National parks offer some of the most outstanding natural attractions in the U.S. And what better way to see these beautiful sights than from your motorcycle?
If you’re planning a visit to Tucson, AZ, you’ll want to stop by Saguaro National Park on your bike. Read on to learn about the best Saguaro National Park motorcycle ride and all of the attractions you can experience at this park.
What Is Saguaro National Park?
Saguaro National Park is an Arizona national park encompassing 91,716 square acres. This park is separated into two sections on the east and west side of Tucson. It takes its name from the saguaro cactus, the largest cactus species in the U.S.
Saguaro cacti are only found in a few areas of the U.S. Thankfully, Saguaro National Park protects these enormous structures and allows visitors to see them up close.
The western portion of the park includes the Tucson Mountain District, while the eastern part features the Rincon Mountain District. These separate districts offer vastly different views of volcanic surface rocks and varying plantlife.
You can easily travel from one section of the park to the other on Interstate 10, which passes directly through Tucson.
Saguaro National Park Scenic Drives
To fully experience Saguaro National Park, you’ll need to spend time visiting both of the park’s segments. We recommend riding along Cactus Forest Drive in the eastern part and Bajada Loop Drive in the western segment to make the most of your visit to this park.
Cactus Forest Drive Loop (East)
Cactus Forest Drive is a paved road that provides scenic views of the eastern segment of Saguaro National Park. This 10.3-mile loop offers an easy, enjoyable ride with several spots to stop and take photos. It begins at the Saguaro National Park Visitor Center, then creates a loop through the Rincon Mountain District.
The speed limit along the loop is just 15 miles per hour, making for a leisurely ride. You should have no problem completing this loop on your bike in less than an hour.
Feel free to spend as long as you’d like at each lookout area to fully soak in the views. You’ll also find picnic tables and basic amenities for you to stop and enjoy a picnic meal.
Bajada Loop Drive (West)
Bajada Loop Drive is a 5.2-mile loop that provides unmatched views of Saguaro National Park’s western segment. This loop begins at Hohokam Road, about 1.5 miles west of the Red Hills Visitor Center. You can follow signs for the loop to ensure that you stay on track.
This route is a graded dirt road that is typically suitable for motorcycles. However, you can ask about road conditions at the Red Hills Visitor Center before starting the loop. Along the way, you’ll pass the Sus Picnic Area, the Signal Hill Picnic Area’s Petroglyphs, and the Ez-Kim-In-Zin picnic area.
If you enjoy hiking, you can stretch your legs a little on the ¼-mile Signal Hill Trail. This short trail offers excellent views of prehistoric rock art.
Things to Do and See Near Saguaro National Park
Stopping at various attractions throughout Saguaro National Park can allow you to experience this beautiful natural area to the fullest. Here are a few things to do and see during your Saguaro National Park motorcycle ride:
- Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
- Tucson Mountain Park
- Old Tucson
- International Wildlife Museum
- Gates Pass
- Wasson Peak
- Desert Discovery Nature Trail
Visiting even a few of these attractions on your bike is an excellent way to round out your Saguaro National Park motorcycle ride.
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