National Park Service Park News U.S. Department of the Interior

TheThe official newspaper Saguaro of Sentinel

Welcome to Saguaro National Park!

Maintaining A Resilient As one of the 397 units of the National Park System, this park at Saguaro National Park protects and manages 91,440 acres of cherished natural and What might Saguaro National Park cultural resources, flanking look like to future generations of both the east and west sides visitors? If you were alive in 1000 of the bustling urban area of years, do you think that you would Tucson. Saguaro National Park was established in 1933 with the recognize this place? The Organic specific purpose of protecting Act of 1916, which established the and preserving one of the great National Park Service, states that icons of the American West: the the purpose of the National Park saguaro . In addition to the Service is “to conserve the scenery saguaro, the park boasts a great and the natural and historic diversity of biotic communities, cultural features, scientific, scenic objects and the wild life therein and wilderness areas. and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and For Saguaro National Park to be by such means as will leave them relevant 100 years from now, we unimpaired for the enjoyment need your help. The Director of of future generations.” In 1916, the National Park Service (NPS) Jon it may have seemed possible to Jarvis recently announced the NPS Call to Action: a united vision to keep a designated ecosystem help prepare for our centennial in unimpaired indefinitely. 2016 and into our second century. One of the key themes and a top However, nearly a hundred years Buffelgrass crowding out a young saguaro priority for Saguaro is to ensure later, scientists and land managers the park remains relevant to the are beginning to understand pressures on national parks, and goal of building resilience in the community and our visitors, so that people care about this special the near impossibility of this the they preserve. And ecosystems protected in National place for generations to come. task in light of all of the external while the Organic Act continues Parks. to serve as the guiding principle National Parks help produce for the National Park Service, What is a resilient ecosystem? healthy minds and bodies, and even the current director Jon What can we do to make the Table of Contents connect us to communities Jarvis concedes “ it is time for Sonoran ecosystem through trails and other means. the agency, aided by scientists protected in Saguaro National How should Saguaro evolve to be What You Need to Know...... 3 and public input, to address Park more resilient? No ecosystem accessible, increase our outreach the current challenges to its is isolated from outside influences. to youth and diverse populations, nurture a stronger relationship Backcountry Planning...... 4 fundamental tenet that the parks A resilient ecosystem can absorb with Tucson, and adapt to the must preserve all their resources these impacts or bounce back changing needs of our visitors and Map & Trails East...... 5 & 8 ‘unimpaired’ forever for the from any damages and still remain communities? enjoyment of all (2010 in Uncertain essentially ecologically the same. Map & Trails West...... 6 & 7 Path by William C. Tweed).” At Saguaro National Park What is it that brings YOU change and invasive species are to Saguaro? The park offers Saguaro FAQ...... 9 Ecosystems are always changing. two of the greatest forces that recreation, learning, and spiritual renewal, in close proximity to a These fluctuations may be could potentially change the Education and Outreach city of over one million Tucson natural or unnatural, the result entire ecosystem into something residents. Enjoy your visit, and Programs...... 10 of everything from seasonal other than the Sonoran Desert thank you for your changes, the impact of pollution, environment we know and love. stewardship of Our Partners...... 11 or the impacts of climate change. So what can we do to help foster Saguaro So rather than strive for the resilience in Saguaro National National Park! Safety...... 12 impossible and impractical goal of Park and in other natural places maintaining ecosystems in exactly we care about? the same condition forever, we Darla Sidles “Resiliency” continued page 4 Superintendent can start to focus on a realistic Welcome to Saguaro

National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Saguaros Start Where Sidewalk Ends

Saguaro National Park Saguaro National Park preserves and This northern edge of the Sonoran Desert is home protects thousands of acres of to the most recognizable cactus in the world, the Sonoran Desert wilderness, majestic saguaro cactus, Carnegia gigantea. Saguaro offering recreation, learning, and spiritual renewal amid the impacts of cacti provide their sweet fruits to hungry desert an exploding urban center. animals. They also provide homes to a variety of birds, such as the Harris’s hawk, Gila woodpecker Superintendent and the tiny elf owl. Young saguaros in turn require Darla Sidles the shelter of desert trees such as the palo verde for Headquarters Address (East) its survival. Saguaro National Park protects not only Saguaro National Park the saguaro cactus but these interrelationships, the 3693 South Old Spanish Trail ecological webs of the Upland subdivision of Tucson, AZ 85730 the Sonoran Desert. Park Information (520) 733-5100 above: Junior Rangers hiking through designated wilderness in the west district. The wilderness with a city at its center

Fax below: The from 8,000 feet in the . (520) 733-5183 In the park, trails begin where city boulevards end. There are over 150 miles of hiking trails, from flat E-mail strolls to rugged hikes in green “sky islands.” Two [email protected] park districts bookend the city of Tucson, one of the

Website southwest’s fastest-growing cities. In spite of the www.nps.gov/sagu automobiles, supermarkets and 1 million people at its edges, much of the park––78­­­­ percent—is protected as The National Park Service cares designated wilderness. These are wild lands in their for the special places saved by the American people so that all may natural state, meant as places where even humans experience our heritage. are visitors who do not remain. In these forests of cactus, scrub oak and pine, we can find refuge, as we Find us on Facebook as witness in all directions the changing landscape of SaguaroNationalPark the American southwest.

Laura Bolyard photos Plan Your Visit Directions To the East District In Case of an Emergency, call 911 or contact a ranger. W s h at’ Cell phones have intermittent coverage and are not dependable in many park From I-10 coming from New Mexico, ng on locations. To talk to a ranger, call the east district visitor center at take Houghton Road (exit 275) north 8 goi (520) 733-5153 or the west district visitor center at (520) 733-5158. miles to Escalante Road. Turn right (east) 2 (Tohono miles to Old Spanish Trail. Turn left (north) O’odham and follow the signs .5 miles to the park month) Dates and Hours of Operation entrance at 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail. January Hi: 64° F Both districts of the park are open daily from sunrise to sunset. Visitor centers Lo: 40° F are open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, year-round, except December 25. From I-10 coming from Phoenix or downtown Tucson, take Speedway Gakimdag Masad Masad Boulevard (exit 257) east 14 miles through depend on stored foods month Entrance Fees the city to Freeman Road. Turn right (south) Succulent plants, like cholla, Private vehicles and motorcycles...... $10.00 Valid for 7 days 3.6 miles to Old Spanish Trail. Turn left (east) are filling up with winter following the signs .25 miles to the park moisture. Bicyclists and pedestrians...... $5.00 Valid for 7 days entrance. Hi: 68° F Saguaro Annual Pass ...... $25.00 Valid for one year To the West District February Lo: 40° F Interagency Pass...... $80.00 Valid for one year From I-10 coming from Phoenix, take U: walig Masad Interagency Senior Pass (U.S. citizen, 62 or older)....$10.00 Valid for lifetime Avra Valley Road (exit 242) west 5 miles to deer mating month Interagency Access Pass (U.S. citizen, disabled)...... Free Valid for lifetime Sandario Road (at the Marana Airport). Turn If the last months have been left (south) 6 miles to Kinney Road. Turn left (east) 2 miles to the visitor center at 2700 N. rainy, desert wildflowers (like Travel Between East and West Districts Kinney Road. Mexican gold poppies) start blooming this month. From I-10 coming from New Mexico or downtown Tucson, take Speedway Boulevard (exit 257) west. This will become

