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Welcome to Saguaro National Park

Enormous cacti, silhouetted by the setting sun, for most of us the Giant Saguaro is the universal symbol of the American West. And yet, these majestic plants are only found in a small portion of the United States. Saguaro National Park protects some of the most impressive forests of these sub-tropical giants, on the edge of the modern City of Tucson.

 
Buffelgrass fires kill native plants and animals

Buffelgrass War: Your Support Urgently Needed!

Buffelgrass poses an immediate threat to our desert ecosystem. Rep. Grijalva’s office and the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests & Public Lands will hold a field hearing entitled, “Losing Ground: The War on Buffelgrass in the Sonoran Desert” Saturday, April 10, 2010 from 10 to noon at City Hall, 255 W Alameda St., Tucson. Show your support at the hearing or submit written testimony.

 
chimenea

The Saguaro Wilderness Area

The Saguaro Wilderness Area was officially designated as wilderness in 1976. This large, roadless backcountry consists of 57,930 acres within the Rincon Mountain District of Saguaro National Park. It is bounded on three sides by the 38,590 acre Rincon Mountain Wilderness Area, which lies within the Coronado National Forest.
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waterfall

Hiking

Saguaro National Park’s two districts offer more than 165 miles (264 km) of hiking trails. A hike at Saguaro National Park can be a stroll on a short interpretive nature trail or a day-long wilderness trek. Both districts of Saguaro National Park offer a variety of hiking trails. Learn how to be prepared for hiking or backpacking at Saguaro National Park.
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saguaro census

2010 Saguaro Census

Saguaro National Park surveys its signature cactus every 10 years. Learn how you can help us count and measure saguaros.
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Write to

Saguaro National Park
3693 South Old Spanish Trail
Tucson, Arizona 85730

Phone

Rincon Mountain District Visitor Center
(520) 733-5153

Tucson Mountain District Visitor Center
(520) 733-5158

Fax

(520) 733-5183

Climate

Winters are delightful with mild warm days averaging 65 degrees F. (19 degrees C.) and cool nights averaging 40 degrees F. (5 degrees C.). Summers can be extremely hot with daytime temperatures exceeding 105 degrees F. (41 degrees C.) in the shade, and evening lows averaging 72 degrees F. (22 degrees C.). Always wear a hat and use sunscreen while hiking. Drink plenty of water. At least one gallon of water per person, per day.
Communities Surrounding Saguaro National Park
Note: The times listed below are approximate driving times to the park.
Vail, AZ (17 min. ) Pop. 2,484
Marana, AZ (24 min. ) Pop. 13,556
Tucson, AZ (25 min. ) Pop. 486,699
Cortaro, AZ (27 min. )
Sahuarita, AZ (38 min. ) Pop. 3,242
Green Valley, AZ (39 min. ) Pop. 17,283
 Benson, AZ (41 min. ) Pop. 4,711
Pomerene, AZ (47 min. )
Catalina, AZ (48 min. ) Pop. 7,025
Oracle, AZ (1 hr.  7 min. ) Pop. 3,563
San Manuel, AZ (1 hr.  15 min. ) Pop. 4,375