News Release

Construction to begin on Rincon Mountain Visitor Center parking lot in mid-October

News Release Date: September 29, 2025

Contact: Beth Hudick

TUCSON, Ariz. –   On October 13, Saguaro National Park will begin a one-year construction project to reconfigure the entrance to the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center. Visitor services will remain open during construction, though visitors should expect traffic patterns to change as work is completed in phases over the next year.
 
The construction project will include a new parking lot, entrance road, sidewalks, comfort station, and bike ramada. The project will reduce congestion, expand parking areas, and improve access to Saguaro National Park.
 
Key components of the project include:
 

• Realignment of the park entrance to be perpendicular to Old Spanish Trail
• Turn lanes on Old Spanish Trail for safer access into the park
• Separation of the entrance road from the parking lot
• Additional restroom facilities adjacent to the visitor center
• New bicycle ramada with additional bicycle parking capacity
• Expanded parking lot to accommodate additional vehicles including buses and RVs
• Nine additional accessible parking spots

 
“Redesigning the parking lot and infrastructure around the Rincon Mountain District Visitor Center has been a park goal for many years,” said Superintendent Kelly Fuhrmann. “We’re looking forward to breaking ground on this project and seeing a marked improvement in the visitor experience for all user groups in the east district of the park.”
 
The project is expected to be completed in the fall of 2026. Visit https://www.nps.gov/sagu/learn/news/rincon-mountain-parking-lot-project.htm for more information.