehicle-$25.00; Motorcycle-$20.00; Individual-$15.00. Summer is also monsoon season. This 2-mile round trip trail is flat and easy to walk. Saguaro National Park officially became a national park in 1994. Required fields are marked *. 2/28/2023. 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. 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. If you visit in the summer months, be prepared for temperatures reaching above 110 and be prepared with proper sun protection and plenty of water. Most of the road is wide enough for two cars to pass. Saguaro National Park. Best sunrises in Tucson. On the first day we drove through the West Is Best: How To Make The Most Of One Day In Saguaro WestWest side of the park and did the Valley View Overlook Trail and just kind of enjoyed the area. Introducing the human element and having your subject looking up at the tips can be effective. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. To learn more about hiking Saguaro East, visit the National Park Service website. Join us on an adventure in the desert! The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. In the Hampton Inn & Suites Tucson Marana, Youre just 15 minutes from the park district in the west. Palm Creek Golf & RV Resort; 8. And worst comes to worst, I sleep in and just catch the sunsets. Desert Ecology Trail. Difficulty: Easy - Moderate. Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. They also provide an opportunity to learn about the diverse flora and fauna in the park. The problem is that the area is ringed by mountains. Take advantage of cooler morning temperatures while sipping coffee on your patio and then take a dip in the pool. If you enjoyed the information, please leave your feedback and suggest it to friends and acquaintances. If you dont have the lens you need, do not fret, the same lens should perform just fine. NB: Downtown Tucson has the Sun Link Streetcar which covers 4 miles. The park is located in southern Arizona near Tucson. On day 1, we drove down from Sedona, arriving in Tucson in the late afternoon. Visit one section in the morning, have lunch, and in the afternoon, visit the other section of the park. This paved and totally level loop hike is only half a mile long. 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. Were headed there late March for the first time at 67 & 68 years old. Current Time: 2023-02-23 09:21:27 . We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. How could anything survive without water and in such high temperatures? If you like desert vegetation, this place is paradise! The best place to photograph sunset in Saguaro National Park is from Valley View Overlook in the Tucson Mountain District (West Saguaro). 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. If you only have time for one, dont miss our article Should You Visit Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon? April, however, sees relatively moderate temperatures and while the crowds have died down, the Saguaro cactuses begin to bloom. It was also a destination hike, which is rare in this national park. 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. From the scenic Tumacacori National Historical Park to informative museums like Casa Grande Ruins National Monument and Sonoran Desert Museum, there are plenty of opportunities to learn about this areas rich history. A. is also recommended for capturing those breathtaking night and sunset photographs. There are some low hills to the east, but nothing like the mountains along Ina. June through September receives the lowest number of visitors. The park's desert landscapes, vibrant sunsets . Super cheap - $15 for a weeks worth of enjoyment. The Saguaro is one of the most creative cacti on the planet, and to thank them for their beauty, we gave them their very own spot: Saguaro National Park. Reservations: Yes. The Rincon Mountain District of Saguaro National Park ranges from an elevation of 2,670 ft to 8,666 ft and contains 6 biotic communities. The distances are quite big and it would be quite painful to try to get around on public transport. The only rule here? We are over 60 and out of shape, so true hiking wasn't part of our adventure, but I took a couple of the trails, including the little nature walk behind the visitors' center. A tripod is also recommended for capturing those breathtaking night and sunset photographs. Sweetwater Trail leading to Wasson Peak. I give all the details in the post under the Bajada Loop Drive section. We do have the Africanized honey bees ( "killer bees")here in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Take the trail that leads up to this scenic spot and hike along the cliffs to see some fantastic views. guides. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. There is a pullout at the high point of the loop, about 5.2 miles out, that is ideal for a magnificent desert sunset shot, if the cloud conditions are present. The summit of Wasson Peak. . In addition to the convenient area, the rooms and amenities such as a pool will provide you with the relaxation youve been looking for. The monument was given official National Park status in 1994. This is the more popular section of the park so expect to share the trails and roads with more people here. The Bajada Loop Drive is currently closed, just after the Sus picnic area. East and West park are different but both have impressive desert scenes. LOVE THE NATIONAL PARKS?Discover 65+ Perfect Gifts for National Park Lovers. Check out StreetView of the road to see what you think. Distance: 3.8 miles. row, these tree-like blossoming desert cacti are kind of hard to define. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. . Sorry in advance if you want to buy a ranch after staying here. Short walks at Hall of Horrors, Cap Rock. The cacti absorb gallons and gallons of water in the summer monsoon season and use this stored water throughout the remainder of the year. Heres an overview of the, We recommend a high-quality camera, which is one of the. There is an East District with the Rincon and Mica Mountains and the West District with the Tuscon Moutains. Growing over these ribs is the green, fleshy skin that absorbs and stores water. Arches National Park. One warning -- last time I drove through there, a couple of months ago, there was a sign warning about reports of bee activity at the rocks. Most photographers prefer the landscapes of the West Section, but Javelina Rocks is a favorite photo destination in the East. This is not part of the national park but if you want to learn more about the desert ecosystem, this is a great place to visit.