Gates Pass Road. Continue 4.6 miles west Mexican gold through the to Kinney poppies Road. Turn right (northwest) and follow Kinney Road 3.7 miles past the Desert Museum to the park entrance. Go 1 mile to the visitor center. Hi: 72° F Over-sized Vehicles (West) March Lo: 44° F Ce:dagi Masad Vehicles exceeding 12,000 pounds new plants come up month GVWR are prohibited on Gates Pass Road and Picture Rocks Road through the park. When brittlebush is blooming, look for feeding iron-cross blister From I-10 coming from Phoenix, take beetles. Beetles are black, red, Avra Valley Road (exit 242) See above for and yellow with a black cross-like directions. From I-10 coming from New pattern on their backs. Saguaro’s west and east districts are 30 miles apart, separated by the city of Tucson. Both districts are Mexico, take I-19 (exit 260) south. From I-19 about 15 miles from downtown Tucson. Travel time between districts is approximately one hour. take Ajo Way/State Route 86 (exit 99) west (continued on page 11 4.8 miles to Kinney Road. Turn right (north) Travel Information 10 miles (past Old Tucson Studios and the 2 Saguaro Sentinel Desert Museum) to the visitor center. Visitor Information

What You Need to Know Information, regulations and tips—everything you need to make your visit safe and enjoyable.

Accessibility Car Camping Pets Vehicles Visitor centers are wheelchair-accessible, and There are no campgrounds or RV facilities in the Pets are allowed only on roadways and at des- Speed Limits offer accessible cactus gardens and nature trails. park. A list of local campgrounds is ignated parking and picnic areas. They are not Motorists and bicyclists must obey all posted All picnic areas, excluding Mam-A-Gah, have available from either visitor center. Overnight permitted in the West District’s Mam-A-Gah speed limits. Reduce speed in heavy and accessible picnic tables and pit toilets. backpacking is permitted in the east district picnic area as it is accessed by trail only. stay alert for pedestrians, bicyclists, and wildlife only. See Backpacking. Overnight camping is on the roadways. Use special care driving at Both visitor centers offer a captioned prohibited anywhere else in the park. Pets are not permitted on trails or inside dawn and at dusk, when wildlife is most active. 15-minute audio/visual program. For the either visitor center. Do not attempt to cross running washes (stream- visually impaired, the west side offers a beds) in your car during rainstorms! State and descriptive audio version of the slide program. Collecting Pets must be leashed at all times. Leash length federal vehicle laws apply within the park. Removal or disturbance of any natural or cultur- may not exceed 6 feet. Pets may not be left un- In the west district, guides to the Desert Discov- Vehicle Restrictions al feature in the park is prohibited. attended anywhere in the park, including inside ery Nature Trail are available in Braille and on vehicles. Temperatures in a car can quickly Vehicles, including bicycles, are prohibited from cassette. exceed 120 degrees and kill a pet within leaving established roads. minutes! Report all unattended pets to a ranger. TDD Differences Between Vehicles exceeding 12,000 GVWR are prohib- Hearing-impaired please use state relay East and West? ited on Picture Rocks Road. service, 1-800-352-8161. You can have a great time visiting just one district of the park. Each offers similar Phones Vehicles wider than eight feet and In an emergency, dial 911. Cell phones have Service Animals services. The east district, the Rincon trailers longer than 35 feet are prohibited intermittent coverage and are not dependable in Service animals are welcome anywhere their Mountain District (RMD), is the larger district from traveling on Kinney Road and the many park locations. There are no payphones in owners may legally go. with 8,000 ft (2400 m) high mountains and scenic loop drive of either district. the park. a greater diversity of lifezones. RMD has 128 miles (206 km) of hiking trails, as well as back- High clearance or four-wheel drive is not needed Rincon Mountain Visitor Center (east) country campsites. The west district, the Tucson on park roads in either district. (520) 733-5153 Mountain District (TMD), has 4,600 ft (1400 m) high mountains and dense stands of saguaro All-Terrain Vehicles Red Hills Visitor Center (west) cactus, with 43 miles (69 km) of trails. TMD has Driving the Rincon Mountain District ATVs and off-road vehicle travel are not (520) 733-5158 permitted in the park. no campsites. Both districts offer visitor centers, The Cactus Forest Drive Scenic Loop is a wind- scenic drives, picnic areas and nature trails. Park ing, eight-mile, paved, combination one- and Saguaro Information Line headquarters is located in the Rincon Mountain two-way road. (520) 733-5100 District. Driving the Tucson Mountain District As you drive through Arizona and would llike Amenities The west district has both paved and graded information on Saguaro NP, or other National No fuel, lodging, or food services are gravel roads. The district’s scenic drive, the Scenic Park Service sites, just dial 511. You can also available in the park. Fuel and food is Filming & Photography Bajada Loop Drive, is a 5 mile, graded, combi- When filming or photography involves receive information on closures, construction, available 5 miles from either visitor center. Lodg- nation one- and two-way gravel road. This road advertising a product or service, or the use of delays, public transit services, major airports, ing is available within a 30-minute drive of either contains many large dips and may be rough. district. A list of local campgrounds is available models, sets or props, a film permit is generally tourism, and weather. This service is provided by from either visitor center. required. See Special Use Permits. The Arizona Department of Transportation. Their website is www.az511.gov. To call outside of Arizona dial 1-888-411-ROAD. Visitor Centers Backpacking Firearms There are two visitor centers in the park: the W Overnight backpacking is permitted only in the Federal law permits people who can legally pos- Picnics Rincon Mountain Visitor Center in the East Dis- hat’s Rincon Mountain District at one of 6 sess firearms under federal and State of Arizona Both districts offer picnic grounds with picnic trict and the Red Hills Vistor Center in the West g on laws, to possess firearms in the park. It is the District. Visitor centers are open year-round from goin designated campsites. A camping permit is re- tables and grills, shaded ramadas, and pit toilets. quired and must be obtained at the east district visitor’s responsibility to understand and comply Picnicking is not allowed at the visitor centers. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except December 25. They visitor center before noon the day of departure. with all applicable state and federal firearms Picnic groups larger than 20 must obtain a offer visitor information services, slide shows, Apply in person, by fax, or by mail. The fee for laws. Federal law prohibits firearms in certain Special Use Permit. No reservations may be made cultural and natural history exhibits and nature this permit is $6.00 per campsite, per night. A facilities in the park such as visitor centers and and no area held for the exclusive use of any trails, as well as books, videos, maps and other park entrance fee is also required. The maximum administrative offices. Those facilities are signed group. To locate picnic areas, see the district items for sale. First aid, restrooms, and drinking number of people allowed per campsite is 6. at public entrances. Use of firearms in the maps starting on page 7. water are available at both visitor centers. (see “Headed into the Backcountry?,” page 4). park is prohibited. Special Use Permits Geocaching Permits are required for special events such as Bicycling Virtual geocaching is allowed in the park, weddings, commercial filming, or any events Water Bicycling is permitted on all public roads and subject to park regulations. No treasure items which involve over 20 people, including Saguaro National Park is no longer provid- on the designated portion of the Cactus Forest are permitted. Caches containing logbooks, picnics. Permits may be obtained by contacting ing bottled water or drinks in vending Trail in the east district (see page 5). Bicycles are treasure items, or any other materials are the Division of Ranger Services. For west district machines. Water fountains installed with prohibited on all other trails. prohibited. permits call (520) 733-5116. For east district new bottle fillers are available at both Bicycling is not recommended on Picture Rocks permits call (520) 733-5111. visitor centers. Water is available 24 hours Road due to narrow road shoulders. a day in the west district, and to walk-ins and cyclists in the east district. The WNPA Horses bookstore provides inexpensive, reusable Helmets are required for all riders and See Livestock & Pack Animals. Livestock & water bottles. passengers under 18 years of age. Pack Animals

