How to See the Saguaro National Park While Touring U.S. 89

Decide how to spend the last day of your 7 national parks in 7 days tour. You are catching your breath in Flagstaff, Arizona. From Flagstaff, you may continue on 89 until it finally ends in Wickenburg. You may also take Interstate 17, through the Agua Fria National Monument into the Phoenix area and Interstate 10 further south into Tucson. From Phoenix and Tucson, the Sonoran Desert National Monument, the Ironwood Forest National Monument, Organ Pipe National Monument and Saguaro National Park are less than a day's drive.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Investigate the Saguaro National Park by exploring its national Park Service Web site (see below).

2. Leave Flagstaff and pick up Interstate 17. Continue south on 17 until you reach Interstate 10. Take Interstate 10 south, through Phoenix to Tucson.

3. Leave Interstate 10 at exit 279, Colossal Cave Road. Go north for 3.5 miles until you reach Pistol Hill Road. Turn left on Pistol Hill Road. Drive 2 miles northeast until you reach Old Spanish Trail. Turn left on Old Spanish Trail. Proceed another 11 miles to the park entrance, which will be on your right.

4. Proceed to the visitor center to check on any special activities and the accessibility of hiking trails.

5. Return to the Wahweap Marina.

6. Consider taking one of the guided tours.