Saguaro National Park News Release 20-01
November 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 November 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.
Nov. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 9:45 a.m. The Plants Tell All Walk: 2 hours, ¾ mile
Plants are the foundation of the web of life. Join a park naturalist to learn the secrets of what ties the plants and animals of the Sonoran Desert together. Plant survival, insects and spiders, birds and mammals -- nothing is off limits for discussion on this discovery trek through the desert. For this moderate walk, closed-toed shoes, a hat, and water are required.
Nov. 1, 6, 13, 22, 29 11:15 a.m. Investigation of the 1000 Year Old Rock Art! Walk: 45 minutes, ¼ miles
Become a Rock Art Detective and investigate the who, when, and how mysteries of the 1000 year old Hohokam Petroglyphs.
-Meet at Signal Hill at 11:15 a.m. Plan for 20 minutes of driving time to location from the visitor center
-An optional 1/4 mile hike will follow the program, discussing some of the common plants and animals found here in the desert
Nov. 3, 10, 17, 24 3:15 p.m. Cooking With Prickly Pear Talk: 30 minutes
Learn how you can incorporate prickly pear into your diet. This program will show you how to collect and prepare prickly pear. Prepare for a sweet treat! Wheelchair accessible
Nov. 7 2:00 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
Nov. 9 3:15 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
Nov. 12 6:15 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.
Naturalist Programs at the Rincon Mountain District (East, 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail):
Nov. 1, 7, 8 10:00 a.m. Ranger’s Choice Patio Talk Presentation
15, 21, 22
Join a ranger in our new Outdoor Classroom patio to discover the fascinating stories of Saguaro National Park. Accessible Program
Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22 11:00 a.m. Saguaro Time Hike Guided Hike
What was it like to live in a Cactus Forest? What do people do in this valley today? And what about an uncertain future? Explore all three eras on a short hike to the Loma Verde Copper Mine historic site. Comfortable walking shoes and water are recommended.
November 2 9:00 a.m. I Hike for Health Guided Hike
Join a ranger on this 3-mile fitness hike and earn your “I Hike for Health" pin. Comfortable hiking shoes and water are recommended.
Nov. 2, 9, 16, 30 3:00 p.m. Touring Arizona’s National Parks Presentation
Take a 20-minute picture tour of Arizona’s other scenic national park areas - there’s more variety than you think! We know you are traveling, so bring along your questions about your next stop. Accessible Program
Nov. 3, 10, 17, 24 11:00 a.m. The GIANT Cactus Guided Walk
Saguaro National Park is famous for its gigantic saguaros. Still, you have to know where to look to find a real giant among giants. The best way is to join a ranger for a walk along a desert wash for a lesson in trees of the desert and a look at the only tree-like cactus in the U.S. You’ll be surprised by the size! Comfortable walking shoes and water are recommended.
November 7 11:00 a.m. Visitor’s Choice Guided Hike
Join us on this hike where you get to choose the length of trail and the topic you’d like to learn more about. Comfortable walking shoes and water are recommended.
November 9, 30 9:00 a.m. Family Morning hike Guided Hike
Join us on a family themed, short hike in the Rincon Valley exploring the original areas of Homesteading in Saguaro National Park. Length will be determined by visitors at the time and toddler backpack carriers are available. Comfortable walking shoes and water are recommended.
November 12 5:15 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.
November 21 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
November 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
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
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
