Saguaro National Park
National park · Pima County ·
Iconic desert park protecting saguaro cacti and offering stargazing
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Arizona Get directions
Iconic desert park protecting saguaro cacti and offering stargazing
Arizona Get directions
"Daytime temperatures average a comfortable 65 degrees from November through March, though nights are cold and snow is possible. You can learn about desert-dwelling critters, savor a smoldering Sonoran sunset, and marvel at namesake cacti that can reach 50 feet tall and live for 200 years or more." - Sarah L. Stewart Sarah L. Stewart Sarah L. Stewart is a Florida-based freelance magazine writer and editor specializing in travel, recreation, science, and health topics. Her work appears in Travel + Leisure, Outside, Backpacker, The Huffington Post, and other national publications. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Famous for its towering saguaro cacti and captivating Sonoran Desert scenery, this two-district park in Tucson delivers standout hiking, biking, and guided experiences year-round. Spring (especially April and May) brings breathtaking cactus blooms in vibrant magentas, reds, whites, and yellows alongside wildflowers, winter is mild, and July’s monsoon season can cause flash floods. There are no hotels, restaurants, or concessions inside the park, so I come prepared with food, water, sunscreen, and comfortable hiking shoes—and even tweezers, a large pick comb, and a multitool for removing cactus spines. Within the “world’s wettest desert,” I encounter an abundance of life: roughly two million saguaros plus cholla, prickly pear, barrel cactus, and the rare crested saguaro, as well as reptiles (snakes, Gila monsters, lizards) and more than 350 bird species. Ranger-led programs range from short garden walks to sunset hikes and longer treks, and sunset viewing followed by stargazing is a must." - 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
"A DarkSky‑certified national park (certified in 2023) known for pristine night skies and excellent stargazing opportunities as one of the trail’s premier outdoor viewing sites." - Stephanie Vermillion Stephanie Vermillion Stephanie Vermillion is a travel journalist and photographer covering culture and adventure for Travel + Leisure Outside, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"An iconic desert landscape dominated by endless miles of towering cacti, offering classic Sonoran Desert scenery, dramatic sunsets, and expansive, cactus-studded panoramas." - 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
"A major desert park near Tucson where travelers can see iconic saguaro cacti—recommended as a striking, educational natural stop early in an Arizona road trip." - Jill Krasny Jill Krasny Jill Krasny is a journalist based in New York. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, Esquire, The Financial Times, and Travel + Leisure. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines