Saguaro National Park

城市概覽

Saguaro National Park protects two areas of the Sonoran Desert near Tucson: Saguaro East lies 20 mi (32 km) east of Tucson, and Saguaro West is 15 mi (24 km) west of the city center. While both Saguaro East and Saguaro West contain high densities of the iconic saguaro cacti, the park is also home for many other desert species.

History Saguaro National Monument was created in 1933 by President Herbert Hoover, and became the 52nd national park in 1994. Then Saguaro National Monument, the park consisted only of what is today Saguaro East (the Rincon Mountain District). The 15,364 acres (6,218 hectares) of Saguaro West (the Tucson Mountain District) were added in 1964 by President John F. Kennedy, and a further 21,000 acres (8,500 hectares) were added later.

Landscape The park is in the Sonoran Desert, a dry and hilly area that includes the Tucson Mountains and the Rincon Mountains.

Flora and fauna The park's namesake, the massive saguaro can live as long as 200 years, growing over 50 ft (15 m) tall and weighing more than 10 tons (9000 kg). The saguaro has become an icon of the desert, with its distinctive tall trunk and numerous curved arms that branch upward. The saguaro survives in the hot, dry desert through a series of adaptations, including a folded skin that can expand or contract depending on the amount of water collected. In addition, the lack of leaves and the plant's waxy skin reduces evaporation losses. Unlike most plants cacti perform photosynthesis in their trunk. The saguaro's root system usually lies within three inches of the ground surface and spreads out in a circle roughly as wide as the plant's height, allowing the cactus to collect any rainwater that may fall nearby. Other species of cactus in the park include the wide barrel cactus, the spiny fishhook and cholla cacti, and the oddly-constructed prickly pear cactus. Various bushes, including creosote and mesquite, as well as numerous desert wildflowers, fill the desert with flowers

如何抵達

By plane 1 Tucson International Airport (TUS IATA). lies between the park's two districts, south of Tucson.

By car Saguaro East (Rincon Mountain District) When traveling on I-10 west towards Tucson, take the Houghton Road exit (exit 275) north to Escalante Road, then turn right, heading east to Old Spanish Trail. Follow the signs to the park. When arriving from the city of Tucson, follow Speedway Boulevard (exit 257 on I-10) east to Freeman Road then take Freeman Road to Old Spanish Trail. Look for signs to the park entrance. Saguaro West (Tucson Mountain District) When traveling on I-10 east towards Tucson, take the Avra Valley Road exit (exit 242) to Sandario Road, then turn left and head south, following the signs to the park. To get to Saguaro West from the city of Tucson, take Speedway Boulevard west. At the junction of Camino de Oeste, Speedway Boulevard becomes Gates Pass Road. Continue west on Gates Pass Road to Kinney Road. Take Kinney Road north, following signs to the park. Due to winding, narrow mountain grades, vehicles with trailers and RVs over 25 feet are not recommended through Gates Pass and should use the Ina Road exit (exit 248) on I-10, traveling west to Sandario Road, then turning left and heading south, following signs to the park.

當地交通

By car A private vehicle is by far the easiest way to get around in either district of the park. No public transportation serves the park.

By bike In the winter months a bike is an option for exploring the roads and some of the trails within the park; however, during the summer the weather can make exploration by bike a rather unpleasant experience.

Cactus Forest Loop Drive. An 8 mi (13 km) paved road in East Saguaro that is used by cars, bikes and joggers. Numerous sharp turns and hills make this a challenging but scenic option. Cactus Forest Trail. A 2.5 mi (4.0 km) dirt trail that bisects the Cactus Forest Loop Drive in East Saguaro. This trail is also used by hikers and equestrians, and bikers must yield to both.

By foot There are over 150 mi (240 km) of hiking trails in the park, ranging in difficulty from paved nature walks to difficult treks through the hills of the Sonoran Desert.

必看景點

1 Manning Cabin (east). The Manning Cabin sits in the Rincon Mountains in Saguaro National Park. Levi H. Manning had the cabin built in 1905 for use as a mountain summer home. It was the first such retreat built in the Rincon Mountains. (updated Jun 2020)

體驗活動

Scenic drives In West Saguaro, the six-mile Bajada Loop Drive (unpaved) leads through a large saguaro forest. In East Saguaro, the eight-mile Cactus Forest Drive (paved) also passes through a dense saguaro forest.

Hiking There are over 150 miles of trails in the park's two districts.

1 Loma Verde Loop (east). A short loop through mesquite trees and a seasonally flowing dry wash, with a view of the remains of the Loma Verde Mine. Also popular for birding and trail running. 3.8 miles loop; 60 feet elevation gain. 2 Tanque Verde Ridge Trail (east). This trail provides access to the backcountry areas of Saguaro East. It is a strenuous, multi-day trek that passes Tanque Verde peak to Mica Mountain. Experience the transition from the cactus desert to the forested mountains. Inquire at the visitor center for more information. 20 miles (32 km) out-and-back; from 3,100 ft (940 m) through 7,049 ft (2,149 m) Tanque Verde peak and 8,666 ft (2,641 m) Mica Mountain.. 3 Hugh Norris Trail (west). Leads to the summit of Wasson Peak at 4,687 ft (1,429 m), along the way passing through beautiful desert landscape and provides excellent views. Also popular for horseback riding. 11 miles (18 km) round-trip; 2,400 ft (730 m) elevation gain. 4 Valley View Overlook Trail (west) (3 miles (5 km) north of Red Hills Visitor Center). A short trail ending at views of Avra Valley and Picacho Peak. 0.8 miles / 1.3 km out-and-back.

Photography The park provides exceptional sunrise and sunset photography. Flowers and cacti bloom throughout the year, with the saguaros sprouting large white flowers during May and June.

購物

Both visitor centers have bookstores which feature material of local interest.

美食

There is no place within the park to purchase food, although there are numerous roadside picnic areas. An abundance of restaurants and grocery stores are within a short drive from the park boundaries and in Tucson.

飲品與夜生活

While not known for its bar scene or wild nightlife, the wily traveler may nevertheless be able to purchase bottled water at a visitor center. Budget travelers may be more interested in the free water dispensed from the fountains at either visitor center. Aside from the visitor centers, water is not generally available in the park. For anything stronger, a visit to the business establishments outside of the park will be required.

住宿

Lodging There are no hotels in the park, but many lodging options are available nearby in Tucson.

Camping There are no organized campgrounds within either section of the park, although backcount