Saguaro National Park Tours and Activities

Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park showing a park as well as a couple
Saguaro National Park


Hike, bike or drive through fields and forests containing one of the most recognized cactus plants in the world.

Saguaro National Park is named after the massive saguaro cactus, one of the most recognized succulent plants in the world and a symbol of the American West. These tall, fleshy plants grow to 50 feet (15 meters) and can live for more than 150 years.

Located within the Sonoran Desert, the park comprises two districts: Rincon Mountain and Tucson Mountain, separated by the city. Together they contain more than 150 miles (240 kilometers) of marked trails. Hike or drive through the desert landscape to see cacti, birds and desert animals.

Enjoy a stroll on a day trail or embark on a long wilderness trek. Rincon Mountain District has the park’s highest concentration of saguaro, known as the Cactus Forest. Join one of the trails passing through cactus gardens and open landscape. The Desert Ecology Trail is a short, wheelchair-accessible paved trail through an area of diverse cacti including saguaro, prickly pear, barrel and ocotillo. Signs posted along the route explain facts about the plants and desert wildlife you might see, such as owls, kestrels, mountain lions, coyotes and jackrabbits.

One popular route is the Garwood Trail, an easy to moderate 5.6-mile (9-kilometer) loop passing hundreds of saguaro and leading to an old dam. Take care when hiking since cactus needles can easily become embedded in the skin.

Saguaro National Park also organizes several ranger-guided programs throughout the year. More adventurous nature lovers can take an extended hike through the park and camp overnight at one of six designated campgrounds in the Saguaro Wilderness Area. For details on trail routes, maps, camping permits and ranger programs visit the park’s official website.

If you prefer to take your car through Saguaro National Park, each section has a scenic drive. There are also routes for bicyclists.

The park is open all year round. The visitor center is open every day except Christmas Day. One of the best times to visit is between April and June, which is the blooming period of saguaro and when they are at their most colorful. The admission fee covers both districts for seven days. Each section has a visitor center with free on-site parking. 

Plan a trip to see Saguaro National Park

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 Las Palmas Hotel Tucson
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Best Lodging Options Near Saguaro National Park

Near Hiking: Mtn-view Tucson Studio Retreat

Near Hiking: Mtn-view Tucson Studio Retreat

3 out of 5
Tucson
Near Hiking: Mtn-view Tucson Studio Retreat
Dog-friendly sunshine stay with private pool, spacious yard, central AC & W/D

Dog-friendly sunshine stay with private pool, spacious yard, central AC & W/D

Tucson
Dog-friendly sunshine stay with private pool, spacious yard, central AC & W/D
Hacienda Foothills Mansion

Hacienda Foothills Mansion

Tucson
Hacienda Foothills Mansion
 A Sonoran desert getaway! Outdoor oasis! Dog friendly! Fully fenced backyard.

A Sonoran desert getaway! Outdoor oasis! Dog friendly! Fully fenced backyard.

Tucson
A Sonoran desert getaway! Outdoor oasis! Dog friendly! Fully fenced backyard.
Pristine POOL, spacious home, crisp AC, numerous attractions & activities

Pristine POOL, spacious home, crisp AC, numerous attractions & activities

Tucson
Pristine POOL, spacious home, crisp AC, numerous attractions & activities
Oasis on Palm- 4 bed/2bth home, private and quiet, pool/spa

Oasis on Palm- 4 bed/2bth home, private and quiet, pool/spa

Tucson
Oasis on Palm- 4 bed/2bth home, private and quiet, pool/spa
Tucson Gem in the Heart of the Desert

Tucson Gem in the Heart of the Desert

Tucson
Tucson Gem in the Heart of the Desert
Luxury Southwest Gem with Pool & Spa near Mt. Lemon!

Luxury Southwest Gem with Pool & Spa near Mt. Lemon!

