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     The Southwest's Sonoran Desert, one of North America's most fascinating deserts, harbors more plant and animal types than any other desert in the world. Covering two-thirds of southern Arizona, a section of southeastern California and parts of northern Mexico, the Sonoran is the wettest and the warmest desert on the North American continent. Growing in the harshest conditions, Sonoran plant species number somewhere in the 2,500 range, totaling more plant and animal types than any other desert in the world. Probably the most notable characteristic of the desert, aside from the heat and sand, is the cactus plant. A typical desert locale hosts 50 different types of cacti. Some of the most prevalent cacti here in the Southwest are prickly pear, barrel cactus, creosote bush, ocotillo, soaptree yucca, jumping cholla, and velvet mesquite. The most recognizable cactus, the saguaro cactus, creates a magical moment during a sunset here in Saguaro National Park.
     The saguaro, the largest and slowest growing of all desert cacti, has been protected since 1933. Sometimes reaching 45 feet high and living for as long as 200 years, a mature plant can weigh up to 8 tons. Largely made up of hundreds of gallons water, the slow growing saguaro may add as little as 6 inches in length during a 10 year period. Unknown to most desert visitors, the saguaro's arms don't appear for 70 years. In the spring, the saguaro produces white flowers on the upper stems of mature plants. Later, sweet edible red fruit appear. Native Tohono O'odhams used these fruit to make jam, syrup and also wine. So important was the fruit, the harvest season marked the Tribe's new year.

    Map of the Tucson Mountain District
    Map of the Rincon Mountain District