7 Can’t-Miss Things to Do in Saguaro National Park

The brilliant thing about National Parks is you can return again and again and still continue to discover more. What that also means is it can be really tough to narrow down what to do while you’re there. Saguaro National Park in Arizona is no exception. From scenic drives and incredible hikes to some of the best food in the country, there’s so much to experience here! This list of can’t-miss things to do in Saguaro National Park will help ensure you experience some of the best this park has to offer.

These are seven can’t-miss things to do in Saguaro National Park.

7 Can’t-Miss Things to Do in Saguaro National Park

Saguaros and other cacti on Desert Discovery Trail along Bajada Loop Trail in Saguaro National Park, Arizona.

Bajada Loop Drive in Saguaro National Park, Tucson, Arizona

1. TAKE A SCENIC DRIVE ALONG THE BAJADA LOOP

This five-mile, unpaved loop drive in the park’s western Tucson Mountain District is brimming with gorgeous cacti. This is also where you’ll find the trailheads for two popular hikes – Valley View Overlook and Signal Hills (more on those later).

The Bajada Loop Drive is made up of two roads – Hohokam Road and Golden Gate Road. Portions of the drive are one-way, so the best way to do the loop is counter-clockwise to avoid having to turn around. When you get to the loop, just take a right onto Hohokam Road to begin the loop.

2. DISCOVER PETROGLYPHS AT SIGNAL HILLS

A short, 0.2-mile hike up Signal Hill will give you the opportunity to view prehistoric Native American petroglyphs. The drawings were made by the Hohokam, and they depict mostly animals, humans, plants, and geometric shapes. In addition to the fascinating petroglyphs, reaching the top of the hill brings excellent views of the desert. There’s also a great picnic area near the parking lot here.

SAFETY TIP: Be on the lookout for rattlesnakes or other desert dwellers in rocky areas. Critters often hide out in these spots to keep cool, so never pick up rocks or stick your hands or feet anywhere that you can’t see.

7 Can't Miss Things to Do in Saguaro National Park - Take a photo with the largest saguaro cactus you can find.

3. GET UP CLOSE TO SOME OF THE TALLEST CACTI ON EARTH

This is definitely a can’t-miss in Saguaro National Park! It’s probably half the reason you’re visiting. Saguaro cacti aren’t just the icon of the desert Southwest, they’re also the tallest cacti on the planet. Saguaros grow upwards of 50 feet tall, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to stand right next to these giants. Valley View Overlook trail is our favorite spot to get up close to some of the tallest Saguaros in the park. Speaking of Valley View Overlook…

Arizona sunset at Valley View Overlook in Saguaro National Park.

4. CATCH AN ICONIC DESERT SUNSET AT VALLEY VIEW OVERLOOK

There’s just nothing quite like an Arizona sunset, and Valley View Overlook is the perfect spot to enjoy the view. Watch as the sun burns orange and lights the hills of cacti a brilliant gold. The entire landscape transforms at sunset, and it’s definitely something that should not be missed.

The trail to reach this overlook is just a short 0.8-mile, but make sure you leave yourself enough time to get back before the sun fully drops. You don’t want to be stuck trying to hike back down in the dark.

A field of saguaro cacti along Cactus Forest Scenic Loop in Saguaro National Park, Tucson, Arizona.

5. ADMIRE THE VIEWS ALONG THE CACTUS FOREST SCENIC LOOP

If you didn’t get your overlook fill from Valley View Overlook – don’t fret. There are several pull-offs and scenic vistas along Saguaro National Park’s other scenic drive – the Cactus Forest Scenic Loop. This 8-mile, paved road in the park’s eastern Rincon Mountain District was my favorite of the two scenic drives.

Exploring Javelina Rocks in Saguaro National Park, Tucson, Arizona - The Awayist

Desert landscape at Javelina Rocks in Saguaro National Park, Arizona.

6. LOOK FOR WILDLIFE AT JAVELINA ROCKS

While you’re driving the Cactus Forest Scenic Loop, don’t miss the opportunity to stop at Javelina Rocks. This spot got its name from the javelinas that like to hang out here, so be on the lookout as you make your way up the path. Even if you don’t spot any wildlife (we didn’t), it’s still an excellent stop! The unique rocks and the variety of desert flora made this my favorite spot in the Rincon Mountain District.

Authentic tacos at Seis Kitchen in Tucson, Arizona

7. BECOME A FOODIE IN TUCSON

Tucson is the gateway to Saguaro National Park, and the food scene here is a major perk while visiting the park. In 2015, Tucson became the first American city to be designated as a “City of Gastronomy” by UNESCO. This means that a large portion of the restaurants here use traditional culinary practices and local ingredients native to the Sonoran region. The Sonoran heritage that shaped Tucson is prevalent throughout the city, and the food is no exception. Get ready to gorge on all the delicious Sonoran Dogs and Mexican cuisine you can get your hands on!