Saguaro National Park has been a favorite for many years. Late April to early May is usually a great time to visit because the snow birds have left, the cactus are blooming, and the temperatures are reasonable, except for this year. Typically, the average highs are in the low 80s. Currently, it’s been around 100 everyday, yikes. At least the early mornings have been in the 60s, great for hiking.
Western Way RV Resort, Tucson
We stayed at Western Way RV Resort a couple of years ago. Western Way had full service and adequate Wifi. Unfortunately, the clubhouse, gym and pool were closed because of COVID-19. There was hardly anyone else there, most had left and moved on to their summer destinations. It would have been so nice to get in the pool to cool off in this heat.
Jake enjoyed the easy walking access to the desert. There were numerous wide trails for him to get his exercise. He frequently saw coyotes, rabbits, and lizards, which kept him entertained.
There were occasional rattlesnakes, although only Michael saw any. This one must have just eaten a White-throated Woodrat/Packrat. Its’ belly was full and cactus thorns were stuck in its’ side. Packrats surround their dens with thorns to deter intruders.
The fragrance of the desert in bloom, the peacefullness and incredible plant and animal diversity are amazing. Whether a drive, walk in the open desert, hike along a designated trail, or exploring a wash; there is always something to experience.
The palo verde were in peak bloom which wreaked havoc on our allergies.
In some areas, the ground was carpeted with yellow petals. Near each palo verde, there were ant trails carrying the petals back to their den.
Cholla cactus were everywhere. There are numerous types of cholla, the jumping cholla being our least favorite. We always carry a comb to remove them from our shoes or Jake.
Prickly pear cactus were also blooming.
The RV Resort is over 50% park models. It seems to be the norm in Arizona. Some of the residents plantings seem to extend into the desert.
A pomegranate tree in bloom.
The blooms changed daily keeping our walks interesting.
Saguaro National Park, Tucson
There is an east and west segment to the Saguaro National Park. Both are beautiful and have different topography. We gravitate to the west park because of the Desert Museum, but we enjoy both. Even though the Desert Museum was closed, the roads and hiking trails in the Saguaro National Park were open.
The National Park does have a dog friendly paved trail that Jake enjoys.
The views along the trail, especially at sunset are worth the 98 degree sunset heat.
We primarily came this time of the year to see the saguaro cactus bloom. It’s Arizona’s state flower. The flowers are large, firm, have a waxy feel and a fragrant aroma of overripe melons.
They bloom at night and are pollinated by bats. During the day, bees and birds also pollinate them. The flower only blooms for 24 hours.
White-winged doves were frequent feeders.
Curve-billed Thrashers were prevalent on the blossoms.
Gila Woodpeckers.
Even the Common Raven enjoyed the feast.
The fruit eventually ripens to a bright red, splits open, and falls to the ground. Each fruit contains over 2,000 seeds. They become food for the desert animals. The Tohono O’odham Indians continue to harvest them for jam.
It was a treat, worth dealing with the 100 F plus daytime heat, to see them bloom.
The hedgehog cactus were also flowering.
Michael’s parents lived near the Saguaro National Park west (Tucson Mountain District). It was a nice winter escape from the Colorado cold and snow. Saguaro was made a National Monument in 1933 and a National Park in 1994. Adjacent to the west part of the National Park is the Tucson Mountain Park, which adds acreage to the protected Sonoran Desert land.
A favorite hiking trail especially at sunset because of the elevation gain.
A few ocotillo were still in bloom.
Red-tailed hawk having snake for breakfast.
Gila woodpecker excavating a new den. The saguaro will form a scab over the wound that prevents water loss. The nests can be 10-15 F cooler than the outside temperature. They eventually abandon the nest, which are often taken over by other birds like owls.
Gambel’s quail.
Cactus wren nest.
By mid-May the cholla cactus blooms were almost gone.
May full moon.
The Arizona sunsets are stunning. Each evening, at most pullouts in the desert, there were people in their lawn chairs watching the spectacle. Reminds us of San Diego beach sunsets, where we would order carryout food, bring wine and a blanket.
