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    Saguaro

    National Park Arizona

There are park alerts in effect.
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  • Bottled water no longer for sale in Saguaro National Park

    Water bottle filling stations have been installed at both visitor centers and the Rincon Mountain District bike ramada for visitors to refill their reusable water bottles. A variety of BPA-free waterbottles are available inside the visitor centers. 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 »

Hiking Restrictions

- Hiking groups are limited to a maximum of 18 persons.



- Because of the sensitivity of the desert environment and for resource protection, hiking off-trail is not permitted below 4,500 feet.



- If you are at an elevation above 4,500 feet and your situation does require off-trail hiking, the maximum number of persons allowed in an off-trail group is 10 (this is to minimize impact).



- Camping requires a permit available from a ranger at the visitor center or by fax. Permits must be obtained by noon the day of departure. Click here to download the backcountry information booklet and permit application form.



- Pets are not allowed on any trails. They may be walked in the picnic areas (except Tucson Mountain District’s Mam-A-Gah picnic area) and parking lots and on the roadways as long as they remain on a six foot leash. Click here for information on hiking with dogs.



- Access is prohibited in the sensitive resource area near the Red Hills Visitor Center (shown on map in purple).



- Bicycles are not permitted on any trails on the West District. On the East District, bicycles are permitted on the Cactus Forest Loop road and currently on one trail: 2.5 miles of the Cactus Forest Trail- from the north side of the two-way portion of the road, past the Lime Falls/Lime Kiln area to where it meets the one-way portion of the Cactus Forest Loop road again. Helmets are required for all riders and passengers under 18 years of age. Click here for more information on bicycling at the park.

Did You Know?

Snow on the spines of a Saguaro Cactus

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...