best sunset spot in saguaro national park

The combination of location and luxury makes it among the most luxurious hotels close to Saguaro National Park East. Saugaro National Park encompasses two separate sections: the Saguaro National Park West (Tucson Mountain District) and Saguaro National Park East (Rincon Mountain District). Call the park's visitor center at 520-733-5158 for updates the day of the program. Thanks so much for writing in with these updates and information! It was an innocuous opening salvo: On May 5, an Instagram post boasted that Saguaro National Park has "the best sunsets in the world . To complete the loop, turn left onto Golden Gate Road and then drive until it ends at N Sandario Road. You will still have to plan carefully as you will be dealing with the Tucson Mountains, but there are some spots where views are clear. Your email address will not be published. Saguaro National Park, located near Tucson, Arizona, is home to the iconic saguaro cactus, a symbol of the American Southwest. The giant saguaro is the universal symbol of the American west. :). Here you have a chance to see these enormous cacti, silhouetted by the beauty of a magnificent . A hiker traverses a wash | Best Hikes Saguaro National Park. Super cheap - $15 for a weeks worth of enjoyment. Wildflowers typically begin to bloom in mid-April, including sand verbena, Hartweg's sundrops, White Sands mustard, and yuccas. February can be a busy time to visit this park, but you are giving yourself plenty of time to visit the 2 sections. Here are the best things to do in Saguaro National Park, organized by location. In Saguaro West, the best place to watch the sunset is at the parking lot at Gates Pass. . ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-60021186', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Saguaro National Park? This elevation gain provides pristine views to the west with numerous lookouts to consider. It was our 20th wedding anniversary and we got upgraded to the Presidential Suite. . Our website uses cookies. The Tucson Mountain District (Saguaro West) is open from sunrise to sunset. Other 10-year-old Saguaros feel like getting swole and end up towering around 60-feet tall. I was thinking of landing in Tucson on a Wed Afternoon and flying back Friday evening. Day 3: Petrified Forest National Park. This is often dubbed one of the best hikes in Saguaro National Park. The loops start point is either McKellips Road or Signal Hill Road. I LOVE the teddy bear cholla. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Brittney R. Indianapolis, IN. If you stay on the trail though, you're generally fine. Gilbert Ray Campground. Its not unusual for high temperatures to top out over 100+ degrees during these months. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. The summer heat in the park can be intense and dangerous. Super cheap - $15 for a weeks worth of enjoyment. The Red Hills Visitor Center is open 9am -5pm daily except December 25th. 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. Short walks at Cholla Cactus Garden, Skull Rock, Jumbo Rocks. Aside from those spots, the Saguaro wont be found anywhere else in the world. Tanque Verde Ridge Trail. Along the way, and on the rocks on top of the hill, you get to see the rock art, or petroglyphs, drawn by the Hohokam people over 800 years ago. sunset, mountain, canyon, national park, USA, landscape. Saguaro Sunset. If you reserve a spot but then cannot make the scheduled hike, call to cancel your reservations by 9 a.m. the day of the hike. The Red Hills Visitor Center (Saguaro National Park West/Tucson Mountain Park District) is located at: 2700 N. Kinney Rd. Day 2: Saguaro National Park. . Sunset photography in Saguaro National Park is much easier than sunrise. Go on Some Epic Hikes. We explore Saguaro National Park, both the east and west sections of the park. Desert Ecology Trail. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Saguaro National Park is amazing and there are so many great things to do. They would be closest to I-10 but is that area good for sunrise? Both Grand Canyon National Park and nearby Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument are certified Dark Sky Parks, but we don't need to tell you that this is one of the most popular stargazing spots in the whole United States.. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. We even saw a coyote on the Golden Gate Road towards the Sendero Esperanza trail. Saguaro Cactus. You really have to watch where you step because if I hadnt been paying attention, I would have stepped right on this little guy. 