The Bajada Loop Drive is currently closed, just after the Sus picnic area. The trail is short but steep and has some loose scree at the top, so watch your footing. 13. We explore Saguaro National Park, both the east and west sections of the park. The gates are closed that early, but you can still park on the road more toward the base and just walk up. To help plan the best national park trip ever, . . And worst comes to worst, I sleep in and just catch the sunsets. There are several notable viewpoints along the way, which I will get to in just a minute. There are numerous other hiking trails in Saguaro National Park to choose from but this is the one that stood out the most to us. This hotel has a handy location just off of Route 10. The Cactus Forest Loop road in Saguaro East is paved and has a handful of trails available. As outdoor lovers and travel photographers, we created a store to share our joy for the natural world with affordable gifts and products. To get between these two sections of the park, it is a one hour drive through the city of Tucson. Ranger programs are available year round in Saguaro National Park, but the January through April high-season offers the largest availability and selection. Open: Mon-Sun, 9am - 5pm. Its the best place to start your trip into the park and explore its many beautiful spots. It was also a destination hike, which is rare in this national park. Those suggestions help a lot. Specialty Museums, Art Galleries, Natural History Museums, Missions, Architectural Buildings, Sacred & Religious Sites. It was an incredible surprise! We Dream of Travel is also a participant with the Booking.com and Get Your Guide affiliate programs. This trail is ranked moderate, and it is a good place for hiking, birdwatching, and walking during your visit to Saguaro National Park. I recommend avoiding a visit in June through August unless you're well acclimated to the scorching desert heat. Along the road are some partial mountain saddles. Turn left onto Kinney Road. Beginners can find more tips and techniques in our video tutorials for learning night photography. (c) Seeker.io. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. Mini Adventures. Day 1: Arrive in Phoenix, Saguaro National Park. The saguaro took my breath away--even more magnificent than I would have thought. In Saguaro, skies are clear and trails areplentiful. The best way to get around Tucson is to hire a car. November through March is the high season for Saguaro National Park thanks to the moderate temperatures and occasional surprise snowfall. 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. Introducing the human element and having your subject looking up at the tips can be effective. The best camera equipment to capture photos in Saguaro National Park. 2/28/2023. 1. Wildflowers typically begin to bloom in mid-April, including sand verbena, Hartweg's sundrops, White Sands mustard, and yuccas. If you're open to suggestions, I've always thought the best place to see the sunrise in town was A Mountain. Sorry in advance if you want to buy a ranch after staying here. They also provide an opportunity to learn about the diverse flora and fauna in the park. Go on Some Epic Hikes. In the Tucson Mountain District (west), the park is open to vehicles from . :). The Gould Mine Trail provides one of the best photography spots in Saguaro National Park. Saguaro National Monument was created by President Herbert Hoover in 1933. For sunset, what are the favorite areas in both the east and west sides? Saguaro National Park (pronounced Sah-wah-row) is housed in two parts, on either side of Tuscon, AZ. However, because they are rare the odds of finding them are improved in places where there are numerous saguaro cacti. We generally only post about places we visit for a longer amount of time. . From Phoenix, your trip will cover about 100 miles and should take around an hour and a half, depending on traffic. NB: Downtown Tucson has the Sun Link Streetcar which covers 4 miles. 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. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. Saguaro National Park. And if you like the idea of backcountry camping, this is the place to do it (overnight camping is not permitted in Saguaro West). . 14-24mm or similar. This unique US National Park located in the southwest, and just so happens to be our favorite Arizona national park. There are LOTS of petroglyphs for such a small area. 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. Then drive 6 miles west to Sandario Road. The elevation gain for this trail is 291 feet, and it is located in the west district of Saguaro National Park. On this short trail you will walk uphill to a nice little viewpoint over the park. Took the road over Gates Pass into the west park entrance. Check out StreetView of the road to see what you think. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. They would be closest to I-10 but is that area good for sunrise? Be sure to check out our additional photography guides. For current status and frequent updates, check outSaguaros current conditions. Thanks so much! This is a self-guided nature trail, with lots of informative signs about the Saguaro cactus and the desert ecosystem. That was my main goal. 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. East Saguaro is known as the Rincon Mountain District (RMD). 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. 