Our Great Fulltime RV Escape: Tuscon, AZ - Saguaro National Park (West)

Saguaro National Park is situated around the 500 square miles that make up Tucson, and its two districts are separated by the city's 1 million residents. The Tucson Mountain District on the west and the Rincon Mountain District to the east are approximately 30 miles apart. The west side is home to large stands of Saguaro cactus creating an amazing saguaro forest, whereas the east side hosts a sky island, where you can find bears, cougars and the ever elusive coati (kudamundi).

We visited the Tuscon Mountain District (west) side of Saguaro National Park today, and it was everything we hoped for! This beautiful area is bursting with all kinds of desert flora, with the Saguaro cactus towing above all else.

Ranger Interpreter

We started our visit by watching a short video at the Red Hills Visitors Center, and then attending a Ranger program. The Interpreter presented an excellent 45-minute overview of the Saguaro cactus and other cacti species found in the area, taking us around the natural garden that surrounds the visitor center.

The Saguaro cactus is native to the Sonoran Desert; this is the only region in which it grows naturally. The Sonoran Desert covers large parts of the Southwestern US in Arizona and California, and of Northwestern Mexico in Sonora, Baja California and Baja California Sur. It is the hottest desert in North America and encompasses more than 110,000 square miles.

5 arms, about 40 feet tall

It is generally accepted the Saguaro cactus has a lifespan of 175-200 years, barring destruction by windstorms, lightening, or mankind. Although a scientific test for determining the age of a particular Saguaro cactus is not available, there are ways to arrive at reasonable estimates of age. For example, it has been repeatedly documented that a Saguaro cactus does not grow its first arm until it is 50 or more years old. It is also known that Saguaros are exceptionally slow-growing plants, particularly in the first 25-30 years: a seedling at the end of its first year is only about 1/4" tall and very fragile, and a 20 year-old Saguaro is typically less than 18" tall. Fortunately, one Sagauro cactus can produce as many as 40 million seeds in its lifetime, thus helping to ensure the survival of the species. Other ways to derive the age of Sagauro cactus include examining photographs of known date origin, and through anecdotal information such as an 80-year old Native American saying, "my father said this one was here when he was a young man." Although slow-growing at first, a mature Saguaro can reach a height in excess of 60 feet.

Avra Valley and distant mountain ranges

After the Ranger program, we went on the scenic Bajada Loop drive, with a stop at the Valley View
Overlook trail for a short hike into the desert, culminating with a gorgeous view of the Avra Valley and distant mountain ranges. The Tuscon Mountain District side of Saguaro National Park is FULL of majestic Sagauro cacti. There must be thousands upon thousands of them throughout the area, forming a "forest" of Sagauros. It is really something to see! (but hard to capture with a cell phone camera)

I am really taken with this desert area. I love the trees and waterways of Appalachia, but the Sonoran Desert is also a beautiful, spiritual place.