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    Saguaro

    National Park Arizona

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  • High Desert Temperatures

    Desert temps are over 100 degrees with extremely low humidity. Drink water before you hit the trails, and during your hike drink a quart of water per hour and some form of electrolytes to replace minerals your body needs. Wear a hat and sunscreen. More »

  • Fire Restrictions in effect for Saguaro National Park

    Due to increased fire danger in southern Arizona, Saguaro National Park will implement fire restrictions in both the Rincon and Tucson Mountain Districts, beginning Wednesday, May 22, 2013. More »

  • Tucson Mountain District (west) road re-opened

    The Golden Gate Road has been re-opened north of Sendero-Esperanza and is is now rated for high clearance vehicles due to the rough nature of the terrain. More »

Great Plains Toad

Great Plains toad

NPS photo

Great Plains Toad (Bufo cognatus)

This toad is most easily recognizable by paired blotches on its back and a white dorsal stripe. Like most desert toads, they become active during the summer rainy season. The male’s call is an explosive clatter lasting up to a minute.

Length: 1 4/5- 4 ½ in. (4.6- 11.4 cm)

Diet: Insects

Did You Know?

The flower of a Staghorn Cholla

Many of the plants of the Sonoran Desert are not only edible, they are great sources of nutrition, including the buds of the Staghorn cholla which is a great source of calcium and magnesium.