Saguaro National Park (East & West)
3693 South Old Spanish Trail
Tucson, AZ 85730-5601
Phone: (520) 733-5153

East District - Rincon Mountain District

From the East Approaching Tucson on I-10 west, reach the east district by taking the Houghton Road exit (275) north to Escalante Road, then turn right, heading east to Old Spanish Trail. Follow the signs to the park.

From the Center of Tucson From the city of Tucson, take 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.

From the North Approaching Tucson on I-10 east, reach the west district by taking the Avra Valley Road exit (242) to Sandario Road, then turn left and head south, following the signs to the park.

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 (248) on I-10, traveling west to Sandario Road, then turning left and heading south, following signs to the park.

This unique desert is home to the most recognizable cactus in the world, the majestic saguaro. Visitors of all ages are fascinated and enchanted by these desert giants, especially their many interesting and complex interrelationships with other desert life. Saguaro cacti provide their sweet fruits to hungry desert animals. They also provide homes to a variety of birds, such as the Harris’ hawk, Gila woodpecker and the tiny elf owl. Yet, the saguaro requires other desert plants for its very survival. During the first few years of a very long life, a young saguaro needs the shade and protection of a nurse plant such as the palo verde tree. With an average life span of 150 years, a mature saguaro may grow to a height of 50 feet and weigh over 10 tons.

While most visitors to Saguaro National Park choose a leisurely drive on one of our scenic loop drives, those eager for an escape from the rigors of city life often opt to explore the park on one of our many trails. With over 150 miles of hiking trails, ranging from flat and easy strolls in the Sonoran Desert to steep and rugged hikes into the Rincon Mountains, visitors of every ability have a place to get out of the car and explore.

Both districts of the Park are open daily from 7:00 am to sunset. Visitor centers are open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. Both Visitor Centers are closed on Christmas Day.