Guide to Visiting Saguaro National Park

"Named for the country’s largest cacti and split into two districts on either side of Tucson (nearly an hour apart), the national park sits within the Sonoran Desert and contains an estimated two million saguaro cacti. As James Lorentzen puts it, the surrounding desert is “one of the most ecologically diverse wilderness areas anywhere on Earth,” and the “‘world’s wettest desert’ is home to numerous varieties of cacti such as cholla, prickly pear, and barrel cactus, as well as the rare cristate or crested saguaro cactus.” Visitors should plan ahead: an America the Beautiful annual pass or a standard entrance pass (good for seven days) is required, there are no restaurants or concession stands in either district, and the NPS recommends carrying basic tools (tweezers, a large pick comb, and a multi-tool) to remove any cactus spines or segments that attach to you." - Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel is a writer with more than eight years of experience editing and writing for both brands and online publications—with a particular focus on travel, fashion, and lifestyle. She’s also the founder of the travel site justpacked.com.  Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines