Saguaro National Park News Release 19-11
March 2019
Contacts: Saguaro West - Richard Hill (520) 733-5158, 2700 N. Kinney Rd.
Saguaro East - Melanie Florez (520) 733-5151, 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail
Saguaro National Park march Program Schedule
Saguaro National Park is offering a variety of walks and talks that explore the park’s wonderful natural and cultural histories. Program listings also are available on the park’s website, www.nps.gov/sagu, or visit us on Facebook. Interpretive programs are free, but park entrance fees apply. Program schedules are subject to change; visitors should call the visitor centers for updates or reservations.
Naturalist Programs at Tucson Mountain District (West District), 2700 N. Kinney Rd.:
Programs are offered on most days in the morning at 10:15 and/or 11:15, and in the afternoon at 2:15 and/or 3:15 and last 30 to 45 minutes. Topics include mountain lions, lizards, coyotes, javelinas, kangaroo rats, insects, birds, survival strategies, the saguaro cactus, and other topics related to the desert. All programs are subject to change. Call the visitor center at (520) 733-5158 for updates the day of the program.
Mar. 16 3:00 p.m. Wasson Peak Moonlight Hike: 7 hours, 8 miles roundtrip
This hike climbs 1,700 feet to the highest point in the Tucson Mountains. Enjoy a 360-degree view of the sunset before descending by the light of the moon. The hike is at an easy-to-moderate pace but is considered difficult due to elevation gain and hiking after dark. Ages 12 and older.Reservations required; 733-5158
Mar. 17 4:15 p.m. Sunset Hike 4 hours, 3 ½ miles roundtrip
This hike gains 700 feet with most of the elevation change in switchbacks near the ridgeline, where hikers will watch the sunset before descending under moonlight. Reservations required; 733-5158
Mar. 20 7:00 p.m. Moonrise Over The Mountains Patio program: 45 minutes
The patio talk is offered on the night of the full moon. Come out to the Red Hills Visitor Center and enjoy a short talk about the moon and the music of two of our talented volunteer musicians as the full moon rises above the beautiful array of Saguaro Cacti. Bring a chair and dress for the cool desert evenings. All ages. Wheelchair accessible. No reservations necessary.
Mar. 16 11:15 a.m. & 1:15 p.m. Author Event: Amazing Arachnids of Southern Arizona by Jillian Cowles
Talk: 30-45 minutes
“Arachnids have survived 400 million years of a changing planet. Our desert has presented some special challenges, selecting for extraordinary solutions and fantastic creatures." Join author Jillian Cowles for her presentation of Amazing Arachinids of Southern Arizona.
Mar. 3 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Mexican Art Show: Mata Ortiz Pottery and Oaxacan Wood Event
Enjoy a large selection of Mata Ortiz pottery and Oaxacan wood carvings while spending a day in the park! Artist Jorge Quintana will be available throughout the day for demonstrations.
Mar. 23, 24, 25 An Evening with former National Park Eminent Photographer Frank Lee Ruggles
Frank Lee Ruggles is a National Park Eminent Photographer, TV Personality, Writer, Musician, and Award Winning Photographer. Following in the footsteps of Ansel Adams, he has captured stunning photographs of America's natural wonders in some of the most rarely seen and hard to reach places.
-March 23 & 24: Presentations in the theater at 2:15 PM
-March 23 & 24: Photo workshop in the VC parking lot at 7:00 PM
-March 25: Presentation in the theater 11:15 AM and 2:15 PM
March 31, 10:15 a.m. Celebrate Cesar Chavez Day! Presentation 45 minutes
The story of César Estrada Chávez and the United Farm Workers is an inspiration for people around the world who stand up for civil rights, for the health and safety of farm workers and for the environment within which they work. Join us for a cultural interpretation program.
Naturalist Programs at the Rincon Mountain District (East, 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail):
.March 1, 15, 29 7:00 p.m. Night Walk Guided Walk
Join a park naturalist for this easy two-hour hike to explore and experience the Sonoran Desert at night. Dress for the weather. Comfortable walking shoes, water and a flashlight are recommended. Reservations are required. Call the Visitor Center at (520) 733-5153
March 2, 23 5:45 p.m. Sunset Hike Guided Hike
30 6:00 p.m.
Join a park guide to take a short hike up to a rocky overlook of the Tucson Basin. Nature will determine how good the sunset is, but bring your camera just in case it’s a famous Arizona sundown! Sturdy hiking shoes, water and a trail supper are recommended
March 7, 21, 28 2:00 p.m. Wild About Flowers Guided Hike
A walk for the serious flower fancier. We’ll walk for about 2 hours in search of what’s blooming today while discussing the subtler aspects of pollination, taxonomy, and wildflower habits and habitats. Sturdy walking shoes and water are recommended
March 8, 22 10:00 a.m. Wildflower Walk Guided Walk
An easy, level one-hour walk to see the commonest flowers in bloom this day and a basic look at the magic of flowers. Comfortable walking shoes and water are recommended.
March 17 3:00 p.m. Sunset & Moonrise Hike Guided Hike
View the Arizona sunset from a perch high in the foothills of the Rincon Mountains, then experience the magic of a walk through the moonlit Cactus Forest. Sturdy hiking shoes, water and a trail supper are recommended. Reservations are required. Call the Visitor Center at (520) 733-5153
March 20 6:00 p.m. Full Moon Hike Guided Hike
Join a ranger on this 2.8 mile, 2.5 hour hike to see the full moon rise over the Rincon Mountains. Comfortable walking shoes, water and a flashlight are recommended. Reservations are required. Call the Visitor Center at (520) 733-5153.
March 22 10:30 a.m. Capture the Desert in Words Guided Activity
Words bring meaning to what you will experience on a short hike in the Sonoran Desert. A writing opportunity will follow the hike. Bring your favorite writing materials and a brown bag lunch. Meet at the visitor center to caravan to the trailhead. Comfortable walking shoes and water are recommended.
March 28 7:00 p.m. Star Party Illustrated Program & Activity
Join park naturalists for an introduction to astronomy and a look at the desert night sky. Telescopes and binoculars will be available. Reservations are required. Call the Visitor Center at (520) 733-5153. Accessible Program
March 31 2:00 p.m. Celebrate Cesar Chavez Day! Presentation
The story of César Estrada Chávez and the United Farm Workers is an inspiration for people around the world who stand up for civil rights, for the health and safety of farm workers and for the environment within which they work. Join us for a cultural interpretation program
Both visitor centers are open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, except Christmas Day.
Red Hills Visitor Center (Saguaro WEST)
2700 North Kinney Road
Tucson, AZ 85743
(520) 733-5158
Rincon Mountain Visitor Center (Saguaro EAST)
3693 South Old Spanish Trail
Tucson, AZ 85730
(520) 733-5153
For more information about Saguaro National Park and some of its partners, Friends of Saguaro National Park, Western National Parks Association, and the Rincon Institute, visit these websites:
www.nps.gov/sagu www.wnpa.org
www.friendsofsaguaro.org www.rinconinstitute.org
Saguaro National Park
3693 S.Old Spanish Trail
Tucson, AZ 85730
https://nps.gov/sagu
Attachments area
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
