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

Saguaro Sentinel

Heading for 100: The Park Service and A Saguaro

TWO SEEDS ARE PLANTED 1916. In the Sonoran Desert, far to the east of the sleepy PREPARING FOR THE village of Tucson, a saguaro cactus seed fell to the ground 1966 PARK SERVICE CENTENNIAL! under a palo verde tree. Perhaps it slipped from the beak of a gila woodpecker, or arrived in the droppings Welcome to Saguaro National Park! of a nectar-feeding bat. Before the seed could dry up, You are visiting during a very special two rainstorms swept the desert within five days. Thus a time for us and the entire National saguaro cactus was born in the shade of a nurse tree. Park Service (NPS). From Acadia National Park to Martin Luther King Meanwhile on the East Coast, in the busy city of Washington, Jr. National Historic Site; from Yel- lowstone National Park to César E. D.C., another seed was planted when Congress passed Chávez National Monument, we and President Wilson signed the National Park Service Act. are joining over 400 National Park This new law provided an agency to oversee 37 parks and units across the country to celebrate monuments scattered from Maine to Hawaii. Now there the 100th anniversary of the NPS in would be a cadre of rangers and a visionary director -- Stephen 2016…and we’re starting now! Mather -- to care for and develop these national treasures. A saguaro growing outside the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center The park and the entire Tucson area was designated the Anniversary Saguaro in 1966 as the Park GROWING UP have changed dramatically over the Service, and the cactus, turned 50 years old. NPS fle photo. These two birthdays became entwined in 1933. In March last 100 years. Can you predict what of that year a group of Tucson citizens convinced out- this area will look like in 2116? Will going President Herbert Hoover to proclaim Saguaro the next generation still care about National Monument, including the home of that young national parks and wilderness areas? What impacts will climate change saguaro cactus, now about ten inches high. have on the American west’s iconic saguaro cactus, the namesake of this At first, the new monument was administered by the U.S. park? Will these places be valued Forest Service, but a new Parks director, Horace Albright, enough to ensure the continued appealed to incoming President Franklin Roosevelt to protection of our precious natural transfer all National Monuments and a grand collection and cultural resources? of historic areas to Park Service care in August of 1933. This created the system of parklands that we know today. The goal of the National Park Service Centennial in 2016 is to “connect CHANGE, GROWTH, AND THE FUTURE with and create the next generation 1966. The saguaro. now fifteen feet tall, was carefully of park visitors, supporters, and ad- transplanted at the Monument’s Rincon Mountain District vocates”. Over the next few years, we will be looking to engage more visitor center (a Tucson Mountain District 35 miles to youth, fnd greater connections to the west was added in 1961.) At the same time, the Park the increasingly-urban community Service celebrated its 50th anniversary with a program of Tucson, and raise the visibility of of improvements to facilities called Mission 66. Visitors the park. We want to engage new found new exhibits inside and a centerpiece “Anniversary stewards that will help care for and Saguaro” outside. protect this place for generations to come. As we approach the passage of another 50 years, the saguaro, its surroundings, and the system have all grown. Be on the lookout for special Cen- Stop by to see the saguaro today. Then enjoy 140 square tennial activities and events that will miles of Saguaro National Park (re-named in 1994,) celebrate our last 100 years and pre- east and west. And join with us all around the country pare us for the next 100 years. Ask park staff and volunteers how you to celebrate 100 years of your National Park Service, can help—there are many different preserving the natural and cultural heritage of America The Anniversary Saguaro as it looks today, with the Park’s Superintendent Darla Sidles. This cactus has grown three arms opportunities! You can volunteer, in over 400 sites, and in scores of regional and local and about twenty feet in the past ffty years. NPS photo. help get youth engaged, participate projects. Join the celebration -- Find Your Park! in park events, assist in raising the visibility of the park, or contribute financially. Check out our website Take a Hike pg 3 Explore RMD pg 4 Discover TMD pg 6 at www.nps.gov/sagu, and our Face- Are you visiting us for an hour or for a Take some time to explore the Rincon Discovering the Tucson Mountain District book page for updates. Our future couple of days? Are you with small children Mountain District on the east side of on the west side of Tucson is easy with a depends on YOU! Thanks for your or a super-athlete ready to test your endur- Tucson. There is a map and some helpful little help from this guide. support, and for visiting Saguaro ance? No matter what your skill or ftness advice about how to make the best use of National Park. level, we can suggest an adventure for you. your time during your visit. Drive or hike a scenic trail. Climb a hill to see one of the most popular petroglyph Darla Sidles Use this hiking guide as your starting place, Drive the scenic Cactus Forest Loop. Hike sites in southern Arizona. Enjoy a sunset Superintendent but we always encourage