Superintendent's Compendium
Of Designations, Closures, Permit Requirements and Other Restrictions Imposed Under Discretionary Authority
Approved February 22, 2024. Rich Goepfrich, Acting Superintendent
It is the responsibility of visitors to understand and comply with all applicable state, local, and federal firearms laws before entering this park.
The Superintendent’s Compendium is the summary of park specific rules implemented under 36 Code of Federal Regulations (36 CFR). It serves as public notice, identifies areas closed for public use, provides a list of activities requiring either a special use permit or reservation, and elaborates on public use and resource protection regulations pertaining specifically to the administration of the park. The Superintendent’s Compendium does not repeat regulations found in 36 CFR and other United States Code and CFR Titles, which are enforced without further elaboration at the park level.
Copies of the Compendium are available at Park Headquarters located at: 3693 S Old Spanish Trail, Tucson, AZ 85730. Request a signed copy via email here.
In accordance with regulations and the delegated authority provided in Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (36 CFR), chapter 1, Parts 1 through 7, authorized by Title 16 United States Code, Section 3, the following provisions apply to all lands and waters administered by the National Park Service, within the boundaries of Saguaro National Park.
Unless otherwise stated, these regulatory provisions apply in addition to the requirements contained in 36 CFR, Chapter 1, Parts 1 through 7.
Written determinations, which explain the reasoning behind the Superintendent’s use of discretionary authority, as required by Section 1.5(c), appear in this document identified by italicized print.
This compendium supersedes all previous releases. All prior releases are rescinded.
Signed copies of the Superintedent's Compendium may be requested at:
Saguaro National Park
Attn: Superintendent
3693 S Old Spanish Trail
Tucson, AZ 85730
(a)(1) The following visiting hours and public use limits are established for all or for the listed portions of the park, and the following closures are established for all or a portion of the park to all public use or to a certain use or activity:
Visiting Hours:
- Park visitor centers will be open daily: October 1st- May 31st 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. June 1st- September 30th 8:00am to 4:00pm
- Both visitor centers will be open year-round, except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
- The Cactus Forest Loop Drive is open from 5:00am to 8:30pm year-round.
- Hohokam and Golden Gate Roads are open to vehicular traffic from dawn to dusk, year-round.
Public Use Limits:
- Hiking groups are limited to 18 people within the boundaries of the Saguaro National Park. In accordance with the Rincon Mountain and Saguaro Wilderness Management Plan areas above 4,500 feet in elevation within the Rincon Mountain District, off trail hiking is limited to 6 people/group.
- Horse or stock groups are limited to 15 in all areas.
- Biking group size is limited to 10 for the Cactus Forest Loop Drive, the Cactus Forest Trail, the closed section of Golden Gate Road, and the Hope Camp Trail. Cycling groups larger than 10 must be separated by at least one minute. Larger groups may be allowed by the Superintendent through a special use permit.
- All commercial use (to include biking, hiking, and horseback riding) is limited with a minimum guest-to-guide ratio not to exceed 10 guests to one guide.
- All travel is limited to designated roads and trails below 4,500 feet in elevation, unless on a Ranger led tour or as part of a permitted activity, in accordance with the Saguaro Wilderness Management Plan.
- Determination: Limiting the size of all of these groups will serve to limit their impacts on park resources as well as enhance the overall visitor experience in the park. These limits will also aid in reducing the possibilities of commercial/private user conflicts. Some of these restrictions were also identified in Saguaro’s Wilderness Plan.
Closures:
- Unmanned Devices
- Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned device from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Saguaro National Park is prohibited except as approved in writing by the Superintendent.
- Definition: The term “unmanned device” means a device that is used or intended to be used for flight in the air or travel on the ground without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the device, and the associated operational elements and components that are required for the pilot or system operator in command to operator or control the device (such as cameras, sensors, communication links). This term includes all types of devices that meet this definition (e.g., model airplanes, quadcopters, RC cars, remote controlled boats, hovercraft, and drones) that are used for any purpose, including for recreation or commerce.
- Determination: Unmanned aircraft use in Saguaro National Park has had a dramatic growth in the past years. Management Policies states the National Park Service will not allow new park uses until a determination has been made that the new use will not cause unacceptable impacts on park resources and values. Policy Memorandum 14-05 provides interim policy guidance until this determination has been made. Specifically, resources and values of concern to unmanned aircraft use at Saguaro National Park include: areas designated as Wilderness, wilderness character, natural sounds, all wildlife to include threatened and endangered species (i.e. Mexican Spotted Owl and Yellow Billed Cuckoo) and impacts to the view shed.
