Saguaro National Park

 8/25/2021

  Saguaro National Park, we have discovered another gem of the National Park System. Saguaro (sa-Waa-ro or sa-Wah-ro) is one of the parks that many aren't familiar with but should be. Found between the Tucson Mountain District and the Rincon Mountain District of Arizona in the midst of the Sonoran Desert, it is home to the Giant Saguaro Cactus (anyone remember Snoopy's brother, Spike). Oh and these cacti are huge, some growing to over 50 ft, with the tallest recorded being over 75 feet! It takes over 150 years for them to reach these heights but even the young are impressive.

 The Saguaro generally have from two to a multitude of arms, though many do not grow arms at all. There is a somewhat rare formation called Crested Top which looks quite like ruffles.  

There are a variety of cacti and other plants in this region, all having a beauty of their own. Many of the names are quite fun and descriptive: such as Teddy Bear Cholla, Barrel Cactus, Hedgehog, Staghorn, Catclaw. The environment ranges from desertlike to in the high peaks of the Rincon where snow can be found in the winter months.

 

Having visited just several days after monsoon rains, we were gifted with flowers blooming, grasses greening, several creeks with actual running water, and BUTTERFLIES!! There were thousands of moths and butterflies all around us.                                        

Even the locals and park rangers could not get over sight of the world a flutter.  How so very special for us.

Great spot for lunch

It was extremely hot the day we were there with temps upward of 100 + degrees. With this in mind, we did not do any hiking this time but stuck to the scenic drive around the east section, stopping from time to time to get out and just be amazed at the views. We look forward to going back one day in the cooler weather months to more thoroughly explore this incredible park. It is now one of my top three that we have been to.

Enjoy the photos!!

Blooming Barrel Cactus

Just love Ocotillo