you to check the among the saguaros or up toward the behind the iconic silhouette of our name- most recent trail conditions with our staff at pines. You can even ride a mountain bike sake saguaro cactus. There are many ways (By the way, we pronounce it: the visitor centers. to an historic ranching site. to experience this amazing place. “sah-WAH-row.”) The Other Side of Saguaro... National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Welcome to Saguaro National Park, the time to look for them. This road where you will fnd one park with Directions is also a popular biking destination, To Rincon Mountain District (East) two districts found east and west of not for the faint of heart. North of the From the Tucson Mountain District, head Tucson. While they are both Saguaro visitor center is a network of trails that southeast on Kinney Road, to Gates Pass Saguaro National Park National Park and they were both set wind all over the cactus forest. It is easy Road. Turn left and go up and over the Saguaro National Park preserves and aside primarily to protect saguaro to plan a hike that will last an hour or a pass. Caution - large vehicles are not protects thousands of acres of cacti, they are very diferent places for day. If you want to plan a hike for more permitted over Gates Pass, see below Sonoran Desert wilderness, you to enjoy. than one day, RMD is your district. for an alternate route. Gates Pass Road offering recreation, learning, and There are 6 diferent back country becomes Speedway Boulevard. Continue spiritual renewal in the backyard of a WHY TWO DISTRICTS? campgrounds, the only camping in the east on Speedway for 14 miles through the growing metropolitan city. city to Freeman Road. Turn right (south) 3.6 What is now known as Saguaro park, that vary from grasslands with miles to Old Spanish Trail. Turn left (east) National Park was frst established as juniper trees at 4,800’ in elevation to the Superintendent following the signs .25 miles. Darla Sidles a national monument in 1933. Homer pine and fr forests above 8,000’. RMD Shantz from the University of Arizona protects the western and southern To Tucson Mountain District (West) Headquarters Address worked to preserve a remarkable stand slopes of the Rincon Mountains. From the Rincon Mountain District, Rincon Mountain District (East) of saguaro cacti on the east side of town head northwest on Old Spanish Trail to Saguaro National Park and the result of his eforts became the THE WHOLE PARK Harrison Road. Turn right and follow 3693 South Old Spanish Trail Rincon Mountain District (RMD). What the two districts do well together Harrison to Speedway Boulevard. Head Tucson, AZ 85730 is serve our visitors. During the months west on Speedway for 14 miles. This will (520) 733-5153 In the 1960s, researchers noticed a of December through March, you will become Gates Pass Road. Caution - large decline in the number of cacti in the fnd scheduled programs several times vehicles are not permitted over Gates Tucson Mountain District (West) Rincon’s cactus forest and worked each day. During our warm springs and Pass, see below for an alternate route. 2700 N. Kinney Road together to add another remarkable Continue 4.6 miles west through the Tucson hot summers, there is still something Tucson, AZ 85743 stand of cacti found on the western side Mountains to Kinney Road. Turn right happening each day in the visitor centers (520) 733-5158 of Tucson to the park. This western (northwest) and follow Kinney Road 3.7 of both districts. Interpretive programs, area is now known as the Tucson miles past the Desert Museum to the park Park Information Mountain District (TMD) of Saguaro guided hikes and Jr. Ranger programs entrance. Go 1 mile to the visitor center. (520) 733-5100 National Park. are designed to help visitors make their own meaningful memories of their Over-sized Vehicles (West) TUCSON MOUNTAIN DISTRICT Fax adventures in Saguaro National Park. Vehicles exceeding 12,000 pounds (520) 733-5183 (TMD) is located on the west side of GVWR are prohibited on Gates Pass Road town, just northwest of the Arizona- Travel time between the two districts is and Picture Rocks Road through the park. E-mail Sonora Desert Museum, another approximately one hour. We hope you Instead, use I-10 to I-19 (exit 260) south. [email protected] popular destination for Tucson visitors. save time on your trip to drive to the From I-19 take Ajo Way/State Route 86 (exit Seeing both together in one day is other side of town to see the other side 99) west 4.8 miles to Kinney Road. Turn Website common, though it makes for a very right (north) 10 miles (past Old Tucson Stu- www.nps.gov/sagu of Saguaro National Park. long day. Save some time to really slow dios and the Desert Museum) to the visitor down and enjoy TMD. There are hikes center. Going to Rincon Mountain District, Education Coordinator for people of all abilities, awe inspiring take I-10 to Houghton Road north. At Es- [email protected] calante Road turn east and follow the signs. (520) 733-5157 stands of cacti, and a brilliant view of the western sky from sunset to star rise. Travel Between Rincon Mountain and Tucson Mountain Districts Volunteer Coordinator The historic CCC-built picnic areas are [email protected] marvelous places to stop for a snack (520) 733-5156 before hitting the trail, and Signal Hill picnic area is the starting place to Community Outreach Coordinator marvel at ancient petroglyphs found on [email protected] Signal Hill. A 5-mile scenic loop drive (520) 733-8613 leads to many of these sites.

