Water: Bring plenty of water and drink it. Dehydration can happen long before you’re really thirsty.

Sun: Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Many of the trails have no shade.

Cacti: Getting poked is no joke.Wear closed-toed shoes with good soles and be careful to protect leashed pets.

Road hazards: Go slow at all times. Look for animals crossing. Never enter running water that’s of unknown depth or deeper than 4 inches. Check with the rangers for up-to-date closure information.

Animals: Keep a safe distance from any wildlife you encounter, for their sake and yours.

Park entry: $25/car good for 7 days in either section of Saguaro National Park

Lunch: $10-20/person (Important: there are no restaurants inside the park. The closest is in the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, just outside the park border.  Not much further is the Coyote Pause Cafe.)

Water: $10

Gifts/Souvenirs: $20-50  (Who doesn’t like getting a stuffie, cap, or t-shirt, right?)

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum: $25/adult, $14/youth (This isn’t an official stop on the tour, but it’s highly recommended.)

We recommend going as early as you can for two reasons: One, the desert is cooler in the morning, meaning you’ll be more comfortable and safer on those hikes.  But two, it’s also prettiest in morning light, making for great photos. You'll want to spend 2-6 hours here.

• Car charger (important)
• Phone Car Mount
• Sneakers/Hiking shoes
• Hiking Clothes
• Water Bottle (it is the desert), EXTRA water (1 gallon per person per day)
• Bug Spray
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses and hat
• Hand sanitizer
• Snacks
• Cash
• Binoculars