Where is Saguaro National Park, Tucson, Arizona?

Written by | Last Updated: November 19, 2025, 12:28 PM ET

Saguaro National Park is located in Arizona, USA. It lies between Tucson and the Rincon Mountains and is situated in the Sonoran Desert. It is famous for its giant saguaro cacti, desert wildlife, and scenic hiking trails.

Saguaro National Park Location Map, Tucson, Arizona

Top Attractions Inside Saguaro National Park

  • Rincon Mountain District (East) – Scenic desert landscapes with towering saguaro cacti and hiking trails.
  • Tucson Mountain District (West) – Stunning vistas, desert flora, and sunset viewpoints.
  • Cactus Forest Drive – Paved loop road offering panoramic views and accessible stops for photos.
  • Hiking Trails – Trails like Valley View and Signal Hill showcasing cacti, petroglyphs, and wildlife.
  • Wildlife Observation – Spot javelinas, desert tortoises, coyotes, and various bird species.
  • Visitor Centers – Exhibits on desert ecology, cultural history, and park highlights.
  • Photography & Scenic Overlooks – Ideal locations for sunrise, sunset, and desert landscape photography.

Saguaro National Park Facts

Official NameSaguaro National Park
LocationTucson, Pima County, Arizona, USA — Sonoran Desert / Tucson Mountains and Rincon Mountains
Latitude & Longitude32.2967° N, 110.9360° W (Tucson Mountain District) / 32.2541° N, 110.7009° W (Rincon Mountain District)
Total AreaApprox. 91,327 acres (≈369 km²) — divided into Tucson Mountain District (west) and Rincon Mountain District (east)
Established / OpenedEstablished 1994 (as National Park; previously National Monument 1933)
Managed ByUnited States National Park Service (NPS)
RegionSoutheastern Arizona / Sonoran Desert / Tucson metropolitan area
AddressSaguaro National Park, 3693 S Old Spanish Trail, Tucson, AZ 85730, USA
Zip Code85730
Area Code520
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZoneMountain Standard Time (MST) – UTC−7 (Arizona does not observe Daylight Saving Time)
Theme / ConceptSonoran Desert ecosystem, giant saguaro cacti, hiking, wildlife, scenic drives, desert flora and fauna, desert education
Main Sections / AreasTucson Mountain District (West), Rincon Mountain District (East), Cactus Forest Scenic Loop Drive, hiking trails, visitor centers (Red Hills Visitor Center, Tucson Mountain District; Rincon Mountain Visitor Center, Rincon District)
Famous AttractionsIconic saguaro cacti landscapes, Cactus Forest Scenic Drive, hiking trails (Valley View, Freeman Homestead, Tanque Verde Ridge), desert wildlife, wildflower blooms, sunrise/sunset photography
Annual VisitorsApprox. 800,000 visitors
Entry Fee TypePaid Admission – vehicle entrance fee per day
Ticket Price RangeVehicle pass: ~$30 per private vehicle (valid 7 days); motorcycle: ~$25; individual walk/bike: ~$15; annual park pass: ~$55
Ticket OptionsDaily vehicle/individual passes, annual park pass, guided tours, ranger programs, hiking access, educational programs
Best Time to VisitFall–Spring (October–April) for mild desert temperatures; early morning or late afternoon for photography; summer for desert blooms with heat precautions
Nearby AirportTucson International Airport (TUS) – ~15 miles (24 km)
TransportationCar access via park roads, hiking trails, visitor center shuttles (seasonal), bicycle access on park roads, guided tours available
Official Websitehttps://www.nps.gov/sagu/index.htm

Distances from Saguaro National Park to Nearby Landmarks

  • Tucson, AZ Downtown – 10 km (6.2 mi)
  • Sabino Canyon Recreation Area – 10 km (6.2 mi)
  • Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum – 8 km (5 mi)
  • Mount Lemmon – 45 km (28 mi)
  • University of Arizona – 10 km (6.2 mi)
  • Gates Pass – 20 km (12.4 mi)
  • Old Tucson Studios – 25 km (15.5 mi)
  • Tanque Verde Falls – 25 km (15.5 mi)
  • Ventana Canyon Golf & Racquet Club – 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • Rincon Mountains – 50 km (31 mi)
  • Sabino Canyon Tram – 10 km (6.2 mi)
  • Mount Wrightson – 60 km (37.3 mi)
  • Marshall Gulch – 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • Phoneline Trail – 15 km (9.3 mi)
  • Seven Falls – 18 km (11.2 mi)
  • Bear Canyon Trail – 14 km (8.7 mi)
  • Sabino Dam – 10 km (6.2 mi)
  • Ventana Canyon – 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • Sabino Creek – 10 km (6.2 mi)
  • Tanque Verde – 22 km (13.7 mi)