Saguaro National Park elevates to about 8,600 feet and is divided by the city of Tuscon. Both the east park and west park contain stands after stands of the familiar saguaro cactus. West SNP was more conveniently located to the camp and had the 800 year old native American petroglyphs that I wanted to see. The saguaro cacti grow only in a few areas, southern Arizona being one of the three places; the cactus can grow to more than 40 feet tall and can live to be over 200 years old. I was fortunate enough to see some in bloom. The saguaro cactus fruit is used in beverages (I like my cactus juice in margarita's) and food. Desert birds and animals also use the saguaro for food, water and shelter.

The plan - ride the motorcycle on the back roads to the visitor's center for West Saguaro NP; check on permits and sign-in. The ride over was easy with well-marked signs and upon arriving at the visitor's center, I mentioned that I hadn't passed a single vehicle. I was told that I was the only person at the park, so far. This gave me the opportunity to ask all the questions I had and get information about the best trails for riding. The ranger had lots of information and was very knowledgable about the roads, trails, the do's and don'ts.. do watch for rattlesnakes, don't smoke outside and take pretty much any trail but do take the Bajada loop drive to Vally View to get the trail that leads to the petroglyphs.

It was about 40 miles round-trip drive from the camp to the park and I rode about 60 more through and around the park. It was great; I didn't see a single person after leaving the ranger station. After seeing all I could see, riding every trail I could find and hiking the trails I couldn't get through on the bike, it was time to head home. The words, "Hotter than hell" come to mind when I think of the 20 mile ride back to camp. The asphalt roads were so hot they were bubbling and it felt as if my legs were being blistered by the heat rising from the asphalt. After I made it back to the I-10 overpass, I pulled over under the shade and took a hydration break. I only had a few more miles to go but my legs really did need heat-relief. While sitting there with my backpack on, I giggled at what I probably looked like to passersby...a homeless woman carrying all her belongings in a backpack living under a bridge, all dirty and dusty. A few people did stop to see if I needed assistance and I was happy to say that I was OK and was just taking a break. Time was on my side for getting back to camp before the rattlesnakes did; after I got back, took a short rest and drank a few bottles of water, I made my way to the showerhouse to wash off the day before the desert came to life.

Today was awesome in every way; tomorrow I visit the Sonora Desert Zoo and Museum and as a super bonus, I'm staying for a night exploration of the desert and all its creatures.