- The following facilities, their immediate adjacent areas, and their access roads are closed to general public access:
- Rincon Mountain District:
- Headquarters Administrative Offices
- Baker Well Road and pump house (off Escalante Road)
- Corral facility and corral road south of Residence 16
- Residence 16
- Helibase complex o USGS Magnetic Observatory site
- Maintenance facility o NPS Wildland Fire Operations Buildings
- NPS Water Tank at Manning Camp o 13332 E Speedway Boulevard (Greene Property)
- Madrona Ranger Station Buildings
- All Historic Mine Shafts or mine areas that are fenced
- Weiss Property- Closed (Until Archeological surveys are completed)
- Tucson Mountain District:
- Maintenance Buildings and parking areas
- Administrative service road o Well house (“Pump Station”)
- NPS Water Tank o Residence 31 and 32 o Environmental Education Center
- Operations Building and parking area o 6700 W. El Camino del Cerro (Perper Property)
- All Historic Mine Shafts or mine areas that are fenced
- Administrative areas inside the Red Hills Visitor Center
- Determination: All the above closures are necessary to provide government efficiency, ensure accountability of government equipment, and provide a safe environment for government employees.
- Tohono O’odham Fruit Harvest Camp, unless as part of a tour or permitted activity.
- Determination: The Fruit Harvest Camp is an exclusive area during the fruit harvest season designated to be used by the Tohono O’odham Nation under a special use permit administered by Saguaro National Park.
- All travel is limited to designated roads and trails below the 4,500 foot elevation level, unless on a Ranger led tour or as part of a permitted activity.
- Determination: Restricting traffic to trails in Saguaro National Park reduces the impact on park natural and cultural resources, including wildlife habitat. This restriction was also identified in the park’s General Management Plan and Saguaro’s Comprehensive Trails Management Plan.
- The Golden Gate Road is closed to public vehicle use from the Sendero Esperanza Trailhead to Picture Rocks Road when a gate is closed. It is open to administrative vehicle use.
- Determination: Restricting vehicle access on the Golden Gate Road was identified in the park’s General Management Plan in April and the park’s Comprehensive Trails management.
- The following areas are closed to the use of horses or pack animals:
- Rincon Mountain District:
- Cactus Forest Loop Drive
- Commercial stock use is prohibited on Cactus Forest Trail within the Cactus Forest Drive o Wildhorse Trail south of the Carrillo Trail to the Little Wildhorse Tank o The last ½ mile of the Rincon Peak Trail, from the hitch rail to the summit o First ¼ mile of Douglas Spring Trail o Tanque Verde Ridge Trail o The Miller Creek Trail, from the trailhead to the Heartbreak Ridge Trail o Desert Ecology Trail o Freeman Homestead Trail o Converse Trail o Mica View Trail o All Picnic Areas
- Tucson Mountain District:
- Hugh Norris Trail
- King Canyon Trail, from the Sweetwater Trail junction to the Hugh Norris Trail junction
- King Canyon Wash Trail
- Bajada Wash Trail o TMD Cactus Garden Trail
- Javelina Wash Trail o Desert Discovery Trail
- Signal Hill Trail o Manville and Cactus Wren Trails from the Stock Bypass Trail to Signal Hill.
- Valley View Trail
- Red Hills Watering Hole Trail
- Wild Dog Trail
- All Picnic Areas
- Determination: The use of horses and pack animals is restricted to areas where they will not present a safety hazard or other user group conflicts to visitors. The impact of stock on to natural and cultural resources is also a consideration in determining where they can be used. Some of these restrictions were also identified in the park’s General Management Plan and Saguaro’s Comprehensive Trails Management Plan.
- Possessing any device for moving people or material that contains a wheel, an axle, or any mechanical means of transport is prohibited in the congressionally designated Saguaro Wilderness. This does not include oars locks, mechanical climbing ascenders, pulleys, ski bindings or other similar devices.
- Determination: Mechanical transportation is prohibited in section 4c of the 1964 Wilderness Act but the prohibition is not captured by existing 36cfr.
- Mask-Wearing Requirements:
- When the COVID-19 Community Level is LOW or MEDIUM in the county or all the counties where the park is located based on data provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), individuals are not required to wear masks.
- When the COVID-19 Community Level is HIGH in the county or all the counties where the park is located based on data provided by the CDC, all individuals over the age of two must wear masks, regardless of vaccination status, in all common areas and shared workspaces in buildings owned, leased, or otherwise controlled by the National Park Service such as park visitor centers and government administrative offices. This rule does not apply to park lodges, gift shops, restaurants, schools, and daycare centers.
