Enormous and often oddly man-shaped Saguaro Cactus is
the preeminent symbol of the American Southwestern. It can live as long
as 150 years, reach 50 feet in height, 8 tons in weight, and provides
food and shelter for dozens of desert animals. The Saguaro National
Park was founded in 1933 in order to preserve this icon of desert flora
and its associative habitats. The park’s 91,446 acres contain
forests of these giants set against the rocky slopes of the Ricon Mountains.
The Park is open to visitors all year from sunrise to sunset. There
are over 130 miles of trails to enjoy. The Cactus Forest loop is great
for cyclists, though they can join pedestrians on the Cactus Forest
Trail. Horses are allowed on most trails, but cannot leave the trails
to enter the park. Hikers can explore the park on several wilderness
trails, like the Cactus Garden Trail, or the Desert Discovery Trail.
There are picnicking areas to enjoy in Saguaro National Park as well
as a Visitors Center. Camping in the Saguaro Wilderness area is allowed
during the day only, and Back Country permits must be obtained before
noon on the day of the hike.
The Giant Saguaro Cactus in threatened by habitat
loss, weather pattern changes, vandalism and theft, but signs of recovery
in the park are encouraging.
The Saguaro Cactus’ large white and yellow
flowers bloom after sunset in late April, June and July. The flowers
provide food for the white-winged dove, the long-nosed bat, honeybees
and other animals.
