Saguaro National Park

Two districts flanking Tucson protect the dense forests of saguaro cacti native to the Sonoran Desert. The western Tucson Mountain District features rugged volcanic terrain and ancient petroglyphs at Signal Hill, while the eastern Rincon Mountain District includes a scenic paved loop and backcountry trails rising into pine forests. Saguaros grow slowly and may not sprout their first arm until 75 years of age. Sunset along the cactus-lined ridges produces iconic silhouettes.