12/30/2019

After spending the night in Tucson, it was time to explore Saguaro National Park. I learned that there are actually 2 sections of this national park and so I went to the West section first in the mountainous area west of the city of Tucson.

This section had tall saguaro cacti dotting the sides of the mountains like sticks and the landscaping was so different than Texas desert landscapes.

The visitors center was crowded and had lots of good souvenirs.

A small path behind the center takes you on a tour of erosion wash and the desert scenery. We marveled at how immense the cacti can get, and how they look like people with arms!

The overcast sky was perfect weather to explore the park. I knew I would regret it if I didn’t go see the East section and I’m so glad I didn’t pass it up. I loved it even better than the west section.

The visitors center is smaller here but it has a cool critter cam where you can see the wildlife active at night. We liked watching the foxes and badgers.

You have to pay to enter to do the scenic drive but I had my fresh new annual pass so getting in was a breeze!

The scenery here was absolutely gorgeous. Cacti in all shapes and sizes and lots of trails to stop your car at and explore. Seriously, if you like cacti, this place is heaven for you.

Another fun part: Javalina rock! You can scramble up the large rocks and get wonderful views of the mountains.

After we left Tucson, we started the drive to Flagstaff, but made a quick detour east to the town of Coolidge, home of the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument.

These ancient structures were worth the detour. You can walk right by the ruins and even inside one of the smaller ones and learn the history of the natives who lives here thousands of years ago and how they lived.

The visitors center had a film, guided tour, and lots of things in drawers to touch and explore.

Driving through Phoenix, I noticed that the entrance ramps had actual stoplights to tell cats when to enter the highway! San Antonio soooooo needs these!!

After a dark, nighttime drive through the Coconino Forest, I finally made it to Flagstaff and stopped at a place called Coco’s where they had this lovely creamy shrimp scampi and any kind of pie you wanted.

Found the Airbnb nestled in a section of townhomes and the whole thing looked like a Christmas village. I couldn’t wait to see what it looked like in the morning.