• Saguaro Blooms Upclose

    Saguaro

    National Park Arizona

  • 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 »

  • 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 »

Wilderness Regulations

Wilderness Regulations:

  • Off trail travel is only permissible above 4,500 feet in elevation.
  • Campfires are prohibited at the Douglas Spring and Grass Shack Campgrounds. Gas stoves are encouraged at all campgrounds.
  • Where campfires are allowed, make sure your fire is completely extinguished before departing.
  • Only dead and downed wood may be collected and burned.
  • Mechanized or motorized vehicles are prohibited in the wilderness area.
  • Pets are prohibited on all trails within Saguaro National Park.
  • Outhouses are provided at all six designated campgrounds. Elsewhere, bury human waste at least 150 feet from trails, meadows and water sources.
  • Do not put trash in the outhouses.
  • Use of firearms and other weapons is prohibited throughout Saguaro National Park.
  • Digging trenches around tents or modifying camp areas is prohibited.
  • Camping is allowed in designated campgrounds only. Do not deviate from your itinerary.
  • Pack out everything you pack in.
  • Camping permits must be visible while hiking in/out of the wilderness area. At all other times, leave permit on your tent.
  • Persons under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Permits may be issued up to two months in advance, but no later than 12:00 noon the day of departure.
  • The total length of stay may not exceed 10 days, with no more than 5 consecutive days at any one campground.
  • Maximum group size is 18 persons.
  • Camping permit applications received by mail or fax must be fully complete to have the camping permit mailed back to you.

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...