Helmets, gloves and glasses are recommended Livestock, which includes horses, burros and Natural water sources in the park must be for all riders. Always maintain a safe speed for Lost and Found mules, may be ridden on designated trails within treated before use. road conditions and your own riding experience. Report lost or found items at a visitor center. the park. See hiking maps starting on page 5 for Cyclists must obey all traffic regulations, restricted trails. Check at visitor centers for other including speed limits. special requirements. Stock groups are limited to a maximum of 15 animals. Stock groups may Wildflowers Mines not travel off-trail in the park. All other animals, Numerous historic mine sites can be found including pets, are prohibited on park trails. Spring wildflower blooms vary with Bookstores within the park. Old mine workings are elevation, temperature, soil quality and Western National Parks Association (WNPA) extremely dangerous. Stay out and stay alive. accumulated seasonal rainfall. You can get bookstores featuring books, maps, hiking current information by calling the park or check- guides and more is located at each visitor center. Do not enter old mine workings! Translations ing the park’s website. The wildflower hotline is WNPA is a non-profit organization dedicated www.dbg.org. Translations of the park brochure in Spanish, to preserving the heritage of our National Park French, Dutch, German, Italian, Chinese and System. See the WNPA article on page 11 of this All plants, and all plant parts, are Parking Japanese are available at visitor centers and newspaper. protected—leave them for the next online at http://www.nps.gov/sagu/ visitor to enjoy as well. The Red Hills Visitor Center parking lot can planyourvisit/brochures.htm. accomodate buses and trailers up to 40 feet long. Buses may park in the Rincon Mountain Audio in German, French and Japanese is avail- Wildlife Campfires Visitor Center lot while passengers are able for the west district audio/visual presenta- Treat wildlife with respect. Do not use artificial Campfires are permitted only in picnic areas loading or unloading. Buses may not idle in tion. lights for viewing animals or taped recordings to where fire grates or fireplaces are provided. either visitor center parking lot. Overnight park- lure them near. View wildlife from an non-threat- Fires must never be left unattended and must ing is not permitted. Trash ening distance. Leave enough space for wildlife to be completely extinguished upon departure. Pack out all trash when hiking. Dispose of your make an escape. You must provide your own wood or charcoal. Park roads are winding with narrow trash in a responsible manner. Collecting living or dead vegetation for firewood shoulders. There are many pullouts and Aluminum can recycling is available at visitor Don’t feed wildlife. Protect wildlife, is prohibited. parking areas throughout the park. Please wait centers and many picnic areas. your food and yourself by storing food in until you get to one before stopping. sealed containers.

Saguaro Sentinel 3 Backcountry Planning

Headed into the Rincon backcountry? Desert Invasion Backpacking in the east district’s higher elevations requires special preparation. These tips will get you started. Buffelgrass Overpowers Native Species Backpacking and Camping successive permits. Permittees must night stock use is permitted at Overnight camping is permitted, with be at least 16 years of age. all campgrounds except Juniper a backcountry permit, in designated Basin. Riders must carry in all horse The plant and animals at Saguaro campgrounds in the Rincon Mountain Water feed; grazing is not permitted. National Park are increasingly District. Campgrounds are accessible Backcountry water sources can be “Weed-free” feed is recommended threatened by buffelgrass (Pennise- by foot and horseback only. There unpredictable, especially during a to prevent the introduction of tum ciliare), an invasive grass from are six campgrounds located 6 to 12 drought. Inquire at the visitor center exotic species. Stock animals are Africa. Buffelgrass was introduced miles from public access trailheads. for current water availability before not allowed on the Tanque Verde primarily to increase forage for beginning your trip. All natural water Ridge Trail, Miller Creek Trail and livestock and for erosion control. Backcountry Camping Permits sources must be treated before use. the last half-mile of the Rincon In a very few years buffelgrass has Backcountry camping permits are Peak Trail. spread exponentially across south- available on a first-come first-served Bears ern Arizona. basis at the Rincon Mountain The Rincon Mountains have a small Backcountry Safety Tips Visitor Center. A permit costs $6.00 population of black bears. Proper • Treat all water before consuming. Buffelgrass, listed as a state per campsite, per night. The food storage, in bear boxes located in • Carry plenty of water. On hot noxious weed in 2005, poses an maximum number of people allowed all six backcountry campgrounds, days, 1 gallon or more per immediate threat to the integrity per campsite is six. The maximum size is required for your safety and person is a necessity. of the Sonoran Desert ecosystem of any one group is 18 persons. protection of the bears. • Use sunscreen and wear a hat and has the potential to dominate Permits must accompany the permit- with a full brim. the natural landscape by altering tees into the backcountry and be Backcountry Livestock Use • Tell someone your travel plans. natural ecological processes. It openly displayed. Campground stays Stock animals are defined as horses, • Practice proper food storage competes with and excludes native are limited to five consecutive days burros, and mules. All stock are techniques to avoid attracting plants, reduces critical for per camp and no more than 10 days required to stay on designated trails. bears. unique desert wildlife, and intro- in the park, with 10 days between In the Rincon Mountain District over- duces fire into an ecosystem not adapted to fire.

For a permit application, download the Saguaro Wilderness Area brochure from www.nps.gov/sagu/planyourvisit/brochures.htm Buffelgrass and the ensuing threat of fire is a major concern to all levels of government in as well as individual home owners. In addition to expanding into natural areas, buffelgrass has invaded Tucson and neighbor- ing communities, carrying fires into the wildland-urban interface where it threatens lives, homes, and businesses.

Since the mid-1990s, Saguaro National Park has been manag- ing buffelgrass through manual

Laura Bolyard photos removal and herbicides. With Above 8,000’ on in the Rincon Mountain backcountry. Ponderosa pines on the trail approaching Manning Camp Campground. vigilant and consistent control efforts, buffelgrass patches can be removed. Volunteers-In-Parks (VIP) are “Resiliency” critical to many park functions. continued from page 1 Other invasive plants that Park We are grateful for the expertise, staff actively manage are fountain The first step in building ecological Once we understand what a critical thinking, eyes and ears, grass (a relative of buffelgrass), salt resilience is to understand what healthy Saguaro National Park and strong backs they generously cedar, onion weed, African sumac, the ecosystem currently looks like, should look like, we can then give to the park. The Invasive Plant malta starthistle, African daisy, and so that when there are unnatural strive towards strengthening Management Program is one mustard. Some invasive project that heavily depends on plants such as red brome, Lehm- changes in the environment we these ecosystems to make them volunteers to help the park accom- ann’s lovegrass, Bermuda grass, can quickly identify them and more resilient. How can you help plish its goals. In 2009, volunteers are so widespread in the park that intervene if necessary. Scientific make ecosystems in your own donated over 4,000 hours to this control is nearly impossible. research at Saguaro is vital to communities that are important program. The equivalent of almost $81,000! Opportunities include monitor for various long-term to you and future generations To learn more about buffelgrass a monthly buffelgrass pull with and how you can help, please see (like climate change) and short- more resilient? Perhaps it’ll park staff and the Weed Free Trail the article to the left, or visit term changes. In addition to the be by volunteering as a citizen volunteer program where VIPs are www.buffelgrass.org. team of scientists we have on scientist, removing invasive trained to keep the trails free of invasive non-native plants. Inter- staff at Saguaro National Park, species, educating yourself and ested? Just attend our one day we also often call upon the public others about landscaping with training event. If you think you see to help us with data collection. native plants, or sharing the joys an invasive plant, please do not These volunteer citizen scientists of the natural environment with a remove it. But, do let us know by providing the location, the name patrol the park to help us map and child who is a member of the next and number of plants, and a pic- remove invasive species, measure generation of land stewards. ture of the plant. Do you want to Saguaros to help learn about their help? Check out volunteer oppor- growth patterns, and help us to About the Author: Estee Rivera tunities on our website at www. nps.gov/sagu or send an email count and identify species that we Murdock is Saguaro National Park’s to [email protected]. For may not have previously known Outreach Coordinator and is a buffelgrass volunteer opportunities existed in the park. graduate student with the University outside of the park, visit of Arizona www.buffelgrass.org.