The National Park Service cares THE RINCON MOUNTAIN DISTRICT for the special places saved by the American people so that all may (RMD) has an 8-mile loop drive worth experience our heritage. writing home about. This winding scenic road takes visitors through the historic cactus forest, where there are Find us on Facebook as signs of signifcant recovery of the SaguaroNationalPark cactus population for anyone who takes

Plan Your Visit Camping is not available in Saguaro National Park. Consider Gilbert Ray Campground on In Case of an Emergency, call 911, then contact a ranger. Kinney Road inside Tucson Mountain Park when visiting Tucson Mountain District. Colossal Cave If you see crimes against resources call 1-800-637-9152. Mountain Park or other commercial campgrounds are near the Rincon Mountain District. The park website has a list of public campgrounds. Backcountry camping is available with a permit Dates and Hours of Operation from the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center: see “Hiking in the High Country” on pg. 5. Both district scenic drives are open daily from sunrise to sunset. Visitor centers are open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, year-round, except December 25. Hiking is permitted on more than 150 miles of designated trails. Off-trail hiking is only permitted in areas above 4,500’ elevation. Purchase topographic maps at Visitor Centers. Entrance Fees Private vehicles and motorcycles...... $10.00 Valid for 7 days Food and Lodging are not available inside the park. Tucson has many restaurants, grocery stores and opportunities for lodging near both districts. Bicyclists and pedestrians...... $ 5.00 Valid for 7 days Saguaro Annual Pass ...... $25.00* Valid for 1 year Fires are permitted in grills Interagency Annual Pass...... $80.00 Valid for 1 year Grills are provided at most picnic areas in the park. Do not collect or burn any wood from inside the park. Please be responsible; do not leave fres unattended and ensure the fre is completely Interagency Senior Pass (U.S. resident, 62 or older)...... $10.00 Valid for a lifetime out cold before departing the area. Interagency Access Pass (U.S. resident, disabled)...... Free Valid for a lifetime Interagency Active Military Pass...... Free Valid for 1 year Group Picnic areas are available in both districts. The Javelina Picnic Area ramada (no tables) (Active U.S. Military and Dependents) in Rincon Mountain District (RMD - East) is the only group site available to be reserved. All other picnic grounds are frst-come, frst-served. * Subject to change.

Pets are welcome on all roads accessible to the public, picnic areas (other than Mam-A-Gah), Special Use Permits are available for special events or commercial activities inside the and paved trails. For the safety of your pet, they must remain leashed at all times. Do not leave park. Contact (520) 733-5116 for additional information. pets unattended in a vehicle. Even when outside temperatures are cool, car temperatures can quickly rise to dangerous levels. Watch carefully for snakes or other wildlife on roadways. Carry a comb and tweezers to remove cactus spines from paws and noses. Pavement can get very hot in Travel Information the afternoons and can burn paws. Pets are not permitted on unpaved trails. Visitor Center staff can suggest nearby areas for hiking with pets. 2 Saguaro Sentinel Take a Hike in the Park Tucson Mountain District Rincon Mountain District Hiking Trails Hiking Trails

Trail Description, Map on Page 6 Times and distances Trail Description, Map on pages 4 and 5 Times and distances are roundtrip. are roundtrip.

Desert Discovery Trail easy Desert Ecology Trail easy 1 You will fnd the trailhead to this self-guided nature walk on Kinney 1 This trail offers an introduction to the rugged climate of the Road, one mile northwest of the Red Hills Visitor Center. Here you can .5 mile/.8 km Sonoran Desert and the adaptations that allow plants and animals .25 mile/.4 km familiarize yourself with the native plants, animals and ecology of the no elevation gain to thrive here. An easy and pleasant way to take a break from your no elevation gain Sonoran Desert. An audio tour for the visually impaired is available at automobile tour. Trail has interpretive signs, frequent benches, and the visitor center. Trail has frequent benches, and is paved and 20 minutes is paved and wheelchair accessible. 20 minutes wheelchair accessible.