- Masks must cover the nose and mouth and fit snugly around the nose and chin with no large gaps around the sides of the face. Masks not designed to be protective, masks with ventilation valves, and face shields do not meet the requirement.
- Regardless of the COVID-19 Community Level, individuals may wear masks if they choose to do so. Where a state, local, tribal, or territorial government where the park is located imposes more protective mask-wearing requirements than those indicated by the COVID-19 Community Level, individuals must follow those more protective requirements within the park. More protective state, local, tribal, or territorial mask-wearing requirements are hereby adopted as federal requirements in all units of the National Park System located within that state, locality, area subject to a federally recognized Indian tribe’s regulatory jurisdiction, or territory, regardless of a particular park’s jurisdictional status.
- On September 15th, 2022, the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force issued “Model Agency COVID-19 Safety Principles” which provides federal agencies with guidance on utilizing the CDC’s COVID-19 Community Levels to determine the appropriate mask-wearing requirements for each federal facility at a given time.
(a)(2) The following areas have been designated for a specific use or activity, under the conditions and/or restrictions as noted:
- The following restrictions and/or conditions are in effect for the specific uses or activities noted: Rock climbing is allowed inside the park with the following restrictions:
- The area commonly known as “The Saloon” off of Scenic Trail is authorized for rock climbing. Climbing is prohibited in all other areas within the boundaries of Saguaro National Park.
- Bolt drills or devices may not be used for placing or replacing bolts except when authorized by the Superintendent
- Chipping of rock faces, the gluing of holds onto rock, and the intentional removal of vegetation is prohibited.
- Existing bolts and other fixed anchors that are deemed unsafe by climbers may be replaced on a piece-by-piece basis with approval from the Park Superintendent. Only neutral or rock-colored fixed anchors will be permitted.
- Existing bolts and other fixed anchors are not maintained by Saguaro National Park. Saguaro National Park does not guarantee the safety or proper functionality of any existing bolts or anchors. Use of any of these materials is at the climber’s own risk.
- Leaving fixed ropes, webbing, etc. for extended periods for the purpose of ascending, traversing (horizontal), and descending (rappelling) rock walls is prohibited.
- Cords, rope and climbing equipment may not be placed in a horizontal position within a picnic areas or campground for purposes such as “slack lines”.
- Determination: These conditions are necessary to protect cultural and natural resources, and recreational experiences from visual or physical impacts.
- Passenger Carrying Buses:
- Idling a vehicle engine which produces noxious exhaust is restricted to loading or unloading of passengers.
- Determination: The idling of engines adds unnecessary exhaust fumes to the air and noise pollution which diminishes the enjoyment by visitors of the peace and tranquility of the park and has the potential to increase the health risks to visitors and employees.
f) The following is a compilation of those activities for which a permit from the Superintendent is required. Engaging in the following without first obtaining the required permit is prohibited. 36 CFR 1.5 (a)(2), 1.6 (a):
- §1.5(d) The following activities related to Public Use Limits:
- Off trail gathering of cactus fruit beyond the quantity permitted under 36cfr2.1 for ethnographic use by the Tohono O’odham Nation for traditional purposes.
- Any and all commercial activities.
- Installation of new fixed climbing anchors or fixed climbing equipment within the congressionally designated Saguaro Wilderness.
- §2.4(d) Carry, possess or use a weapon (excluding firearms), trap, or net. Use of a firearm is prohibited
- §2.5(a) Specimen collection (Take plant, fish, wildlife, rocks or minerals)
- §2.10(a) Wilderness Camping
- §2.12 Audio Disturbances:
- (a)(2) Operating a chainsaw in developed areas
- (a)(3) Operation of any type of portable motor or engine, or device powered by a portable motor or engine in non-developed areas
- (a)(4) Operation of a public address system in connection with a public gathering or special event for which a permit has been issued pursuant to §2.50 or §2.51
- §2.17 Aircraft & Air Delivery:
- (a)(3) Delivery or retrieval of a person or object by parachute, helicopter or other airborne means
- (c)(1) Removal of a downed aircraft
- §2.22 Property – Geocaching
- Management Policies 2006 8.2.2 states the National Park Service will manage recreational activities, including geocaching that take place in parks and support the federal policy of promoting the health and personal fitness of the general public. It further states that, even though not all activities will be appropriate in all parks, the Superintendent can make determination on whether a new form of recreational activity will be appropriate and not cause unacceptable impacts and any restrictions placed on appropriate recreational uses will be limited to the minimum necessary to protect park resources/values and promote visitor safety/enjoyment.
