This review is for Gould Mine which was a ~2.4 miles round trip that took ~1 hours to complete.
Started the loop by going clockwise. Trail was rocky with some inclines. Great views of the distant mountains and saguaro cactus!
Short video of the hike for those interested! https://youtu.be/aM-mnBSr_0A
A different kind of experience than other national park. Tucson, Arizona is home to the nation's largest cacti. The giant saguaro is the universal symbol of the American west. These majestic plants, found only in a small portion of the United States, are protected by Saguaro National Park, to the east and west of the modern city of Tucson. Here you have a chance to see these enormous cacti, silhouetted by the beauty of a magnificent desert sunset.
Wonderful hiking trails for everyone. If the weather permits, it's very nice meandering along the giant saguaros and surrounding desert. The scenic drive in the east side of the park offers fantastic vista points to the desert and spectacular sunset views. I would recommend starting with the east side, drive through the 8-mile scenic byway, and then try a couple of hikes here or the west side. The west side of the park is less bushy and therefore offers cleaner views and access to the giant saguaros. Very nice and humorous park rangers on both sides of the park. Worth the visit.
Saguaro National Park is a must-visit when visiting the larger Phoenix-area. It's home to the largest cacti in the country, towering high over park visitors. We only visited the western side of the park and enjoyed a few short walks on the trails winding through the giant cactus. There are more than just saguaros too. Ranger Brian, at the Red Hills Visitor Center, was very informative and friendly. We appreciated his recommendations on how to see the best parts of the park and to look out for a recently-spotted mountain lion and two cubs. He told us that if we see a road runner, it'll be running across the road- and that's exactly what happened.
Right outside of the park is the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, where you can't quite see more wildlife (because the animals live in enclosures), but you can see animals that are native to the area. Be aware that tickets cost $30 per person, on top of the $25 entrance fee to the national park.
Breathtaking park full of interesting plants and wildlife. Easy to drive paths and pull offs and lots of great views. The cactii throughout the park are magnificent and lots of plaques throughout to teach about them. I really enjoyed our visit here. Also includes a great visitor center and gift shop. A must see visit!
One of the best national parks I’ve been to with a very helpful visitor center and well maintained trail system. Beautiful scenery and so much to see and do at this NP.
I loved hiking here! It’s a beautiful landscape with lots to explore and so many Saguaros!!Just a few people when I visited park. There are places to sit down and make barbecue. The rangers here were so amazing to talk to. Can’t wait for my next visit.
Loves English Labradors
+5
Beautiful place! We visited the east side over sunset at Javelin Rocks and it's breathtakingly beautiful!!
The following day we visited the west side, which has a higher density of cacti and we saw more wildlife etc on the west side
Beautiful park. The Cactus Forest Scenic Loop Drive was paved nicely with plenty of stop off points. If you are planning on hiking any trails do not hike in midday and bring plenty of water.
A free visitor's center with great views of the mountains and saguaro cactus. 🏜
We were in a rush and were unable to drive through the park, unfortunately. 😔
However, we got to experience some of what the Saguaro National Park had to offer at the visitor's center. We also were able to buy some magnets and souvenirs at the visitor's center. The Park Rangers and staff were eager to help and very kind and knowledgeable. A beautiful experience. What a beautiful world we live in. Thank you, Jehovah GOD in Jesus Christ Name, Amen💚🙏💚
Beautiful peaceful park. Welcome center has a short film and a lot of souvenirs. The scenic loop is only open dawn to dusk but you can still drive other parts of the park at night.
Wow! What an incredible landscape. Fine bathroom, water refill station. I wouldn't suggest bringing a trailer or rv through. Smaller parking lot. Very cool interactive visitor center!
Definitely the most hands-off National park I’ve ever been to. No one at the get checking for passes, no one at the visitor center. We went in October and got lucky with the weather. Nice cloud cover made it really pleasant to hike
Saguaro national Park is really cool with all the views of the cactus, but when compared to other parks around the country - it's very repetitive and flat. Nothing challenging as far as hikes go and the landscape just doesn't vary. It's not a park you can spend days or weeks in, but it's cool for a day visit. I did enjoy the east side more.
All the usual great things expected from a national park. The Rincon (east section) features a really cool 8 mile loop road to experience the cactus forest from the comfort of your vehicle. Many miles of hiking trails are available, but it’s best to do your hiking early morning or late evening, as it’s hot during the day.
So beautiful and we got to see the markings on the rocks as well! We loved the trails but don’t forget to bring water!! There is a restroom here as well.
I came here after finding out that my pass for National monument East was expired. This trail is free and you end up in the same park.
Bring water and your smart phone to map your way back if you get off the trail. Watch out for snake's and wild life
Nice dirt trails. There are no restrooms, playground or picnic tables.
I am not sure if dogs are allowed. I did see evidence of horses.
Very cool park. I got great views when hiking part of the Hugh Norris Trail. Nothing against the eastern Rincon Mountain section, but I thought the western Tucson Mountain section was more interesting and had better cacti.
Saguaro national park is a gem with a very convenient drive-through road that takes you through some beautiful washes and rises so that you get a great feel for the saguaros. We took a short hike down a trail, and it was very easy although it was extremely hot at 104°, so we didn't go far. The barrel cactuses and the other small plants were just beyond bloom.
I'd recommend getting off the beaten path when the weather is not so hot as it was this early September day.
The road is well-maintained and the visitor center is nice.
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