Valley View Overlook easy to moderate Freeman Homestead Trail easy to moderate

2 This trail was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 2 .8 mile/1.3 km A scenic and historic path to the site of an early desert homestead. 1 mile/1.6 km 1930s. The trailhead is located 1.34 miles along the Bajada Loop Drive. 100 ft./30 m. Full color interpretive signs along the trail explain the various aspects 100 ft./30 m. While hiking this trail, you will cross two washes and then gradually elevation gain of human and animal lives in this rugged “Home in the Desert.” The elevation gain ascend stone steps to a ridge. The view from the ridge includes Avra unpaved trail has wide rock stairways on some moderate grades. Valley sprawled below and Picacho Peak to the north. 45 minutes 1 hour

Signal Hill Trail easy Mica View Picnic Area “Loop” easy 3 This short climb takes you to dozens of ancient petroglyphs more than 3 Begin this walk through a natural desert garden at the Mica View .3 mile/.8 km 800 years old. The trail starts from the Signal Hill Picnic Area located Picnic Area, off the Cactus Forest Loop Drive. The route follows the 2 miles/3.2 km approx. 30 ft./9 m. off Golden Gate Road, at 3.3 miles along the Loop Drive. The trail Mica View Trail north or south, connecting with the Cactus Forest no elevation gain elevation gain climbs numerous stone steps, some of which have a large rise, through Trail for the return trip. Use the trail map in this paper to follow the a wash and up a hill. For some, climbing these steps may be diffcult. 20 minutes trails in this area. This is the easiest loop in this trail system; it may also be reached from the trailhead at the east end of Broadway 1 hour Boulevard.

King Canyon Trail moderate/strenuous Loma Verde “Loop” easy 4 4 The trailhead and parking area for this hike is directly across the road A scenic introduction to the Cactus Forest trail system. Begin at the 7 miles/11.3 km 3.4 miles/5.5 km from the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. From the Red Hills visitor Loma Verde trailhead on the Cactus Forest Drive. Follow the Loma 1839 ft./561 m. 70 ft./21 m. center, travel two miles southeast on Kinney Road. The frst section of Verde Trail past the site of a failed copper mine. From the Pink Hill elevation gain elevation gain the trail follows an old roadway constructed by the CCC in the 1930s. Trail take the short spur to the hilltop overlook for a spectacular At .9 mile hikers pass the Sendero Esperanza trail junction at the Mam- view of the cactus forest. Continue following the Pink Hill Trail to A-Gah picnic area. The next 1.9 miles climbs to the Sweetwater Trail 4-5 hours Squeeze Pen Trail, and turn right. This trail will take you along the 2 hours junction. The fnal .9 mile ascends a series of steep switchbacks to the base of the Rincon Mountains, back to Loma Verde Trail. Turn left Hugh Norris Trail. From here, continue .3 mile to reach the top of Was- to return to your car. Easy grades on unpaved trails. son Peak, elevation 4,687 feet.

Sendero Esperanza Trail moderate Douglas Spring Trail to Bridal strenuous 5 5 Wreath Falls This trail begins 1.2 miles from the intersection of Golden Gate and Hohokam Roads, across from the Ez-Kim-In-Zin picnic area. The trail’s 6.2 miles/10 km This trail begins at the Douglas Spring Trailhead at the east end 5.6 miles/ 9 km frst mile follows the sandy path of an old mine road. The next .7 mile 700 ft./213 m. of Speedway Boulevard. This trip into the foothills of the Rincons 1100 ft./335 m. climbs a series of steep switchbacks to the top of a scenic ridge, where elevation gain provides good views of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Along the elevation gain it intersects the Hugh Norris Trail. The trail then descends 1.4 miles to way seasonal water courses add interest to the scenery, which changes from saguaro stands to desert grasslands. Bridal Wreath the south, past the Gould Mine Trail junction, where it meets the King 3-4 hours Canyon trail. Falls is a good lunchtime destination: the amount of water varies 3-4 hours from a trickle to a torrent, depending on season and drought conditions. Steep and rocky.