- §2.37 Soliciting or demanding gifts, money, goods or services (Pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit issued under §2.50, §2.51 or §2.52)
- §2.38 Explosives:
- Use, possess, store, transport explosives, blasting agents
- (b) Use or possess fireworks
- §2.50(a) Special events, weddings, organized running events, and any other activities of organized groups.
- §2.51(a) Public assemblies, meetings, gatherings, demonstrations, and other public expressions of view will be permitted if a permit has been issued in accordance with 36 CFR §2.51 at locations designed to balance the legitimate need of persons to express their views while allowing for the needs of park visitors to enjoy the park and its resources.
- §2.52(c) Sale or distribution of printed matter that is not solely commercial advertising
- §2.60(b) Overnight Livestock use. A permit is not required for day use of horses on park trails.
- §2.61(a) Residing on federal lands
- §2.62(b) Scattering ashes from human cremation
- §4.11(a) Exceeding of vehicle load, weight and size limits established by the Superintendent, the state of Arizona or by Pima County.
- §5.1 Advertisements - display, posting or distribution
- §5.3 Engaging in or soliciting any business - requires a permit, contract, or other written agreement with the United States, or must be pursuant to special regulation
- §5.5 Commercial Photography/Filming: (Updated, Price v. Barr 2002)
- (a)Commercial filming of motion pictures or television involving the use of professional casts, settings, or crews, other than bona fide newsreel or news television
- Still photography of vehicles, or other articles of commerce or models for the purpose of commercial advertising.
- This includes student projects.
- Permit applications may be obtained on our website. The Superintendent may require the organizer to apply for and obtain a permit if necessary to:
- maintain public health and safety;
- protect environmental or scenic values;
- protect natural or cultural resources;
- allow for equitable allocation and use of facilities; or
- avoid conflict among visitor use activities.
- If the Superintendent determines that the terms and conditions of a permit could not mitigate the concerns identified above in an acceptable manner, the Superintendent may deny a filming request without issuing a permit. The Superintendent will provide the basis for denial in writing upon request.
- The NPS will consider requests and process permit applications in a timely manner. Processing times will vary depending on the complexity of the proposed activity. If the organizer provides the required 10 day advance notice to the NPS and has not received a written response from the NPS that a permit is required prior to the first day of production, the proposed filming activities may occur without a permit.
- The following are prohibited:
- (1) Engaging in a filming activity without providing advance notice to the Superintendent when required.
- (2) Engaging in a filming activity without a permit.
- (3) Violating a term and condition of a permit issued under this action.
- Violating a term or condition of a permit issued under to this action may also result in the suspension and revocation of the permit by the Superintendent.
- Filming in Wilderness:
- Filming activities may not violate the provisions of the Wilderness Act, including prohibitions on structures, installations, motor vehicles, mechanical transport, motorized equipment, motorboats or landing of aircraft in wilderness areas. 16 U.S.C. § 1133. The following additional guidance applies to filming activities in areas managed by the NPS as wilderness, including eligible, study, proposed, recommended, and designated wilderness:
- To help preserve wilderness character, the Superintendent must require a permit for all filming activities in wilderness areas other than casual filming by visitors, no matter the group size or equipment used.
- Before issuing a permit to film in wilderness, the Superintendent will work with the permittee to identify substitute filming locations outside of wilderness and may not issue a permit if there are suitable filming locations outside of wilderness.
- If a permit is issued, the terms and conditions must prohibit the use of structures, installations, motor vehicles, mechanical transport, motorized equipment, motorboats or landing of aircraft. The permit should contain other terms and conditions necessary to limit impacts to the qualities of wilderness character and the wilderness experience of other visitors, including potentially limiting crew size and equipment, sets, and props.
- Until further guidance is issued pending the resolution of the Price litigation, Superintendents should not evaluate commercial filming as a “commercial service” or a “commercial enterprise” under the Wilderness Act. Commercial filming should be evaluated like any other type of filming in wilderness using the framework in this guidance.
- Still photography requires a permit if:
- (1) It uses a model, set, or prop as defined in §5.12; or
- (2) The agency determines a permit is necessary because:
- (i) It takes place at a location where or when members of the public are not allowed; or
- (ii) The agency would incur costs for providing on-site management and oversight to protect agency resources
- §5.6(c) Use of commercial vehicles on park area roads:
- (c) The Superintendent shall issue a permit to access private lands within or adjacent to the park when access is otherwise not available
- §5.7 Construction of buildings, facilities, trails, roads, path, structure, etc.
