March is a great month to visit Saguaro National Park/NPS

Thinking about visiting Saguaro National Park in March? Here's a schedule of some of the programs you can take advantage of in this Southwestern jewel located in far south Arizona.. Saguaro is offering a variety of walks and talks that explore the park’s wonderful natural and cultural histories. 

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

Programs are offered on most days in the morning at 10:15 and/or 11:15, and in the afternoon at 2:15 and/or 3:15 and last 30 to 45 minutes. Topics include mountain lions, lizards, coyotes, javelinas, kangaroo rats, insects, birds, survival strategies, and the saguaro cactus. All programs are subject to change. Call the visitor center at (520) 733-5158 for updates the day of the program.
 
March 16   3 p.m.    Wasson Peak   Moonlight Hike: 7 hours, 8 miles roundtrip

This hike climbs 1,700 feet to the highest point in the Tucson Mountains. Enjoy a 360-degree view of the sunset before descending by the light of the moon. The hike is at an easy-to-moderate pace but is considered difficult due to elevation gain and hiking after dark. Ages 12 and older.Reservations required; 733-5158
 
March 17  4:15 p.m.   Sunset Hike   4 hours, 3 ½ miles roundtrip

This hike gains 700 feet with most of the elevation change in switchbacks near the ridgeline, where hikers will watch the sunset before descending under moonlight. Reservations required; 733-5158
 
March 20  7 p.m.    Moonrise Over The Mountains     Patio program: 45 minutes

The patio talk is offered on the night of the full moon. Come out to the Red Hills Visitor Center and enjoy a short talk about the moon and the music of two of our talented volunteer musicians as the full moon rises above the beautiful array of Saguaro Cacti. Bring a chair and dress for the cool desert evenings. All ages. Wheelchair accessible. No reservations necessary.
 
March 16 11:15 a.m. & 1:15 p.m. Author Event: Amazing Arachnids of Southern Arizona by Jillian Cowles Talk: 30-45 minutes

“Arachnids have survived 400 million years of a changing planet. Our desert has presented some special challenges, selecting for extraordinary solutions and fantastic creatures.” Join author Jillian Cowles for her presentation of Amazing Arachinids of Southern Arizona. 

March 3 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Mexican Art Show: Mata Ortiz Pottery and Oaxacan Wood Event

Enjoy a large selection of Mata Ortiz pottery and Oaxacan wood carvings while spending a day in the park! Artist Jorge Quintana will be available throughout the day for demonstrations.

March 23, 24, 25  An Evening with former National Park Eminent Photographer Frank Lee Ruggles

Frank Lee Ruggles is a National Park Eminent Photographer, TV Personality, Writer, Musician, and Award Winning Photographer. Following in the footsteps of Ansel Adams, he has captured stunning photographs of America's natural wonders in some of the most rarely seen and hard to reach places.

-March 23 & 24: Presentations in the theater at 2:15 p.m. 

-March 23 & 24: Photo workshop in the VC parking lot at 7 p.m. 

-March 25: Presentation in the theater 11:15 a.m. and 2:15 p.m.

March 31, 10:15 a.m. Celebrate Cesar Chavez Day! Presentation 45 minutes 

The story of César Estrada Chávez and the United Farm Workers is an inspiration for people around the world who stand up for civil rights, for the health and safety of farm workers and for the environment within which they work. Join us for a cultural interpretation program. 

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

March 1, 15, 29               7 p.m.         Night Walk           Guided Walk

Join a park naturalist for this easy two-hour hike to explore and experience the Sonoran Desert at night. Dress for the weather. Comfortable walking shoes, water and a flashlight are recommended.  Reservations are required. Call the Visitor Center at (520) 733-5153
 
March 2, 23                            5:45 p.m.                    Sunset Hike      Guided Hike
           30                               6 p.m.

Join a park guide to take a short hike up to a rocky overlook of the Tucson Basin. Nature will determine how good the sunset is, but bring your camera just in case it’s a famous Arizona sundown! Sturdy hiking shoes, water and a trail supper are recommended
 
March 7, 21, 28                      2 p.m.        Wild About Flowers              Guided Hike

A walk for the serious flower fancier. We’ll walk for about two hours in search of what’s blooming today while discussing the subtler aspects of pollination, taxonomy, and wildflower habits and habitats. Sturdy walking shoes and water are recommended
 
March 8, 22                           10 a.m.       Wildflower Walk        Guided Walk

An easy, level one-hour walk to see the commonest flowers in bloom this day and a basic look at the magic of flowers. Comfortable walking shoes and water are recommended.
 
March 17                                3 p.m.         Sunset & Moonrise Hike        Guided Hike

View the Arizona sunset from a perch high in the foothills of the Rincon Mountains, then experience the magic of a walk through the moonlit Cactus Forest. Sturdy hiking shoes, water and a trail supper are recommended. Reservations are required. Call the Visitor Center at (520) 733-5153
 
March 20                                6 p.m.        Full Moon Hike          Guided Hike

Join a ranger on this 2.8 mile, 2.5 hour hike to see the full moon rise over the Rincon Mountains. Comfortable walking shoes, water and a flashlight are recommended.  Reservations are required. Call the Visitor Center at (520) 733-5153.
 
March 22                                10:30 a.m.       Capture the Desert in Words           Guided Activity

Words bring meaning to what you will experience on a short hike in the Sonoran Desert. A writing opportunity will follow the hike. Bring your favorite writing materials and a brown bag lunch. Meet at the visitor center to caravan to the trailhead. Comfortable walking shoes and water are recommended. 

March 28                                7:00 p.m.          Star Party                 Illustrated Program & Activity

Join park naturalists for an introduction to astronomy and a look at the desert night sky. Telescopes and binoculars will be available. Reservations are required. Call the Visitor Center at (520) 733-5153. Accessible Program
 
March 31                               2 p.m.        Celebrate Cesar Chavez Day!         Presentation

The story of César Estrada Chávez and the United Farm Workers is an inspiration for people around the world who stand up for civil rights, for the health and safety of farm workers and for the environment within which they work. Join us for a cultural interpretation program.