Everybody's National Parks
Danielle and Bryan
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ENP 15.1 Saguaro: Trip Report
Description: A record-breaking snowstorm with whiteout conditions forces Danielle, Bryan, and the girls to ditch plans to visit the Petrified Forest (https://www.nps.gov/pefo/index.htm) in northern Arizona in favor of an impromptu visit to the Sonoran Desert -- and Saguaro National Park, located in southern Arizona. The city of Tucson, splits this park into two halves: the Rincon Mountain District to the east and the Tucson Mountain District in the west. First-timers will be amazed at the desert’s biodiversity. There’s a riot of flora and fauna here, from wildflowers to majestic seventy-foot tall Saguaro cactus (https://www.nps.gov/sagu/planyourvisit/upload/the%20saguaro%20cactus.pdf) to stubby nurse trees. Much of the park’s wildlife (https://www.nps.gov/sagu/learn/nature/animals.htm) can be elusive. Birds, (https://www.nps.gov/sagu/learn/nature/birds.htm) however, are easier to spot as many make their homes inside the park’s namesake plant. The east and west sides have their own robust visitor’s center with cultural exhibits and small learning gardens. Scenic drives (https://www.nps.gov/sagu/planyourvisit/gettingaround.htm) also help you make the most of your visit. The Bajada Loop Drive takes you around the Tucson Mountain District while the Cactus Forest Drive circles the Rincon Mountain District. You can pick up trailheads or stop at overlooks along the way. There truly are activities for every type of park visitor, including several ADA-compliant walks. Our four-day trip included the following: Tucson Mountain District / West: ● The Hugh Norris Trail ● Several easy walks- the Valley View Overlook Trail, the Signal Hill Petroglyphs Trail, and the Desert Discovery Trail ● Bajada Loop Drive Rincon Mountain District / East: ● Cactus Forest Trail
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