With many national forests in western states, it’s difficult to choose just one. Even when you do, some people focus on certain parks over others, like going to the Grand Canyon or Zion over a smaller park. Nevertheless, if you look closer, you’ll see locations like Saguaro National deserve checking out.
Here are all the fantastic things you can find visiting this park in southern Arizona.
You Can Get Up Near To a Saguaro
What is a saguaro? Pronounced as “suh-waa-row”this plant is the cactus that enters your mind when the majority of people hear the word cactus. It’s the irritable plant seen in Looney Tunes or any other pop culture when people think about the desert. Regardless of how popular it is in the media, saguaros are just discovered in the Sonoran Desert, consisting of Arizona, tiny areas in California, and Mexico. The plant can grow exceptionally tall, with the highest record hitting 78 feet high and can live for over 100 years.
The Park Has Two Distinct Locations to Explore
Saguaro National forest is special for having two unique districts that are halved by the city of Tucson, Arizona. The west side, called the Tucson Mountains, is more popular. This side sits at a lower elevation and is known for easier routes. On the east side of the city of Tucson is the Rincon Mountains District. This side of the park sits at a greater elevation than the west side. While you can find saguaros and desert plants in both districts, the Rincon side has more wildlife due to the higher elevation and includes animals like black bears.
View History By Treking to See the Signal Hill Petroglyphs
Visitors can also discover human history in this national park. The Signal Hill petroglyphs include rock art from 500 to 1,550 years back. It’s believed the Hohokam individuals developed the petroglyphs. Park authorities say they do not try to comprehend the artwork’s significance, saying, “Some meanings were not indicated to be understood or comprehended except by the person who made it. Some significances were not implied to be known or understood by the unaware. Some images were perhaps produced religious purposes.” Visitors can view the art from a path but are asked not to touch any art work.
Go to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
You can discover even more about the area once you leave the park. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum has routes, wildlife, and other exhibits you can view. There’s also an everyday raptor show where birds like hawks show off what they can do. Plus, there are a lot of enjoyable spaces for kids to delight in. The museum lies simply outside the western part of the park.
Besides Saguaro National Park, Tucson is Also Worth Checking Out
Not only is Saguaro National forest worth going to, but so is Tucson. The medium-sized city has endless dining establishments, stores, and other fun spots. Popular tourist areas consist of downtown districts with art museums, dining establishments where Mexican food is king, and lots of night life.