One of the last activities on the 2022 USA tour was a visit to Saguaro National Park near Tucson, Arizona. The first time I was there, I couldn’t really find the entrance to the park. Somehow there is a northern part and a southern part. This time, however, it worked out and I also had a little more time with me.
Whereby the time was relative, because it had taken quite some time from Phoenix to the park on the highway through the desert. Anyway, the park is very special with its very dense and typical desert flora and fauna for the Sonoran Desert. Now finally I could remember Mesquite and Palo Verde. The landscape is unique and it is definitely worth a visit with some hikes through the landscape. Fortunately, the park was almost empty this time.
Saguaro National Park, located in southern Arizona, is a unique and spectacular national park that is home to the iconic saguaro cactus, the largest cactus species in the United States. The park is divided into two districts, the Tucson Mountain District and the Rincon Mountain District, and offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors.
One of the main attractions of the park is the saguaro cactus, which can grow up to 70 feet tall and can live for more than 200 years. The park is home to thousands of saguaros, and visitors can take a drive or hike through the park to see these majestic plants up close.
The park also offers a variety of hiking trails, including the Douglas Spring Trail and the Cactus Forest Trail, which provide visitors with the opportunity to explore the park’s diverse landscape and see the saguaro cactus in its natural habitat. Additionally, visitors can also take a scenic drive through the park and see the saguaro cactus, as well as other plants and animals.
The park is also home to a number of other cactus species, including the barrel cactus, the cholla cactus, and the prickly pear cactus. Visitors can also see a variety of wildlife, including the Gila monster, the desert tortoise, and the roadrunner.
Saguaro National Park also offers a variety of educational and interpretive programs, including ranger-led hikes, guided nature walks, and stargazing programs. These programs provide visitors with an opportunity to learn more about the park’s plants and animals, as well as the history and geology of the area.
In conclusion, Saguaro National Park is a unique and spectacular national park that is home to the iconic saguaro cactus, the largest cactus species in the United States. The park offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors, including hiking trails, scenic drives, educational and interpretive programs, and the opportunity to see a variety of plants and animals in their natural habitat. It is a must-see destination for nature lovers and those interested in the American Southwest.