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Saguaro National ParkMexican Poppy - Photo by John Williams, Park Ranger
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Saguaro National Park
Frequently Asked Questions
 
Towering Saguaro

John Williams, Park Ranger

A towering saguaro is silhouetted against the summer sun.

Q. How do you pronounce saguaro?

A. Sa - WAH - ro

Q. How do saguaros grow?

A. Saguaros are a very slow growing cactus. In Saguaro National Park, studies indicate that a saguaro grows between 1 and 1.5 inches in the first eight years of its life. more

Q. Can I make a reservation for one of your picnic areas?

A. No, reservations are not taken for picnic areas in Saguaro National Park. They are first come, first served.

Q. What uses require a special use permit?

A.  1. Weddings
   2. Picnicking in groups of 20 or more persons
   3. Religious Retreats
   4. Dispersal of human remains

A special use permit must be filled out and submitted to the park in advance of the actual date requested. There is a permit processing fee of $50 (minimum) for all recreational special use permits.

Javelina  

Did You Know?
Javelinas are able to eat spiny prickly pear pads with no obvious harm to their mouths, stomachs or intestinal tracts. Javelinas are not true pigs, they are peccaries, which are native to the Americas.

Last Updated: January 28, 2009 at 10:10 EST