Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Monsoon sunset over the cactus forest of the Saguaro National Park West, Wednesday, August 10, 2016, Tucson, Ariz. . . Oh, and I will stick to the trails when hiking and avoid those bees! With their stunning white flowers, Saguaros in bloom are certainly a sight to see. If you only have time for one, dont miss our article Should You Visit Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon? No touching. The park offers several opportunities for adventure, from short walks to overnight backpacking trips. However, the Rincon Mountains form a nice backdrop for photography. (Now, I live in Colorado, so saying scenery is beautiful is a big deal, because, you know, Colorado! It is roughly 8 miles round trip and is rated as strenuous, but youll get one of the best views of the park. The best time to capture Saguaro National Park photos is typically sunset as the westerly views are more open than the easterly. Discover the best photography spots in Saguaro National Park. Together, the area covers 91,716 acres with 165 miles of trails. This allows unlimited access to all Federal fee areas for one year from the date of purchase. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Gould Mine Trail Short loop hike through an old mine working as well as a number of flourishing cacti located in the Tucson Mountain section of Saguaro National Park, Arizona. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. This is a self-guided nature trail, with lots of informative signs about the Saguaro cactus and the desert ecosystem. NB: Downtown Tucson has the Sun Link Streetcar which covers 4 miles. This forum is excellent. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots, Rustic Canopy At Overlook Arizona Sonora Desert Museum In Tucson. Please heed the speed limit as road is narrow and twisty. I never would have known about that road. Jan 11, 2015; Late January weather in Saguaro Nov 23, 2014; Best sunrise and sunset spots Jul 31, 2014; Cactus forest drive May 18 . The Hohokam Petroglyph site is a striking example of what can be seen while exploring Saguaro National Park. Two roads form the Bajada Loop Drive: Hohokam Road and Golden Gate Road. Desert Discovery Trail A .4-mile trail west of the Red Hills Visitor Center. . As outdoor lovers and travel photographers, we created a store to share our joy for the natural world with affordable gifts and products. Red Hills Visitor Center is on your left in 2 miles. This unique US National Park located in the southwest, and just so happens to be our favorite Arizona national park. We explore Saguaro National Park, both the east and west sections of the park. QUIET CONTRASTS: SAGUARO NATIONAL PARK EAST. Day 7: Grand Canyon. April, however, sees relatively moderate temperatures and while the crowds have died down, the Saguaro cactuses begin to bloom. READ MORE: Best travel lenses for Sony a7iii and other Sony Alpha cameras. Traveling between the two sections of the park takes 30-45 minutes depending on traffic. They would be closest to I-10 but is that area good for sunrise? ANTELOPE CANYON: Journey through Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon in photos. When photographing the saguaro cactus in the day, look for those with the most interesting shapes and good health. EXPLORE WITHOUT CARS - Spring is an excellent time of year to visit Crater Lake if you want no crowds or traffic. I have wanted to visit here for decades, and finally got the chance. This 2-mile round trip trail is flat and easy to walk. The area you're talking about is Picture Rocks, and there have also been bee attacks in the recent past up there of people going off-trail. I will check it out. 1. This allows the East to have a much more diverse range of vegetation and wildlife at higher altitudes. However, if you have the time, its still worth the visit. There are LOTS of petroglyphs for such a small area. What makes this spot particularly appealing is the mix of close and distant saguaro cacti to fill your frame. In the afternoon, we drove back to Phoenix. At night you can see the lights of Tucson shining up on the hills. You really have to watch where you step because if I hadnt been paying attention, I would have stepped right on this little guy. Time to watch the beauty above us. Saguaro National Park is in the southern part of Arizona. LOVED it!! 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. Besides the . 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. 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. Due to my toddler's nap schedule and the driving distance, we had to make a calculated effort to arrive there before sunset. 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. 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. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. Despite its name, youll soon realize the Gila Monster is actually adorable. This park protects the Saguaro cactus on a tract of land through the Sonoran Desert. In Saguaro West, the best place to watch the sunset is at the parking lot at Gates Pass. There are many places to choose from in Tucson, with an abundance of chain hotels like Holiday Inn, Hampton Inn, etc. But for sunset, I can go anywhere and will explore the area. His photos have won awards fromNatures . Hugh Norris Trail. That all sounds great! On this short trail you will walk uphill to a nice little viewpoint over the park. 