Saguaro National Park • Arizona

Saguaro flowers

A flowering fishhook pincushion cactus

Two coyote pups captured on a wilderness camera

Lightning strike captured on camera with saguaros in the background

Rare Sight of snow in Saguaro National Park East Visitor Center (Rincon Mountain District)

A group of Phrynosoma solare, or regal horned lizards.

Tucson, Arizona is home to the nation's largest cacti. The giant saguaro is the universal symbol of the American west. 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. Here you have a chance to see these enormous cacti, silhouetted by the beauty of a magnificent desert sunset.

The flowering season in Saguaro National Park attracts visitors from all over the world.
NPS Photo

Wildflower season at Saguaro National Park is at it's peak in the month of MArch. The Pincushion cactus, however, blooms April through August.
NPS Photo/ Bolyard

Saguaro National Park has a vast variety of wildlife, and with the help of wilderness cameras, can be photographed to help with studies and for visitors to learn about animals only seen by chance.
NPS Photo

Saguaro deaths are usually attributed to natural weather conditions and other natural phenomena. Specifically, lightning strikes have been known to strike saguaros due to the large amount of water stored within their fleshy tissue.
NPS Photo

Saguaro National Park summers can be extremely hot with temperatures exceeding 105 degrees F, lows averaging 72 degrees F. Winters are mild warm days averaging 65 degrees F and cool nights averaging 40 degrees F. Snowfall is extremely rare in the area.
NPS Photo

Regal horned lizards are one of many reptiles in the park, who have adapted to living in the harsh desert environment. Information on how different species survive can be found on the park's website, visitor center, or through our many programs offered.
NPS Photo

A male hiker stands facing away, looking over a trail's edge into the valley below.

Check out the ways you can help with Saguaro's mission within your own life.

A large storm cloud moves left, over the city below. Pouring rain throughout the right of the image

Check out current weather reports and learn about seasons in the desert.

Close up photograph of a roadrunner holding a lizard in its bill.

Some of our most commonly asked questions.

Closeup image of three saguaro flowers in bloom along with 15 green buds that have not yet bloomed.

Visitor Center hours and information regarding what to expect in the desert according to the time of year.

Closeup image of yellow flowers in bloom against a backdrop of a sunset with clouds.

Helpful information to help plan your visit before visiting the park.

Image of a road leading into the desert under a setting sun. There are mountains in the distance.

Get directions to both districts of Saguaro National Park.

Log cabin underneath pine trees. A sign reads "Manning Camp Arizona. Elevation 8000 ft (2438 m)."

Permitted back-country camping at Saguaro National Park is available year-round. Sites must be reserved through recreation.gov.

Landscape of a narrow trail through low brush on a hillside. Mountains are visible in the distance.

Loop drive and trail information for both West and East districts.

Looking East across the RMD parking lot. Almost every spot full, a line of cars fills the lot.

Learn about the parking lot remodel happening over the next year at the Rincon Mountain District.

Last updated: February 9, 2026

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

3693 S Old Spanish Trail
Tucson, AZ 85730

Phone:

520 733-5153
`

Contact Us

Tools

Stay Connected

Birds & Birding

Cultural Landscapes