There’s nothing quite as symbolic of Arizona as the majestic Saguaro. These towering desert warriors are unique to our state and stand for power, resilience, and strength. Nearly two million of these wood-bearing trees call Saguaro National Park home, creating a mystical landscape unlike anything you’ve ever laid eyes on. Check it out!

Split into two sections, this massive park spans nearly 100,000 acres.
jb10okie/Flickr
It's part of the Sonoran Desert; the only place where Saguaros naturally grow.
Saguaros are some of the slowest-growing plants on earth.
Adrian Russell/Flickr
The first arm doesn't even appear until approximately 50 years of age, and their maximum lifespan is around 200.
Weighing up to 5,000 pounds when fully hydrated, these natural monoliths have become an Arizonan symbol of unwavering strength.
bobistraveling/Flickr
There are 24 other species of cactus abundant throughout the park, but none have a presence even remotely as powerful.
The desert guardians line every inch of the roadways.
Dave Bezaire/Flickr
Two scenic loops allow visitors to experience breathtaking vistas from the comfort of their vehicle.

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Over 165 miles of hiking trails allow you get up-close-and-personal with the enchanting cacti.
Juleen E/TripAdvisor
Bicycling and horseback riding are also allowed, as well as wilderness camping in the Rincon Mountain District.
It's truly amazing how many shapes these behemoths can take.
Patrick C/TripAdvisor
A fun family game is seeing who can spot one with the most arms!
A closer look reveals beautiful flower crowns atop many of the Saguaros.
Rick Cameron/Flickr
They bloom primarily during springtime, but you can occasionally catch them sprouting out-of-season.
As with most places in Arizona, Saguaro National Park is even more enthralling at sunset.
K S/TripAdvisor
The towering Saguaro silhouettes make for a picture-perfect scene.
Daniel Parks/Flickr

Have you ever been to Saguaro National Park? What is the highest number of arms you counted on one of these unique giants? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to share photos of your best Saguaro finds in our Arizona Nature Lovers Facebook group!

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More to Explore

National Park to Visit in Arizona

Tori Jane | January 12, 2022

What are some of the best hiking trails in Arizona?  

Arizona is home to some of the best hiking in the nation – seriously! There are tons of trails here that are world-famous, like Bright Angel Trail at the Grand Canyon, or literally any trail in Sedona. One of the most world-renowned hikes is in Oak Creek Canyon, between Sedona and Flagstaff. It’s the West Fork Trail, and it’s so beloved that on most days, unless you arrive super early, you’re going to be stuck waiting to access the parking lot (and it’s tough, since they don’t allow you to physically sit there and wait). You’ll also love Kachina Trail, up on the San Fransisco Peaks, which is one of our favorite Arizona hikes of all time. We also really love Deems Hill, which is in the Phoenix area. Arizona is home to more than 800 miles of amazing trails, so going out to explore them is imperative! For example, here are some interesting trails that lead you to some ancient ruins. Bring water and remember to stay hydrated!  

Where is Saguaro National Park in Arizona?  

Saguaro National Park is located in southern Arizona, and it consists of two segments – one on each side of the city of Tucson. A vehicle permit is just $20 and lets you in for the entire day, which honestly may not even be enough time to explore it all! It’s remarkable in its uniqueness; Arizona is one of the very few places in the world where the giant Saguaro cactus grows and thrives. As of 2020, there are around 2,032,306 saguaro cacti in the park alone! Also within the park are other species of cacti, like prickly pear and some organ pipes, too. Arizona is easily the cactus capital of the United States, and we couldn’t love it more!  

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Saguaro National Park, Arizona, USA