The two districts of Saguaro National Park are located on the eastern and western edges of the Tucson Basin in southern Arizona -- approximately 60 miles north of the Mexico/US border.  The Tucson Basin is a broad desert valley of the Santa Cruz and Rillito Rivers, surrounded by the Santa Catalina, Rincon, Santa Rita, Tortolita and Tucson Mountains.

As an ecological preserve, the Park protects both Sonoran Desert and Sky Island ecosystems -- and provides critical habitat connectivity with other (protected) public lands.

Altogether, nearly 4 million acres of the Sonoran Desert / Sky Island ecoregion of southern Arizona are in protected public preserves including Saguaro National Park.  Yet, dramatic population growth and shifting land uses in the Tucson Basin -- combined with international border issues -- have all presented significant negative resource impacts throughout the ecoregion.  Complex environmental issues transcend political boundaries, and make collaboration and cooperation essential as we try to protect critical habitat in the face of rapidly-expanding urban development, and as we try to understand the impacts and implications of global climate change.

If you're planning a visit to southern Arizona, be sure to check out the Visit Tucson website.  The region's parks, preserves and natural areas offer plenty of room to roam -- areas where you can discover the "Real Southwest."