Saguaro National Park, Tucson Mountain District

An informational article about the western section of the Saguaro National Park. Read further to see some of the amazing attractions the Saguaro National Park has to offer!

Overview and History:

Tucson Mountain District 

  • Acreage: 25,391

  • Camping: No

  • 43 miles of hiking trails

  • 5 picnic areas

  • Highest Point: Wasson Peak (4, 687 ft^2)

The Western section of the Saguaro National Park sits between Marana and Oro Valley and is host to a vast amount of scenic hiking and biking trails. The Tucson Mountain district is the younger district having been opened in 1961 and is the smaller of two districts.

The park features two different biomes: Desert scrub and desert grasslands and each of those biomes contain a variety of wildlife and vegetation.

Hohokam village

History:

The earliest known inhabitants of the area were the Hohokam. Living in small villages where they hunted, and grew crops like corn, beans, and squash. They also carved petroglyphs and made pottery, both of which can still be found in the national park.


The next were Spanish explorers who entered Arizona in 1539-1540. Non-native settlement within the park area was first established in 1692 with the San Xavier Mission along the Santa Cruz River.


In 1920, the Natural History Society first began expressing interest in making the area a sanctuary for the Saguaro cactus. (Saguaro’s being a rare species of cacti that only grows in the Sonoran desert.). Then in 1933, Homer L. Shantz was able to convince President Hoover to officially create the Saguaro National Park.

Sendero Esperanza Trail:

One of the more uphill trails within the Tucson Mountain District, and also is the trail that will lead you to the highest elevation and provide a beautiful panoramic view of the Cortaro area.

sendero esperanza trail

The main portion of the trail is approximately 5 miles long and is a moderate hike. If you’re birdwatching enthusiast, an avid hiker, or just a fan of a beautiful view, this trail is definitely the one for you.

Don’t forget to take your time to enjoy the view as well as the diverse group of wildflowers you’ll find blooming in the valley. (March to October are the best times for use and sights!)