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Keen on an autumn road trip that’s close to home? Consider checking out the countless cacti that call Saguaro National Park home.
Enthusiasts of all ages will enjoy the Cactus Forest Scenic Loop Drive where many miles of spiky vistas boast prickly pear (think heart-shaped leaves), teddy bear cholla (they indeed appear fuzzy) and fish-hook barrel (no explanation needed, right?).
Did you know that, in 1937 and again in 1962, the local cactus population was nearly wiped out by frigid temps that lingered for a full day? Thanks to the species’ resilience, the Saguaro forest has made a robust recovery.
– Hannah Van Sickle, The Arizona 100