Arizona in Bits and Pieces part 2

One of the most beautiful places in Tucson is the Saguaro National Park.  Offering desert plains, mountains and foothills, one of the most interesting and unusual ecosystems in the US is Saguaro National Park. The saguaro is referred to as the "monarch of the Sonoran Desert", and is renowned as a symbol of the southwest.  Since 1933 this extraordinary giant cactus has been protected within the national park, along with other cacti, desert trees and shrubs, and animals.  It is one of the hottest and driest regions on the continent with summer temperatures over 100 degrees and less than 12" of rain in a typical year  It has an eight mile loop for driving.

My sister Harriet and I did the drive one beautiful day and it was awesome to see so many saguaro, plus other cacti species.

Cholla.  There are several species in the desert and this is either teddy bear or jumping cholla.

Ocotillo.  In spring it is covered with small red flowers.

These stately giants (saguaro) have arms reaching up, down, and sideways.

Onward to part 3!