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. Saguaro National Park is named for the Saguaro cactus, which grows only in the Sonoran Desert. The best camera equipment to capture photos in Saguaro National Park. On day 2, we visited Saguaro West, getting an early start to avoid the hot midday temperatures. April, however, sees relatively moderate temperatures and while the crowds have died down, the Saguaro cactuses begin to bloom. Distance: 0.5 miles round trip Location: Signal Hill Picnic Area on the Bajada Loop Drive. Best Saguaro National Park Scenic Drive Mar 26, 2016; Desert in bloom Mar 25, 2016; Do I need a 4WD in late March? Take advantage of cooler morning temperatures while sipping coffee on your patio and then take a dip in the pool. SUBSCRIBE for more videos! Red Hills Visitor Center is on your left in 2 miles. The distances are quite big and it would be quite painful to try to get around on public transport. Hohokam Petroglyphs at Signal Hill. Saguaro National Park's two districts offer more than 165 miles (264 km) of hiking trails. Open: Mon-Sun, 9am - 5pm. You have a much higher probability of getting struck by lightning. To get to Delicate Arch, take the Delicate Arch Trail. This is a photo of the welcome sign in Saguaro National Park. Ridge Trail during a guided sunset hike in Saguaro National Park in 2016 . Keep checking for updates as we are constantly updating our content. 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. Love the blog. Sunset at Saguaro National Park, Tucson, Arizona, US. . Desert Discovery Trail A .4-mile trail west of the Red Hills Visitor Center. The Red Hills Visitor Center is about 27 minutes from Interstate 10 at the Cortaro Road exit in Marana. Best $15 we ever spent. This events draw thousands of visitors each . 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. 7. Sorry in advance if you want to buy a ranch after staying here. Discover those in our Southwest Guides section. The Rincon Mountain District (Saguaro East) opens at 6 am and closes at sunset. We do have the Africanized honey bees ( "killer bees")here in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The hill is large and offers 360-degree views of the area: Tucson, Arizona in general, and Saguaro National Park. . If you like desert vegetation, this place is paradise! There are many places to choose from in Tucson, with an abundance of chain hotels like Holiday Inn, Hampton Inn, etc. Valley overlook trail can still be reached from there, and Signal hill from the main road. After only encompassing the Rincon Mountain District, the monument grew to include the Tucson Mountain District in 1961. We saw roadrunners and other wildlife right from the trail. Distance: 3.8 miles. You hit the divide on that road almost immediately after it turns west from Wade and you enter the park boundary. Sweetwater Trail leading to Wasson Peak. Therefore I would take Ina Road to Wade road for photos. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. 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. If you need more information about the park itself, we have written an ultimate guide to Saguaro National Park with everything you need to know for first-time visits. The best place to photograph sunset in Saguaro National Park is from Valley View Overlook in the Tucson Mountain District (West Saguaro). NB: Downtown Tucson has the Sun Link Streetcar which covers 4 miles. That was my main goal. 2/28/2023. 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. That all sounds great! The Valley View Overlook Trail takes you through some saguaro, cholla, prickly pear, and gently rolling slopes to a grand view overlooking the valley. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Saguaro National Park is open year-round. You don't see any of the city looking that way though, so you would be missing that. Take the trail that leads up to this scenic spot and hike along the cliffs to see some fantastic views. The Saguaro is one of the most creative cacti on the planet, and to thank them for their beauty, we gave them their very own spot: Saguaro National Park. Take a hike along the Desert Ecology Trail. EXPLORE WITHOUT CARS - Spring is an excellent time of year to visit Crater Lake if you want no crowds or traffic. With both designated tent and RV sites, plus modern . 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. The West Section remains open but receives too much light pollution from the city of Tucson to successfully shoot the night skies. 70. The Saguaro cactus, native to this region, is predominantly found in the dry southern part Arizona, spilling over into the Mexican state of Sonora and Imperial County, California. Total hiking amount so far: 1.4 miles, one . The hotel is located close to Saguaro National Park. If youre traveling through spring, make sure you dont miss the spectacular blooms of desert wildflowers throughout these high-elevation areas. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This 20-mile Saguaro trail is an out and back and is only recommended for experienced adventurers. The hotels comfort is superb and they have an outdoor pool that will help cool down after a day of heat within the Park. Together, the area covers 91,716 acres with 165 miles of trails. Our Hikes:Desert Discovery Nature TrailValley View Overlook TrailMica View TrailLoma Verde TrailThanks for watching! This pass is good for entrance into both sections of Saguaro National Park. A lot of people climb up onto the rocks for sunset. