News Release

Multiple Road Closures at Saguaro National Park, Tucson Mountain District (west) on Wednesday

Date: October 12, 2021
Contact: Andy Fisher, 520 733-5139

Tucson, AZ – Due to several projects happening at once, multiple roads will be closed on Wednesday, October 13 at the Saguaro National Park’s west district in the Tucson Mountains.  Visitors should plan their trip to expect these closures and other potential delays.   

The main scenic loop drive known as the Bajada Loop is under construction to repair damaged sustained during this year’s abundant monsoon.  This includes the Golden Gate and Hohokam Roads, as well as all trailheads and picnic areas along that loop.   

Additional areas in and around the west district will also be closed from 8am -7pm on Wednesday to facilitate a film production in the area.  Kinney Road at the turn off from Mile Wide Road to the visitor center will be closed.  Plan to use Mile Wide Road to Sendario and then to Kinney Road to access the visitor center from the northwest.  Alternatively, Picture Rocks Road will be open to Sandario and then to Kinney Road.  Outside of the park several areas in Tucson Mountain Park are also expected to be closed including McCain Loop Road. 

The visitor center will be open with limited services including the National Park Store, operated by Western National Parks Association, restrooms, water, and information will be available on the patio.  Pass sales will not be available in the visitor center on Wednesday and visitors are encouraged to pay their fees before they come to the park or use one of the multiple self-pay options.  Annual Pass sales will not be available at the west district on that day. 

All roads and trails in the east district of the park in the Rincon Mountains are open.  The visitor center in the east district will be open with limited services, including fees and annual pass sales.   

Visitors with flexible travel plans should consider visiting the east district of the park on Wednesday, or a different local attraction and save your visit to the Saguaro National Park west for a different day. 

Picture Rocks Road and all trailheads on the east side of the Tucson Mountains will be open, as will several access points along Sendario and Rudasill Roads as alternates.  A specific list of roads and trailheads affected by these closures, which areas may experience travel delays and which areas of the district visitors can expect to be open is attached. 

These scheduled closures are subject to change and include all traffic, including motorized vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians.  Visit https://www.nps.gov/sagu for more information. 

Areas of Saguaro National Park, west and surrounding area in the Tucson Mountains impacted by Wednesdays closures include: 

Closed: 

• • Kinney Road, between Mile Wide and Red Hills Visitor Center 
  • McCain Loop in Tucson Mountain Park 
  • Golden Gate Road, aka Bajada Loop 
  • Hohokam Road, aka Bajada Loop 
  • Trailheads and picnic areas along the Bajada Loop, Ez-kim-in-zin, Sus, Bajada Wash, Valley View, Hugh Norris, Encinas, Sendero Esperanza, and Signal Hill 
  • Visitor Center is open with limit services, no fees or pass sales available  

Delays possible: 

• • Mile Wide Road 
  • Sandario 

Open: 

• • King Canyon Trailhead 
  • Camino del Cerro Trailhead 
  • Scenic Trailhead 
  • Picture Rocks Road 
  • CamBoh Picnic Area (access to Golden Gate Trail) 
  • Box Canyon Access (@ Picture Rocks Road) 
  • Cactus Wren Access (@Rudasill) 
  • Manville Access (@Sandario - shortest route to Signal Hill 0.8 miles) 
  • Desert Discovery Trail 
  • Belmont/Abington Access 
  • Red Hills Visitor Center, information, water, restrooms, and retail, no fees or annual pass sales 
  • Sweet Water Reserve is an alternative to Saguaro National Park on the east side of the Tucson Mountains