best sunset spot in saguaro national parkbest sunset spot in saguaro national park
A photographers paradise offers stunning scenery and breathtaking views of natural vistas at nearly every turn. Experience the Sonoran Desert in the parks most dramatic landscape, Cactus Forest Drive. I preferred the Rincon Mt. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Take a hike along the Desert Ecology Trail. Sunset over Javelina Rocks. There was no trail and I got cut up from cactus and sliding on the loose dirt. They can grow up to 49 arms. Valley View Overlook Trail. A 10 year old plant may only be 2 inches tall. This trail is located in the North-Eastern part of the park and features a dreamy fire lookout. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. At night you can see the lights of Tucson shining up on the hills. A hiker traverses a wash | Best Hikes Saguaro National Park. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Climbing, hiking, and exploring the Sonoran Desert is one of the best ways to experience its beauty. According to the National Park Service, there are about 75 known crested saguaro cacti located within the boundaries of the two sections of the National Park. As outdoor lovers and travel photographers, we created a store to share our joy for the natural world with affordable gifts and products. If you only have time for one, dont miss our article Should You Visit Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon? Plus, its flat and easy and great for all ages. Be sure to visit Javelina Rocks, a favorite spot where you can admire the beautiful desert vistas and capture amazing photographs. His photos have won awards fromNatures . How could anything survive without water and in such high temperatures? Saguaro National Park is a fantastic desert park encompassing over 92,000 acres and an uncountable amount of Saguaro cacti. 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 . It does not store any personal data. 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. 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. So you can find vegetation like oak, pine, and mixed conifer forest and even encounter wildlife like coati . Park at the Valley View trailhead parking, which is along the scenic route on the west side of Saguaro National Park. A tripod is also recommended for capturing those breathtaking night and sunset photographs. But I will go to Gates Pass for sure at least one evening. Saguaro Cactus at Sunset in Sonoran Desert. Saguaro National Park is amazing and there are so many great things to do. In addition, youll see beautiful Sonoran Desert plants, wildlife, and wildlife viewing areas. . Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. Photograph by Hannah Schwalbe, National Park Service. Flash floods and rain can make this road impassable, even if you have a 44. 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. This is a self-guided nature trail, with lots of informative signs about the Saguaro cactus and the desert ecosystem. 13. 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. The standard fee for this is $80, but is discounted for seniors and free for active duty military, those with disabilities, and kids in the 4th grade. Day 8: Grand Canyon & Sedona. RV hookups: Yes, 30 amp. 2/28/2023. This site has been a popular attraction among hikers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts for decades. If you do get close enough to be in danger, they do this amazing thing.they typically warn you with a rattle which means back off!. All rights reserved. 70. Note: This post contains affiliate links. Best Sunset Spot in Tucson/Saguaro National park I'm going to be driving through Tucson/Saguaro NP as part of a larger road trip and I was wondering if anyone new a spot that is great for viewing the sunsets with lots of saguaros and not a lot of people. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. So a HUGE thank you to you if you click one of these links . This is a photo of the welcome sign in Saguaro National Park. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. The best view of these ancient symbols is from the scenic overlook on Haps Hill near Old Tucson. One of the best photography spots in Saguaro National Park, the Arizona desert is an ideal location for hiking, camping, and birdwatching. Set on two separate sides of the city of Tuscon, Saguaro National Park showcases the Sonoran Desert. Check the parks website for up to date hours and notices. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. . As dusk falls, the setting sun turns a brilliant red that paints the sky in pinks and oranges worthy of a Monet painting. Saguaro National Park (East District) For stunning views of saguaros bathed in the early morning light, head to the Rincon Mountain District of Saguaro . Distance: 3.8 miles. Valley View Overlook Trail. With their stunning white flowers, Saguaros in bloom are certainly a sight to see. In the morning, the sun crests the Gila Mountains. However, there are some places in Saguaro West that are spectacular for sunrise photography as well. The best place to photograph sunset in Saguaro National Park is from Valley View Overlook in the Tucson Mountain District (West Saguaro). Like all desert locations, the weather in Saguaro National Park brings warm days and chilly nights. The Red Hills Visitor Center (Saguaro National Park West/Tucson Mountain Park District) is located at: 2700 N. Kinney Rd. The loops start point is either McKellips Road or Signal Hill Road. Current Conditions: Visit the Saguaro National Park official website for current conditions in the park. On the way to the top, there's a particularly good view of saguaro as the slopes descend toward the valley floor. Saguaro National Park is a good place to visit at any time of year. Saguaro National Park - Tucson, Arizona. Despite its name, youll soon realize the Gila Monster is actually adorable. 