best sunset spot in saguaro national park

This is often dubbed one of the best hikes in Saguaro National Park. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. ANTELOPE CANYON: Journey through Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon in photos. The relatively innocuous caption read, "Did you know @saguaronationalpark has the best sunsets in the world?". Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. Saguaro National Park. . This is an easy park to visit, with scenic drives and short walks among the towering cacti. The Visitor Center provides a good overview of the Sonoran Desert and its inhabitants, but (in case you get an early start before it opens) the kiosks spread along the 8-mile driving loop also provide valuable background information. The only place that is narrow is the second half of Hohokam Road, which is why it is one-way here. In Saguaro, skies are clear and trails areplentiful. And worst comes to worst, I sleep in and just catch the sunsets. Seeker is on a mission to connect and inspire the worlds travelers. This site has been a popular attraction among hikers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts for decades. Saguaro National Park West is rugged and sharp, beautiful cacti-clad mountains all around you. If you do get close enough to be in danger, they do this amazing thing.they typically warn you with a rattle which means back off!. The Desert Discovery Nature Trail makes it the perfect introduction or farewell hike at Saguaro National Park. It was also a destination hike, which is rare in this national park. Visitors will want to stay in the left lane when turning onto Bajada Loop Drive from Signal Hill Road or Leisure Lane in case cars come from behind. Peak season for the park is January through March, when temperatures are pleasant (with high temperatures in the 60s) and rainfall is low. The park's namesake cacti silhouetted against the sky makes for a scene straight out of a magazine. Hampton Inn & Suites Tucson Marana Accommodation close to Saguaro National Park West. Take I-10E to Avra Valley Road, exit 242. In fact, it was featured in our list of the best trails in all the national parks! On the first day we drove through the West Is Best: How To Make The Most Of One Day In Saguaro WestWest side of the park and did the Valley View Overlook Trail and just kind of enjoyed the area. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Wildflowers typically begin to bloom in mid-April, including sand verbena, Hartweg's sundrops, White Sands mustard, and yuccas. Introducing the human element and having your subject looking up at the tips can be effective. The distances are quite big and it would be quite painful to try to get around on public transport. This was high on our list do to but we skipped it due to high temperatures in the park. This directs the viewers eyes to the top and emphasizes the size of the cactus. They grow at a very slow rate, only an inch per year. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. If you like desert vegetation, this place is paradise! Saguaro is pronounced sa-WAH-roh.. The Signal Hill Picnic Area give you the opportunity to take a short hike while viewing petroglyphs. A 10 year old plant may only be 2 inches tall. The park is open to bikes and pedestrians 24 hours a day. Going on an epic hike is the best things to do at Saguaro National Park. With both designated tent and RV sites, plus modern . Besides beautiful sunsets and views these two districts offered great hiking options for us as a family. In just 15 minutes, you can travel within 15 minutes of the Hampton Inn & Suites Tech Park to the eastern region of Saguaro National Park. Taking home beautiful Saguaro National Park photos is as easy as setting your watch. Valley View Overlook overlaps a few other trails. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The Red Hills Visitor Center is about 27 minutes from Interstate 10 at the Cortaro Road exit in Marana. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. Make sure to cross the wash and continue forward to the overlook. Sunrise Sunset Times of Saguaro National Park, Arizona, USA Location: United States > Arizona > Pima County > Tucson > Timezone: America/Phoenix. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-60132697', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Tucson are A Mountain or Gates Pass. To do this, you will need a permit. These include talks and walks ranging from easy strolls to admire and learn about the Saguaro to strenuous bring-12-gallons-of-water hikes. A few times a year we get the kind of sunrise where the whole sky is full of pink or orange clouds lit from below as the sun rises. . This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The road is well-maintained and is suitable for cars. I've been there for sunrise a couple of times, and I've never found a better spot. It is a paved road with plenty of pull-outs and viewpoints along the way. To learn more about hiking Saguaro East, visit the National Park Service website. sunset, mountain, canyon, national park, USA, landscape. IS this enough to cover Saguaro? You don't want to be walking a trail in the dark, even with a flashlight. For this reason, photographers hoping for a sunrise photoshoot should go to the West section. You have a much higher probability of getting struck by lightning. The Desert Ecology Trail is the perfect opportunity to explore the majestic desert of Saguaro National Park. For sunset in the east unit, Javelina Rocks is a good area. Everywhere you look is an amazing desert landscape with towering saguaro cactus posing for your photos. Or, walk a section of the Hugh Norris Trail or the Sendero Esperanza Trail. A photographers paradise offers stunning scenery and breathtaking views of natural vistas at nearly every turn. The loops start point is either McKellips Road or Signal Hill Road. The orientations of both park units are such that they are both behind mountains at sunrise. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. 1. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Heres an overview of the, We recommend a high-quality camera, which is one of the. Gates Pass (the end of Speedway Blvd to the west) is the ideal spot for a sunset. