Help me plan my trip (on a budget);) (Phoenix, Tucson: rental car, rental)

[stoptheridegonnahurl]

Hello everyone,

I’m seriously considering a 4/5 day trip this Summer out west for a mini vacation. I would love to see the Cacti at Saguaro and maybe do some desert side trips.. I’ll be a single woman traveling alone so I’m all for organized,safe adventure when it comes to the desert trips part…can anyone shed light on some legitimate and reputable tour resources? I welcome your thoughts.

Thanks.

[Ponderosa]

You definitely should take a Jeep tour in the Sedona area. I can vouch for Pink Jeep Tours, but there are several others to choose from.

[YAZ]

A nice lil hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon.

Feeling really adventurous?

Do a rim to rim.

Cheap camping rates on the North Rim (ifya can reserve a spot this late).

[exit2lef]

Reconsider the timing of your visit. A jeep tour at sunrise might work, but a hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon during summer heat could be deadly.

[stoptheridegonnahurl]

Thank you all,
I have been to the Grand Canyon and it was beautiful..though I’d love to go back there one day, it won’t be on this trip. I’ll be focusing on a smaller travel area. I’ll look into the Jeep tour, I think I’ve heard of those. Can anyone tell me more about amenities nearby at Saguaro? Are there any other cool botanical places I should know about not to miss? I’m big on desert biome and plants, think its so cool. Are there any stargazing tours or anything that operate in the evening? Thanks all for the great suggestions and safety advice.

Have a wonderful day!

[exit2lef]

Originally Posted by stoptheridegonnahurl

Can anyone tell me more about amenities nearby at Saguaro?

Are you asking about Saguaro National Park? That's down in Tucson. You might want to ask in that city's forum: https://www.city-data.com/forum/tucson/

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by stoptheridegonnahurl

Thank you all,
I have been to the Grand Canyon and it was beautiful..though I’d love to go back there one day, it won’t be on this trip. I’ll be focusing on a smaller travel area. I’ll look into the Jeep tour, I think I’ve heard of those. Can anyone tell me more about amenities nearby at Saguaro? Are there any other cool botanical places I should know about not to miss? I’m big on desert biome and plants, think its so cool. Are there any stargazing tours or anything that operate in the evening? Thanks all for the great suggestions and safety advice.

Have a wonderful day!

Saguaro is right outside of Tucson. There is lodging etc all along I10. Old Tucson (location where many famous movies were filmed) is right next door to the park as is the AZ Sonora Desert Museum which is really quite unique and interesting. My option would be to rent a car (off airport to save on the fees) and see things that way. Tucson itself has a number of attractions you could visit. If you have a car I'd drive up the Mt. Lemmon Highway to Summerhaven, too.

You don't have to go to the National Park to see saguaros. They are everywhere from Phoenix on south. SNP has a very large, dense number of them though

[stoptheridegonnahurl]

I’m so embarrassed!
You’re right, I’m in the wrong city for the NP I was thinking of(Saguaro)silly me.. yes I’m aware about the cacti being everywhere but I’d like to visit the park as it may offer a more streamlined experience as far as parking, educational resources,facilities etc. thanks so much to everyone who responded and to Ponderosa for the illuminating last word!
I’ll head over to the other forum,best to you all. (I might be back to ask about Phoenix sometime)

[mike1003]

Originally Posted by stoptheridegonnahurl

Hello everyone,

I’m seriously considering a 4/5 day trip this Summer out west for a mini vacation. I would love to see the Cacti at Saguaro and maybe do some desert side trips.. I’ll be a single woman traveling alone so I’m all for organized,safe adventure when it comes to the desert trips part…can anyone shed light on some legitimate and reputable tour resources? I welcome your thoughts.

Thanks.

Saguaro NP is actually located in Tuscon, AZ. There are two separate sections of the park, both worth seeing https://www.nps.gov/sagu/planyourvisit/index.htm


Also, The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...n_Arizona.html is very well worth seeing


Because everything is close, I'd consider renting a car and driving yourself. That way you can stop and see what you want for as long as you want


There are other great NPs and NMs in the area (Sign up and download the NP User's Guide https://www.nationalparks.org/travel...s?success=true ) With 3-4 days you have time for day trips.


A word of caution Organ Pipe and Chihuahua NMs are close to the border OP is on the border). We were kept out of Organ Pipe twice. Once, the park was closed and the 2nd time you could only go with an armed National Park or Border Patrol lead group. 3 years ago we got to drive ourselves


Also, Tuscon has a great Native American Museum https://www.amerind.org/ as well as other great museums AND FOOD!!!!!!!!! https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...n_Arizona.html


All that said, Summer is a terrible time to go to Tuscon. It will be hot-hot-HOT!!!!!!!

[stoptheridegonnahurl]

Oh my gosh Mike 1003 thank you so much for the wonderful info. That’s so interesting about OP, were you actually escorted by the armed LE ranger or did you just decide to go that last time? I love museums and native culture and art so will definitely check that out. When I went to the GC years ago with family, we stopped into the Northern AZ. museum and saw some beautiful artifacts and contemporary paintings and pottery, just lovely. I do love hot weather but when is the best time you’d say, to visit Saguaro/Tucson. Do people ever hitchhike from the airport to the hotels near the park? (JK) I think someone else said that there are no shuttles..might have to splurge on a rental car.. thank you for the wonderful info.!
Best!