Saguaro NP – West
Saguaro National Park is composed to two separate units. Saguaro National Park -West, also known as the Tucson Mountain District, preserves a scenic part of the Sonoran Desert. The unit’s saguaro forest is a scenically beautiful landscape that harbors of a wide variety of desert plants and wildlife, including many birds.
Desert Discovery Nature Trail is a mostly level wheelchair-accessible trail that has signs describing the plants, animals, and ecology of the Sonoran Desert.
Site Information
Region: Tucson and Southern
County: Pima
Directions: Red Hills Visitor Center is accessible from Sendario and Mile Wide Roads.
Latitude: 32.25317
Longitude: -111.197103
Operational Hours: Open regular business hours
Admission or Fees: $25.00 Weekly Vehicle Pass, $20 Weekly Motorcycle Pass, $15 Weekly Individual Pass. Annual and Lifetime Passes also available.
Best time to visit: Fall through Spring offers the best birding at the most comfortable temperatures.
Habitats: Desert
Know Before You Go
Summer can be very hot. Spiny plants present. Rattlesnakes are possible during the warmer months (March-October).
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: Elf Owl, Gilded Flicker, Lucy’s Warbler
Charismatic: Cactus Wren, Gila Woodpecker
Contact Information
National Park Service
2700 N. Kinney Rd.
Tucson, AZ 85743
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/L2257540
Additional Resources:
Check eBird for additional birding hotspots in the park.
