02 Feb Tucson

Saguaro National Park

Gilbert Ray Campground

We could have stayed here for months!  We loved everything about this campground and location, which is right next door to Saguaro National Park a destination we were very excited about.  Getting reservations could prove to be impossible, we took the risk and showed up hoping to snag an overflow site which we did. The volunteers here are full of great information, and clearly love their jobs which is always fun to see.  We chatted with them for about an hour to get a lay of the land.  Once you have a site you can stay up to two weeks!  (20$ a night and partial hookups) Granted we are new to all this, but these water and dump stations were impressive. I never imagined that would be high on my list of what to talk about, well there ya have it though. Great dump stations are important stuff if you know, you’ll understand.

There are so many great hikes everywhere here!!  We did the Brown Mountain Trail which is a 4.7 mile hike up some steep inclines, totally worth it. (don’t forget water!) Saguaros and chollas are on either side of the trail pretty much the entire time, so stay alert. The rocks along the trail continue to change in color the entire time, pinks, purples, corals, it is just stunning to see, and something I have never come across.

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We entered Saguaro National Park  closest to our campground at the east entrance. The two sides of the part are separated by the city so we stuck to the east side of the park during our visit. The Bajada Scenic loop is a very bumpy dirt road, don’t stop during this drive to try capturing “the cactus” it’s dangerous. I look back and think “wow I was lucky” we stopped and I jumped out…and fell hard. So lucky not to fall onto one of the many various sharp objects that can kill you in this park. 🙂 It would be very difficult not to fall in love with this park, sunsets were stunning from anywhere you happen to be in all directions. The minute we left I felt a tug at my heart, we will be back that’s for sure.

An easy day trip to Mission San Xavier del Bac was on our list for this area, we waited to go until the posted reopening date which was unfortunately postponed. We were able to walk on the grounds and park the airstream out front to make lunch and take some great photos.  This mission is located on a native american reservation, so there are shops set up selling locally made items. So many things I would have loved to purchase, but cannot acquire in our tiny living space. I bought a pair of earrings, anytime you can support locally made items on your travels do it!