Saguaro National Park East

printer iconPrintemail iconEmailfavorites iconSave to Favorites

3693 S. Old Spanish Trail, Tucson
520/733-5153
www.nps.gov/sagu

HOURS: Daily 7 a.m.–sunset

COST: $10 per car, receipt valid for seven days, good at both the Eastern and Western sections of the park

The eastern portion of Saguaro National Park is backed by the 8,600-foot Rincon Mountains. At the visitors center (9 a.m.–5 p.m.) are a bookstore and exhibits about the desert. The easiest way to see this section is to stroll, bike, or drive very slowly along the paved Cactus Forest Drive, an eight-mile one-way that begins at the visitors center and winds up and across the bajada.

The desert here is gorgeous, especially after a rainstorm or early in the morning during the bloom months (Mar.–May, July–Aug.).

There are more than 100 miles of trails here, including one that goes to Rincon Peak above 8,000 feet. The park’s newspaper guide has a full description of the major trails.

© Tim Hull from Moon Tucson, 1st Edition

Buy Moon Travel Guides

Loading books
loading
For more Moon travel information, sign up for our monthly e-newsletter for updates on new travel guide releases, travel tips and trip ideas for those seeking adventure or relaxation, and expert advice from our on-the-go Moon travel authors.

Find Activities>>

Moon Travel Guides make independent travel and outdoor exploration fun and accessible. With expert and adventurous travel writers delivering a mix of honest insight, first-rate strategic travel advice, insider travel tips and an essential dose of humor, Moon Travel Guides ensure that travelers have an uncommon and entirely satisfying experience. Each travel book is filled with unique trip ideas, easy-to-use maps, and detailed information on sights, restaurants, and accommodations. Moon Travel Guides not only point you in the right direction, they inspire new ideas and adventure. Whether you are seeking a relaxing beach trip to Hawaii, or an adventure travel trip to the rainforests of Costa Rica, Moon guidebooks—and Moon.com—are with you every step of the way. Founded in 1973, the Moon Travel Guides series includes Moon Handbooks, Moon Outdoors, Moon Metro, Moon Living Abroad and Moon Spotlight travel books. Moon is based in Berkeley, California and is a proud member of the Perseus Books Group.