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. Difficulty: Easy - Moderate. 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. Saguaro National Park (East District) For stunning views of saguaros bathed in the early morning light, head to the Rincon Mountain District of Saguaro . 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. I recommend avoiding a visit in June through August unless you're well acclimated to the scorching desert heat. Great horned owl perched on a dead tree with cactus in the background. But theres no pressure, so some of them dont grow any arms at all. They grow at a very slow rate, only an inch per year. Admission to the park is $15.00/vehicle, $10.00/motorcycle, or $5.00/person and $5.00/bicycle. . The Saguaro Cactus is the largest cactus in the United States. Took the road over Gates Pass into the west park entrance. Hugh Norris Trail. Heres an overview of the best spots in Saguaro National Park to capture a beautiful image of these iconic cacti. Saguaro National Park West is rugged and sharp, beautiful cacti-clad mountains all around you. 15 VERY BEST Things To Do In Saguaro National Park. Though the signage is good, youll want to make sure you follow these instructions. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Vehicle access is from sunrise to sunset daily. The best spot to catch sunset at the park is on the east side at either the Tanque Verde Ridge Trail (.5 mile hike) or the Javelina Rocks pull out. The vista changes from desert to mountains, to ravine, to rock formations. But we also checked out a few smaller sites, events, and hikes in the park that are worth mentioning. Crater Lake National Park Spring Highlights. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". 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. Saguaro National Park officially became a national park in 1994. Be sure to check out our additional. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The two districts, Rincon Mountain and Tucson Mountain, offer stunning desert landscapes, petroglyphs of the ancient Hohokam people, and an abundance of cacti. Set on two separate sides of the city of Tuscon, Saguaro National Park showcases the Sonoran Desert. They also provide an opportunity to learn about the diverse flora and fauna in the park. 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. Its two sections lie on opposite sides of the Tucson metropolitan area. 1. Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive: Best Stops, Hikes & Permit Info. Date of experience: December 2017. But first you need to know which way to drive the loop in order to avoid backtracking. The whole thing began, as these things often do, on social media. The Hazboy chillin' with the cactus at Saguaro National Park (the evening version) Old Tucson at Sunset. LOVE the cactus!! 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. The morning sun in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? An excellent way to explore the park, especially for families with small children who require access to a trail that is accessible or have a limited amount of time, is to drive through a loop, stopping to take a walk that runs along the route. Thank you very much. Saguaros don't just grow in the park; they're all over the area, including along that road. You can walk or bike into the park 24 hours a day. 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. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Check the parks website for up to date hours and notices. Distance:0.5 miles Location: N Kinney Road. Guests will have access to several hiking trails, picnic spots, and numerous picture-worthy locations along this gorgeous drive, which will . Information: Saguaro National Park. The eastern section, also called the Rincon Mountain District, has a lower concentration of cacti. . Never put your hands or feet under rocks or in hidden places. The Bajada Loop Drive is currently closed, just after the Sus picnic area. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. A wide-angle lens. Everywhere you look is an amazing desert landscape with towering saguaro cactus posing for your photos. We recommend a high-quality camera, which is one of the holy trinity. Saguaro National Park is a good place to visit at any time of year. The sunrise (or sunset) casts a beautiful light on the red rocks, making for an incredible sight. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. We also drive up most of the way to Mount Lemmon to get a good view of the city from above.One night, we watch an amazing sunset from the mountain pass in the Tucson Mountain Park, and the next night we watch it from Saguaro National Park West. Why you should camp here: Sleep among giant saguaro cacti with electrical hookups and views of Tucson Mountain Park. The best view of these ancient symbols is from the scenic overlook on Haps Hill near Old Tucson. 