Drive through forests of saguaro and hear the stories of miners, Hohokam people, and CCC trailbuilders on this self-guided audio tour. Download the app, plan for heat, and use designated pullouts to experience East and West Saguaro at your own pace.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You pull off the highway, windows down, and suddenly the road threads through a forest of vertical green—saguaro arms cutting the sky into a skyline unlike any other. The audio clicks on at the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center or South Kinney Road and a narrator folds local stories into the hum of your engine: miners, ranchers, and Hohokam people who left petroglyphs at Signal Hill.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Low fitness required for the driving tour; moderate fitness recommended if you plan to hike side trails like Brown Mountain or King Canyon.
Wildlife
History
Hohokam people occupied the region from roughly 450–1450 CE and left petroglyphs at Signal Hill; Civilian Conservation Corps crews built many early park trails in the 1930s.
Conservation
Saguaro roots and cryptobiotic soil are fragile—stay on roads and trails, pack out trash, and respect seasonal closures to protect plants and wildlife.
Reserve your spot on the Saguaro National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Download before you go
Install the Action Tour Guide app and download the tour on Wi‑Fi; offline playback ensures you won’t rely on cell service.
Start early or late
Temperatures and parking improve at dawn or late afternoon—avoid midday heat and maximize wildlife sightings.
Stay in designated pullouts
Protect fragile desert soils and saguaros by only stopping and parking where allowed; use trails for short hikes.
Bring plenty of water
Even short stops become risky in high heat—carry at least one liter per person for a short drive and more if you plan to hike.
Reusable water bottle
Hydration is essential in the Sonoran Desert—carry more than you think you'll need.
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Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
Open roads offer little shade—protect skin and eyes from intense UV.
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Binoculars
A compact pair helps you spot birds, javelina, and distant desert features from pullouts.
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Sturdy shoes
If you plan to step off and explore short trails or viewpoints, closed-toe shoes protect from cactus spines and rocky terrain.
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