Saguaro National - need some clues
Sep 29, 2019 10:45:10 #
Going to Phoenix area beginning of December to visit a relative but will have a few days to site see/photography. Saguaro is only about 2 hours away but in doing some research I didn't realize how huge it is! Looking for some recommendations that are a easy relatively short hikes (couple of miles) or something else of interest in Phoenix area. Have already done Grand Canyon and Sedona in previous trips.
Sep 29, 2019 11:05:21 #
photoray80
Loc: Originally-MI / current-AZ
Saguaro NP is great. But just get out of PHX-in any direction. Try Casa Grande-1 hr. South on Interstate. A great drive I love is out of Apache Junction (eastern suburb of Phx), take highway to Superstition Mtns., (see maps), curved Rd., to Dirtwater Springs. Lots of Saguaros and water (Salt River), some right next to ea. other. Resturant/Bar at end--good food and interesting wallpaper-dollar bills/thousands. I lived in Casa Grande several years.
Sep 29, 2019 11:06:17 #
Saguaro N.P. is in Tucson. There is a west and east part, both pretty big. The east side is a bit more dramatic. The west side is quieter, fewer people and more wildlife. Both have nice, level hiking.
Sep 29, 2019 12:47:18 #
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a "must go to" if you are in that area.
Sep 29, 2019 12:54:18 #
Sep 29, 2019 13:27:43 #
You can do the East side in the morning and the West side at sunset, all in a single day. If you can get a sunny day, try to be to Signal Hill on the west side at sunset. Both sides of the national park are relatively flat. Of a slightly hilly hike, consider the Tucson Mountain Park and the trails around Brown Mountain.
As others have mentioned, spending more than one day in Tucson is a great idea.
As others have mentioned, spending more than one day in Tucson is a great idea.
Sep 30, 2019 05:40:58 #
Be prepared to hike rough terrain and watch your step for living things. Go early (before sunrise) and late. That is when the light is most spectacular and wildlife most active. Used to live within 'spitting distance'.
Sep 30, 2019 06:17:30 #
bsprague wrote:
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a "must go to" if you are in that area.
Agree 100% - just ten miles West of Tucson. But also the suggestion on Apache Junction - the Peralta Trailhead has a beautiful hike in the Superstition Mountains.
Sep 30, 2019 07:14:05 #
Sep 30, 2019 07:46:07 #
We winter in Tucson and love the area. With a short time, I suggest going to the Sonoran-Desert Museum ( which is not a “museum” at all but a wonderful natural animal habitat). Make sure you attend the Birds of Prey in Flight show. They will literally flight near you and perch beside you. Spectacular photography opportunity. After a few hours there, go to the nearby Saguaro West visitors center and talk to the rangers for a drive/hike to get the sunset. As the area is on the east side of the time zone, sunsets are a little earlier. Stunning orange and red...hope for clouds.
Bring water and enjoy.
Bring water and enjoy.
Sep 30, 2019 07:55:54 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
skornfeld wrote:
Going to Phoenix area beginning of December to visit a relative but will have a few days to site see/photography. Saguaro is only about 2 hours away but in doing some research I didn't realize how huge it is! Looking for some recommendations that are a easy relatively short hikes (couple of miles) or something else of interest in Phoenix area. Have already done Grand Canyon and Sedona in previous trips.
tripadvisor.com
Sep 30, 2019 08:03:01 #
bbrown5154
Loc: Baltimore, MD
bsprague wrote:
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a "must go to" if you are in that area.
Sep 30, 2019 09:04:38 #
Drive the Apache Trail from Apache Junction to Roosevelt Lake.If you are looking for rugged desert terrain, you'll find it on that stretch of road. Apache Junction is about 40 minutes east of Phoenix on U.S. Hwy 60.
Sep 30, 2019 09:56:17 #
Consider visiting, as day trips, the Little Colorado River Gorge, Walnut Canyon National Monument, and Wupatki National Monument in Arizona. You will reward yourself.
skornfeld wrote:
Going to Phoenix area beginning of December to visit a relative but will have a few days to site see/photography. Saguaro is only about 2 hours away but in doing some research I didn't realize how huge it is! Looking for some recommendations that are a easy relatively short hikes (couple of miles) or something else of interest in Phoenix area. Have already done Grand Canyon and Sedona in previous trips.
Sep 30, 2019 10:12:07 #
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