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Saguaro National Park, Arizona
Pronunciation
Sa-hwa-ro or Sa-gwar-oh.
Location
Saguaro National Park, only recently redesignated from being a National Monument, consists of two separate units, both close to Tucson in southeast Arizona. One unit lies to the east of Tucson, the other to the west.
Size
When Saguaro was a National Monument it had a size of 131 square miles. It is likely that this figure remains accurate now that it has become a National Park, and that it includes both units. For comparison, the size of the Isle of Wight is 147 square miles.
What to See and Do
The park is named after the giant saguaro cactus, with upward curved limbs branching out from a single vertical column, the symbol of the Sonoran Desert.
Both of the park's two units are well worth visiting. Both have scenic drives through the very impressive giant cacti, with a few short hiking trails. The trails are particularly valuable for being able to closely observe the smaller cacti and other exotic plants which might otherwise be missed, together with desert wildlife such as the roadrunner.
Additional Comments
Freddy Weinberg of Vermont kindly sent me this comment:
The roads of both sections of Saguaro National Park in Tucson, as well as the road called Speedway Boulevard which goes to the western section of Saguaro NP are a wonder. It will be your pleasure to be there. The wildlife, plant growth and variety are out of this world. Words fail in all of these places.
Some Ideas for Places to Stay
- Tucson is remarkably pleasant for such a large town.
In the Area
- Kitt Peak National Observatory is situated at the top of a mountain to the west-south-west of Tucson, off Arizona State Highway 86. I have no information on the quality of the road up to the observatory or whether it and the observatory itself are open to the public, but if so then the views from the summit are likely to be wonderful.
Arizona
Desert Southwest
National Parks
Sonoran Desert
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Most recently modified 3-May-04