Saguaro National Park, Arizona

The Arizona desert is a harsh and beautiful place. The Sonoran Desert is the only place where the Saguaro Cactus grows. A place where it seems almost every plant will stick you, killer bees will chase you, coyotes hunt every night and watch where you step because there are six, yes SIX!, types of rattlesnakes possibly resting under that prickly bush next to you. But, it is beautiful. Maybe some of the beauty is from the danger and the struggle to survive. Where mountains are covered in cacti instead of trees a walk through the desert is a wonderful experience.

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We stayed in Gilbert Ray Campground just outside of the national park. The park has a first come first served area that was $20 a night with a 14 night max. It has water and electric. For some of the roads, even one of the roads heading to the campground, and most of the park you need a vehicle less than 24 feet, so know before you go. The campground is simple, but you are sitting in the desert. The sky is full of stars and you hear the coyotes celebrating their catch most nights. The sunsets are amazing.

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Before you head into the park you need to stop at the visitor center and pay your entry fee, learn about what you are about to do and collect your souvenirs. This is where we found out that our 32 foot rv would not allow us to go deep inside the park. However, we were ok with that cause we are not fond of rattlesnakes and neither my husband nor myself felt we could outrun killer bees if we happened to get near some. And knowing my luck I would find a hive. There is a short walking trail at the visitor center and since we were literally camping in the desert surrounded by the saguaros we still had a great experience.

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If you ever get a chance to be in the area you should definitely not miss the opportunity to walk among the saguaros and feel the desert.