Summer Monsoon at Sunset - Saguaro National Park - Tucson, AZ

It is hard to believe that the giant Saguaros, a symbol of the West, start out as tiny black seeds no larger than a pinhead and can grow to 50 feet, weigh up to 8 tons and can live up to 200 years! The giant saguaro forest just outside of Tucson, Arizona was established as a national monument by President Hoover on March 1, 1933 and designated as a national park in 1994.

According to information from rangers and the park’s website there are an estimated 1.6 million individual saguaros within the park boundaries. Most people do not know that there is a Saguaro National Park West and a Saguaro National Park East. Both are about 20 minutes West and East of Tucson, Arizona.

The East and West National Parks combine for a total of 91,440 acres. In 2007 the park attracted 2,847,313 total visitors with 658,477 of the visits classified as visits in which people stepped out of their cars and took a closer look at the park instead of just driving through.

Photographers and outdoor lovers travel from all over the world to capture this magical saguaro forest on film. Early morning and late evening are best for wildlife viewing and taking pictures. At these hours of the day the soft glow from the rising and setting sun creates an incredible backdrop. The saguaros also provide for great wildlife shots as they provide homes for Gila Woodpeckers and gilded flickers. These birds excavate nest cavities in saguaros. Elf owls, finches and sparrows sometimes move into these abondoned nest cavities. Another popular photo opportunity is the beautiful, white saguaro blossom. The saguaro blossom is the Arizona state flower.

For families visiting with children be sure to check out the Jr. Ranger programs that are available. Children can earn a Jr. Ranger badge from the U.S. National Park Service. There are many hikes available to the hiking enthusiast too. There are more than 165 miles of hiking trails available within the two districts of Saguaro National Park. For more information about seasons, operating hours and directions to the park visit the NPS - Saguaro National Park website. On your next Tucson vacation plan to spend some time in this fantastic park and you will not be disappointed.

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