Current Conditions

Saguaro National Park's Response to COVID-19

All roads, picnic areas and hiking trails are open. Visitor information and restrooms are available on visitor center patios from 8am until noon daily. Comfort stations in picnic areas are open and water is available on visitor center patios.  

Western National Parks Association is providing limited retail service on the patio of the visitor centers from 8am to noon daily. Postcards, pins, t-shirts, and other merchandise are available. 

Visitor centers remain closed in accordance with CDC and local public health guidance in response to the COVID-19 virus outbreak.  Public programs are cancelled.  

Fees are being collected through honor pay stations and online. Some pass sales are available over the phone. 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.

No fires are permitted in wilderness campsites or picnic areas.

 

 

Rincon Mountain District (east)

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

Visitor information, limited retail from Western National Parks Association, and restrooms are available on the visitor center patio from 8am to noon daily. Visitor center remains closed to slow the spread of COVID-19.

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, limited retail from Western National Parks Association, and restrooms are available at the Red Hills Visitor Center patio from 8am to noon daily. The visitor center remains closed to slow the spread of COVID-19.

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.

 

Monsoon storms can take place any afternoon between June 15 and September 30.

NPS photo/B. Riley

Monsoon Season
June 15 - September 30

During the summer months, the Sonoran Desert gets much needed relief from hot and dry conditions when monsoon storms drench the landscape. Officially, Saguaro National Park is in "monsoon season" from June 15 through September 30, and can expect severe thunderstorms each afternoon. Though the season officially begins on June 15, often the park doesn't see its first seasonal storm until early July. After then, it can rain each day as the sun heats up the humid air, building the thunderclouds that create the storm conditions.

Some storms are severe enough, and drop enough rain at once to cause flooding. Flash floods come quickly and can be dangerous.

Do not try to cross a flooded wash - often as quickly as the flood comes, it will dissipate as storms move across the landscape. Instead, sit back and enjoy the show until you can safely cross. Lightning can also pose a hazard this time of year. Time your activity to be indoors in the afternoon. If you are outside during a storm, find shelter. Lightning will often strike trees and saguaro cacti, so stay away and stay low if you get caught.

Once the storms subside, the evening skies can be amazing. Find a place with a great vista and enjoy what mother nature has to offer.