- Determination: Permit systems authorized and issued pursuant to specific regulations in this chapter, except Section 1.5, need not be supported by a written determination unless required by the specific authorizing regulation [48 FR 30262].
For more information on permit requirements and to obtain appropriate applications, please visit: https://www.nps.gov/sagu/planyourvisit/permitsandreservations.htm
- (a)(4) Dead wood on the ground may be collected for use as fuel for campfires within the park in the following areas:
- Within ½ mile of Manning Camp, Spud Rock, Juniper Basin and Happy Valley wilderness campgrounds
- Determination: The collection of dead wood on the ground for immediate use as campfire fuel does not pose any particular threat to the ecosystem with the current wilderness visitor use numbers. Fires are not permitted at Douglas Spring and Grass Shack campgrounds due to the insufficient resources (wood) to prevent degradation of the resource.
- (a)(5) Walking, climbing, entering, ascending or traversing archeological or cultural resource, monuments or statues is prohibited.
- (b) Hiking or pedestrian traffic is restricted to the trails or walkways as listed in Section 1.5 of this document.
- Determination: Restricting pedestrian traffic to trails reduces the impact on park natural and cultural resources, including wildlife habitat.
- (c)(1), (c)(2) Collection of a reasonable amount of native fruit is permitted for personal use for consumption on site.
- The following species are classified as native fruits for the purposes of collecting:
- Saguaro Cactus Fruit
- Prickly Pear Cactus Fruit
- Cholla Buds Mesquite Seed Pods
- Ironwood Seed Pods
- Barrel Cactus Fruit
- Pinyon Pine Nut
- Jojoba Fruit
- Whitethorn Acacia Seeds
- Mammilaria Cactus Fruit
- Additionally, traditional harvesting of saguaro cactus fruit and cholla buds by the Tohono O’odham Nation is further permitted under the guidelines of an approved special use permit.
- Determination: The removal of native fruits in limited quantities does not have an adverse impact on park resources. Commercial harvesting of fruits would deny visitors the opportunity to experience the park in its natural state and could lead to resource degradation. Due to the off trail travel below the 4500 foot elevation prohibition listed in section 1.5, collection can only occur in close proximity to trails unless under the guidelines of a special use permit.
- (d) The transporting of lawfully taken wildlife through the park is permitted under the following conditions and procedures:
- Wildlife must have been lawfully taken and tagged, in compliance with State law.
- Lawfully taken wildlife and tagged wildlife may only be transported on Sandario, Picture Rocks, Rudasill, Manville, Fort Lowell and Mile Wide Roads in the Tucson Mountain District, as well as Old Spanish Trail, Freeman, Speedway, and Broadway Roads in the Rincon Mountain District.
- Use of park trails is authorized for direct removal of lawfully taken game from State Trust Lands.
- Determination: Deters the illegal take of wildlife within the park boundaries and requires documentation of proof that wildlife was lawfully taken outside of park boundaries in compliance with State law.
- (e) The following areas are closed to the viewing of wildlife with the use of an artificial light:
- All areas within park boundaries are closed to the use of artificial lights (other than UV) for the purpose of viewing wildlife. The Superintendent may, on a case-by-case basis, approve the use of artificial light for the purpose of filming or scientific viewing of wildlife in accordance with DO/RM-53 Filming Guidelines and Saguaro Resource Management Guidelines.
- Determination: Animal’s natural habits and activities can be adversely affected while being artificially illuminated. Some of these activities include feeding, resting, and mating.
- (a) The sites and areas listed below have been designated for camping activities as noted. Each campground has a limited number of sites, as noted in parentheses next to the campground name. An overnight wilderness permit system has been established for park camping areas. Permits are required, and are issued on a first come, first served basis for specific dates and locations. The permit must be presented to any park ranger upon request.
- Number of sites per campground:
- Manning Camp (6) + 1 Seasonal AZT Shared Site*
- Grass Shack (2) + 1 Seasonal AZT Shared Site*
- Happy Valley Saddle (3)
- Spud Rock (3)
- Juniper Basin (3)
- Douglas Springs (3)
- Group size: 1- 6 occupants = 1 campsite, 7 - 12 occupants = 2 campsites, 13 - 18 occupants = 3 campsites
- *A seasonal Arizona Trail park pass may be purchased for use Oct-Nov or Feb-May. This pass allows for one night each at the Manning Camp and Grass Shack (site #2) shared site over the course of the 5-day pass.
- Determination: Limiting the size of a group allowed to stay in a specific area for a specific period of time reduces the impact on the natural resources caused by overnight use.