4 Saguaro Sentinel Rincon Mountain District

Mexican spotted owl Hiking Trails In The East Map on page 8

Trail Description Times and distances are roundtrip. Douglas Spring Trail to Bridal Desert Ecology Trail Wreath Falls

easy strenuous This trail offers an introduction to the This trail begins at the Douglas Spring 1 rugged climate of the Sonoran Desert 5 Trailhead at the of Speedway and the adaptations that allow plants .25 mile/.4 km Boulevard. This trip into the foothills and animals to thrive here. An easy no elevation gain of the Rincons provides good views 5.2 miles/8.4 km and pleasant way to take a break of the . 1100 ft./335 m. from your automobile tour. Trail has 20 minutes Along the way seasonal water courses elevation gain interpretive signs, frequent benches, add interest to the scenery, which and is paved and wheelchair changes from saguaro stands to 3-4 hours accessible. desert grasslands. Bridal Wreath Falls is a good lunchtime destination: the amount of water varies from a trickle Freeman Homestead Trail to a torrent, depending on season and drought conditions. Steep and rocky. 2 A scenic and historic path to the site easy to moderate of an early desert homestead. Full color interpretive signs along the 1 mile/1.6 km trail explain the various aspects of 100 ft./30 m. Tanque Verde Ridge Trail human and animal lives in this rugged elevation gain “Home in the Desert.” The unpaved For the visitor looking for a more strenuous trail has wide rock stairways on some 6 rugged trail, the Tanque Verde Ridge 1 hour moderate grades. Trail is ideal. Day hikers may climb as 18 mi./29 km to peak high as time allows, remembering to return to their cars by sunset to 14 mi./22.5 km to Ju- exit the park before the road closes. niper Basin Magnificent views of the Tucson Basin Mica View Picnic Area “Loop” 4000 ft./1219 m. and Rincon Peak are the reward. This elevation gain trail is also the closest access to the Begin this walk through a natural easy backcountry from the Visitor Center. desert garden at the Mica View Picnic Very steep and rocky. A permit is 3 Area, off the Cactus Forest Loop 2 miles/3.2 km required for overnight use of this Drive. The route follows the Mica time varies according no elevation gain trail. View Trail north or south, connecting to destination with the Cactus Forest Trail for the return trip. Use the trail map in this paper to follow the trails in this 1 hour area. This is the easiest loop in this trail system; it may also be reached Hope Camp Trail from the trailhead at the east end of Broadway Boulevard. 7 This trail heads east from the Loma moderate Alta Trailhead, following a riparian, or streamside, area. It offers views of Tanque Verde Ridge and Rincon Peak. 5.6 miles/9 km Loma Verde “Loop” This trail passes by two abandoned 300 ft./90 m. line camps with windmills, water elevation gain A scenic introduction to the Cactus easy towers and storage tanks. (This trail 4 Forest trail system. Begin at the Loma connects to the via Verde trailhead on the Cactus Forest 3.3 miles/5.5 km the Quilter Connection trail. It also 3-4 hours Drive. Follow the Loma Verde Trail 70 ft./21 m. connects with Ruiz and Coyote Wash past the site of a failed copper mine. elevation gain Trails.) From the Pink Hill Trail take the short

spur to the hilltop overlook for a east spectacular view of the cactus forest. 2 hours Continue following the Pink Hill Trail Rincon Mountain Backcountry to Squeeze Pen Trail, and turn right. The trail will take you along the base Use a topographic map when hiking of the Rincon Mountains, back to in the Rincon Mountain backcountry. Loma Verde Trail. Turn left to return Maps are available at the Rincon to your car. Easy grades on unpaved Mountain Visitor Center. trails.

Cactus Forest Loop Drive Restrictions

Hiking Driving the Loop Hiking off-trail in the Cactus Forest and Rincon Valley is prohibited. Above 4,500 feet, The Cactus Forest Scenic Loop Drive (shown on inset map on page 8 hiking off-trail is permitted. Limit hiking parties to 18 people on trails, 10 people while highlighted in yellow) in the east district is a paved, combination one- hiking off-trail. and two-way road. The 8-mile (12.9 km) Loop Drive features several trailheads, scenic vistas and pullouts. Trailers longer than 35 feet or any vehicle wider than 8 feet are not permitted. Multi-use trail The portion of the Cactus Forest Trail inside the Cactus Forest Loop Drive is open to horseback riding, bicycling and hiking. Bike riding is not permitted on any other portion of the Cactus Forest Trail. The Hope Camp trail is proposed to be multi-use. Check back summer of 2012 to see if that rule was accepted.

Stay Alert! Make your presence known to other trail users well in 35 Feet 8 Feet advance, particularly when approaching from behind. Cyclists yield to all other trail users and hikers yield to equestrians.

Biking Stock and Pack Animals Always maintain a safe speed for road conditions and your own riding experience. The Loop Horseback riding off-trail is prohibited. Livestock is restricted from the Cactus Forest Loop Drive is narrow with many tight turns and steep hills. Use extra caution when approaching the Drive and these trails: first steep downhill after passing the entrance station! Bicyclists must obey all posted speed limits. Wildhorse Trail south of the Carrillo Trail Tanque Verde Ridge Trail Mountain Biking Desert Ecology Trail Trail riding is permitted only on the 2.5 mile (4.0 km) multi-use portion of the Cactus Forest Freeman Homestead Trail Trail circled by the Cactus Forest Loop Drive. The trail may be ridden in either direction, but Miller Creek Trail you may not ride against traffic on the one-way section of the Cactus Forest Loop Drive. Last half mile of the Rincon Peak Trail First quarter mile of the Douglas Springs Trail

Horse Trailer Parking Use designated trailer parking. For trails in the Cactus Forest, use the Wildhorse Trailhead. In the Rincon Valley, trailer parking is available .4 mile (.6 km) south of the Loma Alta trailhead near Oro Escondido. RMD Map 5 What can I do in the time I have? Tucson Mountain District Hiking Trails in the West

Trail Description Times and distances are roundtrip. Desert Discovery Trail

East District West District You will find the trailhead to this self- easy 1 guided nature walk on Kinney Road, one mile northwest of the Red Hills .5 mile/.8 km Visitor Center. Here you can familiar- no elevation gain Walk the Cactus Garden Trail 0:10 Walk the Javelina Wash Trail ize yourself with the native plants, Walk the Cactus Garden Trail animals and ecology of the Sonoran 20 minutes Desert. An audio tour for the visu- ally impaired is available at the visitor View the A Home in the Desert slideshow 0:15 View the Voices of a Desert slideshow center. Explore the visitor center exhibits Explore the visitor center exhibits Valley View Overlook Walk the Desert Discovery Nature Trail Walk the Desert Ecology Nature Trail half an hour 2 This trail was built by the Civilian Con- easy to Drive the Cactus Forest Loop Drive (no stops) Drive the Bajada Loop Drive (no stops) servation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s. moderate The trailhead is located at 1.34 miles along the Bajada Loop Drive. While .8 mile/1.3 km Hike the Freeman Homestead Trail 0:45 Hike the Signal Hill Petroglyph Trail hiking this trail, you will pass through 100 ft./30 m. two washes and then gradually as- elevation gain Attend a ranger-led program Attend a ranger-led program cend stone steps to a ridge. The view from the ridge includes Avra Valley 30 minutes Stroll at sunset from the Javelina Picnic Area 1:00 Hike Valley View Overlook Trail sprawled below and Picacho Peak to the north.