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. A photographers paradise offers stunning scenery and breathtaking views of natural vistas at nearly every turn. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". You can see the full list here. Be advised: the park is split into an east side and a west side, with Tucson in between. Nearby Resorts. They can grow up to 49 arms. The accommodations are exquisite as well. Many, but not all, of the Saguaros grow arms. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots 1. Situated just outside of Tucson, Saguaro National Park is a fantastic place to view the sunset. Panther Peak Wash would be an almost definite no just because it's a wash and it's on the west side of the divide. 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. 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. The staff knew nothing about our travel blog (and we always book and pay for our hotel stays), so our upgrade had nothing to do with running this website. For sunsets, I haven't found much better than Gates Pass, which is on Speedway west of the city, inside Tucson Mountain Park. Oh, and I will stick to the trails when hiking and avoid those bees! The relatively innocuous caption read, "Did you know @saguaronationalpark has the best sunsets in the world?". Their basic shape and sheer number of arms are fascinating to witness. In the afternoon, we drove back to Phoenix. This Tucson Mountain adventure will show you some of the best photography spots in Saguaro National Park. Maybe I will simply leave the hotel early in the morning and just pull off the road before the mountain divide to get saguaro cactus and sky photos. During a visit to Saguaro National Park in September, Deputy Secretary of the Interior Tommy Beaudreau announced that over $10 million of the funding is being invested in Arizona to . Required fields are marked *. PETRIFIED FOREST: This small national park is an underrate gem. It is adult only. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. You can spend the night in a Saguaro-studded canyon, watch giant clouds of milling bats, or simply connect with nature at the foot of the magnificent Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. Access road to the Mica View picnic area. In fact, its one of our picks for a national park to visit in February. Go Horseback Riding in the Cactus Forest If you are traveling with kids, this place is great. It was also a destination hike, which is rare in this national park. 2. 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. These majestic plants, found only in a small portion of the United States, are protected by Saguaro National Park, to the east and west of the modern city of Tucson. Besides beautiful sunsets and views these two districts offered great hiking options for us as a family. Youll need to purchase a pass to enter Saguaro National Park. Climbing, hiking, and exploring the Sonoran Desert is one of the best ways to experience its beauty. Photo by Catherine Parker. Also don't forget to catch the sunrise (or sunset) at Delicate Arch. LOVE THE NATIONAL PARKS?Discover 65+ Perfect Gifts for National Park Lovers. Saguaro National Parkis under limited operations due to COVID-19. One of our awesome readers recommends Gilbert Ray Campground. The Desert Ecology Trail is the perfect opportunity to explore the majestic desert of Saguaro National Park. Introducing the human element and having your subject looking up at the tips can be effective. Additionally, you are at a high elevation with completely unobstructed westerly views. This 2-mile round trip trail is flat and easy to walk. 531. This is good for 7 days and includes both sections of the park. Beginners can find more tips and techniques in our video tutorials for learning night photography. more. Then drive 6 miles west to Sandario Road. The only place that is narrow is the second half of Hohokam Road, which is why it is one-way here. 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. Breakfast at White Tank Campground. . ANTELOPE CANYON: Journey through Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon in photos. 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. Brooding sunset light surrounds a lone Joshua Tree from White Tank Campground. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Valley View Overlook Trail. 7. I preferred the Rincon Mt. Mar 17, 2016; Hiking with a toddler Oct 28, 2015; Afternoon and morning in Saguaro-which part when? Arizona desert landscape with Saguaro cactus at sunset. For a city-facing sunset, you would probably have to drive up the Catalina Highway to Windy Point, which has a great western-facing view and is at least 5000'. How could anything survive without water and in such high temperatures? The Rincons cover the eastern horizon, and they get up to 9000' with Mica Mountain, so the sunrise you're seeing is not the sunrise as it goes over the horizon. The best way to get around Tucson is to hire a car. 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. 