  While at Saguaro you will find it is desirable to take advantage of the recreational and educational facilities provided for your use. After you leave the Administration Building, signs along the 9.1-mile loop road will direct your attention to special exhibits along the way. Each area has been chosen because of features especially interesting to the visitor. Limited exploring and hiking trips are encouraged along Cactus Forest Drive. A picnic area provided with fireplaces, tables and ramadas is located at the 8-mile point. Among the many stops along the Cactus Forest Drive five have been selected as especially important to an understanding of the natural features of the Monument. Each has “in place” information which will add to your appreciation of the Cactus Forest. First StopROCK PARAPET—Approximately 200 years ago prevailing climatic conditions were of such nature as to permit germination of a large number of Saguaro seeds, creating the more or less even-aged stand of Giant Saguaros we see here today. The Tanque Verde Mountains to the east are composed largely of crystalline rocks formed under conditions of great heat and pressure. They were elevated by movements of the earth’s crust and now are gradually being eroded away. The Tucson Valley to the north is in reality a deep canyon (2,000 to 3,000 feet) filled with debris. Second StopCRISTATE SAGUARO—This abnormal growth, called a cristate, is of rare occurrence. Many theories have been advanced as to what causes these “crests” but none hold true in all cases. Although the cause is unknown, the pattern of their growth is simple. Instead of growing in three directions the cells of a cristate grow only upward and outward in two. This results in a fan-shaped malformation with a long growing line in the center of the upper edge. Although a cristate may apparently develop from an injury, there is every reason to believe that, once established, the tendency to cristate becomes a genetic character. Seed from cristates often produce cristate plants. An excellent specimen of cristate Barrel Cactus may be seen at the entrance to the Nature Trail. Third StopNATURE TRAIL—Along this 300-yard trail you will find most of the important plants native to the Cactus Forest. Each plant is labelled with both common and scientific names, together with much additional information. THE DESERT AND THE MOUNTAINS The Tanque Verde (green tank) and Rincon (inside corner) Mountains are an important part of Saguaro National Monument. This is presently the “back country” of the monument. The mountainous section has a wide variety of interests in the field of biology. The range of climates and life zones combine to make one of the most interesting stories to be found in any of your national parks or monuments.
George Olin Photo This large Buteo is a common resident of the Monument. It frequently nests among the arms of the Saguaro. Since its food consists mainly of small rodents it is one of the most beneficial of our birds. Fourth StopVIEW OF WEST SLOPE OF TANQUE VERDE MOUNTAINS—Saguaro cacti growing up to an elevation of 4,000 feet. The country you see here is a good example of what is called the Lower Sonoran life zone. Here you may expect such typical desert animals as the Roadrunner, Gambel Quail, Kangaroo Rat, Jackrabbit and the Javelina or “wild pig”. Fifth StopJAVELINA DEN (hah-veh-LEE-nah)—In these undercuts the Javelinas (or Peccary) often hide during the day to escape from the heat of the sun. At night many Javelinas are often present in this particular area due to the abundance of Jojoba bushes. From the view point near the Javelina Den a striking view may be had of the distant Santa Cruz Valley. On a clear day seven mountain ranges may be seen from this spot. Screech Owl—These small grayish owls (usually with more conspicuous “ear” tufts) are permanent and valued residents of the Saguaro country. On their silent night-time hunts they eat great numbers of mice and insects. Western Box Turtle—Occasionally observed in the Cactus Forest. Gila (Hee-lah) Monster—The only poisonous lizard in the United States; it is protected in Arizona by law. Its skin is beaded and its color is marbled black with pinkish or yellowish. The Gila Monster reproduces by eggs which are laid in the sand. Peccary—Bands of peccaries, so-called wild pigs, are commonly seen along the Cactus Forest Drive. Palmer Thrasher—Robin-sized, with curved bill, long tail and gray-brown back. Often nests in the Cholla Cactus. Mexican Mule Deer—Most people are accustomed to thinking of deer as animals of the forest, but surprisingly enough the rough foothill country in the desert supports a large population of deer. The Mule Deer is a true vegetarian and during the fall and winter browses extensively on trees and shrubs and during spring and summer consumes a variety of grasses and herbs. The young are born in late spring or summer and the fawns are sometimes seen at that time of year. Gilded Flicker—Many of the small holes in the Saguaros were made by this bird as it hollows out a cavity for its nest. Roadrunner—This odd looking, ground-dwelling relative of the Cuckoos resides in brushy places throughout the Southwest. It eats insects, spiders, lizards, small snakes and mice. Rattlesnakes sometimes are killed by Roadrunners. Whitewinged Dove—Large numbers of these birds may be seen in the Cactus Forest when the Saguaro fruits are ripe. Gambel Quail—A common desert dweller that may be observed at any season of the year. It nests on the ground. Arizona Rock Squirrel—Distinguished from the Gray Squirrels by their less bushy tail and mottled coat. They are ground dwellers, but can climb trees if necessary. White-throated Wood Rat—Commonly known as the Pack Rat, this interesting animal builds its nest in a mound of cactus segments. Marauders think twice before they molest this spiny home. Seldom seen in daylight. Note the baby, lower left. Above—Harris Ground Squirrel—A small ground squirrel with striped back and a bushy tail usually held erect. They are active during the day and may be seen from April through November. Below—Arizona Round-tailed Ground Squirrel—Another common ground squirrel of the desert. It has a short tail and is tan in color. “All photographs on pages 9-12 by Marvin H. Frost, Sr.” Saguaro National Monument, a unit of the National Park System, is one of 180 areas administered by the National Park Service, U. S. Department of the Interior. The traveling public is becoming increasingly aware of the National Monuments, which have received less publicity than the great, well-known National Parks, yet which possess extremely interesting features. Many of these are in the Southwest; we hope you will take the opportunity to visit one or more of them on your trip. Administered as a group by the General Superintendent, Southwestern National Monuments, Box 1562, Gila Pueblo, Globe, Arizona
Other areas administered by the National Park Service in the Southwest follow:
This booklet is published by the which is a non-profit distributing organization pledged to aid in the preservation The Association lists for sale interesting and excellent publications for adults and children and very many color slides on Southwestern subjects. These make fine gifts for birthdays, parties, and special occasions, and many prove to be of value to children in their school work and hobbies. May we recommend, for instance, the following items which give additional information on Saguaro National Monument and the Southwest?
For the complete list of almost 100 publications and 1700 color slides on Southwestern Indians, geology, ruins, plants, animals, history, etc., ask the Ranger, or you can obtain one by mail by writing the SOUTHWESTERN Petroglyph of Gambel Quail Offset by KILLIAN PRINTING SERVICE |
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