Current Conditions

Saguaro National Park's Response to COVID-19

All roads, picnic areas and hiking trails are open. (Cactus Forest Loop in the park's east district will be closed on October 9, 11am to 3pm)

Visitor information, restrooms and retail from Western National Parks Association are available in the visitor center from 8am until 2pm. Both visitor centers will be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Comfort stations in picnic areas are open and water is available on visitor center patios.  

Visitor centers are at limited capacity of 10 people due to CDC and public health guidance in response to the COVID-19 virus outbreak. Visitors who are looking to shop or receive information may be asked to wait in line until the building is under capacity. Public programs are cancelled.  

Fees are being collected at fee collection stations, honor pay stations and online. In order to reduce cash handling and contact time, park visitors are encouraged to pay park fees online before they visit. More information about how to pay entrance fees prior to arriving.

Recreate responsibly and slow the spread by maintaining a 6' physical distance between you and others. Recreate with those who live with you and follow local public health guidance. Please wear face coverings to protect those around you when 6' distancing is difficult.  

Crowding at trailheads and parking areas is likely. Please start your hike early to avoid the crowd and the heat. Please do not park outside of designated parking areas.

Fires are allowed only in designated areas within picnic areas and campgrounds.

 

 

Rincon Mountain District (east)

All roads and picnic areas are open, including comfort stations. All trails and campsites within the east district are open.

There are two contained fires burning in the Rincon Mountains at this time. They are both in high elevation areas, and are not impacting trails or campsites at this time.

Hikers should use extra caution and stay on the trail when hiking through burned areas. There may still be some fire burning, including within stump holes causing weak and unstable ground which may be difficult to identify. Trails may be slick with fallen pine needles or ash and some fire weakened trees may still fall. Watch for flash flooding, rolling debris and erosion during rain events. It is also possible that smoke may settle into low areas overnight, including within campgrounds.

For more information about the Spud Rock fire and the most recent updates visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6969/

Visitor information and retail from Western National Parks Association are available at the visitor center from 8am-2pm. The visitor center is operating at limited capacity due to COVID-19 restrictions, and it will be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Restrooms are located outside of the visitor center. The exhibit room and theater are closed to the public at this time.

Water is available on the patio in front of the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center.

Keep in mind that Happy Valley Road with access to Miller Creek and Turkey Creek trailheads has streams that flow across it in the summer and winter.

 

Tucson Mountain District (west)

All road and trails are open. Picnic areas are open, including comfort stations.

Visitor information and retail from Western National Parks Association are available at the visitor center from 8am-2pm. The visitor center is operating at limited capacity due to COVID-19 restrictions, and it will be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Please adhere to signs outside the visitor center which will direct you to different areas where you may get information, pay fees, shop and watch a short introductory video. Restrooms are located outside of the visitor center.

Water is available on the patio of the Red Hills Visitor Center.

Golden Gate Road is closed to vehicle traffic east of Sendero Esperanza trailhead and has been converted into a multi-use trail suitable for hikers, bicycles, and equestrian use.