March Program Schedule

Subscribe RSS Icon | What is RSS
Date: February 18, 2015
Contact: Saguaro East - Melanie Florez, (520) 733-5153
Contact: Saguaro West - Richard Hill, (520) 733-5158

Saguaro National Park March Program Schedule

Saguaro National Park is offering a variety of hikes and talks this spring that explore the park's wonderful natural and cultural histories. Program listings also are available on the park's website, www.nps.gov/sagu, or visit us on Facebook. Interpretive programs are free, but park entrance fees apply. Program schedules are subject to change;call the visitor centers for updates or reservations.

Naturalist Programs at Tucson Mountain District (West, 2700 N. Kinney Road):

March 1    2:45 p.m.    Wasson Peak    Hike: 7 hours, 8 miles roundtrip
This hike climbs 1,700 feet to the highest point in the Tucson Mountains. Enjoy a 360-degree view of the sunset before descending by the light of the moon. The hike is at an easy pace but is considered difficult due to elevation gain and hiking after dark. Ages 10 and older. Reservations required: 733-5158.

March 2    4:45 p.m.    Twilight Glow To Moon Shadows    Hike: 3 1/3 hours, 2 ½ miles
This walk bridges sunset into moonlight, letting hikers experience the desert in both the glow of twilight and the light of the waxing moon. It ascends a hill with a gentle, packed slope, then changes trails to descend a sandy wash. The hike is completed with a return on a dirt road. Ages 10 and older. Reservations required: 733-5158.

March 3    4:15p.m.    Sunset Hike    Hike: 3 ¾ hours, 3 ½ miles
The route gains 700 feet (with some switchbacks near the top) before reaching a ridgeline for sunset; the descent is by the light of the moon. Ages 10 and older. Reservations required: 733-5158.

March 4    5:00 p.m.    Nighttime Reflections    Hike: 3 hours, 2 ½ miles
This new, easy, slower-paced hike of no more than 3 miles will follow paths taken by people and animals for centuries as we reflect on ages past and present and enjoy saguaro patterns in the moonlight. Ages 10 and older. Reservations required: 733-5158.

March 5    7:00 p.m.     Moonrise Over The Mountain    Night Patio Presentation: 45 minutes
Guitarist, singer, and songwriter Mark William will perform during this popular "campfire" program on the patio. Joining him will be Robert Hval, who plays the Native American flute. Listen to music while enjoying a relaxing view of the full moon as it rises above the cactus forest and mountains. No reservations are required; bring a lawn chair and warm clothing. No pets or food, please. All ages welcome. Wheelchair accessible.

March 28    9 a.m. to 4 p.m.    CCC Recognition Day    Speakers, displays, open house and related events
Park admission is free March 28 (West District only) while we celebrate the history and legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps with photographs, memorabilia, and speeches. The CCC was a Great Depress work program that contributed greatly to the National Parks.

March 7    10:15 a.m.; 11:15 a.m.; 2:15 p.m.; 3:15 p.m.    Wildflower Celebration Day Walk    30-45 min walk
Poppies and fiddlenecks, tackstem and globemallow – the wildflowers are coming! In anticipation of a desert in bloom, join us for short walks near the visitor
center. No reservations required.

March 14    9:45a.m.    Bird Walk    30 minutes plus optional additional 30 minutes, ½ mile
Learn how birds find food, water, and shelter during a 30-minute walk in the sandy wash behind the Visitor Center. This walk will continue for a second 30 minutes at Sus Picnic area to see what wrens, hawks and other birds live there. No reservations required.

 

Naturalist Programs at the Rincon Mountain District(East, 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail):

March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31     2:00 p.m.    Reptiles of the Sonoran Desert    Presentation
Join park naturalist Bob Brandner for this 30-minute presentation to discover the fascinating world of reptiles and amphibians. Wheelchair accessible.

March 4, 11, 18, 25    11:00 a.m.    Flash, Whoosh, Gush, and Growth: Sonoran Desert Monsoon Rain    Presentation
The summer heat and humidity bring the mighty and sometimes destructive monsoon rain. Saguaros, frogs, and others depend on these drenching afternoons to begin a new season of life in the dry desert. Wheelchair accessible.

March 4    1:00 p.m.    Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail    Talk: 45 minutes
In 1775 Juan Bautista de Anza began a year long journey with 240 people intent on developing an overland route from Mexico to San Francisco to found a mission and presidio to help secure Spanish outposts in Northern California. Along the way, the Anza Trail passed through or near Nogales, Tubac, Tucson, Casa Grande, Phoenix, and Yuma.This program provides an overview of the journey and the history of the trail, as well as a short video and a question and answer period. Wheelchair accessible.

March 6, 20    8:00 a.m.    Desert Bird Walk    1 mile guided walk
Join volunteer naturalist Ralph Terry for an easy 2-hour walk in search of desert birds. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water.

March 6, 20    7:00 p.m.    Night Walk    1 mile guided walk
Join a park naturalist for this easy two-hour hike to explore and experience the Sonoran Desert at night. Dress for the weather, wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring water and a flashlight. As space is limited, advanced reservations are required, and can be made by calling 733-5153.

March 7, 21    10:00 a.m.    Meet the Cholla Guided walk
On this easy walk. You will be introduced to the diverse members of the cholla cactus family and their relationships with the desert community.

March 7    11:00 a.m.    Escapers, Evaders, Endurers Presentation
Sonoran Desert plans use a variety of tactics to thrive in this hot, dry climate. Join naturalist Rich Hayes in the visitor center auditorium for an exploration into desert plants.

March 7    3:00 p.m.    Wildflower Wander    Easy Stroll
Join park staff in search of spring wildflowers and find out which ones are blooming now and which will bloom soon!

March 19    7:00 p.m.    Star Party    illustrated program & activity
Join park naturalists for an introduction to astronomy and a look at the desert night sky. Telescopes and binoculars will be available. Reservations required. Call 733-5153. Wheelchair accessible.

March 26    1:00 p.m.    Where the Chicks Hang Out Presentation
The most exciting time to observe birds is when they are nesting and raising young. Join desert naturalist Pinau Merlin in the visitor center auditorium for a fun peek into the lives of some of our local favorites (such as roadrunners and hummingbirds) and discover what strategies they use for successfully raising their families. Wheelchair accessible.

Visitor Center Locations/Phone Numbers
Both visitor centers are open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except Christmas Day.

Red Hills Visitor Center (Saguaro WEST)         Rincon Mountain Visitor Center (Saguaro EAST)
2700 North Kinney Road                                   3693 South Old Spanish Trail
Tucson, AZ 85743                                             Tucson, AZ 85730
(520) 733-5158                                                  (520) 733-5153

For more information about Saguaro National Park and some of its partners, Friends of Saguaro National Park, Western National Parks Association, and the Rincon Institute, visit these websites:

www.nps.gov/sagu                                             www.wnpa.org

www.friendsofsaguaro.org                                 www.rinconinstitute.org

 



Last updated: February 24, 2015

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

3693 S Old Spanish Trail
Tucson, AZ 85730

Phone:

520 733-5153
`

Contact Us