Hugh Norris Trail strenuous Tanque Verde Ridge Trail strenuous 6 6 For the visitor looking for a more rugged trail, the Tanque Verde This is the longest trail in the Tucson Mountain District. The trailhead 18 mi./29 km to peak Ridge Trail is ideal. Day hikers may climb as high as time allows, is .8 mile from the start of the Bajada Loop Drive. The trail begins with 10 miles/16 km remembering to return to their cars by sunset to exit the park before a series of switchbacks that climb to a ridge overlooking the cactus 2087 ft./636 m. 14 mi./22.5 km to the road closes. Magnifcent views of the Tucson Basin and Rincon forest. From there, the trail follows the ridge-top through areas with elevation gain Juniper Basin Peak are the reward. This trail is also the closest access to the unique welded tuff rock formations until it reaches Amole Peak, ap- 4000 ft./1219 m. backcountry from the Visitor Center. Very steep and rocky. proximately 4.1 miles from the trailhead. From here, continue .8 mile 5-6 hours elevation gain

up a series of switchbacks to the top of Wasson Peak, the highest Camping only at Juniper Basin, permit required. point in the Tucson Mountains. time varies according to destination

moderate 7 8 Scenic Loop and Belmont Area Trails Hope Camp Trail There is limited access and parking in these areas. Please 7 This trail heads east from the Loma Alta Trailhead, following a contact the visitor center or visit the website for detailed riparian, or streamside, area. It offers views of Tanque Verde Ridge 5.6 miles/9 km information about where to park to access these areas. and Rincon Peak. This trail passes two abandoned line camps with 300 ft./90 m. windmills, water towers and storage tanks. (This trail connects to elevation gain the Arizona Trail via the Quilter Connection trail. It also connects with Ruiz and Coyote Wash Trails.) 3-4 hours

Tucson Mountain District, looking up towards Wasson Peak - Bill Megna Rincon Mountain District, along the Cactus Forest Drive - NPS photo

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Hiking in the Cactus Forest Hiking There are many trails with multiple combinations in the Cactus Forest. It is easy to plan a hike lasting an hour or a whole day. Stop into the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center for trip recommendations and additional maps.

Carry plenty of water. On hot days, one gallon or more per person is a necessity. Use sunscreen, wear a hat and sturdy footwear. Tell someone your plans and when you expect to be back.

Hiking Restrictions • Hiking groups are limited to a maximum of18 persons on trails and 6 people if of-trail. • Hiking of-trail in the Cactus Forest and Rincon Valley is prohibited. Hiking of-trail is permitted above 4,500 feet. • Overnight camping is not permitted in the Cactus Forest.

The Cactus Forest has many trails available to hikers and horseback riders. Hiking in the Cactus Forest is an excellent way to get up close and personal with saguaro cacti - NPS Photo, B. Riley

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! 6 + M ! 2.6 Ö! ! Freeman ! ! !@ Ranger Station r ! ! Homestead ilte 1.3 Multi-use trail !] Qu !9 Happy Valley Visitor Information 0.5 !² Water Available +2 4.8 6117ft/1864m The portion of the Cactus Forest Trail inside the Cactus Forest Loop Drive and the Hope PARK Miller Creek !T )35 !T Trailhead 4199ft/1280m Camp Trail are open to horseback riding, bicycling and hiking. Official Information reek Mexican n C and parking co spotted owl Stay Alert! Make your presence known to other trail users well in n !A Access Point i 7.4 amp R advance, particularly when approaching from behind. Cyclists yield No official information w ope C ie H to all other trail users and hikers yield to equestrians. or parking R V 0.5 0.9 e i !Ê H n Horse Trailer Parking g 0.8 o c p id e o n !b R Universal Access iz C 0.7 0.7 a P u 3.3 R m e !_ Restrooms +7 a p Loma Alta !T k !5 Picnic Area 0.1 1.9 Stock and Pack Animals 3142ft/958m !Ö 2.1 Interpretive Trail Horseback riding of-trail is prohibited. Livestock is restricted from the Cactus Forest Trails Old Spanish Trail North Coyote !A Happy Valley Rd. 0.4 Loop Drive and these trails: !!!! Trails, stock prohibited Wash

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T Desert Ecology Trail Road, Paved r a North il Road, Unpaved ! Wrong Mountain Freeman Homestead Trail 8056ft/2455m )35 Road, 4WD recommended i Miller Creek Trail Scenic Drive Last half mile of the Rincon Peak Trail Privately Owned Lands

Pima County Land 0 1 Kilometer Converse Trail X9 Ranch Rd. State Trust Land (No Public Access) First quarter mile of the Douglas Springs Trail Camino Loma Alta See Restrictions 0 1 Mile Saguaro Wilderness C O R O N A D O N A T I O N A L F O R E S T Horse Trailer Parking is available at Wildhorse Trailhead and .4 mile (.6 km) south of the Loma Alta trailhead near Oro Escondido.

Hiking in the High Country of the Rincon Mountains Backpacking in the east district’s higher elevations requires special preparation.

