The Rincon Mountain District and Tucson Mountain District compose the two sections of Saguaro National Park. They are separated by about 30 miles. Even though they both have similar vegetation, the topography is different. The Rincon district is where bears, mountain lions, and coati can to be seen.
Saguaro National Park, Rincon
We rarely come to this park. It is in eastern Tucson away from the RV park we like to stay at and all the amenities we like to be close to. Even though the park is stunning, the Tucson district seems to have more to offer because of all the hiking in nearby Tucson Mountain Parks, the Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum, and because of its more rugged terrain packed with saguaros.
The Catalina and Rincon Mountains are always in the background.
Saguaros typically bloom from April to June. However, they can bloom anytime of the year. During their peak bloom, there are so many pollinators like bats, innumerable birds, and insects. This time of the year, we hardly saw any pollinators. The cactus bloom at night and the flower lasts about 24 hours. Most of the blooms were up high, out of reach of a good closeup photo. The flowers are a creamy white with a strong ripe melon fragrance.
Other than the saguaros, not much else was in bloom.
We came across a coyote.
There were quite a few bicyclists here. Parts of the road was a bit narrow and steep with blind corners. Not paying attention to the road and falling into the rocks and cactus would only add to the injuries.
Saguaro National Park West
November and December were a wonderful time to visit. Snowbirds were slowly filling up the RV parks. The daytime temperatures were perfect in the 60s. Since it was dry and there was very little blooming, there were very few bugs.
An old abandoned National Park Service restroom.
Michael hiked the washes almost daily.
Even though there wasn’t much in bloom and it was a bit too cold for snakes and lizards, it was so peaceful walking the desert especially with no one else around.
A desert sunset.
Desert Museum
A favorite place to stop on the way to the National Park. Michael likes to go first thing in the morning before the crowds arrive, before the school buses of kids show up, and when it is a bit chilly the animals might be more active.
There were an incredible number of butterflies.
The hummingbird exhibit and the wild hummingbirds around the property were enough to photograph all day.
Michael went back to the Raptor Free Flight show. Once again it was amazing. A Great Horned Owl, Crested Caracara, and Harris’s Hawk.
A Chihuahuan Raven.
Gila woodpecker.
Lewis woodpecker.
Ground squirrels.
Walking the property each day there was always something to see.
Their café had decent coffee and treats to sit outside and watch nature for about an hour. The staff were friendly and talkative, it was a pleasure getting to know them and what they love about the desert over the last month.
We stayed at Western Way RV Resort. Almost nightly there was a colorful sunset.
There was a stray dog at the RV Resort that the locals fed and took care of. One of them eventually adopted him. Jake enjoyed playing with him each day on his walks.
We love the Tuscon desert. From here we will be moving on to California after getting most of our yearly RV repairs done. We will get the rest completed in Temecula and pay some attention to our house which we’ve been away from for over 6 years.
