News Release

Saguaro National Park April Program Schedule

Date: March 23, 2019
Contact: Melanie Florez, 520-733-5151
Contact: Richard Hill, 520-733-5158

Saguaro National Park News Release                                19-16

For Immediate Release
April   2019                                                                                                                                                                 
Contacts: Saguaro West - Richard Hill [phone], 2700 N. Kinney Rd.
                Saguaro East - Melanie Florez [phone], 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail
 
Saguaro National Park April Program Schedule
Saguaro National Park is offering a variety of walks and talks 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; visitors should call the visitor centers for updates or reservations.
 
 
Naturalist Programs at Tucson Mountain District (West District), 2700 N. Kinney Rd.:
Programs are offered on most days in the morning at 10:15 and/or 11:15, and in the afternoon at 2:15 and/or 3:15 and last 30 to 45 minutes. Topics include mountain lions, lizards, coyotes, javelinas, kangaroo rats, insects, birds, survival strategies, the saguaro cactus, and other topics related to the desert. All programs are subject to change. Call the visitor center at [phone] for updates the day of the program.
 
Apr. 15   3:30 p.m.    Wasson Peak   Moonlight 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-to-moderate pace but is considered difficult due to elevation gain and hiking after dark. Ages 12 and older.Reservations required; 733-5158
 
Apr. 17  4:45 p.m.   Sunset Hike   4 hours, 3 ½ miles roundtrip
This hike gains 700 feet with most of the elevation change in switchbacks near the ridgeline, where hikers will watch the sunset before descending under moonlight. Reservations required; 733-5158
 
Apr. 19  8:00 p.m.    Moonrise Over The Mountains     Patio program: 45 minutes
The patio talk is offered on the night of the full moon. Come out to the Red Hills Visitor Center and enjoy a short talk about the moon and the music of two of our talented volunteer musicians as the full moon rises above the beautiful array of Saguaro Cacti. Bring a chair and dress for the cool desert evenings. All ages. Wheelchair accessible. No reservations necessary.
 
Apr. 5  3:45 p.m. Silhouettes at Sundown   Hike: 3 hours, 2 ½ miles
Apr. 19 4:00p.m.
Trek along an arroyo as the setting sun magically silhouettes the Southwest’s most famous icon – the giant saguaro. This walk is one-third sandy wash with a few rock outcroppings, one-third hill with a gentle grade, and one-third dirt road. Meet at the King Canyon Trailhead.
 
Apr. 13  12:30 p.m.   I Hike for Health   Hike: 4 hours, 3.5 miles
Earn a free hiking medal as you hike 3 miles and discover the health benefits of hiking in our national parks. Water and sturdy hiking shoes are recommended. Meet at the Sendero Esperanza Trailhead.  Plan for 20 minutes of driving time to location from the visitor center.
 
Apr. 6, 13, 20, 27  9:45 a.m.   The Plants Tell All      Walk: 2 hours, ¾ mile
Plants are the foundation of the web of life. Join a park naturalist to learn the secrets of what ties the plants and animals of the Sonoran Desert together. Plant survival, insects and spiders, birds and mammals -- nothing is off limits for discussion on this discovery trek through the desert. For this moderate walk, closed-toed shoes, a hat, and water are required.
 
Apr. 15, 21    10:15 a.m. Picture This..Life Through A Different Lens    Talk and Walk: 45 minutes.
Experience the desert from a whole new view with this interactive photography program; designed to present the basics of photography while envoking emotional connections with the desert.
 
Naturalist Programs at the Rincon Mountain District (East, 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail):    
April 2, 9, 16                 2:00 p.m.          Birds, Birds, Birds                  Presentation
From Hummingbirds to Trogons, come meet the common and not so common birds that are found in Southeastern Arizona and where to see them. Learn how our public lands, like Saguaro National Park, are important in protecting a wide variety of species 
 
April 4, 11, 25               2:00 p.m.        Wild About Flowers                 Guided Hike
A walk for the serious flower fancier. We’ll walk for about 2 hours in search of what’s blooming today while discussing the subtler aspects of pollination, taxonomy, and wildflower habits and habitats. Sturdy walking shoes and water are recommended
 
April 5, 19, 26             10:00 a.m.        Wildflower Walk               Guided Walk
An easy, level, one-hour walk to see the commonest flowers in bloom this day and a basic look at the magic of flowers. Comfortable walking shoes and water are recommended.
 
April 5, 12, 19, 26         2:00 p.m.          Drive-Thru Geology              Auto Tour
Hop in your car for a journey through 25 million years of earth history…in one hour! We’ll observe the varied landforms of the desert – bajadas, washes, outcrops – and find out why geology students from around the world come to see the Rincon Mountain foothills. (Hint: it’s the mylonitic gneiss!)
 
April 6, 20, 27               11:00 a.m.        Cactus Caravan              Auto Tour
Begin your exploration of the Cactus Forest Drive with a park ranger and become familiar with some of the common cacti. A great introduction to the park!   Accessible Program
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April 6, 20        6:00 p.m.                               Sunset Hike             Guided Hike
April 27            6:15 p.m.
Join a park guide to take a short hike up to a rocky overlook of the Tucson Basin. Nature will determine how good the sunset is, but bring your camera just in case it’s a famous Arizona sundown! Sturdy hiking shoes, water are recommended.   Meets at Javelina Picnic Area.
 
April 7, 14   10:00 a.m.         Plant People              Guided Walk
Join a park ranger to explore the traditional uses of native Sonoran Desert plants. Comfortable walking shoes and water are recommended.
 
April 11                        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 are required. Call the Visitor Center at [phone]. Accessible Program
 
April 12                        7:00 p.m.          Night Walk                  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. Comfortable walking shoes, water and a flashlight are recommended.  Reservations are required. Call the Visitor Center at [phone]

 

Saguaro National Park

3693 S.Old Spanish Trail

Tucson, AZ  85730

https://nps.gov/sagu