Tucson & Saguaro National Park
Pair Tucson’s food and culture with a visit to the towering saguaros and desert landscapes surrounding the city.
Your trip at a glance
Saguaro National Park has two districts on opposite sides of Tucson: the Tucson Mountain District to the west and the Rincon Mountain District to the east. Choose your district before setting your navigation; visiting both requires crossing the Tucson area.
Make the most of your visit
Choose your district
The west district’s Red Hills Visitor Center is an orientation point. The east district has the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center and Cactus Forest Drive. Both districts offer trails and scenic driving, but routes and facilities differ.
Plan a long day
Leave the Valley early, choose one district and allow time to stop at a visitor center, take a short walk and enjoy a meal in Tucson. Check the route and gate hours before committing to a schedule.
Make it a weekend
An overnight gives you time to explore Tucson as well as a park district. If you want to see both sides of the park, account for the drive between them rather than treating them as adjacent entrances.
A closer look at Saguaro National Park
Know before you go
Check current hours, entrance fees and alerts with the National Park Service. Bring water and sun protection, and plan outdoor activity around the weather. The NPS notes that the entrance fee covers both districts for seven days; verify current terms before visiting.
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