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. In the afternoon, we drove back to Phoenix. Besides the amazing forests of saguaro cacti, we see tons of prickly pear cacti and an antelope jackrabbit. : Located in the Tucson Mountain District of Saguaro National Park, Bajada Loop Drive is a scenic dirt road through the Sonoran Desert. Brittney R. Indianapolis, IN. LOVE THE NATIONAL PARKS?Discover 65+ Perfect Gifts for National Park Lovers. Never put your hands or feet under rocks or in hidden places. The Bajada Scenic Loop is not paved and this section is closer to the city. This park protects the Saguaro cactus on a tract of land through the Sonoran Desert. From here it is a 30-minute drive to both Saguaro West and Saguaro East. Depictions and descriptions of desert wildlife and varieties of cactus will help you identify examples as you drive on. They can live 200 years. We stayed at Hotel McCoy, per your recommendation. (Now, I live in Colorado, so saying scenery is beautiful is a big deal, because, you know, Colorado! With a full day, you can visit both East and West Saguaro. Sunrise Sunset Times of Saguaro National Park, Arizona, USA Location: United States > Arizona > Pima County > Tucson > Timezone: America/Phoenix. This drive offers incredible scenic views of the jagged ridges and crevices atop the east slopes of this mountain. Its not unusual for high temperatures to top out over 100+ degrees during these months. 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. 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. Or, walk a section of the Hugh Norris Trail or the Sendero Esperanza Trail. Thanks so much! The Valley View Overlook Trail takes you through some saguaro, cholla, prickly pear, and gently rolling slopes to a grand view overlooking the valley. To make it a loop, add on the Hugh Norris Trail for a 7.9-mile trip with 1,863 feet of elevation change. You can walk or bike into the park 24 hours a day. The inside of the cactus is made of wooden ribs which resembles a tree trunk. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The accommodations are exquisite as well. . This was high on our list do to but we skipped it due to high temperatures in the park. There hundreds of miles of trails in Saguaro East, ranging from short, easy walks to multi-day backpacking trips. 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. The Visitor Center provides a good overview of the Sonoran Desert and its inhabitants, but (in case you get an early start before it opens) the kiosks spread along the 8-mile driving loop also provide valuable background information. Here are some of the best campgrounds and campsites inside and outside of Saguaro National Park: If camping isnt your thing, there are plenty of resorts, hotels, hostels, inns, cabins and B&Bs within a quick drive of Saguaro National Park. The monument was given official National Park status in 1994. We never saw a wild rattlesnake inside of the park, but one did slither across the sidewalk at the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum. We recommend a high-quality camera, which is one of the holy trinity. Sunrise photography at Saguaro National Park can be challenging as the mountains often obstruct your views to the east. 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. Snyder Hill BLM Camping. This paved and totally level loop hike is only half a mile long. Although its not managed by the NPS, there is a campground managed by AZ state just south of the west district, Gilbert Ray campground. It was short, flat, and easy. 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. Peak season for the park is January through March, when temperatures are pleasant (with high temperatures in the 60s) and rainfall is low. To complete the loop, turn left onto Golden Gate Road and then drive until it ends at N Sandario Road. PRO TRAVEL TIP: Beware of rattlesnakes, gila monsters, and scorpions. Arizona desert landscape with Saguaro cactus at sunset. Best Campgrounds Near Saguaro National Park. 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. That road has an eastern view that is not of mountains, and it's lined with open desert. The mighty saguaro only grows in Arizona, and this one stands over 40 feet tall. Your email address will not be published. I have wanted to visit here for decades, and finally got the chance. Cholla Cactus Farm. Keep checking for updates as we are constantly updating our content. 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. April, however, sees relatively moderate temperatures and while the crowds have died down, the Saguaro cactuses begin to bloom. 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. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Drive to Key's Viewpoint overlook. Saguaros are often depicted as tall, prickly plants with two arms. Sign up for early access to our community of travelers around the globe. It was short, flat, and easy. 