Saguaro National Park

The saguaro grows only in southern Arizona, in California along the Colorado River and in the northern Mexican state of Sonora. It can live more than 200 years, attaining heights of 30 to 40 feet; a few exceptional ones exceed 50 feet. Its blossom, the state flower, appears in May and June. Native Americans use its fruit for food and as a beverage base.

In addition to protecting the saguaro and other desert vegetation of the Sonoran Desert, the park's Saguaro West district has rock formations decorated with Native American petroglyphs and designs.

At the park headquarters in Saguaro East a visitor center contains plant and animal exhibits and offers nature programs; phone (520) 733-5153. The 8-mile Cactus Forest Drive begins at the visitor center parking lot. Picnic facilities are available. Saguaro West's unpaved 5-mile Bajada Loop Drive winds through dense stands of saguaro cacti. A visitor center has exhibits, a slide show and interpretive programs; phone (520) 733-5158.

Saguaro East and Saguaro West are open to vehicles daily 7 a.m.-dusk; 24 hours for visitors on foot or bicycle. Visitor centers open daily 9-5; closed Thanksgiving and Christmas. Admission to Saguaro East or Saguaro West is by 7-day or annual permit. A 7-day permit costs $25 (per private vehicle); $20 (per motorcycle); $15 (for ages 16+ arriving by other means). Backcountry backpacking is by permit only in Saguaro East; no drive-in camping permitted. For additional information contact the Superintendent, Saguaro National Park, 3693 S. Old Spanish Tr., Tucson, AZ 85730-5601; phone (520) 733-5153.