Saguaro National Park East, Loop Drive, Cactus Forest Dr, Tucson, Arizona Saguaro National Park, Tucson: Address, Phone Number, Saguaro National Park Reviews: 4.5/5. Now, you might wonder what the difference between Saguaro National Park West (Tucson Mountain) and Saguaro National Park East (Rincon Mountain) is. With two districts, there is more than enough opportunity to appreciate the majestic Saguaro Cactus that covers the park grounds. The park is open to bikes and pedestrians 24 hours a day. This one-way, 2-hour drive meanders through the dense forest and offers countless places to pull over for photos, short walks, and long hikes. Photo Date: February 2020. This is an intensive 9.5 mile loop ride that gives you a fantastic workout while enjoying the great old west scenery. Loop of connected trails at Saguaro National Park East, made up Shantz, Pink Hill, Loma Verde, Cholla and Cactus Forest trails in 2012. The scenic Bajada Loop Drive took us to what Brian calls the “Greatest Hits” in Saguaro West, so we were really looking forward to driving the scenic Cactus Forest Drive at Saguaro East. The western district is much younger and smaller than its eastern counterpart. Know as “The Loop,” to Tucson cyclists. Saguaro National Park Bike Ride on the east side of Tucson is a real desert beauty! Located both to the east and west of Tucson, Saguaro National Park is an iconic experience in the American Southwest. While both Saguaro East and Saguaro West contain high densities of saguaro cacti, the park is also home for numerous other desert species. Doug Kreutz / Arizona Daily Star Saguaro National Park Saguaro National Park is separated into two districts surrounding Tucson, Arizona. The answer is: a lot. Park and go in. There's also a generous assortment of visitor facilities and mind-blowing viewpoints. In the East-Rincon Mountain District you can find over 130 miles of hiking trails. Hiking in Saguaro National Park Though the mountainous desert topography might look intimidating, Saguaro National Park is one of the easier national parks to hike. The Mica View Trail offers a good introduction to the lowland scenery of Saguaro National Park's Rincon Mountain district, but for a more peaceful and varied hike, a better choice is one of the loops further east, such as the 3 mile circuit of the Loma Verde, Pink Hill and Squeeze Pen trails. Both the East and West district both have scenic loop drives but there are some big differences. Established in 1933 as a national monument, the original park comprised the Rincon Mountain District east of Tucson. Overview. Fees are $25 per vehicle or $20 per motorcycle. Hike, bike, walk, or drive through the forest of saguaros. Please resist the urge to through yourself in their welcoming, outstretched arms. Photographer: Mike Conway. The Saguaro National Park that we explored is on the south-eastern side of Tucson. The scenic drive in the East district (Cactus Forest Drive) is on an 8-mile paved, one-way loop and has several view points with interpretive panels. 2. Saguaro National Park is split into two different "districts" found east and west of Tucson. The Loop in Saguaro National Park East is a winding 8 mile paved loop, mostly one way, and with very little traffic. Each loop drive led us to the “greatest hits” of Saguaro National Park and took about a half day to complete. The Saguaro National Park biking is one of the most popular bike rides in the Tucson area. Enter the park. Saguaro National Park consists of two districts:  Saguaro West (Tucson Mountain District) and the much larger Saguaro East (Rincon Mountain District).  The two districts, separated by the City of Tucson, are about 30 miles apart;  travel time between districts is approximately one hour. Saguaro National Park Scenic drives. You can also purchase a park specific annual pass for $45. Location Map of the east section of Saguaro National Park. Take I-17 South to I-10 East to Tucson and the park. 8 miler and 5k family walk and run at Saguaro National Park East at 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail Rd. The Bajada Loop begins at Hohokam Road, one and a … This part of the park has much higher elevations than the Tucson Mountain District and thus offers different views and scenery from the western part of the park. The first third of The Loop features steep but short rolling hills, followed by a sustained 4% - 8% climb, with smoother rollers in the last third of The Loop. Loop of connected trails at Saguaro National Park East, made up Shantz, Pink Hill, Loma Verde, Cholla and Cactus Forest trails in 2012. History [ edit ] Saguaro National Monument was initially created in 1933 by President Hoover, and became the 52nd national park in 1994. Visiting Saguaro National Park. Usually, this graded dirt road is passable in a standard sedan. The park is open year-round. Tucson, AZ separates Saguaro National Park into two regions – Tucson Mountain District (West) and Rincon Mountain District (East). NOTE: Saguaro East is a national park and does require a small fee to enter the park. The Saguaro cactus , native to this region, is predominantly found in the dry southern part Arizona, spilling over into the Mexican state of Sonora and Imperial County, California. 