Backpacking and Camping Water Overnight camping is permitted, with a back- Backcountry water sources can be unpredictable, country permit, in designated campgrounds in especially during a drought. Inquire at the the Rincon Mountain District. Campgrounds visitor center for current water availability are accessible by foot and horseback only. before beginning your trip. All natural water There are six campgrounds located 6 to 12 sources must be treated before use. miles from public access trailheads. Bears Backcountry Camping Permits The Rincon Mountains have a small population Backcountry camping permits are available on of black bears. Proper food storage, in bear a frst-come frst-served basis at the Rincon boxes in all six backcountry campgrounds, is Mountain Visitor Center. A permit costs $6.00 required for your safety and protection of the (subject to change) per campsite, per night. bears. The view is lovely from the top of the Rincon Mountains - NPS Photo, Laura Bolyard The maximum number of people allowed per campsite is six. The maximum size of any one Backcountry Livestock Use group is 18 persons. Stock animals are defned as horses, burros, and mules. All stock are required to stay on Riders must carry in all horse feed; grazing For a permit application, download the Permits must accompany the permittees into designated trails. is not permitted. “Weed-free” feed is Saguaro Wilderness Area brochure from nps.gov/sagu/planyourvisit/brochures.htm the backcountry and be openly displayed. recommended to prevent the introduction of or call the RMD VC (520) 733-5153. Campground stays are limited to fve In the Rincon Mountain District overnight invasive species. consecutive days per camp and no more than stock use is permitted at all campgrounds 10 days in the park, with 10 days between except Juniper Basin. successive permits. Permittees must be at least 16 years of age.

Saguaro Sentinel 5

Discover the Tucson Mountain District (West)

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Old Tucson To Tucson McCa p Rd Studios TOHONO in Loo . Gat ! es Pass and ¦§ 10 Rd. O'ODHAM Exit 257 To T86 !9 To T 86 and RESERVATION Gilbert Ray ¦§ 19 Exit 99 Scenic Bajada Loop Drive Restrictions

Driving the Loop Driving Restrictions The west district’s Scenic Bajada Loop Drive (shown on map in yellow) is a popular way Golden Gate Road, north of Sendero Esperanza Trailhead, is recommended only for high to explore the Tucson Mountain District’s foothills. This unpaved, combination one- and clearance vehicles due to the rough condition of the road. Other roads are winding with two-way graded dirt road ofers scenic pullouts, picnic areas and hiking trailheads in a 5 narrow shoulders. Please use pullouts and parking areas and avoid stopping in roadways. mile (7.8 km) loop. High clearance or four-wheel drive is not needed. Hohokam and Golden Gate Roads are closed at sunset.

The Bajada Loop Drive begins at the intersection of Kinney Road and Hohokam Road. Although maintained for passenger vehicles, Bajada Loop Drive is an unpaved, rough, and Exit the Red Hills Visitor Center, turn right onto Kinney Road, and continue northwest narrow road not recommended for motorhomes or oversize vehicles. Wash crossings may 1.6 miles (2.6 km) to the loop’s entrance on the right. The Loop Drive ends where Golden cause damage to trailers or RVs. Large vehicles and vehicles pulling trailers should use Gate Road meets Sandario Road. To return to the visitor center, turn left onto Sandario extra caution if traveling this scenic road. Road. Continue 0.2 mile (300 m) to the junction with Kinney Road. Turn left. The visitor center is 2 miles (3.2 km) ahead. State Trust Lands State trust lands are parcels of land within the park held by the Arizona State Land Bicycles, Mountain Bikes, ORVs & ATVs Department. A State Land Recreational Permit is required to hike in these parcels. For Biking is permitted along the Bajada Loop Drive and Golden Gate Road, as well as all more information and to obtain a permit, call (602) 542-4631 or visit www.azland.gov. paved roads. Bicyclists must obey all posted speed limits and give right of way to all pedestrians. Watch for slow moving cars or cars stopped in the roadway. Biking is not Stock and Pack Animals permitted on any trails, except the Belmont Multi-use trail. ORV’s and ATV’s are Stock groups are limited to 15 animals. Trailer parking is available at Cam-boh, El Camino allowed only on park roads, and only if licensed for road travel. For everyone’s safety, del Cerro, and Sendero Esperanza trailheads. Stock animals are prohibited from traveling bicycles should not be ridden on visitor center sidewalks. of-trail in the park. Stock are not permitted on any of the trails listed below: Hiking Desert Discovery Trail Hugh Norris Trail The Tucson Mountain District ofers more than 40 miles (64 km) of hiking trails. Check at Valley View Overlook Trail the Red Hills Visitor Center for trail conditions and special notices before you leave. King Canyon Trail, from the Sweetwater Trail junction to the Hugh Norris Trail junction Bajada Wash Trail, from Valley View Overlook Trail to Sus Picnic Area Hiking Restrictions Red Hills Visitor Center Area, including the Cactus Garden and Javelina Wash trails • Off-trail hiking is prohibited in the Tucson Mountain District. Sus Picnic Area • Hiking groups are limited to a maximum of 18 persons. Signal Hill Picnic Area • There is no overnight camping permitted in the Tucson Mountain District. Wild Dog Trail