Tucson
Luxury Southwest Gem with Pool & Spa near Mt. Lemon!
Tanque Verde Ranch

Tanque Verde Ranch

3.5 out of 5
14301 East Speedway, Tucson, AZ
Tanque Verde Ranch
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Saguaro National Park

At Saguaro National Park, immerse yourself in a variety of activities including hiking, running, and sports. Don't miss the visitor centres for insightful information, and consider a ranch experience or adventurous backpacking trips. For those seeking a deeper connection with nature, wilderness camping and horseback riding offers a memorable way to explore the stunning desert landscapes.

Shopping

For a shopping experience near Saguaro National Park, visit Park Place Mall and Trail Dust Town, both 12.9km away, offering family-friendly vibes and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, check out Zocalo, located 19.3km from the park, for unique gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

Experience tranquility at Agua Caliente Park, where you can enjoy nature trails and serene picnic spots. For golf enthusiasts, Arizona National Golf Club offers a perfect blend of sport and outdoor beauty. Meanwhile, the William Clements Recreation Center provides ample space for various sports activities to energize your stay.

Adventure

Explore the Freeman Homestead Trail, a scenic hiking trail located 1.6km from Saguaro National Park, perfect for outdoor adventure. For a thrilling climb, head to The BLOC climbing + fitness, situated 11.3km away, offering exhilarating climbing experiences. Don't miss the Desert Ecology Trail, 3.2km away, for more hiking amidst stunning landscapes.

Nightlife

In Saguaro National Park's vicinity, the Gaslight Theatre offers a charming blend of culture and romance just 11.3km away, while Atria Bell Gardens Academy Hall Theatre provides a similar vibe. For some family fun, head to Golf N' Stuff Family Fun Center, located 12.9km away, for arcade adventures.

Find the best attractions near Saguaro National Park

Saguaro National Park, located in Tucson, Arizona, offers a range of attractions for visitors, including golf courses, scenic canyons, and aviation museums. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or family-friendly activities, you'll find plenty to explore. Don't miss the historic resort nearby and the iconic saguaro cacti that define the park's unique landscape. This destination is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in nature and local heritage while enjoying the stunning desert scenery.

  • Pima Air and Space Museum: Located 12.9km from Saguaro National Park, this museum is a treasure trove for aviation enthusiasts. Explore an extensive collection of historical aircraft and spacecraft, showcasing the evolution of flight and space exploration in a culturally rich environment.
  • Sabino Canyon: Situated 17.7km away, Sabino Canyon offers breathtaking outdoor scenery and thrilling adventures. Hike along scenic trails, take a tram ride, or simply soak in the stunning desert landscapes that change with the light throughout the day.
  • Rincon Mountain Visitor Center: Just 161m from Saguaro National Park, this visitor centre is perfect for families. Engage in outdoor activities, gain insights from knowledgeable staff, and embark on various trails to experience the beauty of the surrounding mountains.

Best time to go to Saguaro National Park

Visitor numbers around Saguaro National Park is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Saguaro National Park can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Saguaro National Park falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Saguaro National Park falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January51.4°F (10.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
February54.3°F (12.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
March61.5°F (16.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April68.9°F (20.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
May75.9°F (24.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
June86.2°F (30.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
July87.1°F (30.6°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
August86.2°F (30.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly Low
September81.7°F (27.6°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowAverage
October71.6°F (22.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
November60.4°F (15.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
December51.6°F (10.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Saguaro National Park

To save money on your trip to Saguaro National Park, consider visiting during the cheaper months of June to August, with Tuesday being the least expensive day for accommodation. Explore nearby free attractions like Sabino Canyon and B & B Cactus Farm. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly hotels by filtering for "Eco-certified" options and sorting prices from lowest to highest. Additionally, look for package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for better rates and discounts. Plan your trip wisely to maximise your savings!

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Saguaro National Park are June to August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to January to March, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Saguaro National Park is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Saguaro National Park is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save on your trip by combining your hotel stay at Saguaro National Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.