Nature

Geology

Check out the fascinating geology of both districts of the park.

Water Curriculum

Explore how water is an important part of Saguaro National Park.

Plants

Find a working plant list for the park as well as interactive keys to help identify plants at both park districts.

Animals

Learn more about the park's residents including amphibians, birds, mammals, and reptiles.

Environmental Factors

Learn about the environmental factors that contribute to ecological change in the park.

Wildland Fire

Stay informed on fire updates and the role of wildland fire at Saguaro.

Long-term Saguaro Monitoring

Learn about monitoring of Saguaros, how we count them, and more!

Ways you can help!

Learn about the ways you can help participate in Saguaro's mission!

Scavenger Hunt

Scavenger Hunt

Contribute to important park science while having fun in your national park by looking for plant and animal species on our Scavenger Hunt!

 

Diversity in the Desert

Saguaro National Park is in the Sonoran Desert, which is the most biodiverse desert! The level of biodiversity can be attributed to a number of factors, but the main two are the amount of water and the considerable elevation differences between the desert floor and the high mountains.

 

Two Districts, One Park

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. The biotic communities (starting from the lowest elevation) include desert scrub, desert grassland, oak woodland, pine-oak woodland, pine forest and mixed conifer forest. Average annual precipitation is approximately 12.30 inches. The Rincon Mountains peak at a considerably higher elevation than the Tucson Mountains; therefore, there are more biotic communities and increased plant and wildlife diversity. Because of the higher elevation in the Rincons, animals like the black bear, Mexican spotted owl, Arizona mountain kingsnake, and white-tailed deer live in this district.

The Tucson Mountain District of Saguaro National Park ranges from an elevation of 2,180 ft to 4,687 ft and contains 2 biotic communities, desert scrub, and desert grassland. Average annual precipitation is approximately 10.27 inches. Common wildlife include the coyote, Gambel’s quail, and desert tortoise.