Date: December 29, 2015
Contact: Melanie Florez , (520)733-5153
Contact: Richard Hill, (520)733-5158
Naturalist Programs at Tucson Mountain District (West, 2700 N. Kinney Road):
January 19 2:15 p.m. Wasson Peak Moonlight Hike: 7 hours, 8 miles round trip
This hike climbs 1,700 feet to the highest point in the Tucson Mountains. Enjoy a 360-degreeview of the sunset before descending by the light of the moon. The hike is at an easy-to-moderate pace but is considered difficult due to elevation gain and hiking after dark. Ages 12 and older. Reservations required; 733-5158
January 20 4:15 p.m.Twilight Glow to Moon Shadows Moonlight Hike: 3 hours,2 ½ miles
This walk bridges sunset into moonlight, letting hikers experience the desert in both the glow of twilight and the light of the waxing moon.It ascends a hill with a gentle, packedslope, then changes trails to descend a sandy wash. The hike is completed witha return on a dirt road. Ages 10 and older. Reservations required: 733-5158.
January 21 3:30 p.m. Sunset Hike Moonlight Hike: 4 hours, 3 ½ miles
Discussions of water, geology, and plants will be highlights of mini-talks along this route, which gains 700 feet (with some switchbacks near the top) before reaching a ridge line for sunset. The descent is by the light of the moon. Ages 10 and older. Reservations required; 733-5158
January 22 4:15 p.m. Moonlight Reflections Moonlight hike: 2 hours, 2 miles
The shortest and easiest of the winter monthly moon hikes covers 2 miles in 2 hours. Imagine yourself living in olden times as you cross a flat terrain, follow a sandy wash that has been nature's highway for centuries, then climb a terraced hill side full of plants that helped sustain the Hohokam people. After resting at a viewpoint, you will descend and complete your journey on a dirt road in themoonlight. Ages 10 and older. Reservations required: 733-5158.
January 23 6:15 p.m. Moonrise Over The Mountains Patio program: 45 minutes
Popular guitarist and singer-songwriter Mark William and Native American flute player Robert Hval will play music on the patio as visitors watch the full moon rise over the mountains. Bring a folding chair and blanketsor coats. All ages.Wheelchair accessible. No reservations necessary.
January 18, 25 10:45 a.m.Thirsty Mammals Short Hike:2 hours, ¾ mile
Sonoran Desert mammals are seldom seen, but they are present in great diversity and numbers. Where are they? How do they survive in the desert climate? Come along on this hike in a sandy wash to learn the answers from a retired biology professor. Closed-toed shoes, a hat, and water are required.
January 9, 23 9:45 a.m.Bird Walk 30 minutes plus optional additional 30 minutes, ½mile
Join us for a 30-minute walk in the sandy wash behind the Visitor Center to see what birds live among the cacti and shrubs. Learn howthey find food, water and shelter. Participants interested in more will drive 2 miles to Sus Picnic area with its rocky canyon and hills for another 30-minute walk to see what wrens, hawks and other birds live there. The walk is on sand and dirt roads and is scheduled for the second and fourth Saturday mornings of every month from January through April. No reservations required. All ages are invited.
Naturalist Programs at the Rincon Mountain District (East, 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail):
January 2 10:00 a.m.Sharing the Desert's Stories Activity
Children 5 to 10 years of age and parents are invited to come join us in the visitor center auditorium as we bring some of the Sonoran Desert's stories to life. Thismonth's theme will be Winter in the Desert. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling (520) 733-5153. Wheelchair accessible.
January 3, 10, 17, 24 3:00 p.m. CENTENNIAL! Presentation
Celebrate the National Park Service's 100th Anniversary with a tour through time. We'll share history and scenery from every corner of the country, going back 100 years and more! Wheelchair accessible.
January 7 7:00 p.m. Star Party Illustrated program & activity
Join park naturalists for an introduction to astronomy and a look at the desert night sky. Telescopes and binoculars will be available. Reservations required. Call 733-5153. Wheelchair accessible.
January 8 7:00 p.m. Night Walk 1 mile guided walk
Join a park naturalist for this easy two-hour hike to explore and experience the Sonoran Desert at night. Dress for the weather, wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring water and a flashlight. As space is limited, advanced reservations are required, and can be made by calling 733-5153.
January 11 9:00 a.m. The Destruction of Granite: A Trip to the Fault Guided Hike
Join a ranger on a guided auto tour and hike inside the loop drive at Saguaro National Park. We will discuss the geological history of the park as well as that of southeastern Arizona. The hike portion will be 5 miles round trip. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bringwater and a trail snack. Advance reservations are required and can be made by calling (520) 733-5153.
January 16 9:00 a.m. Young Adult Hiking Club 5-mile hike
Young adults 18 years and older are invited to come hike with a park ranger. The emphasiswill be fitness and fun. Space is limited, so reserve your spot early by calling the visitor center at (520) 733-5153. Wear comfortable walking/hiking shoes; bring water and a light trail snack
January 18, 25 2:00 p.m. Grizzlies, Jaguars and Wolves –Oh My! Presentation
Come listen in as we discuss the animals that once called Saguaro National Park home. Is there a chance that some of these creatures might return one day? What techniques are available to assist in their comeback? Auditorium presentation.Wheelchair accessible.
January 22 2:00 p.m. Sunset and Moonlight Hike Guided Hike
View the Arizona sunset from a perch high in the foothills of the Rincon Mountains, then experience the magic of a walk through the moonlit Cactus Forest. Reservations are required and can be made by calling the visitor center at (520)733-5153.
January 29 9:00 a.m. The History of the Rincon Valley Guided Hike
Take a stroll down the Hope Camp Trail and learn about the homesteaders and ranchers who settled here, as well as other aspects of the Rincon and Tanque Verde Valleys. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water and a trail snack. Advance reservations are required and can be made by calling (520) 733-5153.
Visitor CenterLocations/Phone Numbers
Both visitor centers are open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, except Christmas Day.
Red Hills Visitor Center (Saguaro WEST)
2700 North Kinney Road
Tucson, AZ 85743
(520)733-5158
Rincon Mountain Visitor Center(Saguaro EAST)
3693 South Old Spanish Trail
Tucson,AZ 85730
(520)733-5153
For more information about Saguaro National Park and some of its partners, Friends of Saguaro National Park, Western National Parks Association, and the Rincon Institute, visit these websites:
www.nps.gov/sagu www.wnpa.org
www.friendsofsaguaro.org www.rinconinstitute.org