- The following limits, in accordance with section 1.5, have been set for the number of stock permitted in a party overnight:
- Maximum number of stock in one party is limited to one mount per person, and one pack animal for two persons.
- Maximum number of stock permitted overnight at Manning Camp is 10
- Maximum number of stock permitted overnight at all other campgrounds is 5.
- Determination: Limiting the number of stock permitted in a specific area for a period of time reduces the impact left by stock use on the natural resources.
- (b)(10) Camping Outside of Designated Areas:
- Camping is only permitted in designated campsites, the Dispersed Camping Zone north of Rincon Peak, under the guidelines of a special use permit, or NPS administrative use in locations approved by the superintendent
- (c) Violation of Permit Conditions:
- Camping is restricted to five consecutive nights in one campground.
- AZT pass restricts possessor to one night each in Manning Camp and Grass Shack specified “Shared” sites.
- Digging trenches around tents or modifying camp areas is prohibited.
- Camping permits must be in possession and presented upon request by park staff while hiking in/out of the wilderness area.
- The total length of a stay must not exceed 10 days, with no more than 5 consecutive days at any one campground.
- Maximum group size is 18 persons.
- Do not put trash in outhouse.
- (d) Conditions for the storage of food are in effect, as noted, for the following areas:
- All attractants (all food, drinks, garbage, cooking utensils, dirty pots/pans/plates, beverage containers, and any odorous item) must be kept in designated bear food storage lockers in designated campgrounds or use bear bag/bear cans food storage techniques in the dispersed camping zone.
- Determination: Limiting camping to specific areas is necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety, protection of the environmental and scenic values, protection of natural resources, implementation of management responsibilities and equitable use of facilities and avoidance of conflict among visitor use activities. Nothing in this paragraph precludes long-term day use of the park by visitors. Some of these restrictions were also identified in the park’s Wilderness Plan, General Management Plan and Saguaro’s Comprehensive Trails Management Plan.
- (a)(1) The lighting or maintaining of fires is generally prohibited, except as provided for in the following designated areas and/or receptacles, and under the conditions noted:
- Designated Areas:
- Campfires are permitted in established fire rings in designated wilderness campsites, government provided grills, or self-contained grills or stoves in designated picnic areas and campgrounds.
- No government-provided grills are present at Douglas Spring and Grass Shack campgrounds; fires are prohibited at these locations.
- Determination: The prohibitions within this section serve the purpose of protecting park natural, historic, and archaeological resources from the detrimental effects of campfires. In addition, restricting fires to receptacles (where provided) prevents fire scars from affecting campers sleeping on the ground and contains fire debris to a small area.
- (b) Conditions for the disposal, containerization, or carryout of human body waste have been established as follows:
- Outhouses are provided at all 6 designated wilderness campgrounds.
- In all other areas, bury human waste at least 150 feet from trails, meadows, and water sources. Pack out toilet paper.
- Determination: Limiting condition of the disposal of human waste to specific areas is necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety.
- (a)(1) Possessing of a pet in a closed area.
- Pets are permitted on all roads and paved trails which are open to the public
- (a)(2) Failing to crate, cage, restrain on a leash which shall not exceed six feet in length, or otherwise physically confine a pet at all times.
- (a)(3) Pets must be attended to at all times
- Pets left unattended in vehicle may be removed from the vehicle at a ranger’s discretion to protect unattended pets from exposure to high temperatures and dehydration.
- (a)(5) Pet excrement must be disposed of in accordance with the following conditions:
- At all areas, pet excrement must be immediately picked up and disposed of by the person in control of the pet. Excrement must be either removed from the park or placed in a garbage receptacle.
- (e) Pets may be kept by park residents under the following conditions:
- Park employees residing in shared park housing may not keep pets. Employees residing in a single assigned unit may keep pets, in accordance with Housing Management Plan.
- Determination: Closure and leash requirements provides for the protection of the pet as well as other park visitors, while preventing pets from disturbing or harassing native wildlife. Pet excrement poses a public health hazard in high use areas. All other regulations in this section are in effect to protect unattended pets from exposure to high temperatures and dehydration.
- (a)The following animals are designated as pack animals for purposes of transporting equipment:
- (b) The use of horses or pack animals is allowed on the following trails, routes or areas:
- All designated trails are open to horses and pack animals, except as noted in 1.5.
- (g) Other conditions concerning the use of horses or pack animals:
- Securing horses or pack animals to any picnic table, ramada, grill, sign or any picnic facility is prohibited.
- Securing horses or pack animals to trees or bushes is not allowed when there is a hitch rail available.
