{"id":"nps-sagu","slug":"saguaro-national-park","name":"Saguaro National Park","designation":"National Park","category":"national-park","categoryLabel":"National Park","agency":{"code":"NPS","name":"National Park Service","department":"U.S. Department of the Interior","url":"https://www.nps.gov"},"managedBy":[{"code":"NPS","name":"National Park Service","department":"U.S. Department of the Interior","url":"https://www.nps.gov","unitCode":"SAGU","designation":"National Park","sourceId":"nps-sagu"}],"states":["AZ"],"stateNames":["Arizona"],"location":{"lat":32.20909636,"lon":-110.7574974},"bbox":[-111.2438,32.1043,-110.4985,32.3521],"acres":{"value":94208,"kind":"gis-estimate","source":"Computed from the simplified boundary","note":"Approximate. The managing agency publishes official acreage."},"firstProtected":null,"established":null,"administrations":[],"designationHistory":[],"summary":"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.","summarySource":"National Park Service","guide":{},"trConnection":null,"trConnections":[],"trTypes":[],"links":{"official":"https://www.nps.gov/sagu/index.htm","social":{},"recreationGov":null,"alltrails":null,"alltrailsExplore":"https://www.alltrails.com/explore?b_tl_lat=32.3521&b_tl_lng=-111.2438&b_br_lat=32.1043&b_br_lng=-110.4985","recreationGovSearch":"https://www.recreation.gov/search?q=Saguaro%20National%20Park","directions":"https://www.nps.gov/sagu/planyourvisit/directionstothepark.htm"},"images":[{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/5CB8B2F6-01B7-9A50-73702A355E4136B8.jpg","title":"Saguaro Flowers","alt":"Saguaro flowers","caption":"The flowering season in Saguaro National Park attracts visitors from all over the world.","credit":"NPS Photo","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C858462-1DD8-B71B-0BB499810C61332C.jpg","title":"Flowering Fishhook Pincushion Cactus","alt":"A flowering fishhook pincushion cactus","caption":"Wildflower season at Saguaro National Park is at it's peak in the month of MArch. The Pincushion cactus, however, blooms April through August.","credit":"NPS Photo/ Bolyard","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C858613-1DD8-B71B-0BEFB533FAB3FB55.jpg","title":"Coyote Pups","alt":"Two coyote pups captured on a wilderness camera","caption":"Saguaro National Park has a vast variety of wildlife, and with the help of wilderness cameras, can be photographed to help with studies and for visitors to learn about animals only seen by chance.","credit":"NPS Photo","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C85873C-1DD8-B71B-0BA5D81599611142.jpg","title":"Saguaro National Park Lighting Storm","alt":"Lightning strike captured on camera with saguaros in the background","caption":"Saguaro deaths are usually attributed to natural weather conditions and other natural phenomena. Specifically, lightning strikes have been known to strike saguaros due to the large amount of water stored within their fleshy tissue.","credit":"NPS Photo","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C858903-1DD8-B71B-0BE2312B40DB3D26.jpg","title":"Weather at Saguaro National Park","alt":"Rare Sight of snow in Saguaro National Park East Visitor Center (Rincon Mountain District)","caption":"Saguaro National Park summers can be extremely hot with temperatures exceeding 105 degrees F, lows averaging 72 degrees F.  Winters are mild warm days averaging 65 degrees F and cool nights averaging 40 degrees F. Snowfall is extremely rare in the area.","credit":"NPS Photo","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C858AB6-1DD8-B71B-0B0F6C0A56410894.jpg","title":"Group of Regal Horned Lizards","alt":"A group of Phrynosoma solare, or regal horned lizards.","caption":"Regal horned lizards are one of many reptiles in the park, who have adapted to living in the harsh desert environment. Information on how different species survive can be found on the park's website, visitor center, or through our many programs offered.","credit":"NPS Photo","source":"NPS"}],"activities":["Arts and Culture","Auto and ATV","Scenic Driving","Astronomy","Stargazing","Biking","Camping","Backcountry Camping","Guided Tours","Hiking","Backcountry Hiking","Front-Country Hiking","Junior Ranger Program","Park Film"],"topics":["Archeology","Industry","Mining","Schools and Education","Westward Expansion","Animals","Climate Change","Fire","Fossils and Paleontology","Geology","Night Sky","River and Riparian"],"fees":[{"title":"Entrance - Private Vehicle","cost":"25.00","description":"The vehicle entrance pass is sold in the form of a dated register receipt and admits one privately owned, non-commercial vehicle into Saguaro National Park. This includes passenger cars, trucks, vans, recreational vehicles, campers, or converted buses used for private, recreational purposes."},{"title":"Entrance - Per Person","cost":"15.00","description":"Individuals entering the park by means other than a motor vehicle may purchase individual entrance passes. This includes hikers, horseback riders and bicyclists. The individual entrance fee is charged to anyone 16 years of age or older."},{"title":"Entrance - Motorcycle","cost":"20.00","description":"Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers."}],"passes":[{"title":"Annual Entrance - Park","cost":"45.00","description":"This pass covers up to 4 adults (anyone over the age of 16) or everyone in a single, non-commercial, vehicle. Is accepted in both districts of the park."}],"hours":[{"name":"Saguaro National Park","description":"The park is always open, except under emergency conditions. You can walk or bike into the park 24 hours a day. \n\nThe Visitor Centers are open daily from 9:00am - 5:00pm from Oct. 1st to May 31st, & switch to 8:00am - 4:00pm from June 1st to Sept. 30th. \n\nIn the Tucson Mountain District (West), The Bajada Loop Scenic Drive (Golden Gate Road & Hohokam Road) is open to vehicles during daylight hours.