Saguaro National Park Geology Video Tour

Welcome to the Saguaro National Park Geology Video Tour. This is a great way to explore a unique self-guided experience in our east district with the help of one of our interpretive rangers. Below, you will find some materials that will help you interact fully with the tour, as well as the videos that will guide you around geological features along the scenic loop drive.

Before you take the self-guided tour, consider bringing along the recommended materials below. These are not required, but they will help you better understand the concepts in the video series.

Here is a geologic map of the area, used at stop 2.

Here is a printout of the earth's crustal plates. Cut along the lines so you can arrange them like the ranger does at stop 3.

At stop 5, the ranger uses a handmade model to demonstrate how minerals in the rock were stretched at Javelina Rocks. If you'd like to bring along your own model, take a rubber glove and use markers to make colored circles on the palm like this.

When you're ready to embark on the tour, head to Saguaro National Park's east district, and turn onto the 8 mile paved scenic drive. When you get to the first pullout, the Future Generations Overlook, play Video 1 below. From there, the video series will tell you where future stopping points will be. Enjoy the tour!

 

Duration:

1 minute, 36 seconds

The first video in the Saguaro National Park Geology Video Tour. This video corresponds with the Future Generations Overlook along the scenic loop drive at Saguaro National Park East.

 

Duration:

4 minutes, 26 seconds

The second video in the Saguaro National Park Geology Video Tour. This video corresponds with the Javelina Wash crossing along the scenic loop drive at Saguaro National Park East.

 

Duration:

5 minutes, 3 seconds

The third video in the Saguaro National Park Geology Video Tour. This video corresponds with the Rincon Mountains Overlook along the scenic loop drive at Saguaro National Park East.

 

Duration:

6 minutes, 11 seconds

The fourth video in the Saguaro National Park Geology Video Tour. This video corresponds with a roadside pull off near the Catalina Fault along the scenic loop drive at Saguaro National Park East.

 

Duration:

3 minutes, 26 seconds

The fifth video in the Saguaro National Park Geology Video Tour. This video corresponds with the Javelina Rocks stop along the scenic loop drive at Saguaro National Park East.

 

Geology of the Rincon Mountains

Geology of the Tucson Mountains