Saguaro National Park shields Tucson, Arizona, with iconic twisting saguaro cacti, desert landscapes, and dawn-to-dusk trail systems perfect for hiking and scenic drives.

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Geography

ContinentNorth America
RegionSouthwest United States
SubregionSouthwestern United States
CountryUnited States
StateArizona
CountyPima County
DistrictTucson Basin
CityTucson
Postal Code85713 / 85745
TimezoneAmericaPhoenix
Latitude32.3
Longitude-111.3
Maps
☀️12:59 PM LOCAL TIME

Saguaro National Park is divided into east and west districts flanking Tucson, Arizona, and linked by a scenic loop highway. The park's crown jewel is the Carnegiea gigantea (saguaro cactus), which can grow over 40 feet tall and live for more than a century. Visitors come for trailless desert panoramas, up-close cactus encounters, and biodiverse Sonoran Desert flora and fauna; common sightings include Gila monster, rodents, and broad-winged hawks. Trails range from short, accessible walks to multi-day backcountry routes; the Loop Drive provides sweeping desert vistas and scenic overlooks. The park is also a night-sky refuge, with minimal light pollution offering excellent stargazing. Expect temperature swings across elevation zones and plan accordingly; spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather for outdoor activities.

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