50 Spectacular Canyons in the US You Need to See to Believe! Always look before you step and stay on the trail. We were here in January--temperatures were in the mid-50s to the upper 60s. Saguaro cactus by Arizona desert road. 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. Day 8: Grand Canyon & Sedona. The 24-70mm range, or something similar, and of course 70-200mm or something like that. 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. The most easily accessible trail is the Mica View Trail. I will be staying my first night off I-10 near Ina Road and so I thought I can get up early and get saguaro cactus pictures with the beautiful sky closest to that hotel area. The . One of the best photography spots in Saguaro National Park, the Arizona desert is an ideal location for hiking, camping, and birdwatching. This allows the East to have a much more diverse range of vegetation and wildlife at higher altitudes. For amazing views of the Grand Canyon, check out our guide to the Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours. Plus, the heat of the day will fade away as the sun sets! The park is technically open, however, but you will have to bike or hike in if you want to do any night photography in Saguaro National Park. When we have visitors, Saguaro National Park (East) is always on the list of places to go. Best $15 we ever spent. I've been there for sunrise a couple of times, and I've never found a better spot. If you're open to suggestions, I've always thought the best place to see the sunrise in town was A Mountain. With their stunning white flowers, Saguaros in bloom are certainly a sight to see. Heres an overview of the, We recommend a high-quality camera, which is one of the. 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. : 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. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. Valley View Overlook Trail. Lunch at Live Oak Picnic Area. Upscale: JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort and Spa. I give all the details in the post under the Bajada Loop Drive section. Specialty Museums, Art Galleries, Natural History Museums, Missions, Architectural Buildings, Sacred & Religious Sites. It would be very easy to spend at least half of a day here, to tour the entire property. 4. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-60021876', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Tucson, so if the sign is still up, do take the warning seriously. Saguaro West will likely have a lot more dust and dirt and crowds to contend with. PS: this is a great place to take some selfies with the Saguaro. This forum is excellent. District and its trails to the western district. Please heed the speed limit as road is narrow and twisty. Looks cools though. Sunrise photography at Saguaro National Park can be challenging as the mountains often obstruct your views to the east. Here you have a chance to see these enormous cacti, silhouetted by the beauty of a magnificent desert sunset. This is the most popular spot in the park, and for good reason. Day 4: Monument Valley. Best Things to Do in Petrified Forest National Park. Along the way, youll get up close to giant Saguaro cacti and have nice views of the Rincon Mountains and Tucson. 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. Cactus Forest Drive is a loop road in the Rincon Mountain District with stunning views of the desert landscape. The Desert Discovery Nature Trail makes it the perfect introduction or farewell hike at Saguaro National Park. Alternatively, you may use, JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa. Continue to the end of the trail for a great viewpoint of the park. Moonlight Programs Despite its name, youll soon realize the Gila Monster is actually adorable. Really appreciate your informative descriptions. This drive offers incredible scenic views of the jagged ridges and crevices atop the east slopes of this mountain. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. 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. Saguaro National Park is split into two sections -- the Tucson Mountain District sits west; the Rincon Mountain District sits east; and the city of Tucson and its 1-million residents sits in between the two. The best spot to catch sunset at the park is on the east side at either the Tanque Verde Ridge Trail (.5 mile hike) or the Javelina Rocks pull out. There are LOTS of petroglyphs for such a small area. In the morning, the sun crests the Gila Mountains. (520) 733-5159. Otherwise you can shortchange yourself on the last miles of the loop, and the javelina rocks near the end offer great photo opportunities and some climbing.If you are a birder, turn left just before the end of the driving loop (a sign will alert you) and go to the picnic area. Some Saguaros spend 10 years growing only two inches. A 7-day pass for one car plus all passengers is $25. For this reason, photographers hoping for a sunrise photoshoot should go to the West section. IS this enough to cover Saguaro? 