1:15 Picnic at a historic CCC picnic area Signal Hill Trail Enjoy a sunrise, sunset or moonrise This short climb takes you to dozens easy of ancient petroglyphs more than 800 Hike to the Garwood Dam 3 1:30 Hike to the ridge on the Hugh Norris Trail years old. The trail starts from the Signal .5 mile/.8 km Enjoy a sunrise, sunset or moonrise Hike up King Canyon wash & down the trail Hill Picnic Area located off Golden Gate approximately Road, at 3.3 miles along the Loop Drive. 30 ft./9 m. The trail climbs numerous stone steps, elevation gain Picnic at Mica View or Javelina Picnic Areas 1:45 some of which have a large rise, through a wash and up a hill. For some, climbing 20 minutes these steps may be difficult.

Participate in the Junior Ranger Program two hours Participate in the Junior Ranger Program King Canyon Trail

The trailhead and parking area for moderate/strenuous 2:15 4 this hike is directly across the road from the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. From the visitor center, 7 miles/11.3 km travel two miles east on Kinney Road. 1839 ft./561 m. 2:30 The first section of the trail follows an elevation gain old roadway constructed by the CCC in the 1930s. At .9 mile hikers pass 4-5 hours Hike to the Little Wildhorse Tank the Sendero Esperanza trail junction 2:45 at the Mam-A-Gah picnic area. The next 1.9 miles climbs to the Sweet- water Trail junction. The final .9 mile Hike the King Canyon Trail to the Sweetwater Trail ascends a series of steep switchbacks Walk the Hope Camp Trail 3:00 to the Hugh Norris Trail. From here, continue .3 mile to reach the top of Wasson Peak, elevation 4,687 feet. 3:15

Sendero Esperanza Trail 3:30 moderate desert mistletoe on mesquite branch 5 This trail begins 1.2 miles from the intersection of Golden Gate and Hohokam Roads, across from the 6.2 miles/10 km 3:45 Ez-Kim-In-Zin picnic area. The trail’s 700 ft./213 m. first mile follows the sandy path of elevation gain an old mine road. The next .7 mile climbs a series of steep switchbacks 3-4 hours half a day Hike the Hugh Norris Trail to the bottom of the switch- to the top of a scenic ridge, where backs beginning just west of Amole Peak it intersects the Hugh Norris Trail. The trail then descends 1.4 miles to the south, past the Gould Mine Trail Hike to Bridal Wreath Falls 4:15 junction, where it meets the King Canyon trail. west

4:30 Hugh Norris Trail

6 This is the longest trail in the Tucson strenuous Hike the Hugh Norris Trail to Wasson Peak 4:45 Mountain District. The trailhead is .8 mile from the start of the Bajada Loop Drive. The trail begins with a series 10 miles/16 km of switchbacks that climb to a ridge 2087 ft./636 m. Hike to Douglas Spring Campground and back 5:00 overlooking the cactus forest. From elevation gain there, the trail follows the ridge-top through areas with unique welded 5-6 hours tuff rock formations until it reaches Hike the Sweetwater Trail to Wasson Peak 5:15 Amole Peak, approximately 4.1 miles from the trailhead. From here, contin- ue .8 mile up a series of switchbacks to the top of Wasson Peak, the high- 5:30 est point in the Tucson Mountains.

Hike to Juniper Basin Campground 5:45 7 Scenic Loop and Belmont Area Trails There is limited access and parking in these areas. Please contact the visitor center or visit the website for detailed information nectar feeding bat feeding from a whole day a saguaro cactus blossom 8 about where to park to access these areas.

6 TMD Map 7 west Red Hills Visitor Center for trail conditions and special notices before you leave. The Tucson Mountain District offers more than 40 miles Road. Turn left. The visitor center is 2 miles center, turn left onto Sandario Road. Continue 0.2 mile The Loop Drive ends where Golden Gate Road meets Sandario Road. To return to the visitor km) to the loop’s entrance on the right. Red Hills Visitor Center, turn right onto Kinney Road, and continue northwest 1.6 miles The Bajada Loop Drive begins at the intersection of Kinney Road and Hohokam Road. Exit the loop. High clearance or four-wheel drive is not needed. graded dirt road offers scenic pullouts, picnic areas and hiking trailheads in a 5 mile ploring the Tucson Mountain District’s foothills. This unpaved, combination one- and two-way The west district’s Scenic Bajada Loop Drive (shown on map in yellow) is a popular way of ex Driving the Scenic Bajada Hiking

       Hiking Checklist

Check online for more trip planning advice: www.nps.gov/sagu/planyourvisit.htm Call for up-to-date road and weather information: (520) 733-5153 or (520) 733-5158. sunblock, comb or knife (to remove cactus spines), cell phone, pencil and notebook. Bring day packs with water (1 gallon per person in summer), salty snacks, watch, with ankle support, raingear. Pack breathable, long-sleeved clothes in light colors, a wide-brim hat, hiking boots Leave itinerary with a friend or relative. Pack a park map showing accurate trail information. Review park safety, regulations, fees and permit information. Loop Loop Drive (3.2 km) ahead. (300 m) to the junction with Kinney (64 km) of hiking trails. Check at the (7.8 km) (2.6  - Trailers longer than 35 feet or any vehicle wider than 8 feet are not allowed on the Loop Drive. Driving should use Cam-boh, Camino del Cerro, and Sendero Esperanza trailheads. in the park. Stock are not permitted on any of the trails listed in the table below. Stock trailers Stock groups are limited to 15 animals. Stock animals are prohibited from traveling off-trail Horses & Pack Animals • Bicycles are not permitted on any trails in the district. Bicycling along Picture Rocks Road is • Access is prohibited in the sensitive resource area (shown on map in blue) near the Red Hills • Hiking groups are limited to a maximum of 18 persons when hiking on designated trails. Hiking information and to obtain a permit, call (602) 542-4631 or visit www.land.state.az.us. Department. A State RecreationalLand Permit is required to hike in these parcels. For more State trust lands are parcels of land within the park held by the Arizona State Land State Trust not recommended. Visitor Center. Limit off-trail travel. When hiking off-trail, groups are limited to 10 people. Wild Dog Wild Trail Signal Hill Picnic Area Sus Picnic Area Red Hills Visitor Center Area Bajada Wash Trail King Canyon Trail Valley View Overlook Trail Hugh Norris Trail Desert Discovery Trail Restrictions Restrictions Restrictions Lands

35 F

eet 7

including the Cactus Garden and Javelina Wash trails from Valley View Overlook Trail to Sus Picnic Area from the Sweetwater Trail junction to the Hugh Norris Trail junction