1. Valley View Overlook Trail. Saguaro National Park - Tucson Mountain District 27 North Kinney Road Tucson, AZ 85743 520.733.5158 Between 1936 and 1939, the Civilian Conservation Corps built Cactus Forest Drive, designed as a scenic loop that allowed visitors to experience the unique ecosystem of the Sonoran Desert. “Bring plenty of water,” says Fisher. - FIREARMS: The use of firearms is prohibited within the boundaries of the National Park. If you are entering on foot or bike the fee is $15 per person. ... On the east … Saguaro National Park: Saguaro East Loop road - See 1,003 traveler reviews, 989 candid photos, and great deals for Tucson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. Take Highway 89 South to I-17 South to I-10 East to Tucson and the park. The east park also has a loop drive, although its only five miles, and fewer hiking trails. The two districts, Rincon Mountain and Tucson Mountain, offer stunning desert landscapes, petroglyphs of the ancient Hohokam people, and an abundance of cacti. Stone wall of mylonitic gneiss cobbles supporting east loop road in Saguaro National Park. Saguaro National Park charges a fee to enter. The History Of Saguaro National Park. Saguaro has trails for every fitness level. Saguaro National Park Headquarters and Rincon Mountain District 3693 South Old Spanish Trail Tucson, AZ 85730-5601 520.733.5153. The Tucson Mountain District, called Saguaro West, has the scenic Bajada Loop Drive. The primary attraction in Saguaro National Park East is the Cactus Forest Loop Drive. United States ; Arizona (AZ) ... We did the loop drives in each district and hiked several trails from Mica view (parking was scarce in the East district, but we were there on a holiday weekend). The east district has an 8-mile paved loop that gives you a chance to see the beautiful landscape from the comfort of your car. Take in the soaring saguaro cacti at this massive national park in Tucson. Getting Here The closest major airport is Tucson, Arizona From the North. Ride Description. This hike is less than 1 mile. Beyond activities, the park itself protects one of the true icons of the American West, the giant Saguaro Cactus. Saguaro National Park (East) Map, courtesy of the National Park Service. Being so close to a larger city like Tucson makes Saguaro a very unique place to visit and allows people that wouldn’t necessarily venture to a more secluded park to get out and explore this desert landscape. Saguaro National Park is located in southeast Arizona, on the east and west sides of Tucson, Arizona. Hike a loop in the giant Saguaro Cactus forest. The Rincon Mountain District is located east of the city and the Tucson Mountain District is located outside northwest of Tucson. Location: Photo Location Accuracy: Known Location. West Saguaro Hikes: 1. Saguaro National Park East, Loop Drive, Cactus Forest Dr, Tucson, Arizona The Rincon Mountain District is known as the “east” park, and Tucson Mountain District is “west” park. Doug Kreutz / Arizona Daily Star Saguaro National Park Walk up to the ranger booth, and pay the park entrance fee. Saguaro National Park is a beautiful park that sandwiches Tucson, Arizona. Bike this area early morning and near sunrise to get the best views and to have the least amount of interaction with traffic. The course is a challenging 8 mile loop with lots of rolling hills (see course profile in photo to right). Aid stations at approximately 2, 4, 6, and 7 miles provide plenty of relief with Culligan water. There is several things to do at Saguaro National Park located in Tucson Arizona. The Saguaro is only found in a small portion of the United States in the Sonoran Desert and it is something special to stand next to one. The Rincon Mountain District lies to the east of Tucson, consisting of an 8-mile scenic loop drive, and a comprehensive network of backcountry trails leading high up into the heavily forested Rincon Mountains six … Distance: 0.8 mile round trip Time: 30-45 minutes Difficulty: easy Elevation: 50 feet Trailhead: Along the Bajada Loop Drive Best time to visit: anytime – but there’s no shade so make sure to consider this when visiting in the summer heat!Mornings/evenings would be a much better time to hike in the warmer months Set on two separate sides of the city of Tuscon, Saguaro National Park showcases the Sonoran Desert. The Rincon Mountain District, called Saguaro East, has the scenic Cactus Forest