Bloom in the Rincon Mountains at Saguaro NP East
May 2021
The Desert in Full Pride
We picked the perfect day to visit Saguaro National Park because, in May, the majestic saguaro is in full bloom. We explored the Rincon Mountain District, the park’s eastern section. A century ago, grazing and development threatened the saguaros’ future in the area. Local residents started an initiative to protect them, which ultimately led to the creation of Saguaro National Park, preserving these giant cacti for generations to come.
Exploring Saguaro National Park
We began with the Cactus Forest Drive, a scenic 8-mile loop that winds through a “forest” of giant cacti. The road was narrow, allowing us to drive very close to the plants. We stopped at several overlooks to take photos of the Tucson Basin’s expansive vistas. At the Loma Verde Trailhead, we left the car behind to hike a 4-mile loop. The trail took us through a diverse landscape of iconic saguaros, prickly pears, vibrant ocotillos, and mesquite trees. We walked through low-lying, dry riverbeds up to Pink Hill, where we got stunning views of the blooming desert stretching toward the mountains.
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The hike was much more rewarding than the drive. Although the landscape was the same, the hike allowed us to become part of the environment. It offered a more complete perspective as we remained alert to the intense heat, the relentless desert sun, the dry trail, and the desert sounds, all while watching for rattlesnakes. Experiencing these conditions made us realize how resilient and impressive nature is. The desert is full of life, and that was especially noticeable today as the saguaros proudly presented their white blossoms.
Date
Wednesday, May 26, 2021
Distance
4.07 mi
Moving Time
1:26:59 hrs
WEATHER
90 °F, moderate breeze