The best time to photograph the Cactus Forest is late in the afternoon when the lengthening shadows make the cactus stand out in bold relief. Excellent views of the forest, with the Santa Catalina Mountains in the background, may be had from the hilltops as you drive north on the loop road. The Arizona sun is brighter than you think, so use a light meter.
CONSERVATION—CAN A LAYMAN HELP?
If you are interested in the work of the National Park Service and in the cause of conservation in general, you can give active expression of this interest, and lend support by aligning yourself with one of the numerous conservation organizations which act as spokesmen for those who wish our scenic heritage to be kept unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.
Names and addresses of conservation organizations may be obtained from the ranger.
KEEP AMERICA BEAUTIFUL
Ray Manley photo
THE NATIONAL MONUMENT
In 1933 President Herbert Hoover by presidential proclamation created Saguaro National Monument. Within its boundaries is found the magnificent forest of mature Saguaros that is recognized as the finest stand of this great cactus in the United States. It is one of the few National Monuments dedicated to the protection and preservation of a native plant species.
It is also one of the most diversified of our National Monuments. With an altitudinal range of over 5,000 feet its 63,000-acre area encompasses the peaks of two mountain ranges. Against this background of towering mountains the cactus forest is presented as a rare jewel mounted in an incomparable setting.