Current Conditions

Alerts

Information

• Federal Government Shutdown

  Alert 1 , Severity ,information ,, Federal Government Shutdown Date Posted: 12/22/2018 During the federal government shutdown, this website will not be updated and may not reflect current conditions. Some national parks may remain accessible to visitors; however, access may change without notice. Please see www.doi.gov/shutdown.

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Saguaro National Park will try to update this page in a timely manner; however, due to monsoon season, road and trail conditions may change rapidly. For the most up to date and accurate park conditions, our Facebook page is the best source to use or you may call our Visitor Centers: [phone] for the east district and [phone] for the west district.

Both Visitors Centers will be closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
The trails and loops will still be open so enjoy the park on your holiday!

 

Rincon Mountain District (east)

All roads and trails including the Cactus Forest Loop Drive remain open.

 

Tucson Mountain District (west)

Most roads and all trails including the Bajada Loop Drive remain open.

 

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.