3693 S. Old Spanish Trail, Tucson
520/733-5153
www.nps.gov/sagu [1]
HOURS: Daily 7 a.m.–sunset
COST: $10 per car, receipt valid for seven days, good at both the Eastern and Western [2] 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.
Links:
[1] http://www.nps.gov/sagu
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/tucson/sights/west-side-and-the-tucson-mountains/saguaro-national-park-west