Saguaro National Park has two districts, separated by the City of Tucson. The Tucson Mountain District or Saguaro West, and the Rincon Mountain District or Saguaro East, are approximately 30 miles and 1 hour driving time apart. While similar in terms of plants and animals, subtle differences make both areas worthy of a visit.
Tucson Mountain District
- A short hike on the Valley View Overlook Trail to view the Avra Valley and distant mountain ranges.
- A fabulous orientation program offering a Native American perspective on the saguaro cactus. Shown daily at the Red Hills Visitor Center.
- A trip to Signal Hill Picnic Area, which offers visitors the chance to view hundreds of ancient petroglyphs.
Rincon Mountain District
- A scenic auto/bike tour around the Cactus Forest Loop Drive offering incredible views of the Rincon Mountains.
- A one mile loop hike along the Freeman Homestead Trail to learn about homesteading in the desert as well as modern Tucson.
- Or choose from the many different hiking paths outlined along the northern part of Cactus Forest Loop.
- For those with a taste for adventure, as well as a couple of extra days, we recommend a trip into the Rincon Mountain Saguaro Wilderness Area to visit Manning Cabin, which was built in 1905 by Levi Manning, one time mayor of Tucson.