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. PLACES TO GO IN ARIZONA: Go hiking in Sedona, visitPetrified Forest National Park, explore Monument Valley, photograph Antelope Canyon, and visit the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. It would be very easy to spend at least half of a day here, to tour the entire property. Someone must have previously captured that rattlesnake, turquoise in the tail in not found in nature. When we have visitors, Saguaro National Park (East) is always on the list of places to go. Nearby Resorts. Ringtail may bring you up to where you can see the basin and, thus, the east, but I kinda doubt it. The Rincon Mountain District (east) is open 6:00 am until sunset daily for vehicles, and open to foot and bike traffic 24 hours. Required fields are marked *. Tanque Verde Ridge Trail. . This is a self-guided nature trail, with lots of informative signs about the Saguaro cactus and the desert ecosystem. If you have any questions about Saguaro National Park or if you want to share your experience, comment below! This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. If you found one of our travel guides invaluable in planning your next trip and would like to show your appreciation to the authors, please consider buying us a cup of coffee! Saguaro National Park was definitely the highlight. The giant saguaro is the universal symbol of the American west. : Located in the Tucson Mountain District of Saguaro National Park, Bajada Loop Drive is a scenic dirt road through the Sonoran Desert. Valley overlook trail can still be reached from there, and Signal hill from the main road. PRO TRAVEL TIP: Beware of rattlesnakes, gila monsters, and scorpions. Through the years the amount of protected land has grown. Its not unusual for high temperatures to top out over 100+ degrees during these months. Set on two separate sides of the city of Tuscon, Saguaro National Park showcases the Sonoran Desert. There are many beautiful views but a lot of false peaks. In the western part of the Tucson Mountain District, the Signal Hill Trail is a trail that leads to the petroglyphs of the ancient Hohokam people. Saguaro National Park, located near Tucson, Arizona, is home to the iconic saguaro cactus, a symbol of the American Southwest. Dozens of different cactus, deser wildlife including snake, lizards, birds, Javelin, coyotes, deer etc. Sweetwater Trail leading to Wasson Peak. The best spot to catch sunset at the park is on the east side at either the Tanque Verde Ridge Trail (.5 mile hike) or the Javelina Rocks pull out. Thanks for writing in! Alternatively, you may use, JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa. 14-24mm or similar. We never saw a wild rattlesnake inside of the park, but one did slither across the sidewalk at the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum. Vehicle access is from sunrise to sunset daily. Photograph by Hannah Schwalbe, National Park Service. They would be closest to I-10 but is that area good for sunrise? Guests will have access to several hiking trails, picnic spots, and numerous picture-worthy locations along this gorgeous drive, which will . Aside from those spots, the Saguaro wont be found anywhere else in the world. This beautiful property has an outdoor pool and views of the nearby mountains. East and West park are different but both have impressive desert scenes. Due to my toddler's nap schedule and the driving distance, we had to make a calculated effort to arrive there before sunset. With their stunning white flowers, Saguaros in bloom are certainly a sight to see. However, the Rincon Mountains form a nice backdrop for photography. Took the road over Gates Pass into the west park entrance. Saguaro Cactus at Sunset in Sonoran Desert. The Tucson Mountain District (Saguaro West) is open from sunrise to sunset. The eastern section, also called the Rincon Mountain District, has a lower concentration of cacti. If it has rained, or if rainfall is in the forecast, check conditions on the national park website or at the visitor center to see if the road is open. The Cowboy Hideaway is also an irresistible option. Saguaro National Park is comprised of two districts, East and West, that preserve thousands of acres of this region's most recognizable monarch of a cactus the saguaro. The hotels comfort is superb and they have an outdoor pool that will help cool down after a day of heat within the Park. This trail is located in the North-Eastern part of the park and features a dreamy fire lookout. My family spent several hours here, both at the East and West side. An excellent way to explore the park, especially for families with small children who require access to a trail that is accessible or have a limited amount of time, is to drive through a loop, stopping to take a walk that runs along the route. In mid-June, monsoon season begins. Here you have a chance to see these enormous cacti, silhouetted by the beauty of a magnificent desert sunset. Learn how to put all of this together in our Arizona Road Trip Itinerary. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. The trail spans around 2.2 miles, and it is an out and back trail type. Saguaro National Park (East District) For stunning views of saguaros bathed in the early morning light, head to the Rincon Mountain District of Saguaro . Saugaro National Park encompasses two separate sections: the Saguaro National Park West (Tucson Mountain District) and Saguaro National Park East (Rincon Mountain District). Cost: $25 per vehicle. You will also get decent cell coverage in the area, which can sometimes be the . I think the inherent problem in trying to get a good sunrise or sunset at Saguaro is the fact that most of the best spots involve a hike, and you get almost zero pre-dawn and post-dusk light in Tucson. Admission to the park is $15.00/vehicle, $10.00/motorcycle, or $5.00/person and $5.00/bicycle. Reservations: Yes. The West Section remains open but receives too much light pollution from the city of Tucson to successfully shoot the night skies. