Saguaro National Park Tours

Saguaro National Park featuring desert views and mountains
Saguaro National Park showing desert views
Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park which includes a garden as well as a couple
Saguaro National Park which includes signage and tranquil scenes


Hike, bike or drive through fields and forests containing one of the most recognized cactus plants in the world.

Saguaro National Park is named after the massive saguaro cactus, one of the most recognized succulent plants in the world and a symbol of the American West. These tall, fleshy plants grow to 50 feet (15 meters) and can live for more than 150 years.

Located within the Sonoran Desert, the park comprises two districts: Rincon Mountain and Tucson Mountain, separated by the city. Together they contain more than 150 miles (240 kilometers) of marked trails. Hike or drive through the desert landscape to see cacti, birds and desert animals.

Enjoy a stroll on a day trail or embark on a long wilderness trek. Rincon Mountain District has the park’s highest concentration of saguaro, known as the Cactus Forest. Join one of the trails passing through cactus gardens and open landscape. The Desert Ecology Trail is a short, wheelchair-accessible paved trail through an area of diverse cacti including saguaro, prickly pear, barrel and ocotillo. Signs posted along the route explain facts about the plants and desert wildlife you might see, such as owls, kestrels, mountain lions, coyotes and jackrabbits.

One popular route is the Garwood Trail, an easy to moderate 5.6-mile (9-kilometer) loop passing hundreds of saguaro and leading to an old dam. Take care when hiking since cactus needles can easily become embedded in the skin.

Saguaro National Park also organizes several ranger-guided programs throughout the year. More adventurous nature lovers can take an extended hike through the park and camp overnight at one of six designated campgrounds in the Saguaro Wilderness Area. For details on trail routes, maps, camping permits and ranger programs visit the park’s official website.

If you prefer to take your car through Saguaro National Park, each section has a scenic drive. There are also routes for bicyclists.

The park is open all year round. The visitor center is open every day except Christmas Day. One of the best times to visit is between April and June, which is the blooming period of saguaro and when they are at their most colorful. The admission fee covers both districts for seven days. Each section has a visitor center with free on-site parking.

Plan a trip to see Saguaro National Park

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Hotel McCoy - Art, Coffee, Beer, Wine
Arizona Inn
El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Saguaro National Park

Near Hiking: Mtn-view Tucson Studio Retreat

Near Hiking: Mtn-view Tucson Studio Retreat

3 out of 5
Tucson
Near Hiking: Mtn-view Tucson Studio Retreat
Dog-friendly sunshine stay with private pool, spacious yard, central AC & W/D

Dog-friendly sunshine stay with private pool, spacious yard, central AC & W/D

Tucson
Dog-friendly sunshine stay with private pool, spacious yard, central AC & W/D
Hacienda Foothills Mansion

Hacienda Foothills Mansion

Tucson
Hacienda Foothills Mansion
 A Sonoran desert getaway! Outdoor oasis! Dog friendly! Fully fenced backyard.

A Sonoran desert getaway! Outdoor oasis! Dog friendly! Fully fenced backyard.

Tucson
A Sonoran desert getaway! Outdoor oasis! Dog friendly! Fully fenced backyard.
Pristine POOL, spacious home, crisp AC, numerous attractions & activities

Pristine POOL, spacious home, crisp AC, numerous attractions & activities

Tucson
Pristine POOL, spacious home, crisp AC, numerous attractions & activities
Oasis on Palm- 4 bed/2bth home, private and quiet, pool/spa

Oasis on Palm- 4 bed/2bth home, private and quiet, pool/spa

Tucson
Oasis on Palm- 4 bed/2bth home, private and quiet, pool/spa
Tucson Gem in the Heart of the Desert

Tucson Gem in the Heart of the Desert

Tucson
Tucson Gem in the Heart of the Desert
Luxury Southwest Gem with Pool & Spa near Mt. Lemon!

Luxury Southwest Gem with Pool & Spa near Mt. Lemon!

