Policies
A number of laws and policies guide the management of the park, starting with the founding legislation that created Saguaro National Park. For more information about the policies that guide the National Park Service as a whole, including Management Policies 2006 and specific policy topics, visit the NPS Office of Policy website.
Regulations and Laws
Park Rangers enforce a number of federal regulations and laws in the park, including the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 36 Parts 1-5 (36 CFR), and the United States Code, Titles 16, 18 and 21, and 54.
Within 36 CFR, park superintendents are granted the authority to make park-specific regulations to maintain public health and safety, protect environmental or scenic values, protect natural and cultural resources, aid in scientific research, provide for equitable use of facilities, and avoid conflict among visitor use activities. These park-specific regulations are found in the Superintendent's Compendium.
To help protect your national park, visitors should become familiar with the rules and regulations prior to visiting. Please click on the links above for 36 CFR and the Superintendent's Compendium.
Drones & Aircraft
Launching, landing or operating an unmanned aircraft 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 aircraft” means a device that is used or intended to be used for flight in the air 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, quad copters, and drones) that are used for any purpose, including for recreation or commerce.
Firearm Information
As of February 22, 2010, federal law allows people who can legally access firearms under applicable federal, state and local laws to legally possess firearms in Saguaro National Park.
It is the responsibility of visitors to understand and comply with all applicable state, local and federal firearms laws before entering the park. As a starting point, please visit the Arizona State Legislature website.
A notable exception to this rule is the carrying of weapons in federal facilities. Federal law prohibits firearms in certain facilities in the park; those places marked with signs at public entrances. This prohibition includes those possessing valid concealed weapon permits. In other words, all persons, regardless of the state permit that has been issued to them, are prohibited from carrying a firearm in a federal facility. In Saguaro National Park, these include all administrative buildings, non-residential buildings, and buildings that serve the public.
Simply put: while possession of firearms is permitted within the park (aside from inside federal facilities), the use of firearms is prohibited.
FOIA Requests
To submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request or to obtain an accident report from a motor vehicle accident that you were involved in inside the park, please visit the National Park Service FOIA page.
Questions? Give our visitor centers a call!
Rincon Mountain District (east): (520) 733-5153
Tucson Mountain District (west): (520 733-5158
