Saguaro National Park

Hello,

These are images from our April 24, visit to Saguaro East National Park, the paved scenic drive which is in the east side of the park. We stopped at the visitor center first and then we spent some time on the Cactus Forest Loop drive through the park. The park is known for the tall Saguaro Cactus and various types of cactus and desert plants and flowers. We picked a great time to see the cactus blooms and all the spring flowers.

The Brittlebush was al over the park, it looked as if the ground was yellow from the blooms.

The Saguaro Cactus can grown as tall as 40-60 feet. The have the ability to hold and store water, they are a refuge for wildlife. Some plants may grow as many as 25 arms. 

Below, the tall Ocotillo plant with their pretty red-orange blooms, I think the yellow flowers are called Brittlebush. The Brittlebush is a common flower found in the desert, long lasting blooms and are a favorite food source and seed for the birds. 

The tall Ocotillo plants with the red-orange flowers was one of my favorites. They can grow as tall as 20 feet, their name in Spanish means little torch. The flowers attract hummingbirds. They conserve water and are drought hearty.

More of the Brittlebush seen along the park road. 

Below the Prickly Pear Cactus with yellow blooms.

I believe this plant below is called the Strawberry Hedgehog Cactus

A common scene along the park's scenic drive. 

The Barrel Cactus was just starting to bloom. 

Javelina Rocks overlook, near the 6 mile post. The rocks are composed of ancient granite.

One of the trails we walk, it was nice to see all the plants up close. 

The Saguaro Blooms are white, we saw them in bloom on the very top of these tall cactus. 

I can not find the name of this plant and flowers below, I would appreciate if anyone can help with the id?

This post showed just the Saguaro East National Park, on another day we visited the Saguaro West National Park. I will share a post on our visit there at another time.

Saguaro East National Park, Tucson, Arizona

Thanks for visiting! Take care, have a great day!  

" We take photos as a return ticket to a moment otherwise gone."

Madera Canyon, Arizona April 2024

 Madera Canyon, Arizona April 2024

The Santa Rita Mountains is part of the Coronado National Forest, elevation 5,000 feet. We were able to use our National Park pass for our admission in the park. It is 13 miles from Green Valley Arizona and 25 miles from Tucson. There is lodging in the park, the Santa Rita Lodge is where you can rent cabins and they have a wellness center. It is a perfect place to stay close to some great birdwatching. 

One of the many hummingbirds we saw at Madera Canyon.  

The Santa Rita Gift shop, was also selling coffee and delicious blueberry muffins.  A nice treat for the early morning birdwatchers like us.

The bird feeders set up at the Santa Rita Lodge, they had a great seating area for the bird lovers.

A view of the mountains from the parking lot. 

This lush canyon is home to a wide variety of plants and animals. It is a hotspot listed on Ebird, attracting birdwatchers from around the world. It is home to 250 bird species, including 15 hummingbird species.

We hiked a part of the Madera Creek trail, crossing the bridge and walking past the Amphitheater. We followed the creek for awhile. Looking for the birds and any wildlife. 

Spring is a good time to enjoy hiking in Madera Canyon. Beside the birds we saw, a few deer were seen off the trail. 

If you are ever in the area, I highly suggest a visit to Madera Canyon. 

Thanks for visiting! Take care, have a great day!  

" We take photos as a return ticket to a moment otherwise gone."