This cactus is probably the most recognized plant in the American southwest desert. Seen in numerous cowboy movies, the Saguaro can grow up to 50 feet and live to 175-200 years. It does not grow its characteristics arms until it is 75 years old. A shallow and extended root system allow it to collect water in a desert that receives 12 inches or less of rain every year in temperatures well above 100F in the summertime.

Tucson is the largest city in the area with plenty of resources and facilities and is a central point to the national park. Saguaro East: From Tucson, travel east on Broadway until reaching Old Spanish Trail. Continue on Old Spanish Trail until you reach Freeman Rd. Follow the signs into the park.

Saguaro West: From downtown Tucson, I-10 West until the Ina Road exit. Head west (left off of the highway) onto Ina Rd until it intersects Wade Rd. Left onto Wade which will very shortly bank right and turn into Picture Rocks Rd. Continue on Picture Rocks Rd until making a left onto Sandario Rd. Follow the signs to Saguaro National Park. Both districts have a visitor center.

Activities include camping, biking, hiking and sightseeing. For more information, contact Saguaro National Park, 3693 South Old Spanish Trail, Tucson, AZ. 85730-5699 or call 520-733-5153 (east) or 520-733-5158 (west).

All pictures on the next two pages are from the Saguaro National Park, using various film and digital cameras. The pictures below on this page are from the various spots in Saguaro East, all from the Cactus Forest Drive.

More pictures from both the east and west portions of Saguaro National Park, Page 2.

Ocotillo in bloom, Rincon Mtns in background to the east from the Cactus Forest Drive.
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From the Cactus Forest Drive, an Ocotillo in bloom and the Santa Catalina Mtns to the north.
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From the Desert Ecology Trail off of the Cactus Forest Drive, a multi-armed saguaro cactus.
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From Mica View, off of Cactus Forest Drive, fishook cactus, prickley pear and saguaro cactus.
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From the Desert Ecology Trail off of Cactus Forest Drive, brittlebush and Rincon Mtns.
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From the Cactus Forest Drive, hedgehog cactus in spring bloom.
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From the Cactus Forest Drive, saguro cactus forest with the Santa Catalina Mountains in the background.
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From Cactus Forest Drive, looking at prickly pear cactus and the Santa Catalina Mtns.
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Further information can be found at the Saguaro National Park GORP page,
at Saguaro National Park page by William Uhler or
watch online travel videos of Saguaro National Park Canyon at TravelRapidly.com!