- Grazing is prohibited.
- The use of weed-free feed is recommended to prevent the introduction and spread of exotic plant species.
- Overnight users in the wilderness are required to use weed-free pellets – both the day before the trip and while in the wilderness.
- Determination: The use of horses and pack animals is restricted to areas where they will not present a safety hazard or other user group conflicts to visitors. The impact of stock on trail surfaces is also a consideration in determining where they can be used.
- These devices (to include rollerblades) are prohibited within the park.
- Motorized and electrified skateboards and scooters are prohibited on Cactus Forest Loop Drive.
- ADA Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices (ADA-OPDMD) exempted.
- Determination: There are not any locations identified in Saguaro National Park where Skateboards, skates and similar devices may be safely operated without interfering with other visitor uses or vehicle traffic.
- (a) The following portions of the park, or all or portions of buildings, structures or facilities are closed to smoking as noted:
- All non-residential federal buildings within the Park are designated as non-smoking areas.
- All shared government housing is designated as non-smoking.
- Electronic nicotine delivery systems, or electronic cigarettes, are prohibited in federal buildings including shared government housing in the same manner as other forms of smoking.
- The Superintendent may, during periods of high fire danger, restrict or close all, or portions of the park to smoking.
- Any additional restrictions shall be issued in press releases and appropriate signs will be posted at trailheads and visitor centers.
- Determination: Smoking is prohibited in the areas listed above to protect park resources, reduce the risk of fire, or prevent conflicts among visitor use activities. Smoking within any public building or structure poses a health and fire risk. NPS policy memorandum 15-03 determined that the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems should be treated in the same manner as other forms of smoking.
- (a)(2) Property may be left unattended for periods longer than 24 hours in the following areas and under the following conditions:
- Vehicles may be left unattended overnight if they are associated with a valid backcountry permit.
- All vehicles and or property left in the park for more than 24 hours are subject to impound (excluding those vehicles permitted above).
- (a)(3)(i) The following public use areas, portions of public use areas, and/or public facilities within the park are closed to consumption of alcoholic beverages, and/or to the possession of a bottle, can or other receptacle containing an alcoholic beverage that is open, or has been opened, or whose seal has been broken or the contents of which have been partially removed:
- Douglas Spring Trailhead parking area and adjoining ramada area.
- Determination: At Douglas Spring Trailhead visitor use areas, the irresponsible and unsafe behavior which traditionally resulted from alcohol use is inappropriate and was not able to be controlled by traditional enforcement means
- (b) Fireworks and firecrackers may be possessed and/or used in the following areas, under the conditions noted:
- Park residents and guests thereof are allowed to light sparklers on the Fourth of July and New Year’s, only in the government housing area, and only on cement sidewalks or pavement.
- Determination: Fireworks are prohibited in all other areas other than what is listed above to protect park resources and reduce the risk of fire.
- (a) The following locations have been designated by the Superintendent as designated public assembly areas:
- Rincon Mountain District: Mica View Picnic Area, Javelina Picnic Area, and the no parking zone in front of the fire hydrant at the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center parking lot.
- Tucson Mountain District: Sus Picnic Area, Signal Hill Picnic Area, Ez-kim-in-zin Picnic Area, Cam-Boh Picnic Area, and an area of the northwest portion of the parking lot just west of the last two parking spots at the Red Hills Visitor Center parking lot.
- Description and maps of all designated public assembly and meeting areas are available at either visitor center, during normal hours of operation.
- Areas other than those designated above may be approved by the Superintendent, on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the considerations described in 36 CFR 2.51 (e).
- (c)(3) Group size limits on Special Use Permits (Easter services, etc.) will be determined on a case by case basis.
- Determination: Limiting the size of a group and locations to gather reduces the impact on the natural and cultural resources and reduces potential visitor use conflicts.
- (b) A permit is required for the scattering of ashes from cremated human remains, in accordance with the following terms and conditions:
- Ashes from cremated remains must have been cremated and pulverized in compliance with State law and must be scattered in a manner so as to disperse their identity. No teeth, bone fragments, or remnants recognizable as human remains be scattered.
- The scattering of remains by persons on the ground is to be performed at least 100 yards from any trail, road, developed facility, known cultural or historic site, or body of water.
- The scattering of remains from the air is to be performed at a minimum altitude of 2,000 feet above the ground.
- No scattering of remains from the air is to be performed over developed areas, facilities or bodies of water.
- The placement of any monument or marker recognizing the scattering of cremated remains is prohibited.