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. Saguaro Cactus. Take your pick, take your camera, and start scurrying for Tucson sunset spots. Plan your visit with our guide to the Best Things to Do in Petrified Forest National Park. That road has an eastern view that is not of mountains, and it's lined with open desert. Peak season for the park is January through March, when temperatures are pleasant (with high temperatures in the 60s) and rainfall is low. Stubby Cactus Plants Dot the Hillside in Saguaro National Park along the Gould Mine Trail. This is the most popular spot in the park, and for good reason. Mar 17, 2016; Hiking with a toddler Oct 28, 2015; Afternoon and morning in Saguaro-which part when? Current Time: 2023-02-23 09:21:27 . Positioned correctly, you can likely get the sun as it breaches the horizon from here. You will discover they are much larger than they tend to appear in photos. 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. It was also a destination hike, which is rare in this national park. For sunset in the east unit, Javelina Rocks is a good area. SUBSCRIBE for more videos! From the towering stands of saguaro cacti to the flower-filled grasslands, youll discover photographers greatest opportunities for picturesque scenes and unique photo opportunities along this well-maintained 16-mile loop. IS this enough to cover Saguaro? This scenic trail provides visitors a chance to hike through a variety of habitats throughout their journey, and may even see wildlife like bighorn sheep. Suitable for all abilities and ages. Flash floods and rain can make this road impassable, even if you have a 44. Saguaros don't just grow in the park; they're all over the area, including along that road. Why visit White Sands National Park in April. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Sunset photography in Saguaro National Park is much easier than sunrise. Saguaro National Park (East) is always on the list of places to go. 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. Loma Verde Trail. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Besides beautiful sunsets and views these two districts offered great hiking options for us as a family. Sunrise is usually not nearly as good as sunsets. They grow at a very slow rate, only an inch per year. The giant saguaro is the universal symbol of the American west. At a glance, here is the ideal itinerary for a day trip to Joshua Tree: Sunrise at Arch Rock. Saguaro is pronounced sa-WAH-roh.. Saguaro National Park - Tucson, Arizona. 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!. What makes this spot particularly appealing is the mix of close and distant saguaro cacti to fill your frame. But first you need to know which way to drive the loop in order to avoid backtracking. Best Photography Spots in Arches National Park, Best Places For Landscape Photography in USA, 20 Best Photography Spots in Nebraska Photo Guide, 21 Best Photography Spots in Santa Fe New Mexico, 21 Best Photography Spots in Waikiki Hawaii, 21 Photography Spots in San Antonio, Texas, Most Admirable Photography Spots in Charleston. Best Sunset Spot in Saguaro National Park. :). It should only take a few minutes to reach from Ina that early in the morning. If you enjoyed the information, please leave your feedback and suggest it to friends and acquaintances. Arizona Road Trip Itinerary. Day 4: Monument Valley. Start at the trail sign and follow the signs. In fact, its one of our picks for a national park to visit in February. The 24-70mm range, or something similar, and of course 70-200mm or something like that. You will also get decent cell coverage in the area, which can sometimes be the . (520) 733-5159. Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. And one big perk of this trail is that it is one of the few spots that dogs are allowed in Saguaro National Park West. The Cactus Forest Loop road in Saguaro East is paved and has a handful of trails available. Valley View Overlook Trail in the west section was one of some favorite hikes in Saguaro National Park. The trails that are accessible can be explored in less than an hour for most visitors. PRO TRAVEL TIP: Beware of rattlesnakes, gila monsters, and scorpions. The slow-growing saguaro cacti rise an inch or two each year before reaching a mature height of 40 to 50 feet. Here are the best things to do in Saguaro National Park, organized by location. Valley View Overlook Trail. Ridge Trail during a guided sunset hike in Saguaro National Park in 2016 . 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. Gates Pass (the end of Speedway Blvd to the west) is the ideal spot for a sunset. Monsoon season typically lasts through September. Experience the Sonoran Desert in the parks most dramatic landscape, Cactus Forest Drive. 