6 Saguaro Sentinel Find Something New on Your Next Park Visit!

Installation of brand new exhibits at the At the Tucson Mountain District new Rincon Mountain District (Saguaro East) video components have been prepared was completed in November 2014. The for the desert diorama. These specially- centerpiece of the new space is a life size, designed flms will take you out into the touchable model of a saguaro cactus -- Park for views of desert life as seen from look inside and discover the workings of several diferent perspectives, bringing this desert wonder! new meaning to the indoor display.

Fundraising for this project started many And, available now at both park districts, years ago. Your fee dollars were saved is the new Not So Junior Ranger and there was a generous match by Program. Designed with older visitors Friends of Saguaro National Park to and families in mind, this full-color complete the project. Western National workbook takes you out into the park Parks Association also will be upgrading for trail experiences and citizen science the sales area to match the new exhibits activities. Thanks to the IBM retiree Trails in Saguaro National Park are maintained by our Trail Crew, and projects are funded from with themed books and collectibles. volunteer program for funding! fee dollars. Here the crew is rigging equipment to move large rocks out of the trail.

Saguaro National Park Your Fee Dollars at Work Have you enjoyed a picnic in the shade pathway, easier grades, and replaces Not Junior So Ranger of a historic shelter at Signal Hill? Have badly eroded sections threatening park you learned about the natural and resources. Other recent improvements human history of the saguaro from signs include updates to the Tucson Mountain along the Freeman Homestead trail? Are District’s audio/visual equipment for the you better informed by the new trailhead popular ‘Voices of a Desert’ program, exhibits and maps found throughout and new exhibits for the Rincon Saguaro National Park? If so, you are Mountain visitor center (story at left.) enjoying facilities provided by park entrance fees, paid by you and other Your fee dollars make these important visitors to Saguaro National Park. upgrades possible. Whether you purchase a seven-day permit to the park, Projects paid for by fee dollars at Saguaro a Saguaro Annual Pass good for one Desert Explorations cover a wide range of visitor needs. year’s worth of visits, or the Interagency For All Ages For instance, a major re-route of the Pass to be used anywhere in the USA, Carillo Trail in the Rincon Mountain you can be happy knowing that your foothills was completed this year. The fee dollars are used for projects directly Peek into a saguaro among the new hands-on exhibits at the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center, new trail provides a highly scenic related to the facilities and resources of then head out into the park to do the fun activities in the Not So Junior Ranger booklet. your Saguaro National Park. You Can Be a Friend to Saguaro National Park...

The Friends of Saguaro National We help make Park, a top-rated, great non-proft organization, funds critical projects at Saguaro National Park. Your the Saguaro contribution helps assure that the same incredible park experience will National Park be enjoyed by future generations. Friends of Saguaro has donated experience hundreds of thousands of dollars for exhibits, trail construction, picnic possible for tables and benches, educational materials, and safety equipment. They also fund important research everyone. projects on saguaros, Gila monsters, wild cats, and other wildlife, including Your support the popular wildlife camera project.

allows us to do it. The Friends have provided long term support for the innovative ‘Teacher to Shop in the park stores, Ranger to Teacher’ program, reaching thousands of under-served students. become a member, Major fnancial support is now being given for the new exhibits in the or donate today! Rincon Mountain Visitor Center.

Western National Every purchase, Join us, and give something back Parks Association is a membership, and to these stunning “sentinels of the nonproft partner of donation allows us to of desert”. Call (520)733-8610, visit us Saguaro National Park. produce publications, online at www.friendsofsaguaro. We operate the park’s develop educational WNPA provides SAGUARO visitor center stores. programs, and fund workbooks for org, or fnd us on facebook.com/ research projects that Saguaro’s Junior friendsofsaguaro to learn more. www.wnpa.org make Saguaro National Ranger Program! NATIONAL (520) 733-5159 Park meaningful for all visitors. P ARK

Recognize the background image? This design is known as the I’itoi Ki or “Elder Brother’s House” by the Tohono O’odham tribe of Southern Arizona.

