While you’ll miss out on the cactus flower bloom if you visit Saguaro National Park in the winter, that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to do and see during the colder months. In fact, visiting the park during the cold season can be a lot nicer since you’re avoiding the brutal heat of the average Arizona summer. January is the coldest month at Saguaro National Park, with daytime temperatures in the 50s and 60s. Make sure you bundle up if you go out to the desert at night since the temperatures drop to the 20s and 30s when the sun goes down. If you visit during December or January, waking up early in the morning can reward you with the sight of the giant saguaro cactuses crowned with freshly fallen snow.
There are also tons of things to do in the park at any time of year. Saguaro National Park features over 165 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and even horseback riding, located mostly in the Rincon Mountain District east of Tucson. The Rincon district is between two and three times the size of the western section, called the Tucson Mountain District, and has most of the trails. However, a few quick hikes in the Tucson neighborhood will take you to petroglyphs that the local Hohokam people left behind, which are an impressive sight. Both sides of the park have visitor centers as well, with plenty of information on the land, its native plants and wildlife, and the people who live there.
If you want to make the most of your next trip to Tucson, we recommend checking out our own Saguaro East National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour. More prolific travelers might also be interested in Action+, a new subscription service that grants access to over 100 tours for a single yearly price.
Essential Travel Guide:
