Planning a trip to Saguaro National Park in Arizona in July? Here's a look at some of the programs that will be offered.

Naturalist Programs at Tucson Mountain District (West, 2700 N. Kinney Rd)

July 11, 18, 25 2:15 p.m. The CCC in the Tucson Mountains Talk: 45 minutes

The Civilian Conservation Corps was launched in the midst of The Great Depression as an employment program to take young men off the streets and give them jobs restoring the country's depleted soil and forest resources. Much of this involved building the infrastructures of public facilities in the Tucson area, including many of the stone structures and trails at Saguaro National Park and Tucson Mountain Park. Wheelchair accessible.

July 3, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, 31 11:15 a.m., July 1 2:15 p.m. Play Sonoran Desert Bingo! Game: 1 hour

Learn about the plants and animals of the Sonoran Desert while enjoying a rousing version of Bingo! Get five in a row – down, across, or diagonally – and win a non-monetary prize. First come, first served. Wheelchair accessible.

July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 9:45 a.m. Sonoran Secrets to Desert Survival Walk: 60 minutes, 250 yards

Stroll the Cactus Garden and identify the most common hazards hidden in the desert, uncover survival strategies of native plants and animals, and acquire practical tips to ensure your safety. Wheelchair accessible.

July 2, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30 10:15 a.m. Living With Giants Talk: 45 minutes

The saguaro celebrates events and faces challenges throughout its life. A biologist explains how it provides shelter and substance for wildlife; when it flowers; its growth patterns; and how it fights for survival against drought, lightning,frost, and other dangers. Wheelchair accessible.

July 10, 17, 24, 31 2:15 p.m. Lizards are Hot, Lizards are Cool Talk: 30 minutes

Lizards are small denizens of the desert that are a critical component of our desert community. Find out what it means when they do pushups or exhibit other behaviors. Wheelchair accessible.

July 7, 21 11:15 a.m. Life Cycle of the Saguaro: Seed to Giant Walk: 45 minutes, 100 yards

Hear some astonishing reasons about why so few saguaro seeds make it to fruition.

July 10, 12, 13, 17,19, 20, 24, 26, 27, 31 10:15 a.m. Snakes Talk: 30 minutes

Explore the life and lore, myths and misunderstandings about one of the desert Southwest's most intriguing icons: the rattlesnake. Wheelchair accessible.

July 10, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 24, 26, 27, 31 3:15 p.m. Homesteading Adventures Talk: 30 minutes

The Hispanic women from homesteading families in the Tucson area left records of their adventures, and a ranger reads some of these fascinating first-person accounts. Wheelchair accessible.

July 7, 14, 21, 28 3:15 p.m. Whales in the Desert Talk: 45 minutes

Learn about the unique connection between whales and the Sonoran Desert. Wheelchair accessible.

Naturalist Programs at the Rincon Mountain District (East 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail)

July 1,8, 15, 22, 29 11 a.m. Flash, Whoosh, Gush, and Growth: Sonoran Desert Monsoon Rain

The summer heat and humidity bring the mighty and sometimes destructive monsoon rain. Saguaros, frogs, and others depend on these drenching afternoons to begin a new season of life in the dry desert. Wheelchair accessible.

July 3, 17, 31 3 p.m. Creating Saguaro National Park Presentation

Join staff in the visitor center auditorium to discover how abuse, failure, politics, commitment, recovery and the Tucson Garden Club all played a part in creating today's Saguaro National Park. Wheelchair accessible.

July 10 & 24 3 p.m. History is a Work in Progress Presentation

Join us in the visitor center auditorium to explore the almost forgotten names of people and places from the late 1800s in the area of the Rincon Mountains. Wheelchair accessible.

July 12, 16, 19 10 a.m. Cactus Caravan Auto Tour

Begin your exploration of the Cactus Forest Drive with a park ranger and become familiar with some of the common cacti. A great introduction to the park! Program is accessible.

Visitor Center Locations/Phone Numbers:

Both visitor centers are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Christmas Day.

Red Hills Visitor Center (Saguaro WEST)
2700 North Kinney Road
Tucson, AZ 85743
(520) 733-5158

Rincon Mountain Visitor Center (Saguaro EAST)
3693 South Old Spanish Trail
Tucson, AZ 85730
(520) 733-5153