What To Know Before You Visit

Before visiting the park, ensure you have all information necessary to plan accordingly and to be prepared for your journey to Saguaro National Park! Stay updated on the current conditions at Saguaro.

 
Large Saguaro 1
Saguaro Cactus

NPS Photo/SNP

Fees: The type of pass required is determined by the method that you arrive at Saguaro National Park: $25 per vehicle, $20 per motorcycle, or $15 per person/bicycle. For more information including what passes are accepted and sold at the Rincon Mountain District (East) entrance station and the Tucson Mountain District (West) visitor center, check out all of our fees and passes.

Food & Water: In effort to support the Reduce, Reuse, Refill project, there are no concession stands, snack/soda machines or restaurants at either park. Water fountains are found at both visitor centers and only there. The bookstore at each visitor center sells plastic refillable water bottles.

Camping/Lodging: There is no car or RV camping within Saguaro National Park. There are hike-in campsites available only at Saguaro National Park's East District (Rincon Mountain District). All campsites are backcountry wilderness sites, meaning you must hike in all supplies. There are no showers or any form of running water. Learn about camping in the park.

Wifi: There is no Wifi available at either district.

Cellphone Reception: Reception is poor at both districts, which can fluctuate depending your specific location. Try to make all necessary communication arrangements before leaving the Tucson city limits, including any transportation services if not arriving in your own method of transportation.

Visitor Centers: Both districts of Saguaro National Park have their own visitor center that provides restrooms, water fountains, maps, hiking trails, a driving loop, programs, and staff to assit you. There are no hiking trails starting from either visitor center. Learn more about visitor center locations and operating hours.

Programs and Guided Hikes: Both districts offer several programs including indoor presentations, patio talks, short guided walks, and guided hikes varying in length and topic. Despite similar titles, programs are not the same as the ones offered at the opposite district. To find what programs are being offered during your visit, please visit our calendar.

 

Driving: The driving loops are accessible for all vehicles with the rare exception of certain larger and oversized vehicles or those pulling trailers. For specific sizing limitation information call the corresponding visitor center that you plan to visit.
Tucson Mountain District (West): (520) 733-5158
Rincon Mountain District (East): (520) 733-5153

Hiking: There are over 150 miles of designated trails. There is no off-trail hiking unless in areas above 4,500' elevation. If interested in off-trail hiking in the higher elevation areas, a topographic map is highly recommended and is sold in both visitor centers. Get hiking reccommendations, and stay informed on hiking regulations and hiking safety information.

Bicycling: Bicycling is allowed on designated trails/roads at both districts. For specific trail information and bicycling regulations please visit our page on bicycling in Saguaro.

Preserve and Protect: All resources (living and non-living) are protected in the National Park. Picking/taking of any resource is prohibited. Examples include but are not limited to: the taking of rocks, flowers, spines, fauna, flora and historic items that may be percieved as "trash." In addition, damage to any resource is also prohibited. This includes but is not limited to engraving, writing, cutting or digging into cactus or any other plant, building, sign or stones. Check out our rules and regulations.

 
For more information, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page or navigate through our menu at the top of the page.
 
 

Last updated: March 24, 2023

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

3693 S Old Spanish Trail
Tucson, AZ 85730

Phone:

520 733-5153
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