Backcountry Information

There's plenty of backcountry to explore within Saguaro National Park -- nearly 58,000 acres, in fact!

Plan Around Backcountry Information

A good stop is not just something to read about. Once it belongs on the day, move into a saved trip and build the route around it.

Add to trip View park guide

Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.

Backcountry Information Details

Nearly 58,000 acres of designated wilderness is found within the Rincon Mountain District on the east side of Saguaro National Park, known as the Saguaro Wilderness Area. Climate types vary within the wilderness area, and plant life ranges from hot and dry desert scrub to cool and moist pine forest in the six biotic communities. Camping is permitted in six designated campgrounds within the Saguaro Wilderness Area, and one permit is required per campsite, per night. Be sure to follow Leave No Trace practices when visiting the backcountry. Start your trip with plenty of water and know where water sources are before heading out; current water reports are available at the visitors centers, or by calling (520) 733-5153. The six campgrounds are located next to streams or springs, but water is not necessarily available throughout the year, especially during dry seasons. Trails within the Saguaro Wilderness Area range from easy to difficult, and range in elevation from 2,750 feet to 4,800 feet. For more information on the backcountry found in Saguaro National Park, download the park's [Saguaro Wilderness Brochure](https://www.nps.gov/sagu/planyourvisit/upload/Saguaro-Wilderness-Modified-for-2015-7.pdf). This publication also includes the backcountry permit application form.

Difficulty

Open

Distance

N/A

Estimated time

N/A

Region

Basic Information