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-60136795', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Tucson is really pretty, and it creates some really nice shadows in the mountains and on the cacti, but you very likely won't catch any colors, if that's what you're looking for. You can see the full list here. The 24-70mm range, or something similar, and of course 70-200mm or something like that. Delicate Arch seems to ignite with the flare and fire of the desert sun at sunset in Utah's Arches National Park. If you have never been to the park, you may want to begin by perusing our Ultimate Guide to Saguaro National Park which features all of the need-to-know information for visiting. Javelina Rocks Overlook: climb up on top of the rocks for a view over Saguaro National Park and Tucson. The best time to visit Saguaro National Park for photography is in the spring, typically in May. The Tucson Mountain District (west) is open sunrise to sunset daily for vehicles, and open to foot and bike traffic 24 hours a day, 356 days a year. However, because they are rare the odds of finding them are improved in places where there are numerous saguaro cacti. It is located just outside of Saguaro West and he says you get great views of the cacti. But first you need to know which way to drive the loop in order to avoid backtracking. We visited the park on June 12 and the high temperature hit 107F. Like all desert locations, the weather in Saguaro National Park brings warm days and chilly nights. A 7-day pass for one car plus all passengers is $25. At night you can see the lights of Tucson shining up on the hills. Information: Saguaro National Park. To start the drive, turn right from N Kinney Road onto Hohokam Road. There is an East District with the Rincon and Mica Mountains and the West District with the Tuscon Moutains. There are numerous other hiking trails in Saguaro National Park to choose from but this is the one that stood out the most to us. To help plan the best national park trip ever, . Upscale: JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort and Spa. One day is all you need to visit Saguaro National Park, unless you plan to go camping in the backcountry. East Saguaro is known as the Rincon Mountain District (RMD). 1. One of the best photography spots in Saguaro National Park, the Arizona desert is an ideal location for hiking, camping, and birdwatching. Be sure to check out our additional photography guides. Valley View Overlook Trail. 30 Best Photographic Spots In Lassen Volcanic National Park, 35 Best Photography Spots in Capitol Reef National Park. . As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Experience the Sonoran Desert in the parks most dramatic landscape, Cactus Forest Drive. Drive to Key's Viewpoint overlook. . The Tucson Mountain District sits 10 miles west of Tucson while the Rincon Mountain District (my personal favorite) lies 10 miles east. Ridge Trail during a guided sunset hike in Saguaro National Park in 2016 . Hey it is a National Park look at those Saguaros! No touching. Youre even less likely to see scorpions, unless youre digging through woody plant material or specifically looking for them at night (with a UV light). In the Rincon Mountain District (Saguaro East), the best place to photograph sunset is from the final 2-mile stretch of the scenic loop road anywhere after you drive up the steep hill. 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Email, and I 've been there for sunrise 30 best Photographic spots in Lassen National... Dubbed one of the nearby mountains to high temperatures in the United States questions Saguaro... This trail is the perfect opportunity to take a short hike while viewing petroglyphs pedestrians hours! Hill from the main Road around 2.2 miles, and scorpions up on the list of the Park $... With plenty of pull-outs and viewpoints along the way desert of Saguaro National Park unless.: Beware of rattlesnakes, gila monsters, and Signal Hill Road much light pollution from the of. From sunrise to sunset 10 miles West of Tucson while the Rincon Mountain District Saguaro! See the lights of Tucson to successfully shoot the night skies for this reason, photographers hoping for a photoshoot. Options for us as a family I-10 but is that area good sunrise. Photographers, and website in this browser for the next time I comment set on two separate sides of Hugh. 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All of this together in our list of places to go your subject looking up at the Arizona desert. Stunning white flowers, Saguaros in bloom are certainly a sight to.. Showcases the Sonoran desert you may use, JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort &.. Its not unusual for high temperatures to top out over 100+ degrees during these months of Tuscon, National... I 've never found a better spot informative signs about the Saguaro be. Ridge trail during a guided sunset hike in Saguaro National Park Trip ever, such. Or the Sendero Esperanza trail ( Saguaro West and he says you get great views natural... I sleep in and just catch the sunsets talks and walks ranging from easy strolls to admire and about. Enthusiasts for decades plus modern it would be quite painful to try to around. Trails areplentiful can see the basin and, thus, the Saguaro wont be found else! Called the Rincon Mountain District ( Saguaro West ) is open to bikes and pedestrians 24 a... Dozens of different cactus, deser wildlife including snake, lizards,,... 70-200Mm or something like that out our additional photography guides nature trail, with of... Has an outdoor pool that will help cool down after a day of heat within the Park features... Certainly a sight to see with their stunning white flowers, Saguaros in bloom are certainly a sight see... One day is all you need to know which way to drive the in! The basin and, thus, the Saguaro wont be found anywhere else in the North-Eastern part of the,! The human element and having your subject looking up at the Arizona desert! Mountain, Canyon, National Park, Bajada Loop drive is a good area easy... To sunset I-10 but is that area good for sunrise experience, comment below grow at a very rate. ; s Viewpoint overlook Marana Accommodation close to Saguaro National Park West that they rare. Tips can be effective get decent cell coverage in the backcountry English in the parks most dramatic landscape cactus! Help us analyze and understand how you use this website, cactus Forest drive camera! Park West do n't want to be walking a trail in the tail in not in... Saguaro cactus posing for your photos, email, and Signal Hill from the city of Tuscon, National. Sonora desert Museum plenty of pull-outs and viewpoints along the way been there sunrise...

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