8 F 8 eet 8 TMD Map

7 8 RMD Map The Saguaro FAQ Say it “sah · WAH · row” Saguaro flowers are waxy and white, about three inches across. They open Saguaros are fully protected by law, at night and are pollinated by not only in Saguaro National Park, but Mexican long-tongued and throughout Arizona. lesser long-nosed bats. Flowers stay open until the following afternoon, The fruiting of the saguaro signals the beginning of the Tohono When ripe, saguaro fruits split open O’odham new year. attracting birds, insects, and other Families camp in the desert dwellers. Each fruit may desert and collect the contain 2,000 seeds! fruit for jams, jelly, candy, allowing birds and and a ceremonial wine insects an opportunity to The saguaro blossom is used to bring on the pollinate them. Arizona’s state flower. summer rains. Gila woodpeckers and gilded flickers make nest holes in In a 150 - 200 year lifetime, a saguaro the stems of saguaros. The might produce 40 million seeds. cactus quickly produces a Dispersal, rainfall, and other factors thick material result in about one of these seeds living to heal to maturity to replace the parent plant! and The spines of a cactus not only dry the protect it from animals that might eat it, wound. they also shade the plant’s skin. This nest-lining When structure Why grow “arms?” More arms a saguaro dies, sometimes equals more surface area for the woody ribs survives after photosynthesis, and more places to that supported the saguaro dies grow flowers, thus increasing the it in life soon and rots, and is number of seeds produced. become visible called a saguaro “boot” as the softer because of its shape. Saguaros must start life under plant tissue Woodpeckers build new a tree or shrub to protect them dries up and nests each year, and older from drying out and be hidden crumbles away. nests become homes for from . Saguaros often cactus wrens, elf owls, outlive their “nurse” plants. mice, snakes, spiders and other animals that appreci- ate the water-cooled cavities in the cactus. Saguaros grow slowly. In the most favorable conditions it may take 35 years for a plant to reach 6 feet; more commonly it takes 47 to 67 years.

Saguaros can grow to 50 feet tall and are the largest member of the cactus family in the United States (though not Saguaro in the world). Elf Owl branches always grow upward. Occa- sionally frost or snow will freeze the tissue at the base of a limb While the cause is not known, and damage it, and the sometimes damage weight of the branch occurs to the pulls it down. growing tip of a saguaro, causing a If the fanlike Saguaro tissue may branch growth. be 85% water; a survives, the Crested, or large plant may growing tip cristate, saguaros weigh 8 tons or will turn are thought to occur more! upward again. once in every 200,000 plants. Saguaro Sentinel 9 Educational and Outreach Programs

Tortoises, Tents, and Trails: Kids Explore Nature

Junior Rangers at the Wilderness Day Camp learn how to set up a tent. Junior Rangers discover ancient Hohokam potsherds. Kids enjoy a great view. Junior Ranger Discovery Junior Ranger Camps Be a Web Ranger Cactus Rangers:

Pack Program The park offers a variety of Junior Ranger Camps Now you can be a Junior Ranger even if you are Teen Stewardship The Junior Ranger Discovery Pack program is throughout the year. All camps are day camps and not able to visit a national park. Become a There is a group of helpful, responsible teenagers designed for children of all ages who want to range from 1-3 days. A member of a growing group of young people in Saguaro National Park with a strong awareness explore the plants, animals, and people of the large variety of who are interested in the world around them for nature. Their goal is to learn about the Sonoran Desert. The Discovery Pack contains all activities include hiking and involved with their nation’s heritage—the environment and spread awareness about national the tools children need to complete the program and safety, how to pack Web Rangers! Just print your membership card parks and other special areas. They are called the including binoculars and field guides. There is no a well equipped day and start your journey. You’re ready to explore Cactus Rangers and I am one of them. The west charge for the program. pack, tracking desert your National Parks. Along the way, complete tortoises, dissecting owl activities and earn rewards. group is led by Ranger Chip Littlefield and the east group is led by Ranger Jeff Wallner. (See yellow Junior Ranger booklets, available for a variety of pellets, learning about box below) ages and abilities, offer a wide range of fun and plants and animals,

exciting activities including field observations, wildlife protection, Laura Bolyard photo Before someone can be a Cactus Ranger, they must animal identification and habits, scavenger hunts, games, crafts, camp demonstrate leadership skills and complete a Junior crossword puzzles, art, and more. Every child that site selection and how to set up a tent, using Ranger Camp. In my case, I did about four camps finishes the booklet will be awarded an official a light weight cook stove, building a campfire, before I became a Cactus Ranger at twelve years National Park Junior Ranger certificate and badge. outdoor travel and survival skills, using a map and compass, orienteering and way finding, and what old. Since then, everything I have done with this group has been rewarding. Hiking to a stone arch Please allow a minimum of 2-3 hours to complete to do if they become lost. Camps vary between under Baboquivari Peak and summiting the round the program. The Junior Ranger program may be districts. Give us a call to see when the next camp peak of “Sierra Ana” near the Red Hills Visitor started no later than 2:00 p.m. and children must is scheduled! Contact information is available in Center are just two of the rewarding excursions check back into the visitor center no later than the yellow box on this page. I have experienced with this group.Being a four 4:30 p.m. to go over their booklets with a ranger.

Help a baby sea turtle reach the sea … Be a spy Curriculum-Based during the Revolutionary War … drive your sled dog team on a wilderness patrol … experience Programs the life and death struggle of a puma … and more! Choose your adventure and collect secret Come for a Field Trip! words each time you complete a puzzle, finish a Saguaro National Park offers a variety of exciting game, solve a mystery, or take part in a story. curriculum-based, environmental education For more information: field trips throughout the year. A previsit to http://www.nps.gov/webrangers the classroom is provided before each field trip, preparing your students for the trip and providing them with a base knowledge which enhances their park experience. Programs cover the natural and cultural history of the Sonoran Desert and meet a wide range of science and social studies year Cactus Ranger has given me loads of valuable state standards. wisdom. Leading Junior Ranger camps in the Students will Outreach Programs summer and Wilderness camps in the winter have experience a given me plenty of know-how around younger memorable and The park offers a multifaceted outreach program children. The Wilderness camps have also helped educational to connect diverse communities throughout the me develop backcountry as well I am grateful to field trip as greater Tucson area with the park. Outreach have the chance to be a part of this program. our programs efforts are designed to expose groups and orga- The other Cactus Rangers and their families are are interactive nizations to nature, our unique Sonoran Desert wonderful people to work with. I am thankful to and hands-on. environment, and the mission of the park. all the Park Rangers, the Teacher Rangers, and All programs We bring our message to fairs, expos, school volunteers, especially Ranger Chip, at Saguaro are free and fairs and events, and a variety of community National Park for being so enjoyable to work with. require advanced events as well as to many after school/weekend I encourage anyone who gets the chance to reservations. programs for children. Our booth is staffed by become a Cactus Ranger in either district of the Contact friendly and outgoing professionals, offering park, or get outside and get involved in some way. information is in exciting hands-on activities, valuable informa- the yellow box on this page. For schools with tion about the park and its events, and contact Teacher to Ranger restricted travel budgets, we have a limited information about other park related programs. to Teacher number of travel grants available. This offer To have us attend your event, or to schedule us The Teacher to Ranger to Teacher program by Jake Rochester, Cactus Ranger applies to schools who are attending one of our to visit your organization for a program, contact provides opportunities for teachers to education programs with at least 50% of their information is in the yellow box to the right. have exciting, well-rounded experiences students on a free or reduced lunch program. in National Parks. The program focuses This grant is made possible by the the Friends of on teachers from schools that have diverse For Information Saguaro National Park. student populations and who have little Call, e-mail, or check our website! Laura Bolyard photo experience or opportunity to connect to National Parks. At Saguaro National Park, Classroom Travel Trunks Tucson teachers have participated in this - Education Programs Invite a ranger to your classroom! We bring the exciting and innovative program since 2004. East

