document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. Join us on an adventure in the desert! On May 5th, the Saguaro National Park in southern Arizona shared a photo featuring a gorgeous sunset overlooking a field of cacti. Thank you everyone for your great suggestions!!! How could anything survive without water and in such high temperatures? Thank you very much. This is an 8-mile loop through Saguaro East. East Saguaro is known as the Rincon Mountain District (RMD). Due to my toddler's nap schedule and the driving distance, we had to make a calculated effort to arrive there before sunset. We were able to take . Its easy to walk, educational, and great for all ages. This is also the only place to camp inside the park and it offers miles of backcountry trails, perfect for those who want to leave the crowds behind. Beginners can find more tips and techniques in our video tutorials for learning night photography. This is an incredible time to be in the park as it adds a beautiful floral arrangement to your photos and also attracts birds and wildlife. The best view of these ancient symbols is from the scenic overlook on Haps Hill near Old Tucson. But first you need to know which way to drive the loop in order to avoid backtracking. There is a parking lot at . A wide-angle lens. Best Sunset Spot in Saguaro National Park. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-60021186', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Saguaro National Park? All you need to do as the photographer is be there at the right times of day and know what youre looking for! Distance: 0.5 miles round trip Location: Signal Hill Picnic Area on the Bajada Loop Drive. I recommend avoiding a visit in June through August unless you're well acclimated to the scorching desert heat. Best Saguaro National Park Scenic Drive Mar 26, 2016; Desert in bloom Mar 25, 2016; Do I need a 4WD in late March? Despite its name, youll soon realize the Gila Monster is actually adorable. I was thinking of landing in Tucson on a Wed Afternoon and flying back Friday evening. April, however, sees relatively moderate temperatures and while the crowds have died down, the Saguaro cactuses begin to bloom. You can spend the night in a Saguaro-studded canyon, watch giant clouds of milling bats, or simply connect with nature at the foot of the magnificent Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. Saguaro National Park is unique in that its 92,000 acres are actually two different units separated by the city of Tucson. 18 Free Saguaro National Park Boondocking Spots; 1. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Vehicle access is from sunrise to sunset daily. I was really just looking to take photos of saguaros with an orange or pink sky behind them. You will discover they are much larger than they tend to appear in photos. Great horned owl perched on a dead tree with cactus in the background. Ever seeing a gila monster unless you live in the desert would be even more rare and being close enough to get bit would likelyrequire you to harass one, as theyre not particularly fast creatures. The way we planned to do it was to start on the Sendero Esperanza Trail. More than 800 miles of trails wind through cactus gardens and forests of saguaros, cholla, and prickly pear, as well as other desert plants. Flash floods and rain can make this road impassable, even if you have a 44. If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information about each point of interest. No touching. Temperatures are still somewhat reasonable for the Arizona desert and the saguaro cactus begin their flower bloom. I've been there for sunrise a couple of times, and I've never found a better spot. They also provide an opportunity to learn about the diverse flora and fauna in the park. Dozens of different cactus, deser wildlife including snake, lizards, birds, Javelin, coyotes, deer etc. Just want to enjoy the beautiful sky with the awesome saguaros. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. You really have to watch where you step because if I hadnt been paying attention, I would have stepped right on this little guy. Estimates calculate that roughly 1.8 million Saguaros grow within the parks borders. Its one-way only, starting and ending at the visitor center. This is a useful setting when shooting into the sun for sunrise and sunset photography. A swimming pool with a slide and a putting green are here for your enjoyment but the real attraction are the mini donkeys, goats and rescue horses you get to hang out with. You have everything you require for high-quality time out of the park. There are numerous other hiking trails in Saguaro National Park to choose from but this is the one that stood out the most to us. Traveling between the two sections of the park takes 30-45 minutes depending on traffic. (Now, I live in Colorado, so saying scenery is beautiful is a big deal, because, you know, Colorado! Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive: Best Stops, Hikes & Permit Info. Saguaro National Park in Arizona is offering a number of ranger-guided hikes in February. A 10 year old plant may only be 2 inches tall. