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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 »
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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 »
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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 »
Harris's Hawk
Jim Shultz, NPS Harris’s Hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus) This common Sonoran Desert hawk is often seen in saguaro forests. Unlike most other hawks, the Harris’s hawk lives and hunts in social groups. Most groups consist of a breeding pair and several non-breeding adult birds that help in feeding the young, defending the nest, and hunting. They hunt in groups to increase hunting success, sometimes surrounding prey to flush it out of deep brush. Length: 20 in. Wingspan: 42 in. Diet: Rodents, rabbits, snakes, lizards, and birds |
Did You Know?
Even though the Sonoran Desert is known as very hot and dry place, snow sometimes falls and accumulates on the desert floor of Saguaro National Park. When it does it turns the desert into a winter wonderland. More...