With fall comes cooler temperatures perfect for exploring the great outdoors—and just minutes from our sprawling Sonoran retreat is the stunning 92,000-acre Saguaro National Park. The park, which only sees around a million visitors each year, could be considered a "hidden" gem compared to its more popular California cousin, Joshua Tree, which attracts around three million visitors a year.
The park is home to the nation's largest cacti, the saguaro cactus, a tree-like species that can grow up to 40 feet tall. The park’s namesake cactus is native to the Sonoran Desert, and its beautiful daisy-like blossom is the state wildflower of Arizona.
Throughout the year, the park offers guided tours and stargazing parties—but is currently open to hikers and bikers, and anyone who enjoys taking in the scenery from the comfort of their camper or car.
The park is divided into two sections on either side of Tucson. To the east in the Rincon Mountain District, Cactus Forest Drive provides striking views of the desert landscape and a selection of singletracks that link to more than 800 miles of mountain biking along the Arizona Trail. To the west in the Tucson Mountain District, the Signal Hill Trail leads to petroglyphs of the ancient Hohokam people.
No matter which side you decide to explore, the majestic Saguaro National Park is absolutely worth the hike, bike, or drive!