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. 15 VERY BEST Things To Do In Saguaro National Park. Along the way, youll get up close to giant Saguaro cacti and have nice views of the Rincon Mountains and Tucson. This was high on our list do to but we skipped it due to high temperatures in the park. Is that a decent time to go? The best time to visit Saguaro National Park for photography is in the spring, typically in May. Beautiful scenery and great gift shop! Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. Day 8: Grand Canyon & Sedona. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. They are often humanized in cartoons. The Signal Hill Picnic Area give you the opportunity to take a short hike while viewing petroglyphs. Go Horseback Riding in the Cactus Forest . Saguaro National Park. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. So a HUGE thank you to you if you click one of these links . Looks cools though. We never saw a wild rattlesnake inside of the park, but one did slither across the sidewalk at the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum. I just looked on Google Maps and I do see E. Park Link Drive north of Marara and I see how it goes east from the highway. Cactus Forest Loop Drive: The Cactus Forest Loop Drive is a scenic adventure that skirts the west side of Saguaro National Park and visits the base of Sentinel Peak, this gigantic mountain that rises to 4,392 feet. Together, the area covers 91,716 acres with 165 miles of trails. READ MORE: Best travel lenses for Sony a7iii and other Sony Alpha cameras. If you like desert vegetation, this place is paradise! According to the National Park Service, there are about 75 known crested saguaro cacti located within the boundaries of the two sections of the National Park. The Red Hills Visitor Center (Saguaro National Park West/Tucson Mountain Park District) is located at: 2700 N. Kinney Rd. Julie Last updated: January 24, 2023 United States 12 Comments. There was no trail and I got cut up from cactus and sliding on the loose dirt. Summer is also monsoon season. One of our awesome readers recommends Gilbert Ray Campground. 2 /20. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. What makes this spot particularly appealing is the mix of close and distant saguaro cacti to fill your frame. The only rule here? A lot of people climb up onto the rocks for sunset. Go on Some Epic Hikes. The park's desert landscapes, vibrant sunsets . Besides beautiful sunsets and views these two districts offered great hiking options for us as a family. EXPLORE WITHOUT CARS - Spring is an excellent time of year to visit Crater Lake if you want no crowds or traffic. This is not part of the national park but if you want to learn more about the desert ecosystem, this is a great place to visit. If you are just planning on photographing Saguaro NP with your phone, you should still bring a tripod and ensure that HDR mode is enabled. Although its good to be aware that there are rattlesnakes around, theyre nothing to fear and the typical visitor is not going to come into close contact with one. PRO TRAVEL TIP: Beware of rattlesnakes, gila monsters, and scorpions. On day 1, we drove down from Sedona, arriving in Tucson in the late afternoon. Stubby Cactus Plants Dot the Hillside in Saguaro National Park along the Gould Mine Trail. If you only have half of a day, we recommend visiting Saguaro West. SEDONA: To learn what there is to do in Sedona, read our article Best Things to Do in Sedona. IMPORTANT! Sorry in advance if you want to buy a ranch after staying here. The 24-70mm range, or something similar, and of course 70-200mm or something like that. Delicate Arch Traila 1.5-mile hike from Wolfe Ranch to . Saguaro National Park is comprised of two districts, East and West, that preserve thousands of acres of this region's most recognizable monarch of a cactus the saguaro. Best Campgrounds Near Saguaro National Park. He slid off into the rocks and brush and I got one last photo before he disappeared. You don't want to be walking a trail in the dark, even with a flashlight. The hill is large and offers 360-degree views of the area: Tucson, Arizona in general, and Saguaro National Park. This unique US National Park located in the southwest, and just so happens to be our favorite Arizona national park. The problem is that the area is ringed by mountains. Petroglyphs on Signal Hill with the Tuson Mountaians in the background. To start the drive, turn right from N Kinney Road onto Hohokam Road. This is more of a zoo than a museum, with animal exhibits, an aquarium, and botanical gardens, and it also has a natural history museum. Here are some of the best campgrounds and campsites inside and outside of Saguaro National Park: If camping isnt your thing, there are plenty of resorts, hotels, hostels, inns, cabins and B&Bs within a quick drive of Saguaro National Park. Check the calendar for current offerings before you go. Required fields are marked *. : Located in the Tucson Mountain District of Saguaro National Park, Bajada Loop Drive is a scenic dirt road through the Sonoran Desert. This allows unlimited access to all Federal fee areas for one year from the date of purchase. Day 6: Grand Canyon. Sunrise is usually not nearly as good as sunsets. 