This might sound like an overly diplomatic answer, but both Saguaro East National Park and Saguaro West are worth visiting in their own ways, and neither one is better than the other. They are, however, different places with different advantages, so you might end up preferring one after your trip.
The eastern part of Saguaro National Park is called the Rincon Mountain District. It’s the largest of the two districts, covering about 67,100 acres. Because of its size, the Rincon district features the majority of the park’s hiking and biking trails, making it a better choice for visitors hoping to get out into nature.
Saguaro East is also the only place for backcountry camping in the park, so you should stick to this district if you’re planning on roughing it for a few days. A segment of the famous Arizona Trail crosses through the Rincon Mountain District. There are also several trails wide enough for horseback riding, making it a popular spot for equestrian locals. Although the eastern part of the park is closer to the city of Tucson, its size and emptiness give it a more remote feel.
The western part of the park is called the Tucson Mountain District and is located on the other side of the city. This district is smaller, covering 24,400 acres, but it features significantly more giant saguaro cactuses. While the Tucson district doesn’t have as many trails, the ones it does have are especially beautiful. The western district also has a couple of trails that lead to petroglyphs left behind by the native Hohokam people hundreds of years ago.
Make the most of your next trip to Saguaro with our Saguaro East National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour, or sign up for Action+ for access to over 100 tours at a single yearly price.
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