Besides information about life in the mission, visitors here will also learn about the local Native cultures.
This park preserves the remains of a Spanish mission in a town of the same name. The next national park on this Arizona road trip is Tumacácori National Historical Park. Though fewer saguaros adorn the Rincon Mountain District (Saguaro East), this area is larger and has more hiking trails. Here, the scenic Bajada Loop Drive takes visitors through gorgeous desert scenery, also showcasing a few prehistoric petroglyphs. The more popular Tucson Mountain District (Saguaro West) boasts a denser saguaro forest. Saguaro cacti, like these in Saguaro National Park, can live up to 150 years. Laying on both sides of Tucson, the park is divided into two districts. Saguaro National Park protects the giant saguaro cactus, which is the most famous symbol of the Southwest and the plant that produces the state flower of Arizona. In addition to the showstopping Casa Grande, the park also offers the chance to experience the Sonoran desert up close and in person. Casa Grande Ruins National Monumentįrom Lost Dutchman, head south through wild desert scenery to Coolidge for a stop at Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, which showcases the remains of a Hohokam village that date back to between 11.
Though hikers might not find the legendary treasure, they have plenty of rugged trails to explore.īesides hiking and biking opportunities, the park offers cabins and campsites for overnight guests. Lost Dutchman State Parkįeaturing the rugged silhouette of the Superstition Mountains, Lost Dutchman State Park, only 34 miles from the Phoenix airport, is the perfect start for this Arizona road trip.īoth mountain and park get their names from a legend featuring a lost goldmine and a local of German (or Deutsch, hence "Dutchman") heritage. The main feature of Lost Dutchman State Park is the Superstition Mountains.