material and do the program. Teachers looking West Melanie Florez Chip Littlefield for a presentation to augment an existing science During the school year, Teacher Rangers 520.733.5151 or desert unit may request one of our Traveling bring the parks into the classroom by 520.733-5157 [email protected] Trunk Programs. These programs are free. presenting lessons that draw on their [email protected] summer’s experience. During National Park These 60-minute presentations are designed to Week, Teacher Rangers wear their NPS - Outreach Programs enhance your in-class teachings. These programs uniforms to school, discuss their summer Estee Rivera Murdock support many state curriculum standards. More as a park ranger, and engage students and 520.733-8613 information is available on our website which is in other teachers in activities that relate to [email protected] the yellow box on this page. America’s national parks. Teachers receive a stipend for the 8-week commitment. - www.nps.gov/sagu Contact Chip Littlefield listed in the yellow 10 Saguaro Sentinel box to the right. Our Partners

You can help assure that the incredible experience you enjoyed at Saguaro National Park will be available for your family, friends, and thousands of others for years to come. The Friends of Saguaro National Park has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to our park for trail Since 1938, Western National Parks • Discount privileges may be honored construction, new picnic tables and benches, educational Association (WNPA) has promoted by other National Park Service materials, safety equipment, and funds for research on the educational and scientific cooperating associations. Please saguaros and the wildlife that lives in the cactus forests. activities of the National Park check when visiting other park areas. They also fund the Gila Monster tracking, Saguaro Census Service. As a nonprofit organization programs and the innovative Teacher to Ranger to Teacher authorized by Congress, the Membership Categories: program, reaching under-served students throughout Tucson. association operates visitor center Individual Annual $25 Public funding no longer meets some of the most pressing bookstores and produces park-related Family Annual (two cards) $45 needs of our parks. A non-profit organization, theFriends publications. All proceeds support Individual Two Year $45 of Saguaro has a single purpose: to provide dollars for more than 66 affiliated parks in 12 Family Two Year (two cards) $80 desperately needed projects at Saguaro National Park. Join us, western states to fund educational, Life $1,000 and give something back to these stunning “sentinels of the desert” today. scientific, and research programs not Call (520) 733-8610, visit us online at www.friendsofsaguaro.org, or find supported by taxes. Saguaro National By becoming a member of WNPA, us on facebook.com/friendsofsaguaro to learn more. Park is among those parks that you make a direct contribution to the  receive donations from WNPA. parks we serve. Since 1938, WNPA has given over $50 million in cash YES! I want to support projects at Saguaro National Park by: Membership support allows us to and in-kind donations to the National Becoming a member of the Friends of Saguaro National Park continue much-needed aid to the Park Service. at the following level: parks. Members of WNPA receive valuable benefits, including: WNPA gratefully accepts tax- ___$35 ___$50 ___$100 ___$250 ___$500 deductible contributions to further • Discount privileges of 15 percent the goals of the National Park

on bookstore purchases (Does not Service. These contributions can be Adopting a Saguaro (you’ll receive a certificate and frameable photo): apply to craft items). designated to support a particular ___$35 Indiv. ___$50 Family ___$100 Guardian ___$10 Student or Class • 20 percent discount privileges on project or park served by WNPA. bookstore purchases for seniors 62 Name and older. For more information on WNPA, Address • Discount privileges of 15 percent please call (520) 733.5159, or visit City, State, Zip on purchases from the WNPA web our website www.wnpa.org. site at www.wnpa.org. Clip this form and mail with a check or money order payable to Friends of Saguaro National Park. Mail to: Friends of Saguaro National Park, 2700 N. Kinney Road, Tucson, Arizona 85743 Your Fee DollarsMake

It Possible What’s going on Have you enjoyed a picnic in the shade of a require special care. Facilities in the Hi: 99° F historic shelter at Signal Hill? Have you Rincon Mountain District were installed Hi: 97° F Hi:Hi: 81° 81° F F Lo: 67° F June Lo: 72° F learned about the natural and human by the National Park Service in the AprilApril Lo:Lo: 50° 50° F F August history of the saguaro from signs along 1950s, when visitation was a small Ha:san Bak Masad the Freeman Homestead trail? Are you fraction of what it is today. UamUam Masad Masad month to gather Sopol Esabig Masad better informed by the new trailhead desertdesert in in bloom bloom saguaro fruit short month of planting exhibits and maps found throughout Projects paid for by fee dollars at montmonthh New saguaro fruit Barrel cactus, aster, trailing Saguaro National Park? If so, you are Saguaro cover a wide range of SnakesSnakes are are coming coming is ripening and falling four-o’clock, devil’s claw, enjoying facilities provided by park visitor needs. Recently completed outout of of hibernation. hibernation. to the ground. This is buffalo gourds, summer entrance fees, paid by you and other projects include new trailhead signs YouYou may may see see them them the month the Tohono poppies, and morning visitors to Saguaro National Park. at the Broadway and Loma Alta Trails settledsettled in in rock rock O’odham traditionally glories are all flowering. in the Rincon Mountain District, crevices,crevices, near near their their make trips to gather Like hundreds of recreation areas rehabilitation of eleven historic dens—bedens—be careful careful the cactus fruit, knock- across the country, Saguaro National fireplaces at picnic areas in the Tucson wherewhere you you place place ing it from the cactus Park operates under the Federal Mountains, and installation of traffic youryour hands hands and and feet. feet. Lands Recreation Enhancement Act of safety signs throughout the park. with saguaro rib poles 2004. Under this program, 100% of Projects you will see coming in 2012 called a kuipod. Hi:Hi: 89° 89° F F all entrance and user fees are put to and 2013 include updating of the Lo:Lo: 57° 57° F F Hi: 94° F use within the National Park Service Tucson Mountain District’s audio/visual MayMay Hi: 98° F Lo: 67° F and at least 80% of the funds stay equipment for the popular Desert Lo: 74° F U’usU’us Wihogdag Wihogdag Masad Masad July in the park where they are collected. Speaks program and new exhibits for monthmonth to to gather gather beans beans;; September Which means, the money you spend the Rincon Mountain visitor center. timetime of of hunger hunger Jukiabig Masad in Saguaro National Park, stays in Your fee dollars make these important month of Wasai Gakidaj Masad For Information WhiteWhite fragrant fragrant nocturnal - month of dry grass Saguaro National Park. Your fees are upgrades possible. Male Sonoran desert ly-bloomingnocturnally-blooming plants Call, e-mail, or check our website! not returned to the government’s toads, Red-spotted inplants the cactus in the Bats and hummingbirds general fund. Whether you purchase a seven-day toads, and spadefoot - Education Programs familycactus family are preparing for early permit to the park, a Saguaro Annual toads croak to attract East areare flowering. flowering. October migrations— West The effects of time, use, and a rugged Pass good for one year’s worth of mates throughout the Melanie Florez LookLook for for activity increases this Chip Littlefield have been tough on the visits, or the Interagency Pass to be night. 520.733.5151 saguarosaguaro and and night- night- month. First-year 520.733-5157 [email protected] recreational facilities of the park. The used anywhere in the USA, you can be blooming cereus flowers. juveniles must gain [email protected] picnic areas of the Tucson Mountain happy knowing that your fee dollars blooming cereus flowers. strength for their District were built in the 1930s by are used for projects directly related - Outreach Programs first long flights to Estee Rivera Murdock the Civilian Conservation Corps. The to the facilities and resources of your wintering grounds in 520.733-8613 structures are wonderful, Saguaro National Park. [email protected] the south. but historic saguaro rib ramadas - www.nps.gov/sagu Saguaro Sentinel 11 Park News