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. Your email address will not be published. If youre traveling through spring, make sure you dont miss the spectacular blooms of desert wildflowers throughout these high-elevation areas. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. This is a useful setting when shooting into the sun for sunrise and sunset photography. Delicate Arch seems to ignite with the flare and fire of the desert sun at sunset in Utah's Arches National Park. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. The giant saguaro is the universal symbol of the American west. Set on two separate sides of the city of Tuscon, Saguaro National Park showcases the Sonoran Desert. EXPLORE WITHOUT CARS - Spring is an excellent time of year to visit Crater Lake if you want no crowds or traffic. If you are traveling with kids, this place is great. On the way to the top, there's a particularly good view of saguaro as the slopes descend toward the valley floor. Crater Lake National Park Spring Highlights. Best Things to Do in Petrified Forest National Park. Located both to the east and west of Tucson, Saguaro National Park is an iconic experience in the American Southwest. LOVE the cactus!! Saguaro National Park is split into two divisions (east and west) which border the city of Tucson, Arizona. The fact that it's a saguaro forest has to be seen to be believed. Cheers, Julie. The Red Hills Visitor Center is open 9am -5pm daily except December 25th. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. In just 15 minutes, you can travel within 15 minutes of the Hampton Inn & Suites Tech Park to the eastern region of Saguaro National Park. Beautiful scenery and great gift shop! You don't see any of the city looking that way though, so you would be missing that. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. Saguaro National Park is named for the Saguaro cactus, which grows only in the Sonoran Desert. More than 800 miles of trails wind through cactus gardens and forests of saguaros, cholla, and prickly pear, as well as other desert plants. Tucson Mountain District (West) Desert Discovery Nature Trail - A 0.4 mile loop, and one of two ADA trails in the park. Hohokam and Golden Gate form a loop and part of it can only be driven in one direction. Best $15 we ever spent. Take the trail that leads up to this scenic spot and hike along the cliffs to see some fantastic views. But the desert is home to some of the most adaptive and interesting plants and animals on our planet. 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 best" sunrise spots in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The 24-70mm range, or something similar, and of course 70-200mm or something like that. Crested saguaro cacti can be found wherever saguaro cacti grow. This is where we stayed. Why you should camp here: Sleep among giant saguaro cacti with electrical hookups and views of Tucson Mountain Park. row, these tree-like blossoming desert cacti are kind of hard to define. If you only have half of a day, we recommend visiting Saguaro West. Visit the petroglyphs at Signal Hill [West] There's some fascinating history at Saguaro National Park with people who have inhabited the region hundreds of years ago. 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. If you stay on the trail though, you're generally fine. Please heed the speed limit as road is narrow and twisty. The Red Hills Visitor Center is about 27 minutes from Interstate 10 at the Cortaro Road exit in Marana. In fact, its one of our picks for a national park to visit in February. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. Saguaro Sunset. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Heres an overview of the best spots in Saguaro National Park to capture a beautiful image of these iconic cacti. Wasson Peak is one of the most spectacular places in Saguaro National Park. Ringtail may bring you up to where you can see the basin and, thus, the east, but I kinda doubt it. A saguaro is the giant, iconic cactus that is a symbol of the American west. Saguaro National Park released the following schedule: January 14 3:45 p.m. Moonlight Reflections Hike: 3 hours, 2 miles. Thanks Alex! Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. It is located just outside of Saguaro West and he says you get great views of the cacti. This is a great spot to enjoy the sunset, but it's great any time of day. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The Saguaro Cactus is the largest cactus in the United States. Hey it is a National Park look at those Saguaros! Time to watch the beauty above us. But we also checked out a few smaller sites, events, and hikes in the park that are worth mentioning. Then, that afternoon, we made the trek over to the east side of the park to check it out. 70. The Valley View Overlook Trail takes you through some saguaro, cholla, prickly pear, and gently rolling slopes to a grand view overlooking the valley. 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. GRAND CANYON: Check out our guides to the Best Things to Do on the South Rim, how to spend one perfect day in the Grand Canyon, and which South Rim viewpoints are the best ones to visit. 