- Determination: Limiting the location of the scattering of properly cremated ashes reduces the impact on the natural and cultural resources.
- (a)(1) The following areas are closed to swimming and bathing:
- Manning Camp water system
- Red Hills Watering Hole
- Madrona Pools
- Wilderness Camping Water Sources
- Determination: Animal’s natural habits and activities can be adversely affected with human influence. Limiting the pollution of these scarce water resources reduces the impacts on the natural resources. Limiting the impacts to the water system at Manning Camp is due to the maintenance of public health and safety
- a) The following load, weight and size limits, which are more restrictive than State law, apply to the roads indicated under the terms and conditions, and/or under permit as noted:
- Vehicles with widths in excess of 102 inches (8.5 feet) and trailers in excess of 35 feet in length are prohibited from traveling on the Cactus Forest Loop Drive. The Superintendent may, on a case-by-case basis, issue permits for vehicles in excess of these limits.
- Vehicles in excess of 102 inches (8.5 feet) wide and 28 feet in length, and trailers in excess of 26 feet in length are prohibited from traveling on Golden Gate and Hohokam Roads.
- Vehicles in excess of 12,000 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) are prohibited from traveling on Picture Rocks Road. The Superintendent may, on a caseby-case basis, issue permits for vehicles in excess of these limits.
- Determination: These restrictions are in place to protect the public health and safety of those on the narrow roadways, protect the scenic values, protect the infrastructure of roads, and to reduce conflicts among visitor users. In particular, the Picture Rocks road surface is not designed to withstand the impacts of loads in excess of 12,000 pounds.
- (b) Administrative Roads
- The gated portion of the Golden Gate Road between the Sendero Esperanza Trailhead and Picture Rocks road remains open to bicycle use during periods when the road is closed to public vehicle use.
- (d) The following additional routes, in developed areas or special use zones, have been designated for bicycle use:
- The pathway leading from Old Spanish Trail to the Ramada west of the Rincon Mountain District Visitor Center
- The Belmont Trail from Belmont Road to Abington Road is open to bicycle use
- Definitions: 36 CFR 1.4 defines bicycles as “every device propelled solely by human power upon which a person or persons can ride on land having one, two, or more wheels except a manual.” Wheelchair
- Determination: The use of bicycles is restricted to areas where they will not present a safety hazard or other user group conflicts to visitors.
- Electric Bicycles (E-Bikes):
- E-bikes are allowed in Saguaro National Park where traditional bicycles are allowed. E-bikes are prohibited where traditional bicycles are prohibited.
- Except where the use of motor vehicles by the public is allowed, using the electric motor to move an E-bike without pedaling is prohibited.
- A person operating an E-bike is subject to the following sections of 36 CFR Part 4 that apply to the use of traditional bicycles: Sections 4.12, 4.13, 4.20, 4.21, 4.22, 4.23, 4.30 (h)(2)-(5).
- Except as specified in this compendium, the use of an E-bike within Saguaro National Park is governed by federal and state law, which are adopted and made a part of this compendium. Any violation of federal and state law adopted by this paragraph is prohibited.
- Motorized and electrified skateboards, scooters and other like devices are prohibited on Cactus Forest Loop Drive.
- Determination: Under 36 CFR 4.30(i) National Park Service superintendents may authorize e-bike use and regulations on the same basis as bicycles without power assist capabilities (“traditional bicycles”).
- (h)(4) Operating a bicycle alongside of another bicycle is permitted and consistent with state law
- The portion of the Cactus Forest Trail inside the Cactus Forest Drive is open to bicycle use. (68 FR 50077, Aug. 20, 2003)
- The Hope Camp Trail is designated as a route for bicycle use by special rule and allows for management of bicycle use within Saguaro National Park. Further, the rule meets the provision of the National Park Service general regulation pertaining to bicycles requiring promulgation of a special regulation to designate bicycle routes outside of developed areas. This rule is effective November 1, 2012. (77 FR 60050, Oct 2, 2012)
- Definitions: 36 CFR 1.4 defines bicycles as “every device propelled solely by human power upon which a person or persons can ride on land having one, two, or more wheels except a manual wheelchair”.
- Determination: The use of bicycles is restricted to areas where the potential user group conflicts with other visitors is reduced, outside of designated Wilderness, and in areas where it has been determined that there are minimal resource impacts.
- Hitchhiking is permitted in the following areas under the conditions noted:
- Hitchhiking in the park is allowed from, and restricted to, the shoulder of park roadways
- Determination: Hitchhiking is restricted to areas where it will not present a safety hazard or other user group conflicts to visitors.
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