Saguaro National Park

Desert landscape with saguaro cacti, rocky foreground, and distant mountains at sunset.
The nation’s largest cactus, the giant saguaro, finds protection in two districts on the east and west sides of the modern city of Tucson, part of the small portion of the United States where you can find these majestic plants. Wander among these enormous cacti, the universal symbol of the American West, in this Sonoran Desert preserve.

Discover Saguaro National Park

Saguaro photo

Saguaro National Park is a celebration of the American Southwest, home to the iconic giant saguaro cactus—the towering symbol of the Sonoran Desert. Located in southern Arizona, the park is divided into two districts flanking Tucson, the Rincon Mountain District in the east and the Tucson Mountain District in the west. Each district offers uniquely stunning desert landscapes, scenic drives, and diverse hiking trails. Visitors can experience breathtaking sunsets, discover ancient petroglyphs, and witness the incredible resilience of desert life. Whether you’re hiking among towering cacti, spotting wildlife, or simply soaking in the vast desert beauty, Saguaro National Park is an unforgettable destination.

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Store shelves filled with books, snacks, and souvenirs.

Visit the WNP park store

Saguaro National Park has two park stores, one in each district. They are each located in the districts' visitor centers—the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center (East) and the Red Hills Visitor Center (West). Shop collectibles, books, toys, games, Junior Ranger gear, and much more. Plus, pick up a water bottle or hiking apparel so you are prepared to enjoy the park's desert trails.

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Explore Saguaro National Park

Located in southern Arizona, Saguaro National Park preserves the culture, wildlife, and landscape of the Sonoran Desert. In 1920, members of the Natural History Society of the University of Arizona took up the cause of protecting a stand of saguaros. Their dedicated efforts led to the establishment of Saguaro National Monument in 1933. Later re-designated Saguaro National Park, the site’s 92,000 acres are now separated into two districts—the Rincon Mountain District in the east and the Tucson Mountain District in the west. Park visitors stand in awe of the giant saguaro, the tallest cactus in the United States and emblem of the American West. Saguaros produce fruit that is harvested by the Tohono O’odham people, who have lived in the Sonoran Desert for thousands of years and uphold the saguaro as spiritually significant. Beyond the saguaro, the park contains the largest roadless Sky Island in North America, encompassing a wide range of elevations that support biodiversity. Saguaro National Park is a place of cultural, natural, and historical significance, offering visitors the opportunity to interact and connect with this unique landscape, its inhabitants, and its history.

Explore Saguaro National Park

Upcoming events

Sep 13 11:15 am – 12:00 pm

The saguaro celebrates events and faces challenges throughout its life. A biologist explains how it provides shelter and substance for wildlife; when it flowers; its growth patterns; and how it fights for survival against drought, lightning, frost...

Sep 13 12:45 pm – 1:30 pm

Join us in the Red Hills Visitor Center to discover various plant species native to the Sonoran Desert and learn how indigenous peoples traditionally used them for food and medicine. Wheelchair accessible.

Sep 13 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Join a ranger in our visitor center exhibit area to learn about a rotating selection of topics around the Sonoran Desert and Saguaro National Park. Drop in any time from 1pm-1:30pm. Accessible program.

Sep 13 2:15 pm – 3:00 pm

This is not about the University of Arizona’s teams nor is it about your mom’s house cat! Join an Interpretive Ranger in the theater to learn about the four types of wild cats that roam not only Arizona’s mountains and deserts, but in some cases –...

Visit Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
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Over $162 million

Since our founding in 1938, WNP has provided more than $162 million in aid to our partner parks to fund educational programs, initiatives, and scientific research.

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