Saguaro National Park
21/01/2025
Arizona anyone?
Travel day in the books and what a long day it was! After safely arriving in Phoenix and a frustratingly long wait at the rental car counter, I was on my way. I had a great visit with an old friend for a late lunch and then traveled south to Tucson. I made it in time for the night hike at Saguaro National Park (Rincon Mountain District). I am always so grateful for free programs through our National Park system and this one did not disappoint. Led by a very knowledgeable park ranger, our group learned about the plants/animals of the park and dangers to the future of the land. We also did some stargazing. If you look closely you'll catch Venus in a few of the photos. I was grateful to be able to thank the park ranger for all she and other NPS employees are doing despite added stress of cutbacks. This was my first viewing of the Saguaro cactus and what a neat treat to catch them at sunset. So beautiful. Also during the hike we were provided with black light flashlights to find critters. I never thought I would be excited to see a scorpion but it was very cool (see below photo and video). Also a first for me! More to come as I continue explore both the eastern and western sections of Saguaro National Parks next. Tomorrow is busy day!
Saguaro National Park (Rincon Mountain District)
Saguaro (Suh-waa-row) was designated as a national park in 1994 however, the land was named a national monument in 1933 by Herbert Hoover. What a privilege to experience the Tucson Mountain District (Saguaro West) and Rincon Mountain District (Saguaro East) national park locations. It was a beautiful sunny 80 degree day. Did you know... The saguaro cactus grows at a very slow pace (only a few inches in the first 10 years) and they only grow in the Sonoran Desert. Branches begin to appear when the cactus is 60-75 years old and is considered an adult at age 125. Just a few amazing facts that I found fascinating! Over the years the smaller cacti were being stolen but the park has now tagged the small ones with GPS monitors (sad but true) as a poaching deterrent. This morning I drove the park loop and completed a few short hikes in the east side of the park. This was a great time to visit as the park was relatively empty and the temperatures were beautiful.
Saguaro National Park (Tucson Mountain District)
In the afternoon, I made my way to the west park which was about an hour drive from the east side through Tucson. I drove the 5 mile Bajada Loop Drive and hiked the Hugh Norris Trail (my apple watch clocked 55 stairs climbed but it was WAY more than that!). The views were incredible and I took some time to take a closer look at the saguaros. I had no idea that birds and other critters bore holes in the cacti so they can call them home. Speaking of birds, I had a sweet hummingbird (thanks, Mom) buzz around at the top of the hike (see video) and I so enjoyed seeing all kinds of different bird species. The petroglyphs below were found on the Signal Hill area. They date back to the Hohokam period, 450-1450 CE. Always amazing to see. I wrapped up the day with an In and Out burger...I can't resist when I'm in this part of the country! Moving on from Tucson to Petrified Forest National Park next.