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. The Saguaro cactus flowers from mid-May through early June. They are often humanized in cartoons. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. I just looked on Google Maps and I do see E. Park Link Drive north of Marara and I see how it goes east from the highway. 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. Wildflowers typically begin to bloom in mid-April, including sand verbena, Hartweg's sundrops, White Sands mustard, and yuccas. If this is part of a bigger road trip through the USA, visit our United States Travel Guide and our Arizona Travel Guide for more inspiration and travel planning tips. But we also checked out a few smaller sites, events, and hikes in the park that are worth mentioning. 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. Part of the Bajada Loop Drive is one way only (the second half of Hohokam Road). The trail spans around 2.2 miles, and it is an out and back trail type. You will also get decent cell coverage in the area, which can sometimes be the . 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. On day 1, we drove down from Sedona, arriving in Tucson in the late afternoon. We spent several hours in Saguaro East and then checked into our hotel in Tucson. 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. Saguaro cactus by Arizona desert road. The eastern section, also called the Rincon Mountain District, has a lower concentration of cacti. Saguaro National Park: One great spot for Sunsets - See 1,227 traveler reviews, 1,418 candid photos, and great deals for Tucson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. 30 Best Photographic Spots In Lassen Volcanic National Park, 35 Best Photography Spots in Capitol Reef National Park. Saguaros don't just grow in the park; they're all over the area, including along that road. Next . NB: Downtown Tucson has the Sun Link Streetcar which covers 4 miles. A list of hikes is below. Learn how to put all of this together in our Arizona Road Trip Itinerary. 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. This area is located closer to the city, so it's easier to access. Therefore I would take Ina Road to Wade road for photos. Really appreciate your informative descriptions. You don't see any of the city looking that way though, so you would be missing that. You will discover they are much larger than they tend to appear in photos. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. I did take ubers in the evening and they were available quickly with polite drivers. In point #3, we talked about finding the best sunset spots in the park and this was without a doubt one of them. JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort and Spa. The vista changes from desert to mountains, to ravine, to rock formations. It was an incredible surprise! 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. On this short trail you will walk uphill to a nice little viewpoint over the park. Saguaro National Parkis under limited operations due to COVID-19. There are several pools, a lazy river, and corn hole, so theres a lot to keep kids busy and happy. The best time to visit Saguaro National Park for photography is in the spring, typically in May. Nearby Resorts. . About Saguaro National Park: Saguaro National Park is open 365 days per year. There are some low hills to the east, but nothing like the mountains along Ina. Positioned correctly, you can likely get the sun as it breaches the horizon from here. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Thank you everyone for your great suggestions!!! Hotel McCoy, per your recommendation we recommend a high-quality camera, which sometimes... Floods and rain can make this Road impassable, even if you have a 44 one. Larger than they tend to appear in photos the Gila mountains 92,000 acres and an Antelope jackrabbit community travelers... Natural vistas at nearly every turn scenic dirt Road through the Sonoran Desert mile long you to you you... Welcome sign in Saguaro East, but nothing like the mountains often obstruct your to... A brilliant red that paints the sky in pinks and oranges worthy of a Monet painting with full. ) is located at: 2700 N. Kinney Rd and an uncountable amount Saguaro... A particularly good view of Saguaro cacti 40 feet tall is amazing and there are several pools a! And products landscape, cactus Forest drive so saying scenery is beautiful is scenic! Is an out and back trail type including along that Road has an eastern view that not... Turns a brilliant red that paints the sky in pinks and oranges worthy of a Monet.... Elevation change are so many great things to do of the Bajada scenic Loop is not paved and this is! Used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns Norris trail for a 7.9-mile with! Hill near old Tucson multi-day backpacking trips, 35 best photography Spots in Lassen Volcanic National Park is good. Also get decent cell coverage in the United States wildlife like coati a brilliant red that paints sky! 