Saguaro National Park - General Park Information

The saguaro has been described as the monarch of the Sonoran Desert, as a prickly horror, as the supreme symbol of the American Southwest, and as a plant with personality. It is renowned for the variety of odd, all-too-human shapes it assumes, shapes that inspire wild and fanciful imaginings. Giant saguaro cacti, unique to the Sonoran Desert, sometimes reach a height of 50 feet in this cactus forest, which covers the valley floor, rising into the Rincon and West Tucson mountains. Since 1933 this extraordinary giant cactus has been protected within Saguaro National Park. Preserved along with it are many other members of the Sonoran Desert community--other cacti, desert trees and shrubs, and animals. In lushness and variety of life the Sonoran Desert far surpasses all other North American deserts

Seasons / Hours

Both districts of the park (east and west) are open daily from sunrise to sunset.

Visitor Centers are open from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM daily, except Christmas.

Rates & Fees: Saguaro West and East

    $10.00 entrance fee per vehicle.
    $5.00 for pedestriansor bicyclists.