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Contact: Melanie Florez, 520-733-5153
Celebrate Under the Cactus and the Stars
on Holiday Night Drive At Saguaro National Park (East)
Friday, December 27, 2019
Tucson, AZ – By popular demand, Saguaro National Park’s Rincon Mountain District (East) will open the Cactus Forest Loop Drive for special starlight driving tours on the evening of Friday, December 27th. Park rangers will lead a series of 90-minute tours beginning at 5:00 pm and continuing every 30 minutes after that, with the last tour at 8:00 p.m. Visitors will drive their own cars on the tour, which includes a short walk on a fully accessible trail. Space is limited on all programs and advance reservations are required. Reservations can be made by telephone at (520) 733-5153, or in person at the visitor center at 3693 South Old Spanish Trail (approximately 3 miles east of Houghton Road).
These tours are a perfect way to connect family and friends to the natural world of the desert at this festive time of year. The “Holiday Cactus Caravan” explores the natural history and human lore of the winter solstice. “Visitors appreciate this one opportunity each year to enjoy the Cactus Forest Drive at night,” says Park Ranger Melanie Florez. At overlooks along the way, tour leaders will explain the holiday significance of dark, star-filled skies over the park’s wilderness, the symbolism of evergreen plants in the winter season, and the importance of park wildlife in celebrating the world of the saguaro cactus.
Hot cider and cookies will be available at the visitor center before and after each tour. Exhibits, gift shop, the new park video, and a quick pre- and post-tour quiz (win a poster!) are also part of the fun as you wait for your tour or warm up afterwards.
Participants should carry their own water and snacks in the car, bring a flashlight for use at stops, and dress for the night’s weather, as the program will run rain or star-shine. Programs are suited to all age levels and physical abilities. There is no charge for the program, but regular park entrance fees of $20 per vehicle apply. The Saguaro, Interagency, Military, 4th Grade and Senior annual passes, and lifetime Senior and Access passes are honored for entrance. Further information on these and many other park programs is available by calling the visitor center at (520) 733-5153, on-line at www.nps.gov/sagu, or by writing to Saguaro National Park, 3693 South Old Spanish Trail, Tucson, AZ 85730.
WHAT: Traditional Guided Night Drive through the Cactus Forest
WHEN: December 27, 2019
WHO: All are welcome, suitable for all ages and abilities
CONTACT: Rincon Mountain Visitor Center for information and reservations, (520)733-5153
Last updated: December 7, 2019