\n\nIn the Rincon Mountain District (East), the Cactus Forest Loop Drive is open from 5:00am - 8:30pm.","standardHours":{"wednesday":"All Day","monday":"All Day","thursday":"All Day","sunday":"All Day","tuesday":"All Day","friday":"All Day","saturday":"All Day"},"exceptions":[]}],"directions":"Saguaro National Park has two districts separated by the city of Tucson. The address for the Saguaro National Park West District is 2700 N Kinney Rd. We do not recommend using mobile mapping applications to search for either district. Instead, please click the link to the directions page, determine which district you plan to visit, and enter that physical address into the mobile application.","weatherInfo":"You can expect the Winter Season to have daytime temperatures from the low 50's to the high 70's. Whereas the Summer Season can result temperatures ranging from the mid-90's to low 110's. During the Summer season, it is highly recommended to restrict outdoor activities to before 10am, or after 4pm. Late Summer into early Fall is usually accompanied by heavy monsoon rains, resulting in cooler but more humid afternoons and evenings. Flash flooding is a concern around this time of year.","contacts":{"phone":"5207335153","email":"sagu_information@nps.gov"},"visitorCenters":[{"name":"Red Hills Visitor Center (West)","description":"The Red Hills Visitor Center is a great place to learn about the park and start your visit to Saguaro National Park's West District. Views from the patio are spectacular and overlook the Red Hills and majestic Saguaro cactus forest nearby. Learn more about the unique geology of the Tucson Mountains, get great recommendations on how to get the most out of your time in the park, or explore the park bookstore. General information, park maps, and hiking guides are available on the southern patio 24/7.","url":"http://www.nps.gov/sagu","lat":32.254482,"lon":-111.197318},{"name":"Rincon Mountain Visitor Center (East)","description":"At the visitor center, you will find the bookstore, information station, maps and restrooms. The visitor center is also the starting point for a scenic auto/bike tour around the Cactus Forest Loop Drive offering incredible views of the Rincon Mountains. There are several great hikes to do along the drive including the mile loop along the Freeman Homestead Trail to learn about homesteading in the desert.","url":"http://www.nps.gov/sagu","lat":32.179659,"lon":-110.736031}],"campgrounds":[{"name":"Grass Shack","description":"- 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.","url":"","reservationUrl":null,"sites":0},{"name":"Douglas Spring","description":"- 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.","url":"","reservationUrl":null,"sites":0},{"name":"Juniper Basin","description":"- 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.","url":"","reservationUrl":null,"sites":0},{"name":"Happy Valley Saddle","description":"- 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.","url":"","reservationUrl":null,"sites":0},{"name":"Spud Rock Spring","description":"- 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.","url":"","reservationUrl":null,"sites":0},{"name":"Manning Camp","description":"- 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).","url":"","reservationUrl":null,"sites":6}],"thingsToDo":[],"nearby":[{"slug":"las-cienegas-national-conservation-area","km":53},{"slug":"ironwood-forest-national-monument","km":76},{"slug":"tumacacori-national-historical-park","km":77},{"slug":"san-pedro-riparian-national-conservation-area","km":85},{"slug":"buenos-aires-national-wildlife-refuge","km":91},{"slug":"coronado-national-memorial","km":107}],"hasBoundary":true,"boundarySource":{"name":"NPS Land Resources Division","url":"https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2224545"},"sources":[{"name":"NPS Data API","url":"https://developer.nps.gov/api/v1/parks?parkCode=sagu"},{"name":"NPS Land Resources Division boundaries","url":"https://services1.arcgis.com/fBc8EJBxQRMcHlei/arcgis/rest/services/NPS_Land_Resources_Division_Boundary_and_Tract_Data_Service/FeatureServer/2"}],"editorialStatus":"draft","synced":"2026-11-09T02:12:45.622Z","alerts":[{"source":"NPS","kind":"Park Closure","title":"Bajada Loop Drive Closure in West District","text":"Much of the west district's Bajada Loop Drive is currently closed due to storm damage.Hohokam Road is open to Sus Picnic Area only. The Javalina Wash Trail is also closed due to storm damage. The Red Hills Visitor Center remains open and many trails are still accessible. The east district is fully open.","url":null,"updated":"2026-11-02 00:00:00.0","id":"nps-700E0B4F-8D50-4E99-919E-230FEA508A20"},{"source":"NPS","kind":"Caution","title":"Vehicle Break-Ins","text":"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 Sheriff's Department Non-Emergency number at 520-351-4900.","url":null,"updated":"2026-09-04 00:00:00.0","id":"nps-8B6E1110-56B7-46F0-A4BC-694E4874690B"},{"source":"NPS","kind":"Information","title":"RV and trailer precautions: be aware of vehicle restrictions before visit.","text":"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.","url":null,"updated":"2026-02-11 00:00:00.0","id":"nps-230A2397-5226-480B-8BEE-90AB5A9C2F42"},{"source":"NPS","kind":"Information","title":"Rideshare services should be used with caution if visiting the Tucson Mountain District","text":"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.","url":null,"updated":"2023-07-20 12:03:13.0","id":"nps-FFFD3415-3713-473D-A2F9-70E3C53943E1"}],"url":"https://directory.labs.trlibrary.com/sites/saguaro-national-park/","boundaryUrl":"https://directory.labs.trlibrary.com/boundaries/saguaro-national-park.geojson"}