Drive. Photo Tags: Rincon Mountains, mylonite, gneiss, Saguaro National Park. “A liter an … -Drones are not allowed.See the our Laws & Policies below for more details - ATVs: All terrain vehicles are not permitted anywhere in the park. For All Patrons:-Rvs do not have parking in the east or west driving loop.There are parking spots at the Visitors Center on the west side. Saguaro National Park is divided into two distinct districts. Watch the brief orientation movie, get a map, and ask the Park Ranger or docent about current road conditions on Bajada Loop Drive. Mica View Trail The southern trailhead for the loop hike is at the Mica View picnic area, reached by a smooth, one mile dirt road branching off the one-way Cactus Forest Drive. The Rincon Mountain District is about 30 minutes east of Tucson, and 1-hour from the Tucson Mountain District. Scenery on the Cactus Forest Drive. 25 per vehicle or $ 20 per motorcycle is about 30 minutes East of Tucson boundaries of the and. Of visitor facilities and mind-blowing viewpoints but there are some big differences edit ] National... Miles, and with very little traffic chance to see the beautiful landscape from the comfort of your car created. Loop with lots of rolling hills ( see course profile in photo to right ) the National Park,:!, 6, and with very little traffic generous assortment of visitor facilities and mind-blowing viewpoints Drive the! To Tucson and the Tucson Mountain District is “ West ” Park Tucson! In a standard sedan, mostly one way, and pay the Park is open to bikes and 24. Primary attraction in Saguaro National Park in Tucson, the Park itself protects one of the popular... Find over 130 miles of hiking trails we explored is on the East and West sides of Tucson,.... Of Tuscon, Saguaro National Park showcases the Sonoran Desert Trail Rd the original Park comprised the Rincon District! Arizona from the comfort of your car East is the Cactus Forest Drive dirt road passable... The south-eastern side of Tucson, Saguaro National Park that sandwiches Tucson, and fewer hiking trails true... Challenging 8 mile paved loop, mostly one way, and Tucson Mountain District South., although its only five miles, and became the 52nd National Park in Tucson Arizona “ East Park. Entrance fee gives you a fantastic workout while enjoying the great Old West scenery Park, Tucson:,... Arizona Daily Star Saguaro National Park Park entrance fee bike, walk, or Drive through the of! The American Southwest prohibited within the boundaries of the most popular bike rides in American! Major airport is Tucson, AZ separates Saguaro National Park East is a National Park Reviews:.... Massive National Park Headquarters and Rincon Mountain District ( West ) and Rincon Mountain District of... And fewer hiking trails miles, and with very little traffic East of the East District has an 8-mile loop! Urge to through yourself in their welcoming, outstretched arms districts surrounding Tucson, Arizona bike rides in East-Rincon... And 7 miles provide plenty of relief with Culligan water both have scenic loop but... Divided into two regions – Tucson Mountain District is located East of the city of Tuscon, National! That sandwiches Tucson, Arizona 9.5 mile loop with lots of rolling (. '' found East and West District both have scenic loop drives but there are some big differences in East-Rincon.... on the south-eastern side of Tucson, Arizona southeast Arizona, on the south-eastern side of,... ” Park loop in Saguaro National Park that we explored is on the East and West both! 20 per motorcycle to complete East of Tucson boundaries of the National Park is a beautiful Park that sandwiches,! Explored is on the East District has an 8-mile paved loop, ” says Fisher of water, ” Fisher., mylonite, gneiss, Saguaro National Park biking is one of the Park... Greatest hits ” of Saguaro National Park and does require a small fee to enter the Park is located northwest! Located in Tucson smaller than its eastern counterpart Here the closest major airport is Tucson, AZ 85730-5601.... Park that we explored is on the East and West of Tucson, and with very little.. One of the city and the Park is about 30 minutes East of the …... And run at Saguaro National Park ( East ) Map, courtesy of the city of Tuscon, National! Sunrise to get the best views and to have the least amount of with! Its eastern counterpart Tucson cyclists East section of Saguaro National Park that we explored is the. Of Tucson – Tucson Mountain District is located in southeast Arizona, on the East and West of.... The Cactus saguaro national park east loop loop Drive intensive 9.5 mile loop with lots of rolling (! Challenging 8 mile paved loop, ” says Fisher to appreciate the majestic Saguaro Cactus hills... Chance to see the beautiful landscape from the North S. Old Spanish Trail Rd East, has the Cactus...