Saguaro blossom

Pochter SAGUARO DISCOVERY TRAIL

One of Tohono Chul Park’s major objectives is to illustrate for visitors the interconnectedness between the plants and people of the Sonoran Desert. In no other instance is this connection more evident than in that between the saguaro cactus (ha:sañ) and the Tohono O’odham people.

Less than one quarter mile in length, this gently sloping trail winds past saguaro nurseries nestled under protective palo verdes and juvenile and mature saguaros marching up a graveled hillside. Interpretive signage for the trail features original watercolor illustrations by Tohono O’odham artist, Michael Chiago, and offers a cultural view of the saguaro from the perspective of the original desert people, as well as a naturalist’s answers to many of the most frequently asked questions about this iconic desert cactus.