Saguaro NP – East
Saguaro National Park is composed of two separate units. The eastern unit, also known as the Rincon Mountain District, preserves an outstanding example of part of the Sonoran Desert known as Arizona Upland. A magnificent saguaro forest contains many types of cacti, as well as, mesquite, palo verde, and yucca. The Rincon Mountain District climbs from the saguaro forest up though oak-juniper woodland to the cool conifers at nearly 8,000 feet elevation at Manning Camp.
Site Information
Region: Tucson and Southern
County: Pima
Directions: From the city of Tucson, travel east on Broadway to Freeman Rd. Turn right on Freeman Rd. and travel south for approximately 3 miles. Turn left onto Old Spanish Trail. Park entrance is about .25 miles south on the left. From I-10, take exit #275 (Houghton Rd.). Travel north on Houghton Rd. for 8 miles. Turn left on Escalante Rd. Travel east on Escalante Rd. for 2 miles. Turn left onto Old Spanish Trail. Part entrance is up .3 miles on the right.
Latitude: 32.179927
Longitude: -110.736295
Operational Hours: Other
Other Operational Hours: Visitor Center open 9am - 4pm daily
Admission or Fees: $25.00 Weekly Vehicle Pass, $20.00 Weekly Motorcycle Pass, $15.00 Weekly Individual Pass. Annual and Lifetime Passes also available.
Best time to visit: Fall through Spring offer the best birding at the most comfortable temperatures.
Habitats: Desert, Pinyon-juniper Forest, Pine-oak Forest
Know Before You Go
Summer can be very hot. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, appropriate shoes, and a hat. Many spiny plants present. Rattlesnakes present, especially during warm weather.
Safety First! Arizona has many beautiful places to explore and we’d like to help you make it a safe and enjoyable experience. Check out our recommendations for hiking precautions.
Species Highlights
Speciality: Gilded Flicker, Grace’s Warbler, Pyrrhuloxia
Charismatic: Greater Roadrunner, Verdin
Contact Information
National Park Service
3693 E. Old Spanish Trail
Tucson, AZ 85730
Phone: 520-733-5153
Website: https://www.nps.gov/sagu/index.htm
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L7268285
Additional Resources:
Check eBird for other hotspots within the park.
