On the brisk morning of New Year’s Eve, Cami and I embarked on a five-hour journey from the Petrified Forest to Tucson, eager to explore the eastern side of Saguaro National Park. Our previous spring visit was thwarted by maintenance work that closed off this area, and we were also looking forward to a cozy spot to ring in the new year.
The eastern expanse of the park, known as the Rincon Mountain District, is not only larger than its western counterpart but also more rugged and mountainous, offering limited vehicular access. The district boasts an array of hiking trails and a scenic 9-mile loop road—mostly a one-way route—with several pull-offs and parking spots that invite exploration.
With just an afternoon to spend in the park, we made a beeline for the East Rincon Mountain District Visitor Center. There, Cami triumphantly obtained her long-awaited National Park Passport stamp. After a brief conversation with a knowledgeable ranger to determine the best spot for a sunset view, we set off to fully experience the loop.
We drove the loop road three times, each circuit offering new sights. We embarked on several short hikes, scrambled up rock formations purely for the joy of it, and scouted potential locations for the perfect sunset photograph. Although many recommended Javelina Rocks as an ideal sunset spot, which indeed offered a playground of intriguing rock formations and fun exploratory opportunities, the photographic compositions there didn’t quite capture my vision.
Persistence paid off on our third loop when I spotted a promising area of high ground facing west towards a majestic mountain, its ridge crowned with a stately line of Saguaros. This spot provided the backdrop for the day’s climax as the winter clouds blazed red, delivering a spectacular sunset show—a fitting close to the year.
Had we had more time, I would have ventured into the backcountry trails to delve deeper into this less traversed part of the park. Future visitors should prepare for a shared road experience with numerous walkers and cyclists, who outnumbered cars during our visit. It’s worth noting that on the one-way loop, it’s wise to stop early and often to fully appreciate the scenery—it may be a short loop, but rerouting takes time.
That evening, we retreated to the safety of our hotel room at the East Tucson Hilton to celebrate New Year’s Eve—a quiet yet delightful celebration amid pandemic precautions. Our journey continued the next day towards the Valley of Fire, ready for more adventures.