Tucson
Luxury Southwest Gem with Pool & Spa near Mt. Lemon!
Tanque Verde Ranch

Tanque Verde Ranch

3.5 out of 5
14301 East Speedway, Tucson, AZ
Tanque Verde Ranch
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Saguaro National Park

At Saguaro National Park, you can enjoy a variety of outdoor pursuits, including hiking and running through stunning landscapes. Be sure to explore fantastic campsites for a memorable stay. During Labor Day, the park attracts visitors for its beautiful scenery and recreational opportunities. Although boat tours aren't directly available, the park remains a gem for hikers seeking adventure amidst the iconic saguaro cacti.

Shopping

For shopping near Saguaro National Park, visit Park Place Mall, located 8 miles away, offering a great family and entertainment vibe. Also, Trail Dust Town, 8 miles from the park, features unique shops and attractions. If you're up for a drive, Zocalo is 12 miles away, offering local goods.

Recreation

Experience tranquility at Agua Caliente Park, where you can unwind in a serene environment surrounded by nature. Enjoy a round at Rolling Hills Golf Course, perfect for sports enthusiasts. Alternatively, head to William Clements Recreation Center for various recreational activities that cater to your athletic spirit.

Adventure

Experience the Freeman Homestead Trail, a scenic hiking adventure located 1 mile from Saguaro National Park, where stunning desert views await. For climbing enthusiasts, The BLOC climbing + fitness offers outdoor thrills 7 miles away. Don't miss the Desert Ecology Trail, a captivating hike 2 miles from the park.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Saguaro National Park with a show at the Gaslight Theatre, just 7 miles away, or enjoy family fun at Golf N' Stuff Family Fun Center, 8 miles away. For a romantic evening, catch a performance at Atria Bell Gardens Academy Hall Theatre, also 7 miles away.

Find the best attractions near Saguaro National Park

When visiting Saguaro National Park, you'll find a variety of attractions like the stunning canyon gorge, the aviation museum, and the local golf course country club. These points of interest offer outdoor adventures and cultural experiences perfect for families. Additionally, consider exploring Tucson's gemstones and the iconic saguaro cacti, as well as the park's proximity to Tucson for a comprehensive experience.

  • Pima Air and Space Museum: Located 8 miles from Saguaro National Park, this museum is a haven for aviation enthusiasts. With a vast collection of aircraft and spacecraft, it offers a unique cultural experience that highlights the history of flight and space exploration.
  • Sabino Canyon: About 11 miles away, this stunning canyon gorge is perfect for outdoor lovers. Enjoy breathtaking scenery, diverse wildlife, and adventure activities like hiking and tram rides, making it a fantastic spot for nature enthusiasts.
  • Rincon Mountain Visitor Center: Just 0.1 mile away, this visitor center is the gateway to outdoor adventures in Saguaro National Park. It’s family-friendly and offers information on hiking trails and educational programs about the park's unique desert ecosystem.

Best time to go to Saguaro National Park

Visitor numbers around Saguaro National Park is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Saguaro National Park can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Saguaro National Park falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Saguaro National Park falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January51.4°F (10.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
February54.3°F (12.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
March61.5°F (16.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April68.9°F (20.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
May75.9°F (24.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
June86.2°F (30.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
July87.1°F (30.6°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
August86.2°F (30.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly Low
September81.7°F (27.6°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowAverage
October71.6°F (22.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
November60.4°F (15.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
December51.6°F (10.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Saguaro National Park

To save money on your trip to Saguaro National Park, consider visiting between June and August when accommodation prices are lower, especially on Mondays. Use Expedia's search tool to find eco-certified hotels and sort options by price for the best deals. Combining flights, hotels, and activities into a package can also lead to significant savings. Joining the Expedia One Key membership offers exclusive discounts and the chance to earn OneKeyCash for future bookings. Finally, explore free activities in the park to enhance your experience without adding to your expenses.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Saguaro National Park are June to August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to January to March, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Saguaro National Park is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Saguaro National Park is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Explore Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel that suits you best. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" option will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply adjust the price filter to sort from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save on your trip by combining your hotel stay at Saguaro National Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.