Parks / Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park
National Park · AZ
Tucson, Arizona is home to the nation's largest cacti. The giant saguaro is the universal symbol of the American west. These majestic plants, found only in a small portion of the United States, are protected by Saguaro National Park, to the east and west of the modern city of Tucson. Here you have a chance to see these enormous cacti, silhouetted by the beauty of a magnificent desert sunset.
Official NPS page →Current Alerts (4)
Loop Drive closed in Tucson Mountain District (West Side) due to storms.
The majority of the loop drive (both Hohokam Rd and Golden Gate Rd) are closed due to debris from severe storms. Crews are working to resolve the issue; however, expect closures to continue into the rest of the week. More storms are expected in the coming hours and days. Sand and debris have also spilled onto parts of Sandario Rd. but are passable with caution. Gates Pass Rd southeast of the park is also experiencing delays, visit https://www.pima.gov/898 for information on Pima County Road closures.
Vehicle Break-Ins
Vehicle break-ins have occurred at the King Canyon Trailhead, as well as at other trailheads throughout the park. Hide valuables and consider taking them with you, secure your vehicle, and report any suspicious activity. Please call 911 to report criminal activity or the Pima County Sherriff's Department Non-Emergency number at 520-351-4900.
RV and trailer precautions: be aware of vehicle restrictions before visit.
As the busy season ramps up, traffic will be denser and can result in delays and complications particularly for owners of longer vehicles. The Tucson Mountain District (west side) of the park can accommodate vehicles up to 40ft in total length on the loop drive and has RV parking available at the Visitor Center, and the Rincon Mountain District (east side) can accommodate vehicles up to 40ft in length on the loop drive but has no RV parking available at the Visitor Center.
Rideshare services should be used with caution if visiting the Tucson Mountain District
Rideshare services will drop visitors off at the park, but usually will not pick them back up. To avoid being stranded in the park, coordinate two-way trips before using rideshares to visit the West side. No major trails start at the visitor center.
Entrance Fees
The entrance fee paid for admission to Saguaro National Park is good for 7 days and includes both the Tucson Mountain District (West) and the Rincon Mountain District (East).
America the Beautiful, the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series (Interagency Passes) provides entrance and standard amenity fees (day-use fees) to more than 2,000 federal recreational areas with six cooperating agencies across the United States. Children ages 15 and under are free. The Senior Pass and Access Pass may provide discounts on camping fees.
Campgrounds (6)
Douglas Spring
- 4,800 feet elevation - 3 campsites (6 people max per site) *This campground is hike in only! The hike up offers beautiful views down toward Tanque Verde Falls and of multiple drainages including Tina Larga tank. There is a drainage about 50 feet east of the campsite, but water is seasonal, so it is smart to check water reports before heading out. Fires are not allowed here due to the lack of firewood and the extremely fire-prone grasslands that occupy the area. Cell service is not guaranteed.
Grass Shack
- 5,300 feet elevation - 3 campsites (6 people max per site) *This campground is hike in only! Grass Shack is a great campground that offers shade from large oaks. The biggest watershed in the Rincon mountains (Chimenea Creek) runs through and by the campground, providing water most of the year. Fires are not allowed here as this campground is in a fragile, riparian ecosystem surrounded by a thick grassland.
Happy Valley Saddle
- 3 campsites (6 people max per site) *This campground is hike in only! This is the shortest hike to a campground, covering 3.9 miles and over 2000 feet of elevation gain. Water at this campsite is variable, only occurring during wet times. This campground offers a resting point to climbing Rincon Peak, and sits at an elevation of 6200 feet. There are many dangerous dead pine trees in the area, and this area is often affected by winter storms.
Juniper Basin
- 6,000 elevation - 3 campsites (6 people max per site) *This campground is hike in only! This campground is a tough day hike up the Tanque Verde Ridge over 6.9 miles and 3000 feet of elevation gain. Exceptional views can be seen throughout the hike, and habitats change quickly from desert scrub to oak savanna and pine / juniper woodlands. Water here is very seasonal, and it is often dry during the summer, spring and fall. When there is water, sources can be found west of site 1.
Manning Camp
- 8,000 feet elevation - 6 campsites (max 6 people per site) - water available year-round *This campground is hike in only! Depending on where you start, the hike up to Manning can be anywhere from 9-18 miles and accumulates 5500-6500 feet of elevation. As you hike up, you will pass through multiple different biomes with spectacular changes in flora and fauna composition, passing through riparian zones and dry cliff alike (not to mention the extraordinary views).
Spud Rock Spring
- 3 campsites (6 people max per site) *This campground is hike in only! Spud Rock is the most isolated of our six campgrounds, sitting on the east side of the range at 7200 feet. Access is generally from the east, but Turkey Creek trailhead is very difficult to drive and requires a lifted truck or a jeep. At the very least, you will need a vehicle with four-wheel drive. Also, make sure to check the conditions of the road before heading out as it can become muddy and treacherous after some rain.
Upcoming Events
Garden Walk (East District)
Aug 31, 2026 · Please meet outside of the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center
Garden Walk (West District)
Sep 1, 2026 · Red Hills Visitor Center 2700 N. Kinney Rd. Tucson, Arizona 85743
Explore the Night (East District)
Sep 4, 2026 · Meet at the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center
Living with Giants (West District)
Sep 4, 2026 · Red Hills Visitor Center 2700 N Kinney Rd, Tucson, AZ 8574
What is a Javelina? (West District)
Sep 6, 2026
The Desert as a Provider (West District)
Sep 6, 2026 · Red Hills Visitor Center 2700 N Kinney Rd. Tucson, AZ 85743
Arizona's Wildcats! (West District)
Sep 6, 2026 · Red Hills Visitor Center 2700 N Kinney Rd, Tucson, AZ 85743
Woodpeckers! (West District)
Sep 6, 2026 · Red Hills Visitor Center 2700 N. Kinney Rd Tucson, AZ 85743
Signal Hill Petroglyphs (West District)
Sep 6, 2026 · Red Hills Visitor Center 2700 N Kinney Rd Tucson, AZ 85743
"Sun Party" Solar Viewing (East District)
Sep 27, 2026 · Please meet at the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center located at 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail.
Visitor Centers
- Red Hills Visitor Center (West)
- Rincon Mountain Visitor Center (East)
Source: National Park Service.