The cactus forest
On the slopes.
WClarke — CC BY-SA 3.0 · WClarke — CC BY-SA 3.0 · WClarke — CC BY-SA 3.0 · WClarke — CC BY-SA 3.0 · WClarke — CC BY-SA 3.0
Saguaro National Park in south-eastern Arizona covers about 37,000 hectares in two separate districts on either side of Tucson: the Tucson Mountain District about 16 km west of the city and the Rincon Mountain District about 16 km east of it. Both districts protect Sonoran Desert landscapes, wildlife and plants, above all the giant saguaro cactus, which grows very slowly until it stands taller than a house, its arms raised to the sky. The rocks of the two districts differ greatly, and the Rincon Mountains are higher and wetter. Forests of giant cacti spread over rocky slopes among desert shrubs and cholla, with brown and red mountains above, and at sunset the sky turns orange and red behind the saguaro arms. Each district has a scenic drive, walking trails and viewpoints, and sunset in the Tucson Mountain District is one of the finest sights. Summers are extremely hot, so November to March is best, and do not touch the cacti.
On the slopes.
Tucson Mountain District.
By car.
Near Tucson, south-eastern Arizona, United States
West for sunset, east for hiking.
November to March.