Saguaro National Park protects forests of giant cactus on both sides of Tucson, about two hours south of Scottsdale. It makes a straightforward day trip, and the main decision is which of the two districts to visit, since they are on opposite sides of the city.
Back to the estate| Rincon Mountain (East) | Tucson Mountain (West) | |
|---|---|---|
| Scenic drive | Cactus Forest Loop Drive | Bajada Loop Drive, unpaved |
| Visitor center | Rincon Mountain Visitor Center | Red Hills Visitor Center |
| Entrance fee | One pass covers both for 7 days | One pass covers both for 7 days |
Check current fees on the National Park Service website before you go.
Thinking of basing yourself in the south? See Scottsdale or Tucson. For another big day out, see Tombstone.
After a long day out, Paradise Reserve is an easy place to come back to, with a pool and spa, a fire pit lounge and a covered patio. It has six bedrooms for up to 16 guests, five of them king suites with their own bathroom, plus a golf simulator, a putting green and a pickleball court for the days you stay in. Events and parties are not permitted at the house, and quiet hours apply.
About two hours by car to Tucson, depending on which district you visit (estimate).
The East has the paved Cactus Forest Loop Drive. The West has the unpaved Bajada Loop. Both are worthwhile, and one pass covers both for seven days.
Plan on paying by card, as the park’s fee stations are card only.
Details from the National Park Service (nps.gov/sagu), checked November 2026. Drive time is an estimate.
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Your Home Base
Six bedrooms, a heated pool and spa, pickleball court, golf simulator, and putting green: the perfect retreat after a day exploring Scottsdale.
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