Ray Manley Photo
YUCCA BLOOMS
Yucca elata (Palmilla, Soapweed) is one of the best known plants of the Southwest. The beautiful white plumes of flowers appear in May and June.
CACTUS FOREST DRIVE
While at Saguaro you will find it is desirable to take advantage of the recreational and educational facilities provided for your use. After you leave the Administration Building, signs along the 9.1-mile loop road will direct your attention to special exhibits along the way. Each area has been chosen because of features especially interesting to the visitor. Limited exploring and hiking trips are encouraged along Cactus Forest Drive. A picnic area provided with fireplaces, tables and ramadas is located at the 8-mile point.
Among the many stops along the Cactus Forest Drive five have been selected as especially important to an understanding of the natural features of the Monument. Each has “in place” information which will add to your appreciation of the Cactus Forest.
First Stop
ROCK PARAPET—Approximately 200 years ago prevailing climatic conditions were of such nature as to permit germination of a large number of Saguaro seeds, creating the more or less even-aged stand of Giant Saguaros we see here today.
The Tanque Verde Mountains to the east are composed largely of crystalline rocks formed under conditions of great heat and pressure. They were elevated by movements of the earth’s crust and now are gradually being eroded away.
The Tucson Valley to the north is in reality a deep canyon (2,000 to 3,000 feet) filled with debris.