National Park Service / U.S. Department of the Interior Saguaro National Park

Rincon Mountain District (East) 3693 South Old Spanish Trail Tucson, AZ 85730 520.733.5153 (9:00-5:00 PM)

Tucson Mountain District (West) 2700 North Kinney Road Tucson, AZ 85743 520.733.5158 (9:00-5:00 PM)

Arizona Department of Transportation 511 Traveler Information Service

Average Maximum / Minimum Temperature

Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Max 64° F 68° F 72° F 81° F 89° F 99° F 98° F 97° F 94° F 84° F 73° F 65° F Min 38° F 40° F 44° F 50° F 57° F 67° F 74° F 72° F 67° F 57° F 45° F 39° F

Sunrise/Sunset Times for Tucson, Arizona (Mountain Standard Time, GMT -7) Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 1st 7:25/5:30 7:17/5:57 6:51/6:21 6:12/6:43 5:38/7:04 5:18/7:25 5:21/7:34 5:39/7:21 5:59/6:49 6:18/6:10 6:41/5:35 7:07/5:19 5th 7:25/5:33 7:14/6:00 6:46/6:24 6:07/6:46 5:35/7:07 5:17/7:27 5:23/7:34 5:42/7:18 6:01/6:44 6:20/6:05 6:44/5:31 7:10/5:19 10th 7:25/5:37 7:10/6:05 6:40/6:28 6:02/6:48 5:30/7:10 5:17/7:29 5:25/7:33 5:45/7:13 6:05/6:37 6:24/5:58 6:48/5:28 7:14/5:19 15th 7:25/5:41 7:06/6:09 6:34/6:31 5:55/6:53 5:26/7:14 5:17/7:31 5:28/7:31 5:48/7:08 6:08/6:31 6:27/5:52 6:53/5:24 7:17/5:21 20th 7:23/5:46 7:01/6:13 6:27/6:35 5:49/6:56 5:23/7:17 5:18/7:33 5:31/7:29 5:51/7:03 6:11/6:24 6:31/5:47 6:57/5:22 7:20/5:23 25th 7:21/5:50 6:55/6:18 6:21/6:38 5:40/7:00 5:21/7:21 5:19/7:34 5:34/7:26 5:55/6:57 6:14/6:17 6:35/5:41 7:02/5:20 7:22/5:25 30th 7:10/5:55 6:14/6:42 5:39/7:03 5:19/7:24 5:21/7:34 5:38/7:23 5:58/6:51 6:17/6:11 6:39/5:36 7:06/5:19 7:24/5:28

Arizona, except for the Navajo Nation, does not observe Daylight Savings Time. Please note that sunrise and sunset times are approximate will vary slightly from year to year.

EXPE R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R ICA The Saguaro Sentinel is published by Saguaro National Park with assistance from Western National Parks Association (WNPA). Printed by Western Web and Graphics, Tucson, Arizona. Publication Coordinator: Chip Littlefield. Please recycle this paper, or give it to a friend. 9th edition 3/2012 Safety in the Park Snakes Six species of rattlesnakes are found at supply is gone. Hyponatremia: Drinking too much water over a short time can lead to hyponatremia, where Saguaro National Park. They seek shelter in the shade W of bushes or rock crevices in the heat of the day. Avoid sodium electrolyte levels in the body become dangerously hat’s going on placing your hands or feet in hidden areas. Treatment: low. Symptoms of hyponatremia are similar to those If you are bitten by a snake, remain calm. Immobilize the of heat exhaustion. Treatment: Drink both water and October limb and get to a doctor as soon as possible. Report any sports drinks and eat salty snacks to keep electrolytes Hi: 84° F bites to a ranger. balanced. Al Ju:big Masad Lo: 57° F month of planting Bees Africanized honey bees (“killer” bees) are found Flooding During the summer rainy season, the des- frost-withstanding squash throughout the park. These bees will attack only when ert is prone to flash flooding. Avoid hiking in washes (dry they feel their hive is threatened. Stay alert for sounds riverbeds) during thunderstorms. Do not try to cross a Cactus wrens of bee activity and watch for them entering or exiting a flooded road in your vehicle under any circumstances! begin to build colony. Near a colony, individual bees may “bump” you, winter nests in without stinging, as warning. If you are attacked, run Lightning Be prepared for rain even on sunny days. cholla cactus. away as fast as you can. If possible, cover your head and If you see lightning, move quickly to the nearest safe face with clothing. Africanized bees will usually cease place. Avoid hill tops, ridges, and flat open areas. If you can’t find shelter, do the “lightning crouch”: put your Hi: 73° F attacking once you are ¼ to ½ mile away from their hive. Lo: 45° F Treatment: If you are stung, scrape away embedded feet together, squat low, tuck your head, and cover your November ears. stingers with your fingernail or a credit card. Call 911 and S-ke:g S-he pjig Masad get to a doctor as soon as you can. Report any incident to month of pleasant cold a ranger. Mountain Lions Mountain lions—also known as pumas, or cougars—are found in both districts of Ocotillo, Fouqueria splendens, Heat Hike within your ability and rest often when the park. Human-lion encounters are rare, but possible. produces new leaves within five hiking in the heat. Know the symptoms and treatment for What to do if you encounter a mountain lion: Most days of winter rainfall. heat exhaustion, and life-threatening heat stroke. lions will avoid confrontation—give the lion a way to escape. Stay calm and speak loudly and firmly. Do not Heat exhaustion: This is the result of dehydration due to Hi: 65° F intense sweating. Symptoms: pale face, nausea, cool and run from a mountain lion—rather, stand and face it. December Lo: 39° F moist skin, headache, and cramps. Treatment: drink Make eye contact. Appear as large as you can: raise your Ge’e S-he:pjig Masad water, eat high-energy foods, rest in the shade, and cool arms and open your jacket if you are wearing one. Throw month of big cold the body, especially around the neck, head and groin. stones or whatever you can reach without crouching or Heat stroke: If left untreated, heat exhaustion can turn turning your back. Wave your arms slowly. Protect small Desert Mistletoe is bearing fruit, into heat stroke. This is a life-threatening emergency children so they won’t panic and run. Finally, fight back as is desert Christmas cactus. where the body’s heat-regulating mechanisms become if you are attacked. Use whatever you have to defend Look for mistletoe in dark green overwhelmed. Symptoms: flushed face, dry skin, weak yourself: rocks, sticks, caps, or your bare hands. Since a clumps in tree and rapid pulse, high body temperature, poor judgment or mountain lion usually tries to bite the head or neck, try to branches. Look confusion, unconsciousness. Treatment: find shade, cool remain standing and face the animal. for Christmas cac- the victim with water, call 911 and seek help immediately. tus in shady spots Cacti Many desert plants are spiny or thorny. Some under trees. Water During the summer, drink at least one gallon of species of cactus, such as cholla, have barbed spines water per person, per day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. In which detach easily and embed in skin. Carry a comb and the winter, carry at least two quarts per day. Don’t ration tweezers to flick off cactus segments and remove spines. (This feature adapted in part from Southern Arizona Nature Almanac, by Roseann Beggy Han- your water when hiking—turn back when half your son and Jonathan Hanson.)

12 Saguaro Sentinel