Saguaro Sentinel 7 National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Saguaro National Park 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail Tucson, AZ 85730

Western National Parks Association 12880 North Vistoso Village Drive Tucson, AZ 85755 Average Temperature and Sunrise / Sunset Times

Average MaximumMaximum and / Minimum Minimum Temperature Monthly 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/SunsetSunrise and Sunset Times Times for for Tucson, Tucson, Arizona AZ (Mountain (Mountain Standard Standard Time, Time,GMT-7) 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 and will vary slightly from year to year.

EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA™ Find Your Park

Safety in the Park In Case of an Emergency, call 911 Snakes where the body’s heat-regulating mechanisms Cacti Six species of rattlesnakes are found at Saguaro become overwhelmed. Symptoms: fushed Many desert plants are spiny or thorny. Some National Park. Avoid placing your hands or face, dry skin, weak and rapid pulse, high body species of cactus, such as cholla, have barbed feet in hidden areas. They seek shelter in the temperature, poor judgment or confusion, spines which detach easily and embed in skin. shade of bushes or rock crevices in the heat unconsciousness. Treatment: fnd shade, cool Carry a comb and tweezers to fick off cactus of the day. Treatment: If you are bitten by a the victim with water, call 911 and seek help segments and remove spines. snake, remain calm. Immobilize the limb and immediately. get to a doctor as soon as possible. Report any Mountain Lions bites to a ranger. Water Mountain lions, also known as pumas or There is no bottled water available in cougars, are found in both districts of the park. Bees Saguaro National Park. There are bottle Human-lion encounters are rare, but possible. Africanized honey bees (“killer” bees) are flling stations at each visitor center and the found throughout the park. These bees bike ramada in RMD. Please bring your own What to do if you encounter a mountain will attack only when they feel their hive is reusable container or consider purchasing one lion: threatened. Stay alert for sounds of bee activity from the bookstore. Help us “Go Green,” • Most lions will avoid confrontation. Give and watch for them entering or exiting a reduce our waste stream and re-use your the lion a way to escape. colony. Near a colony, individual bees may bottles. • Do not run from a mountain lion. Stand “bump” you, without stinging, as warning. and face it making eye contact. If you are attacked, run away as fast as you During the summer, drink at least one gallon of • Stay calm and speak loudly and frmly. can. If possible, cover your head and face with water per person, per day, even if you don’t • Appear as large as you can: raise your clothing. Africanized bees will usually cease feel thirsty. In the winter, carry at least two arms and open your jacket if you are attacking once you are ¼ to ½ mile away from quarts per day. Don’t ration your water when wearing one. Pick up small children. their hive. Treatment: If you are stung, scrape hiking—turn back when half your supply is • Throw stones or whatever you can reach away embedded stingers with your fngernail gone. without crouching or turning your back. or a credit card. Call 911 and get to a doctor • Fight back if you are attacked. as soon as you can. Report any incident to a In the back country, all natural water sources ranger. should be treated before use. Mines Numerous historic mine sites can be found Heat Flooding within the park. Old mine workings can be Hike within your ability and rest often when During the summer rainy season, the desert is extremely dangerous due to rockfall, unstable hiking in the heat. Know the symptoms prone to fash fooding. Avoid hiking in washes mine shafts, and poisonous gas build up. Stay and treatment for heat exhaustion, and life- (dry riverbeds) during thunderstorms. Do not out of closed mine areas. threatening heat stroke. try to cross a fooded road in your vehicle Heat exhaustion: This is the result of under any circumstances! Pets dehydration due to intense sweating. Do not leave pets unattended in vehicles. Symptoms: pale face, nausea, cool and moist Lightning Dangerous heat can build up quickly inside a skin, headache, and cramps. Treatment: Be prepared for rain even on sunny days. car. Keep all pets on a 6’ leash and watch for drink water, eat high-energy foods, rest in the If you see lightning, move quickly to the cactus, snakes or other wildlife on roadways. shade, and cool the body, especially around nearest safe place. Avoid hill tops, ridges, and Pets are not permitted on unpaved trails. the neck, head and groin. Heat stroke: If left fat open areas. If you can’t fnd shelter, do the untreated, heat exhaustion can turn into heat “lightning crouch”: put your feet together, Drones The Saguaro Sentinel is published by Saguaro National Park with assistance from Western National Parks Association stroke. This is a life-threatening emergency squat low, tuck your head, and cover your ears. The use of unmanned aircraft is prohibited in (WNPA) Saguaro National Park. Please recycle this paper, or give it to a friend. 11th edition, 12/2014

8 Saguaro Sentinel