Current Conditions

Saguaro National Park's Response to COVID-19

Visitor centers, restrooms, and comfort stations are closed in accordance with CDC and local public health guidance in response to the COVID-19 virus outbreak. Additionally all public programs are cancelled and fee collection is supended until further notice. No fires are permitted in wilderness campsites or picnic areas.

Hiking trails are open. Roads are open however, subject to temporary delays / closures due to a seperate road preservation project.

Updates:
4/25/2020, Fire restrictions are being implemented in some areas, including wilderness campsites and picnic areas, to reduce the risk of fire in order to protect firefighter and public health and safety, and to protect public lands, resources, and facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

4/13/2020, The park has issued a temporary rule to the Compendium officially limiting group size to 10 people or fewer. In addition, Douglas Spring Campground has reopened. 

4/8/2020 Douglas Spring Campground is closed. The backcountry toilet was vandalized and is unsafe for visitor use until we are able to safely get the facility cleaned.

3/24/2020. Restrooms and comfort stations are closed in accordance with CDC guidelines.

 

 

Rincon Mountain District (east)

All roads and trails are open.

Visitor Center and restrooms are 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.

The Red Hills Visitor Center and all park restrooms are 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.