Current Conditions

Saguaro National Park's Response to COVID-19

Masks are required to be worn in federal buildings until the local area's transmission rate is reduced from high/substantial to moderate/low as determined by the CDC Covid data tracker.

All roads, picnic areas and hiking trails are open. Face coverings are recommended to be worn when 6' physical distance from people outside your recreating group cannot be maintained (crowded patio spaces, or passing on trails, etc.)

Visitor information, restrooms and retail from Western National Parks Association are available in the visitor center from 9am until 5pm. Comfort stations in picnic areas are open and water is available on visitor center patios. The exhibit rooms and theaters are closed to the public at this time.

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.

 

Rincon Mountain District (east)

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

Due to the two 2020 fires in high elevation areas of the Rincon Mountains, hikers should use extra caution and stay on the trail when hiking through burned areas. There may be 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.

Visitor information and retail from Western National Parks Association are available at the visitor center from 9am-5pm. The visitor center is operating at limited capacity due to COVID-19 restrictions. 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 roads are open. Picnic areas are open, including comfort stations.

Golden Gate Road is permanently 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.

Visitor information and retail from Western National Parks Association are available at the visitor center from 9am-5pm. The exhibit room and theater are closed to the public at this time.The visitor center is operating at limited capacity due to COVID-19 restrictions. If you would like to purchase anything from the bookstore, please arrive by 4:30 pm to make sure you can get in before the building closes at 5:00. 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.