Your journey through West Saguaro National Park starts in Tucson. As you drive, dig into the secrets behind the park’s majestic mountains. Learn how they began as mere mud and hear about the tectonic changes that shaped them. Then see the Old Tucson Theme Park, a movie set turned into a totally unique theme park.
Next, stop at the Gates Pass Scenic Lookout for enchanting views of Tucson’s ancient rock formations. You’ll meet Thomas Gates, the pass’s namesake and hear about his eclectic life as a pioneer, gambler, entrepreneur, and prison superintendent. As the journey continues, take in the grand Saguaro cacti. Uncover how they sustain the park’s wildlife, and how the Tohono O’odham once used these iconic succulents! The next stop is the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, featuring all kinds of exhibits about the natural wonders of the desert.
Get to know rugged homesteaders like Emilio Carillo, whose successful cattle ranch attracted a rather greedy gang and nearly cost him his life. For more drama, you’ll learn about the area’s mining history and unearth stories full of embezzlement, greed, and kidnapping! Speaking of wildlife, you’ll also get some ferocious facts about the local mountain lions. As you continue, you’ll reach the Cactus Forest Trail, an incredible path through the park’s famous cacti. Stop by the scenic Riparian Overlook, then continue on to the famously beautiful Tanque Verde Ridge Trail. Your tour concludes here.