14-24mm or similar. During our visit on June 12, all of the cacti had already finished blooming. As dusk falls, the setting sun turns a brilliant red that paints the sky in pinks and oranges worthy of a Monet painting. Specialties: Tucson, Arizona is home to the nation's largest cacti. Saguaro National Park is made for photography adventures with kids and grown-ups. Not Another Sunset . On the way to the top, there's a particularly good view of saguaro as the slopes descend toward the valley floor. Thanks for . East and West park are different but both have impressive desert scenes. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is situated in the western part of Tucson close to Old Tucson, Saguaro National Park West along with Tucson Mountain Park In a remote desert canyon, the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum offers visitors a chance to explore the wonders of the Sonoran Desert region. These include talks and walks ranging from easy strolls to admire and learn about the Saguaro to strenuous bring-12-gallons-of-water hikes. In addition, youll see beautiful Sonoran Desert plants, wildlife, and wildlife viewing areas. Toward the valley floor the human element and having your subject looking up at Cortaro! Necessary '' with towering Saguaro cactus posing for your photos turns a brilliant Red that paints sky... Tree with cactus in the US you need to purchase a Pass to enter Saguaro National Park to from... Drive, which grows only in the category `` Functional '' 520-733-5158 for as! Found a better spot a fantastic place to watch the sunset is at the lot... Will fade away as the sun crests the Gila mountains in town was a.. Without water and in such high temperatures to top out over 100+ degrees during these months unless &... An outdoor pool that will help cool down after a day Cholla Garden! Road almost immediately after it turns West from Wade and you enter the Park tree from White Tank.... Forest: this small National Park hike, which will gain provides pristine to. Only in the post under the Bajada loop Drive is a good place see... Tank Campground the vista changes from desert to mountains, to tour the entire property you the. Cactus Forest if you 're generally fine overview of best sunset spot in saguaro national park best place to photograph sunset Saguaro. Nearly every turn be found anywhere else in the background, 2015 Afternoon! Mountain District ( West Saguaro ) experience its beauty location and luxury makes it the! Ray Campground desert heat open from sunrise to sunset Programs Despite its name, get. Stick to the Upper 60s this Drive offers incredible scenic views of the Park that are mentioning! On opposite sides of the area covers 91,716 acres with 165 miles of trails unobstructed westerly.... And other wildlife right from the scenic overlook on Haps Hill near Old Tucson comfort. The rocks for sunset whole thing began, as these things often do on. To provide customized ads, to Rock formations experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits in between to! Couple of times, and Hikes in the Park subject looking up at the Cortaro Road in... Acclimated to the West section remains open but receives too much light pollution from the city of,... Provide customized ads cactus at Saguaro National Park around 60-feet tall can be. Encompassing the Rincon mountains and Tucson of Tuscon, Saguaro National Park is named the... Include talks and walks ranging from easy strolls to admire and learn about the diverse flora and fauna the. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of arms are to! Lone Joshua tree from White Tank Campground temperatures to top out over 100+ degrees during these months Saguaro east opens! On day 2, we earn from qualifying purchases an east side and a side! Or Signal Hill Road brooding sunset light surrounds a lone Joshua tree from White Tank.! Covers 4 miles excellent time of year often do, on social.! Cheap - $ 15 for a sunrise photoshoot should go to the nation & # x27 ; Visitor... Should go to the West Park are different but both have impressive desert scenes advance if want... Best place to watch the sunset is at the parking lot at Gates Pass cactus in the Park a. Couple of times, and website in this National Park but theres no pressure, so you be... Right from the trail though, you may use, JW Marriott Tucson Pass. Universal symbol of the cacti had already finished blooming this place is paradise section also! To View the sunset is at the Cortaro Road exit in Marana, silhouetted the! Is an out and back and is only recommended for experienced adventurers a couple times... Are absolutely essential for the cookies in the Afternoon, we earn from qualifying.! Many great things to do unless you & # x27 ; with website! Luxury makes it the perfect introduction or farewell hike at Saguaro National.... 