Saguaro National Park News Release 20-08
February 2020
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 February 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.
Feb. 5 2:30 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
Feb. 6 5:15 p.m. Moonlight Excursion Hike: 3 hours, 2 ¼ miles roundtrip
This evening adventure involves short hikes totaling 2 ¼ miles with 200 feet elevation gain. The paths will take hikers to overlooks and through a picturesque wash all under the enchanting light of the moon. Reservations required; 733-5158
Feb. 7 3:45 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
Feb. 9 7:15 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.
Feb. 8, 15, 22, 29 9:30 a.m. Excursion Through the Saguaros Van Tour: 3 hours
Join a park ranger on a narrated tour of the Bajada Loop Drive and learn about some of the amazing geology and history of the Western District of Saguaro National Park. Reservations required; 733-5158
Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24 3:30 p.m. Silhouettes at Sundown Hike: 2 ½ hours, 2 ½ miles
Trek along an arroyo as the setting sun magically silhouettes the Southwest's most famous icon - the giant saguaro. This walk goes up a sandy wash bottom with a few rock outcroppings and returns on a trail just before dusk. Meet at King Canyon Trialhead.
Feb. 13, 20 11:00 a.m. A Long Time in the Making Talk and Walk: 1 hour, ½ mile
Come and discover the connections between the cultural, economic, and geologic histories of Saguaro National Park West with a park naturalist. Meet at Sus Picnic Area by 11:00 a.m. Plan for 10 minutes of driving time to location from the visitor center.
Naturalist Programs at the Rincon Mountain District (East, 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail):
February 1 5:15 p.m. Sunset Hike Guided Hike
15, 22, 29 5:30 p.m.
Join a Park Guide and Volunteer for a short hike to a lookout ledge on Tanque Verde Ridge. Bring your camera, since you never know what kind of sunset colors the Arizona desert sky will offer tonight! Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring a liter of water and consider a light jacket for the downhill trip. Meet at Javelina Picnic Area.
Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23 1:00 p.m. Precious Pollinators Plaza Talk
Discover the world of desert pollinators and learn why they are an essential part of the desert ecosystem. Accessible Program
Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23 2:00 p.m. Capturing the Desert Guided Walk & Activity
Come explore the sights and sounds of the park while letting your creativity shine! You don’t have to be a Michelangelo to enjoy this art-themed desert walk. Bring your favorite art supplies, camera and/or phone and your imagination. Comfortable walkijng shoes and water are recommended. Advance reservations are suggested and can be made by calling (520) 733-5153.
Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24 1:00 a.m. Mountains & Deserts - Saguaro NP Has It All! Guided Hike
Join a naturalist on this 2-mile hike to compare and contrast our mountain and desert ecosystems. Meet at Visitor Center to caravan to the Loma Alta Trailhead. Comfortable walking shoes and water are recommended.
February 6, 7,13, 14 11:00 a.m. The Good, the Bat and the Ugly Plaza Program
20, 21, 27, 28
Contrary to their portrayal as scary monsters of the dark, bats are essential to our worlds. Come learn about the many ways these fuzzy, flying friends make our desert a “bat-ter" place to live!
February 7 2:30 p.m. Sunset and 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
February 20 6:00 p.m. Astronomy Night Illustrated Program & Activity
Children ages 8 - 12 are invited to join park astronomers for this 2.5 hour evening astronomy camp. Registration fee is $10.00 per child. Register your child by calling the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center at (520) 733-5153. Accessible Program
February 20 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
February 21 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
February 22 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.
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
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