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. We drove a Toyota Camry and had no issues on this road. To help you plan your time, check out our One Day in Sedona Itinerary and Sedona Itinerary Ideas for 1 to 6 days. Pay particular attention as you are going up to black rocks on top of the hill on your left (west?). Delicate Arch seems to ignite with the flare and fire of the desert sun at sunset in Utah's Arches National Park. . Ranger programs are available year round in Saguaro National Park, but the January through April high-season offers the largest availability and selection. The Javelina Rocks are toward the last part of the loop road. Saguaro is a fantastic place to wander dry washes and winding trails, smelling the sweet scented air and stopping to admire cacti and scurrying wildlife. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. In order to drive it as a loop, you need to drive counterclockwise. Most photographers prefer the landscapes of the West Section, but Javelina Rocks is a favorite photo destination in the East. saguaro national park east. Thanks Alex! 2 /20. Plenty of birds to see: rock wren, cactus wren, curve-bill thrasher, canyon towhee, gila woodpecker, black-chinned sparrows and more.On a return trip or if more serious hiking is your desire, try the Freeman Homestead Trail (1.1 mile loop; halfway to the picnic area, with some good birding as you traverse a wash are) or the Tanque Verde Ridge Trail (8 mile in and out; more rigorous and to higher elevation, but you can turn around any time). Though the signage is good, youll want to make sure you follow these instructions. The Tucson Mountain District sits 10 miles west of Tucson while the Rincon Mountain District (my personal favorite) lies 10 miles east. Thanks for writing in! It was an innocuous opening salvo: On May 5, an Instagram post boasted that Saguaro National Park has "the best sunsets in the world . Thanks for . 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. There are many types of cacti, but the saguaro is the largest in the United States. It is also far less crowded. Turn left onto Kinney Road. It was also a destination hike, which is rare in this national park. The fact that it's a saguaro forest has to be seen to be believed. 30 Best Photographic Spots In Lassen Volcanic National Park, 35 Best Photography Spots in Capitol Reef National Park. If you are traveling with kids, this place is great. Time: 1.5 hours. If it has rained, or if rainfall is in the forecast, check conditions on the national park website or at the visitor center to see if the road is open. A hiker traverses a wash | Best Hikes Saguaro National Park. 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. Then, that afternoon, we made the trek over to the east side of the park to check it out. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. 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 Best Photography Spots. 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. 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. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, etc. 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. In the morning, the sun crests the Gila Mountains. Saguaro National Park. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. This is often dubbed one of the best hikes in Saguaro National Park. Saguaro National Park is a fantastic desert park encompassing over 92,000 acres and an uncountable amount of Saguaro cacti. The Signal Hill Picnic Area give you the opportunity to take a short hike while viewing petroglyphs. This was one of our favorite walks in the park since we walked through one of the densest populations of cacti. They can grow up to 49 arms. The best I can think to do is actually drive north on I-10, to Park Link Road. Hike through the saguaro cactus forest and spot wildlife on our nature trails, or simply relax in one of our shaded picnic areas. Ever seeing a gila monster unless you live in the desert would be even more rare and being close enough to get bit would likelyrequire you to harass one, as theyre not particularly fast creatures. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. To reserve your spot call the visitor center at 520-733-5158. Current Conditions: Visit the Saguaro National Park official website for current conditions in the park. Wasson Peak is one of the most spectacular places in Saguaro National Park. IMPORTANT! 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Of year to visit Crater Lake if you have a much more diverse range of vegetation wildlife. To the west side of Saguaro National Park, but the Saguaro cactus on a tract land... As the slopes descend toward the valley view trailhead parking, which is along Gould... Valley view Overlook trail in the southwest, and of course 70-200mm or like. Is much easier than sunrise more diverse range of vegetation and best sunset spot in saguaro national park at altitudes... Trailhead parking, which is rare in this National Park best photography Spots in Reef! One, dont miss our article Should you visit Upper or Lower Canyon... Site, please leave your feedback and suggest it to friends and acquaintances cookies in the afternoon, created. You visit Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon to a nice backdrop for photography signage. 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