Saguaro National Park News Release 20-09
March, 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 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. 5 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. 6 5:30 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
Mar. 7 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. 9 7:15p.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. 7, 14, 21, 27 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
Mar. 12, 24 2:15 p.m. Climate Change Talk: 30 minutes
Rising global temperatures, melting glaciers, rising sea levels… What are the connections? Join us as we discuss the evidence and uncertainties of climate change. Wheelchair accessible.
Mar. 12, 26 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.
Mar. 5, 19, 26 2:15 p.m. Messages from a Saguaro Landscape Hike: 2 hours, 1 mile
Join a naturalist as we explore the delicate balance that plants and animals maintain in the Sonoran Desert. What strategies are utilized to ensure their survival.
Naturalist Programs at the Rincon Mountain District (East, 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail):
March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 11:00 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.
March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 11:00 a.m. Cactus & Cattle Guided Hike
Join a ranger on this 2-mile hike to discuss how the climate and history of land use at Saguaro National Park have shaped the ecosystem and take a look at how the recovery is going and what current issues are facing the park. Comfortable walking shoes and water are recommended.
March 6, 12, 13 11:00 a.m. The Good, the Bat and the Ugly Plaza Program
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!
March 6 3:00 p.m. Sunset and Moonrise Hike Guided Walk
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 7 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.
March 7, 14, 28 6:00 p.m. Sunset Hike Guided Hike
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. Reservations are required. Call the Visitor Center at (520) 733-5153
March 12 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 14 9:00 a.m. Pollinator Workshop 2-Hour Presentation & Activity
Join park staff in the Pollinator Plaza for a detailed exploration of the relationships between desert plants and pollinators. Learn which plants ae best for attracting pollinators to your neighborhood. Reservations are required. Call the Visitor Center at (520) 733-5153. Accessible Program
March 20 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 28 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.
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
