See Over a Million Cacti at this Desert National Park
Cacti or cactus? One is plural and the other is singular. If you want to see a lot of cacti, specifically millions of Saguaros, than a visit to the Saguaro National Park in Arizona should be on your bucket list. We have visited a few times over the years and are still in awe of how unique the mighty saguaro is. If you visit when they bloom (usually the end of May) you are in for a real treat.
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We live in the Phoenix area and depending on how much time you plan on spending in Tucson you can take a day trip or make it a weekend trip. To see the entire park in a day and travel back to Phoenix will be a long day.
Best Time to Visit
I think the best time to visit is spring to see the wildflowers. In early summer you can see the saguaros bloom and in the fall/winter it is cooler for hiking.
Visiting Saguaro National Park
This National Park is where you will see the largest concentration of the southwest’s iconic Saguaros. They are an iconic symbol of the American West.
There is no where else in the world can you view a saguaro studded forest, so I believe this is one of the top places to visit in Arizona.
The Saguaro National Park is divided into two districts: east and west. The two districts are kitty corner from each other.
They are separated by the interstate and 38 miles apart. If you are visiting from Phoenix, the Saguaro National Park West is the first park you would come to. It is on the northern end and on the west side of I-10.
To get to Saguaro National Park East you would continue down I-10 and the park is southeast of Tucson. This will take at little over an hour to reach.
Due to the distance, if you are plan on seeing both parts in one visit it will take the whole day to see the park.
Which Will You Visit? Saguaro National Park East or West?
If I had to choose one side, my favorite is the west entrance. This side of the park has a higher concentration of saguaros in one place, and you can see petroglyphs.
It is unlike any other national park. There are more than one million of these giant cacti in the park and more than two dozen species of cactus. As symbols of the southwest, the saguaro has protective status.
West Entrance: Tucson Mountain District
The Red Hills Visitor Center at the west entrance has gorgeous views of the park as well as some short trails.
Bajada Loop Drive
The most popular spot in the park is Bajada Loop Drive. This unpaved 6-mile drive takes you through some of the most beautiful areas of the desert. A standard sedan is fine to drive on this road, however you will definitely need a car wash after this trip.
The Loop begins at Hohokam Road, one and a half miles west of the Red Hills Visitor Center. Leaving the Red Hills Visitor Center, turn right onto Kinney Road. Follow Kinney Road 1.6 miles (2.6 km) to the loop’s entrance on the right. The loop ends where golden Gate Road meets Sandario Road.
There are several trails to hike from off this road.
Signal Hill Trailhead
The other not to miss site is the Signal Hill Trailhead. At the end of Hohokam Road take a left onto Golden Gate Road and then a right onto Signal Hill Road to reach the trail.
This short, .3 mile hike offers commanding views of the Saguaro National Forest as well as an up-close view of petroglyphs.
The Hohokam people created the petroglyphs. They lived in this area between 450 and 1450 A.D.
Have you ever seen a saguaro cactus bloom? If not stop by in May and early June to see a stunning display of these beautiful white flowers.
The Saguaro bloom is Arizona’s state flower. If you’ve never seen one before they are quite the sight.
East Entrance: Rincon Mountain District
If you’re visiting the park for the day, I recommend grabbing some lunch after visiting the west entrance and then make your way to the east entrance of the park. If you drive straight there it will take about an hour.
Cactus Forest Drive
The Rincon Mountain district of Saguaro National Park is a scenic one-way 8 mile paved loop. Allow yourself at least 30 minutes to an hour to drive the loop. It is slow going and if you stop you’ll need additional time. There are several pull out areas to park and take in the view.
Sonoran Desert Overlook
Cactus Forest Overlook
In addition to the overlooks, there are three hiking trails between Cactus Forest Overlook and Javelina Rocks.
The hiking trails include: Desert Ecology National Recreation Trail, Cactus Forest Trailhead North and Loma Verde Trail.
Javelina Rocks
There are a few parking spots for Javelina Rocks, so you can get out to stretch your legs.
The short hike, .25 mile is worth it for the beautiful view. This is my favorite spot in the Rincon Mountain district side of the park.
Saguaro National Park FAQ
- Don’t forget to bring water
- Both sides of the park have a visitor center
- Park Fees are $25 per car, as of 2026 or you can use your America the Beautiful Pass
Nearby Attractions:
- Sonoran Desert Museum ( 1.5 miles from west entrance)
- Sabino Canyon (16.5 miles)
- Mt. Lemmon ( 39 miles)
- Tucson
- Tubac
Tucson Tours
Adventurer At Heart
Hello, my name is Amber! I'm an Arizona-based traveler obsessed with nature and history.
