dog info and rules saguaro national park

Saguaro National Park

Located in the state of Arizona

Split into the separate Rincon Mountain and Tucson Mountain districts, this park is evidence that the dry Sonoran Desert is still home to a great variety of life spanning six biotic communities. Beyond the namesake giant saguarocacti, there are barrel cacti, chollas, and prickly pears, as well as lesser long-nosed bats, spotted owls, and javelinas.

  • Pets are allowed on paved trails (Desert Ecology Trail & Desert Discovery Trail)
  • Parking areas and along paved roads
  • Campgrounds
  • Picnic areas (except Mam-A-Gah picnic area in the Tucson Mountain District-west)
  • Must be restrained or kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times.
  • Dogs must wear a collar with current tags at all times
  • Pick up after your dog at all times – Leave no trace

*Please see more details for leash info

  • Inside buildings (unless service animal)
  • Most trails and backcountry
  • Never leave your pet unattended or alone inside a vehicle
  • Never off leash – unless inside a vehicle, tent, dog crate or other portable kennel
  • Untagged dogs or dogs with uncurrent tags
  • Excessive barking

*Please see more details for leash info

  • Extreme range of weather
  • Extreme hot and cold weather
  • Venomous Snakes
  • Poisonous Plants
  • Spiny and prickly plants
  • Predatory animals
  • Be aware of animal traps and hunting areas
  • Swim safely, extreme water areas
  • Ticks and biting insects
  • Do not drink from waterways
  • Bring plenty of drinking water

Leash Laws: Most parks require dogs to be on a leash in some or all areas, however, some parks allow dogs off leash in certain locations, please consult the parks website before going off leash, Thank you!

  • Consult the park website before traveling all information is to be used as a guide.
  • Respect local wildlife.
  • Leave no trace – What you bring in, you bring out.
  • If you are visiting during the hottest months of the year, a “palm test” is recommended before walking your dog – place your hand on the pavement for a minute and see if it is comfortable there. If the pavement feels hot to your palm, it will be hot to your dog’s paws.
    • Park recommended Dog Walks In Saguaro National Park

    • At Saguaro East
    • The Mica View Road is a less-used graded route that you can start at the picnic area or scenic loop drive turn-off. This provides a trail-like one mile and a half round trip through a lush cactus landscape for you and your pet.
    • The Desert Ecology trail is a paved, 1/4 mile trail which is also dog friendly.
    • On the paved scenic road, try the stretch from North Cactus Forest trailhead to Loma Verde trailhead. This route is less strenuous and has good sight distances for the safety of you and cyclist / motorists.
    • At Saguaro West
    • Golden Gate Road is a less-used graded route that you can start at Sendero-Esperanza trailhead. The scenery here is as good as any in the park!
    • Or, try the stretch from Signal Hill picnic area out to the scenic drive, watching for two way-traffic.
    • Since the paved roads in the west district are heavily used by commuters, it is not recommended to walk those routes

(520) 733-5153

Saguaro National Park Website

Saguaro National Park Camping

Saguaro National Park Hiking

Saguaro National Park Volunteer

We do our best to keep all information current and accurate - If you see an error or think we have missed something please contact us directly.

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We do our best to keep all information current and accurate - If you see an error or think we have missed something please contact us directly.

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