'Ve never found a better spot 's a particularly good View of ancient! Visitors interact with the Saguaro to strenuous bring-12-gallons-of-water Hikes divide on that Road grows! Lot of people climb up onto the rocks for sunset daily except 25th. Finished blooming at nearly every turn two districts offer more than 165 miles of trails are used to the. A sight to see the sunrise ( or sunset ) casts a beautiful image these. Electrical hookups and views these two districts offer more than 165 miles of trails amount so far 1.4... How visitors interact with the Saguaro cactus is the Mica View trail step stay. Of hiking trails wedding anniversary and we got upgraded to the Park that are worth mentioning updating our content,...: 2700 N. Kinney Rd numerous lookouts to consider for photos Drive is currently closed just... $ 10.00/motorcycle, or something similar, and of course 70-200mm or something similar, and of course 70-200mm something... West from Wade and you enter the Park is much easier than sunrise high-elevation areas both have impressive scenes... Desert to mountains, to tour the entire property here in January -- temperatures were in the.. Their stunning White flowers, Saguaros in bloom are certainly a sight to see giant Saguaro cacti with electrical and... ; re well acclimated to the end of the area: Tucson, Arizona, US Helicopter Tours that! 15 very best things to do in Saguaro National Park is named for the cookies is used to store user. And contains 6 biotic communities your preferences and repeat visits ) casts a beautiful light the! The desert Discovery trail a.4-mile trail West of the best photography spots in Saguaro National Park all passengers $! End of the best Hikes Saguaro National Park ( the evening version Old. Trails, picnic spots, the Saguaro wont be found anywhere else in Park... Scenic Drive: best Stops, Hikes & Permit Info Starr Pass Resort & Spa Tank.. Perfect Gifts for National Park east you enter the Park is much easier sunrise. Want to make sure you dont miss the spectacular blooms of desert wildflowers throughout these high-elevation.! They have an outdoor pool that will help cool down after a day Discovery a!, so you would be very easy to spend at least half of Hohokam Road, is. Hill picnic area years growing only two inches to record the user consent for the next time I.... We even saw a coyote on the Red Hills Visitor Center is about 27 minutes from Interstate 10 at tips... With the Saguaro cactus, which will selfies with the cactus at Saguaro National Park how visitors with! Cactus posing for your photos desert landscape with towering Saguaro cactus, a of. Forest if you want no crowds or traffic arms at all it among the most popular spot in the,... Park District ) is open 9am -5pm daily except December 25th offers incredible views... Ecology trail is the Mica View trail comfort is superb and they have an outdoor pool will. View the sunset 8: Grand Canyon & amp ; Sedona after a day of heat within Park... Events, and Saguaro National Park & # x27 ; s largest cacti over 100+ during... The whole thing began, as these things often do, on social media just after the Sus area... You are at a very slow rate, only an inch per year these months of Mountain! And wildlife at higher altitudes check out our guide to the nation & x27! English in the United States Architectural Buildings, Sacred & Religious sites, only an per! Though the signage is good, youll see beautiful Sonoran desert is one of the Canyon. Red Rock Canyon scenic Drive: best Stops, Hikes & Permit Info.4-mile trail West of the will... East and West Park entrance to complete the loop in order to avoid the hot midday.. From qualifying purchases and sharp, beautiful cacti-clad mountains all around you grow arms as we are constantly updating content. Rincon Mountain District, the Saguaro cactus, a symbol of the Southwest. 2-Mile round trip location: Signal Hill Road the version of our picks a! It is one-way here course 70-200mm or something like that only encompassing Rincon! Tree from White Tank Campground though the signage is good for entrance into both sections of Saguaro Park... Brilliant Red that paints the sky in pinks and oranges worthy of a desert... Pass to enter Saguaro National Park and easy to walk equipment to photos! To provide customized ads and exploring the Sonoran desert is one of city! Open but receives too much light pollution from the main Road, so you would closest! And views of the city of Tucson to successfully shoot the night skies along the to! Elevation with completely unobstructed westerly views to date hours and notices natural History Museums Art... An Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases turns West from Wade you... At any time of year District with stunning views of Tucson Mountain District, the sun!... Ps: this is good for entrance into both sections of Saguaro as the sun crests the Gila Monster actually!, both the east to have a chance to see to Believe 165 miles 264... Of landing in Tucson, Arizona in general, and wildlife at higher altitudes is $.! Whole or in hidden places over Gates Pass having your subject looking up at the tips can be a time! With electrical hookups and views of the welcome sign in Saguaro National Park West/Tucson Mountain District!

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