1. Introducing the human element and having your subject looking up at the tips can be effective. Always look before you step and stay on the trail. If you are spending significant time in the American Southwest, we also have a collection of travel & photography guides to some of the best destinations in the region. If you reserve a spot but then cannot make the scheduled hike, call to cancel your reservations by 9 a.m. the day of the hike. Note: This post contains affiliate links. Take advantage of cooler morning temperatures while sipping coffee on your patio and then take a dip in the pool. The trail is short but steep and has some loose scree at the top, so watch your footing. This guide to Saguaro NP in Arizona will provide you with photo inspiration as well as the best locations for sunrise, sunset, and daytime photography. A wide-angle lens. This paved and totally level loop hike is only half a mile long. My family spent several hours here, both at the East and West side. Valley View Overlook Trail in the west section was one of some favorite hikes in Saguaro National Park. Arizona desert landscape with Saguaro cactus at sunset. 2023 Calendar Wonders of the Pacific Northwest, Saguaro National Park Photography Overview, Discover 65+ Perfect Gifts for National Park Lovers, Best travel lenses for Sony a7iii and other Sony Alpha cameras. Sunrise photography at Saguaro National Park can be challenging as the mountains often obstruct your views to the east. To help you plan your time, check out our One Day in Sedona Itinerary and Sedona Itinerary Ideas for 1 to 6 days. Valley View Overlook Trail. Saguaro Attractions and things to do and see in Saguaro - There are so many things to do in Saguaro National Park you will not want to miss! This park protects the Saguaro cactus on a tract of land through the Sonoran Desert. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, etc. Reservations: Yes. Breakfast at White Tank Campground. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots 1. This includes where to stay nearby, entry times & prices, and anything else that may be helpful in planning your visit. Situated just outside of Tucson, Saguaro National Park is a fantastic place to view the sunset. In the western part of the Tucson Mountain District, the Signal Hill Trail is a trail that leads to the petroglyphs of the ancient Hohokam people. The Bajada Scenic Loop is not paved and this section is closer to the city. Cheers, Julie, Your email address will not be published. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. For links to all of our Sedona articles, check out our Sedona Travel Guide. Turn left, and drive 14 miles on Sandario Road. The local bee and bird populations will agree. Wasson Peak is one of the most spectacular places in Saguaro National Park. (520) 733-5159. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. This is a photo of the welcome sign in Saguaro National Park. The distances are quite big and it would be quite painful to try to get around on public transport. Set on two separate sides of the city of Tuscon, Saguaro National Park showcases the Sonoran Desert. Not generally crowded so you have an opportunity to commune with nature as you like. Plenty of birds to see: rock wren, cactus wren, curve-bill thrasher, canyon towhee, gila woodpecker, black-chinned sparrows and more.On a return trip or if more serious hiking is your desire, try the Freeman Homestead Trail (1.1 mile loop; halfway to the picnic area, with some good birding as you traverse a wash are) or the Tanque Verde Ridge Trail (8 mile in and out; more rigorous and to higher elevation, but you can turn around any time). Drive the Bajada Loop drive and hike to Valley View Overlook and Signal Hill and do the Desert Discovery Walk. Oh, and I will stick to the trails when hiking and avoid those bees! Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots 1. Sunset over Javelina Rocks. . For this reason, photographers hoping for a sunrise photoshoot should go to the West section. 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Can get more best sunset spot in saguaro national park about each point of interest - spring is an excellent time year! To know which way to drive the Bajada Loop drive Sonoran Desert julie, your email address will be! Road impassable, even if you click one of some favorite hikes in February snake,,! The top, so saying scenery is beautiful is a useful setting when shooting into sun., photography, etc times, and I will stick to the city of Tucson center Saguaro! Showcases best sunset spot in saguaro national park Sonoran Desert wildlife including snake, lizards, birds, Javelin, coyotes, deer etc Desert... And stay on the map, you know, Colorado Gila monsters, and I got Last. Our awesome readers recommends Gilbert Ray Campground moderate temperatures and while the crowds have down... From Wolfe ranch to coyotes, deer etc do n't want to buy a ranch staying. Go to the east of interest miles on Sandario Road the late Afternoon Canyon & amp ; Sedona city... 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