Thinking of heading to Saguaro National Park in southern Arizona in October and wondering what there is to do? Here's a comprehensive schedule of events from the park staff for your consideration.

Naturalist Programs at Tucson Mountain District (West, 2700 N. Kinney
Road):

October 26 

12:15 p.m.  The Civilian Conservation Corps  Talk: 45 minutes

A special version of this popular program about The Great Depression public works project and its effect on national parks will be given in celebration of National Public Lands Day. Wheelchair accessible.

October 6, 20    

3:15 p.m.  How Do They Do It?  Walk: 15 minutes, 100 yards    

Discover how the plants and animals of the Sonoran Desert have adapted to the harsh conditions of this unique environment. Wheelchair accessible.

October 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, 31  

11:15 a.m.     Play Sonoran Desert Bingo!        Game: 1 hour

Learn about the plants and animals of the Sonoran Desert while enjoying a rousing version of Bingo! Get five in a row –-down, across, or diagonally-- and win a non-monetary prize. First come, first served. Wheelchair accessible.

October 7, 21    

9:45 a.m.Sonoran Secrets to Desert Survival    Walk: 60 minutes, 250 yards

Stroll the Cactus Garden and identify the most common hazards hidden in the desert, uncover survival strategies of native plants and animals, and acquire practical tips to ensure your safety. Wheelchair accessible.

October 8, 10, 17, 29   

10:15 a.m.    Living With Giants  Talk: 45 minutes

The saguaro celebrates events and faces challenges throughout its life. A biologist explains how it provides shelter and substance for wildlife; when it flowers; its growth patterns; and how it fights for survival against drought, lightning, frost, and other dangers. Wheelchair accessible.

October  9, 16, 23, 30    

2:15 p.m.   Lizards are Hot, Lizards are Cool  Talk: 30 minutes

Lizards are small denizens of the desert that are a critical component of our desert community. Find out what it means when they do pushups or exhibit other behaviors. Wheelchair accessible.

October 16, 24    

10:15 a.m.  Snakes  Talk: 30 minutes

Explore the life and lore, myths and misunderstandings about one of the desert Southwest's most intriguing icons: the rattlesnake. Wheelchair accessible.

Naturalist Programs at the Rincon Mountain District (East, 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail):

October 10, 17  

10 a.m.  Cactus Caravan       Auto tour
Begin your exploration of the Cactus Forest Drive with a park ranger and become familiar with some of the common cacti. A great introduction to the park. Wheelchair accessible.

October 16, 30        

3 p.m.      History is a Work in Progress              presentation

Join us in the visitor center auditorium to explore the almost forgotten names of people and places from the late 1800s in the area of the Rincon Mountains. Wheelchair accessible.

October 24              

1 p.m.         Flash, Whoosh, Gush, and Growth: Sonoran Desert Monsoon Rain    Presentation (On Oct. 14 this begins at 11 a.m.)

The summer heat and humidity bring the mighty and sometimes destructive monsoon rain. Saguaros, toads, and othersdependon these drenching afternoons to begin a new season of life in the dry desert. A fabulous video opens this theater presentation. Wheelchair accessible.

October 7, 28               11 a.m.        The Point of the Matter is Cactus        Presentation (On Oct. 17 this begins at 1 p.m.)

Cactus are much more than strange plants with spines. They are uniquely equipped to thrive in the desert environment, and every year bloom with spectacular flowers. This theater presentation will highlight these survival marvels with a beautiful photo gallery. Wheelchair accessible .

October 9, 23              

3 p.m.         Creating Saguaro National Park        presentation

Join staff in the visitor center auditorium to discover how abuse, failure, politics, commitment, recovery and the Tucson Garden Club all played a part in creating today's Saguaro National Park. Wheelchair accessible.

October 10, 31             

1 p.m.         A Sticky Situation at Saguaro              Presentation (On Oct 21 this begins at 11 a.m.)

At Saguaro National Park East there are 20 species of cactus and each is beautiful in its own way. Finding them all can be a challenge, but we will see each one in a stunning photo gallery and learn a few uses these plants have to those living here and beyond. Theater presentation. Wheelchair accessible .

October 12, 19, 26       10 a.m.        Sonoran Lifestyles                  Guided Walk

Join a park naturalist on this 2-hour, 1-mile walk to discover how plants and animals adapt to life in the desert. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water.

October 14                            

2 p.m.         Sharing the Desert's Stories    Activity

Children 5 to 10 years of age and parents are invited to come join us in the visitor center auditorium as we bring some of the Sonoran Desert's stories to life. This month's theme will be Desert Creatures. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling (520) 733-5153. Wheelchair accessible.

October 15                           

7 p.m.         Star Party                    Illustrated program & activity

Join park naturalists for an introduction to astronomy and a look at the desert night sky. Telescopes and binoculars will be available. Reservations required. Call 733-5153. Wheelchair accessible.

October 16, 30           

7 p.m.             Night Walk                  1-mile guided walk

Join a park naturalist for this easy two-hour hike to explore and experience the Sonoran Desert at night. Dress for the weather, wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring water and a flashlight. As space is limited, advanced reservations are required, and can be made by calling 733-5153.

Visitor Center Locations/Phone Numbers

Both visitor centers are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Christmas Day.

Red Hills Visitor Center (Saguaro WEST)                      Rincon Mountain Visitor Center (Saguaro EAST)

2700 North Kinney Road                                                3693 South Old Spanish Trail

Tucson, Arizona 85743                                                          Tucson, Arizona 85730

(520) 733-5158                                                               (520) 733-5153