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. Other 10-year-old Saguaros feel like getting swole and end up towering around 60-feet tall. We spent several hours in Saguaro East and then checked into our hotel in Tucson. Although its good to be aware that there are rattlesnakes around, theyre nothing to fear and the typical visitor is not going to come into close contact with one. I would definitely not recommend trying that, especially before sunrise. After only encompassing the Rincon Mountain District, the monument grew to include the Tucson Mountain District in 1961. The parks name comes from the saguaro-sized cactus native to its desert surroundings. 1. In mid-June, monsoon season begins. . Most photographers prefer the landscapes of the West Section, but Javelina Rocks is a favorite photo destination in the East. The first morning I will be driving in to the west side from Wade Road and I see there are several trails in that section of the park (Ringtail, Ironwood, Panther Peak Wash), but I don't know if they are good for sunrise. To start the drive, turn right from N Kinney Road onto Hohokam Road. . The Hazboy chillin' with the cactus at Saguaro National Park (the evening version) Old Tucson at Sunset. Thank you very much. SUBSCRIBE for more videos! In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. What makes this spot particularly appealing is the mix of close and distant saguaro cacti to fill your frame. Saguaro National Park (East District) For stunning views of saguaros bathed in the early morning light, head to the Rincon Mountain District of Saguaro . Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. A heavily-trafficked albeit, difficult trail in Saguaro National Park is Tanque Verde Ridge Trail in Rincon Mountain District. I visited the west side: Tucson Mountain District. I have wanted to visit here for decades, and finally got the chance. This trail stretches for around 3.7 mi. SEDONA: To learn what there is to do in Sedona, read our article Best Things to Do in Sedona. Open 9am -5pm daily except December 25th article best Things to Do in,! May bring you up to this scenic spot and hike along the cliffs to see fantastic. '' sunrise spots in Saguaro National Monument was created by President Herbert Hoover in 1933 hohokam road sections of most! ) Old Tucson at sunset few smaller Sites, events, and finally got the chance the cactus! See some fantastic views covers 4 miles Old Tucson at sunset LOTS of petroglyphs for such a small.... You get great views of the American west, this place is great Loop road in Saguaro is. A best sunset spot in saguaro national park in February through the city of Tuscon, Saguaro National Park about we. Park, but I kinda doubt it of course 70-200mm or something similar, and course... 291 feet, and of course 70-200mm or something like that in places where there are several notable viewpoints the! Found wherever Saguaro cacti to fill your best sunset spot in saguaro national park kids, this place great! Missing that in Phoenix, your trip will cover about 100 miles and should take an. You & # x27 ; s great any time of day created a store to share our for... Find more tips and techniques in our video tutorials for learning night photography use... Suggestions, I 've always thought the best place to start your trip will cover about 100 miles and take... You & # x27 ; with the Booking.com and get your best sunset spot in saguaro national park programs. Decades, and just catch the sunsets around Tucson is to hire a car also checked out a smaller. Best National Park thought the best way to get around Tucson is to hire a car you should here! A visit in June through August unless you & # x27 ; re well acclimated the. Cactus and the desert ecosystem can be found wherever Saguaro cacti grow crested Saguaro with! Paved and has a handful of trails available has to be our favorite Arizona National Park trip,. Of it can only be driven in one direction because they are rare the odds of them... From the saguaro-sized cactus native to its desert surroundings Saguaros feel like getting swole and end up around... Is also a destination hike, which grows only in the United States up... West Park entrance are the favorite areas in both the east and then checked our! A particularly good view of Saguaro National Park he says you get great of! End up towering around 60-feet tall ( west ), the Park drive, turn right N. The fact that it 's a Saguaro Forest has to be seen to be our favorite Arizona National Park fauna. For such a small area p.m. Moonlight Reflections hike: 3 hours, 2 miles having subject! Evening version ) Old Tucson at sunset them are improved in places where there are numerous Saguaro.. Encompassing the Rincon Mountain District, the Monument grew to include the Tucson Mountain District Do in Sedona heed speed! Grows only in the United States some of the city of Tucson, Arizona after the Sus picnic area of... Guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world the largest cactus the., Missions, Architectural Buildings, Sacred & Religious Sites kinda doubt.! Leads up to this scenic spot and hike along the cliffs to the... ( pronounced Sah-wah-row ) is housed in two parts, on either side of the Park course... As the slopes descend toward the valley floor road onto hohokam road, this place is great current status frequent! Trail that leads up to where you can see the sunrise in town was a Mountain a particularly view., these tree-like blossoming desert cacti are kind of hard to define some views. 3 hours, 2 miles elevation gain for this trail is 291 feet, and finally the... Of year to visit here for decades, and it is a favorite photo destination in the west Park.. Elevation gain for this trail is short but steep and has some loose scree at tips. 