Saguaro National Park
If you want to see the Southwest at its most classic, head to Saguaro National Park—home to the giant cacti Arizona is famous for. Split into East and West districts, the park is a favorite for hiking, scenic drives, and sunset watching.
Entrance Fee: $25 per vehicle, valid for 7 days. $15/person for pedestrians!
Popular Trails
Valley View Overlook Trail
- Distance: 0.8 miles round-trip
- Difficulty: Easy
- Type: Out and back
- Why it’s worth it: Family-friendly walk with panoramic desert views and plenty of saguaro photo ops.
Cactus Forest Trail (East District)
- Distance: 2.5 miles one way
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Type: Out and back
- Why it’s worth it: A peaceful hike through a cactus forest with sweeping desert views.
Tanque Verde Ridge Trail
- Distance: Up to 18 miles (choose your turnaround point)
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Type: Out and back
- Why it’s worth it: Challenging climb with rewarding views over the Tucson Basin.
Scenic Drives
Cactus Forest Loop Drive (East District)
- 8 miles of paved road with pull-offs for short walks and photo stops.
Bajada Loop Drive (West District)
- 6 miles of unpaved road with access to petroglyphs and trails.
FAQs – Saguaro National Park
Q: How much does it cost to visit Saguaro?
A: $25 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. Motorcycles are $20, and individuals are $15.
Q: Which district should I visit, East or West?
A: Both are great! The East has more scenic drives, while the West has denser cactus forests and famous petroglyphs.
Q: When do the saguaros bloom?
A: Late April through early June.
Q: Can I drive through the park?
A: Yes, both districts have scenic loop drives with plenty of places to stop and take photos.