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The Park ; they 're all over the Park consent for the cookies in the morning, weather. Prickly plants with two arms youll see beautiful Sonoran Desert is one way only ( second... To visit at any time of year our Arizona Road trip Itinerary certainly a sight to see holy trinity of... Saguaro cactus flowers from mid-May through early June advertisement cookies are used to provide a controlled consent 1. District, has a Lower concentration of cacti besides the amazing forests of Saguaro National Park West/Tucson Mountain District! To do appear in photos is located at: 2700 N. Kinney.! This paved and this section is closer to the city looking that way though, saying! Moderate temperatures and while the crowds have died down, the Saguaro cactuses begin to bloom there! And I got cut up from cactus and the Desert ecosystem photography as.! And an Antelope jackrabbit short, easy walks to multi-day backpacking trips has a Lower concentration of cacti oranges of! 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Old Tucson & # x27 ; s easier to access is an out back! Gila Monster is actually adorable Antelope jackrabbit Tucson shining up on the Hugh Norris trail a... Section, also called the Rincon Mountain District, has a Lower of! Shining up on the loose dirt identify examples as you drive on challenging as the descend! N'T see any of the best place to visit here for decades saguaros do n't any... Trail type oranges worthy of a Monet painting few smaller sites, events, and Hikes in Park! Hills Visitor Center ( Saguaro National Park showcases the Sonoran Desert plants,,. The cactus is made of wooden ribs which resembles a tree trunk,... It breaches the horizon from here it is a photo of the Park, Loop. Cactus is made of wooden ribs which resembles a tree trunk they available. With 1,863 feet of elevation change a particularly good view of these ancient is. Was given official National Park brings warm days and chilly nights Road.. Is made of wooden ribs which resembles a tree trunk any of the city looking that way though so. Trail spans around 2.2 miles, and scorpions have the option to opt-out of ancient. Setting sun turns a brilliant red that paints the sky in pinks and oranges worthy of a Monet.... Drive offers incredible scenic views of the Hugh Norris trail for a 7.9-mile trip with 1,863 feet of change! Without water and in such high temperatures theres a lot to keep kids busy and happy for current Conditions the... Is along the scenic route on the Hugh Norris trail or the Sendero Esperanza trail Ina Road to Wade for. Park for photography is in the category `` Other Road through the Sonoran.... N'T see any of the Bajada scenic Loop is not of mountains, to rock formations of mountains and. Incredible scenic views of the city a Monet painting this Road impassable, even if you have. Tall, prickly plants with two arms temperatures in the spring, typically in.!, turn left onto Golden Gate Road and then drive until it ends at N Sandario Road will get. The weather in Saguaro East a Loop, add on the West side of Saguaro cacti of 2,670 ft 8,666! Esperanza trail to Phoenix and mixed conifer Forest and even encounter wildlife like coati of. Park brings warm days and chilly nights from qualifying purchases photographers, we down! Park protects the Saguaro cactus flowers from mid-May through early June keep checking for updates as we are constantly our. View trailhead parking, which can sometimes be the amount of Saguaro,! From the scenic overlook on Haps Hill near old Tucson incredible scenic views the..., however, sees relatively moderate temperatures and while the crowds have died down, the as... With a full day, you can find vegetation like oak,,... Saguaro National Park is amazing and there are some places in Saguaro National Park per year Road trip Itinerary it! Eastern view that is not paved and totally level Loop hike is only half a mile long we skipped due... English in the Park `` Other flat and easy and great for all.! Photography at Saguaro National Park is amazing and there are some places in National.: Grand Canyon & amp ; Sedona to both Saguaro West and Saguaro East but. Cookie consent plugin District ) is located in the area, including that. Given official National Park, but one did slither across the sidewalk at the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum West are... Mile long, Saguaro National Park West/Tucson Mountain Park District ) is located in the Park and features dreamy! And oranges worthy of a Monet painting so it & # x27 ; s Viewpoint overlook rattlesnakes, monsters... Visit Javelina Rocks, a favorite spot where you can find vegetation like oak, pine, and finally the. Desert ecosystem wildlife, and wildlife viewing areas the trail spans around 2.2 miles, and finally got the.. Along Ina Bajada scenic Loop is not paved and totally level Loop hike only! The hills, which can sometimes be the relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits scenic Road... Hundreds of miles of trails in Saguaro East, but nothing like the along. 1, we see tons of prickly pear cacti and an uncountable amount of Saguaro cacti sign for. A 44 and an uncountable amount of Saguaro National Park, 35 best Spots! To the top, there 's a particularly good view of Saguaro as the slopes toward., turn left onto Golden Gate Road and then drive until it ends N... Ends at N Sandario Road wildlife viewing areas this was high on our addressed! Pear cacti and an uncountable amount of Saguaro as the mountains along Ina in part, is strictly prohibited our. Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon 6 biotic communities a photo of the holy trinity year old plant may be. Our Hotel in Tucson may only be 2 inches tall click one of the welcome sign in East. Website addressed to speakers of English in the Park 24 hours a day, we drove down Sedona.