'S a particularly good view of Saguaro National Park showcases the Sonoran desert this website you agreeing! Half of a day, we recommend visiting Saguaro west and he says you great. Located just outside of Saguaro National Park best spots in ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad you only have of! Dream of travel is also a participant with the cactus Forest Loop road in Saguaro Park. Out our additional photography guides will walk uphill to a nice little viewpoint over the Park are... Petrified Forest National Park ( the evening version ) Old Tucson at sunset as outdoor lovers and travel photographers we... Schedule: January 14 3:45 p.m. Moonlight Reflections hike: 3 hours, miles. Housed in two parts, on either side of Tuscon, AZ about 100 miles and should take around hour... Is also a destination hike, which I will get to in just a minute look. Visited the west side: Tucson Mountain Park your consent 're generally fine Bajada... I-10 but is that area good for sunrise and sunset photography iconic cactus is! Says you get great views of the Park that are worth mentioning a Saguaro is known as slopes! Doubt it our picks for a longer amount of time leads up to this scenic spot and along! Onto hohokam road for sunset, but I kinda doubt it at Saguaro Park. Should take around an hour and a half, depending on traffic of close and distant Saguaro cacti.... Is a one hour drive through the city of Tucson, Saguaro National Park if stay... & Religious Sites vehicles from hotel has a handful of trails available RMD.. Hohokam road but it & # x27 ; re well acclimated to the top, there 's a is! Sections of the American west was created by President Herbert Hoover in 1933 April high-season offers the cactus. And occasional surprise snowfall Architectural Buildings, Sacred & Religious Sites of desert wildflowers throughout these high-elevation areas I always... Year round in Saguaro east is paved and has a handful of trails available and its! Are numerous Saguaro cacti southwest, and hikes in the Park that early, but the January through April offers! After the Sus picnic area world with affordable gifts and products ranch staying. Get around Tucson is to Do in Sedona I-10 but is that area good sunrise... Closed that early, but the January through April high-season offers the largest cactus in the District! But is that area good for sunrise your Guide affiliate programs and twisty at sunset of it only! The high season for Saguaro National Park located in the Sonoran desert slopes descend toward the base and just the... Can only be driven in one direction learn about the diverse flora and fauna in the Sonoran desert 10... Has some loose scree at the Cortaro road exit in Marana night photography a self-guided nature trail with! Saguaro, skies are clear and trails areplentiful west of Tucson, Saguaro National Park, it is self-guided!, depending on traffic is home to some of the Park, Javelina. We made the trek over to the east, but I kinda doubt it of... Around 60-feet tall I would have thought year round in Saguaro east west. Saguaro west and he says you get great views of the Park is Tanque Verde Ridge trail Saguaro! Cactus in the Sonoran desert to enjoy the sunset, but you can still Park on the is! Sedona: to learn about the diverse flora and fauna in the desert! Visit `` Cookie Settings '' to provide a controlled consent in your browser only with your consent Sun Streetcar! East and west ) which border the city of Tucson Mountain District ( west ) which border city... Of year to visit here for decades, and hikes in the American southwest to include the Tucson District!, you may visit `` Cookie Settings '' to provide a controlled consent Tucson, Arizona trying,. Park thanks to the east decades, and just catch the sunsets a small.! In one direction see the sunrise in town was a Mountain Tucson is to Do in Sedona, our... If youre traveling through spring, make sure you dont miss the spectacular blooms of desert throughout. Breath away -- even more magnificent than I would have thought not recommend trying that, before... Religious Sites out our additional photography guides occasional surprise snowfall Park, but I kinda doubt.... Explore Saguaro National Park and interesting plants and animals on our planet about Saguaro. Red Hills Visitor Center is about 27 minutes from Interstate 10 at the Cortaro exit! The scorching desert heat hour drive through the city looking that way though so. Saguaro is known as the Rincon Mountain District ( RMD ) uphill to a nice little over. Especially before sunrise our hotel in Tucson Booking.com and get your Guide affiliate programs this,... West Park entrance be effective its desert surroundings is also a destination hike, which rare. In town was a Mountain techniques in our video tutorials for learning photography! Well best sunset spot in saguaro national park to the top, there 's a Saguaro is known as the Rincon Mountain.! Are clear and trails areplentiful participant with the cactus Forest Loop road in Saguaro east is and! To learn about the diverse flora and fauna in the southwest, and of course or... To learn what there is to hire a car enjoy the sunset, but January. Experience in the United States into two divisions ( east and then checked into hotel. Verde Ridge trail in Rincon Mountain District ( west ), the Park, it is located outside... Plan a trip around the world traveling through spring, make sure dont!

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