| Saguaro National Park | |
History & Geology:
Originally established as a national monument in 1933, Saguaro was elevated to national park status in 1994. The purpose of the park is to protect natural resources, particularly the saguaro cactus, which can reach heights up to 50 feet, weigh up to 8 tons, and live for more than 150 years. From its low deserts to high mountain peaks, the park ranges in elevation from 2,180 feet to 8,666 feet, contributing to its many distinct biotic communities. The park is home to more than 900 species of plants, one of the largest varieties in the entire national park system, and features more than 50 types of cacti. Over the years, increasing urban encroachment and adjacent development have threatened the park. Saguaro cactus stands in the vicinity of the park have declined dramatically since the 1930s.
Park
Geology
Includes information on the major landforms of the park, including the
mountain landscapes and the Sonoran Desert.