Saguaro National Park earns its namesake for being home to the most recognizable cactus in the world, the majestic saguaro. These amazing plants have an average life span of 150 years, and they may grow to a height of 50 feet and weigh over 10 tons.

Saguaro National Park consists of two sections, Saguaro West and Saguaro East. The two areas, separated by the city of Tucson, are about 25 miles apart. Together Saguaro West, and the much larger Saguaro East, preserve 91,453 acres of the life and landscape of the Sonoran Desert, including the Park's namesake, the saguaro cactus.

Saguaro East

Also called the Rincon Mountain Unit, this section of the Park encompasses an aging saguaro forest at the foot of the majestic Rincon Mountains, as well as an exceptional variety of other desert communities. It is open daily. This section also contains a Visitor Center, where you will find books, brochures, maps, trail and drive guides, exhibits, and a slide program about the saguaro and the Sonoran Desert.

Saguaro West

Also known as the Tucson Mountain Unit, this section of the Park embraces a wide variety of Sonoran Desert life against the backdrop of the rugged Tucson Mountains. It is open 24 hours a day. The Red Hills Information Center has brochures, books, maps, trail and drive guides, exhibits, and rangers who can discuss plans and interests with you.

• $10.00 for any privately owned vehicle or motorcycle (the receipt is valid for 7 days).
• $5.00 for any individual on foot or bicycle (the receipt is valid for 7 days)

Both districts of the Park are open from 7:00 a.m. to sunset daily.  Both districts of the Park offer a Visitor Center with operating hours of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, except closed on December 25.

• Saguaro East: Reach Saguaro East from Tucson by driving east on Speedway, Broadway, or the Old Spanish Trail.
• Saguaro West: Reach Saguaro West by driving west on Speedway Boulevard.
• Get directions from MapQuest.
• NPS Directions.

• Saguaro East: Map Coordinates (NAD83): 32 10.816N; 110 44.213W.
• Saguaro West: Map Coordinates (NAD83): 32 15.227N; 111 11.788W.

• The desert season that many people feel is "just Right" is from October through April, when high temperatures are in the 60s and 70s fahrenheit Nighttime temperatures during this time can fall below freezing.
• The hottest period is from May through September, when highs average in the 100s fahrenheit Still, at night, temperatures drop by as much as 30 degrees fahrenheit, and high in the Rincon Mountains it is even cooler.
• Rainy seasons occur twice a year—in short but violent thunderstorms between July and September, and in gentle rains from November to March. Otherwise, sunshine prevails.
• NPS Weather Conditions.
• See area weather chart.
• See Canyon Country Weather for more information.
• Sunrise/Sunset

• See National Park Service Restrictions and Regulations.
• See American Antiquities Act of 1906.
• See Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979.
• See Pets in the Parks and Backcountry.
• See Encountering Wild Animals.

• To avoid encountering poisonous rattlesnakes, scorpions, or Gila Monsters, carry a flashlight at night and avoid putting your hands and feet under rocks or in other hidden places.
• Hiking and other strenuous activities in extreme heat can be hazardous. Pace yourself and rest often. Carry water (at least one gallon per person per day is recommended) and drink even when you don't feel thirsty.
• Beware of painful close encounters with cacti and other prickly plants. Be especially careful near cholla cactus spines, which, with just the slightest touch, can become embedded in your skin. If a cactus joint attaches itself, use two sticks, a pocket comb, or other object as a lever to flip it away.
• During thunderstorms both lightning and flash floods pose threats. Avoid open and low-lying areas.
• See Backcountry Considerations.
• See Backcountry Emergencies.
• NPS News Updates.