Walking Among Giants: Saguaro National Park AZ

Saguaro National Park is divided into two sections: The Saguaro East Rincon Mountain District and The Saguaro West Tucson Mountain District which is the section this video is about. Both sections are separated by a one hour drive across Tucson. The west section, ranging in elevation from 2,180 feet to 4,687 feet, is more desert. The east section has the highest mountain peak at 8,666 feet and can receive more than 100 inches of snow a year.

On the day we went there was no chance of snow as the daytime temperature reached an excess of 100 degrees. We arrived early to try to avoid much of the heat. Even on short hikes it is highly recommended that you carry plenty of water, wear a hat and sunglasses, and use plenty of sunscreen. In addition, we also wore cooling towels. Do not wander off trails as there are wild animals in the area such as Gila Monsters, Javelinas, Rattlesnakes, and Black Bears.

What amazed us the most were the size of the different cacti. Where we live, the only cactus we see are in people’s homes in flower pots or in a conservatory. But in their natural environment they thrive, even in the high heat and dry conditions. Plus, there are so many different varieties, including the dreaded Teddy Bear Cholla. Though it looks soft and cuddly, make sure you avoid them. Once a piece attaches itself to you they are extremely difficult and painful to remove.

Saguaro are protected and there are severe fines for damaging one. Permits are required to move one, and then it’s a very expensive process. Many people just build their homes around the cactus instead of trying to move them.

The two trials we hiked in this video were short because of the heat. We also hiked a short loop trail near the visitor center that goes through a wash. There are many trails throughout both sections of the park. Whichever you choose, make sure you are well prepared and equipped.

Equipment:
iPhone 10
A 15 year old Olympus VG-140 Camera
Bcway Phone All-in-One Travel Tripod with Remote
Trekking Pole and Backpack are Ozark Trail from Walmart
Hiking hat is a Tilley

Music:
Dude, Where's My Horse by Nat Keefe with The Bow Ties
Communicator by Reed Mathis

We travel in a 2019 Toyota RAV4 XLE front-wheel drive with over 95,000 miles. We are still praying for a small Scamp or an Aliner to tow behind it.

Recorded on location July 19, 2021 at Saguaro National Park AZ.