Tucson’s Saguaro National Park is divided into the Rincon Mountain district and the Tucson Mountain district, but most people call them “Saguaro East” and “Saguaro West” respectively. The districts are non-contiguous and almost an hour’s drive apart, so many visitors choose one or the other instead of seeing both. I’m partial to Saguaro East as it’s closer to my house. I’ll try to list the pros and cons of each.

A hard-earned view in Saguaro East

Advantages of Saguaro East

  • More convenient for people staying in downtown Tucson, or on the east side.
  • The scenic loop drive is well-paved, making a nice activity for drivers or cyclists. (We’ve actually walked its entire eight miles. Pretty, but very little shade.) Although Saguaro West has another loop drive, theirs is mostly on dirt roads and the ride is slower and generally less pleasant.
  • The Rincons are taller mountains. This means:
    • Better views, and more challenging trails to reach them.
    • More diverse biologic zones. The photo above has a mixed forest, for example. There are also meadows, and of course cactus forests.
    • Higher elevations can escape the Summer heat.
    • Snow in Winter!
  • More water and waterfalls. (In Summer, they’re mostly dry though.)
  • More drive-up picnic areas.
  • Wilderness campsites. Hikers of the Arizona Trail, or anyone wishing to break a long hike into multiple days, can reserve sites with water access and food lockers.
Native American petroglyphs in King Canyon, Saguaro West

Advantages of Saguaro West

  • More convenient for people staying in Marana or Oro Valley. Reasonably convenient to downtown.
  • Close to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and Old Tucson Studios.
  • (Slightly) better Visitor’s Center.
  • Several areas featuring Native American petroglyphs.
  • More “intermediate” hiking with views. Summiting a peak in Saguaro East is a definitely serious undertaking.
This happens to be Saguaro East, but it could be either one.

Both areas feature typical Sonoran desert vegetation, especially the signature Saguaro cactus. Wildlife sightings are common everywhere. The main driving roads have pull-offs with views and informational signs. Some pull-offs have trail access for longer stops.

In addition to the main park entrances, both areas border other roads that provide trailhead access.