Saguaro National Park is a hidden gem in the long list of American national parks. It is famously named for the Saguaro cacti that dots the entire expanse of the park. It is a one-of-a-kind specimen of nature that deserves more hype. Explore the vast beauty of the Sonoran Desert without worrying about crowds.
But before you buy a new pair of sunglasses for your trip, invest in visitors medical insurance to avoid financial loss caused by mishaps.
Visitors Medical Insurance for Travelers in Saguaro National Park - FAQs
Buying visitors medical insurance is something a smart traveler should do. When visiting a foreign country, it is best to buy a plan prior to your trip as the insurance you normally use at home may not have coverage. If you should be injured or get sick while exploring the park, you would need to avail of medical treatment. Since healthcare in the U.S. is known to be expensive, having visitors medical insurance will let you enjoy your trip without worrying about accidents and injuries.
Why buy visitors medical insurance before traveling to Saguaro National Park?
With all the hiking available in the park, you could be out in the sun for a long time. What if you suffer a heat stroke and need hospitalization? The bill could spiral into a huge amount. Buying visitors medical insurance can prepare you and your wallet if such an unfortunate event happens.
What should I look for in my Saguaro National Park visitors medical insurance?
Make sure your plans provide coverage for a few important things. Your adventure sports and emergency hospitalization should be covered. If a pre-existing medical condition can become a problem on your trip, make sure the plan includes coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions.
At a private medical facility in a foreign country, the cost of a simple treatment could be huge. It is best to be cautious and buy visitors medical insurance to avoid financial stress.
Things To Do For Your Saguaro National Park Travel
Visit A Museum
This is the perfect way to start your vacation. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is on the south side of the park's Tucson Mountain District. Saguaro is the Sonoran Desert and the main focus of the indoor-outdoor museum.
Picnic At Signal Hill
Have lunch at the Signal Hill Picnic Area. The trail leading up to Signal Hill features prehistoric rock art of the Hohokam culture. Take your time with the 200 petroglyphs on display.
Stroll Through A Sonoran Garden
The Ethnobotany Garden right outside the visitor center in Rincon Mountain has a beautiful variety of Sonoran Desert plants. They've been a part of the local culture for a very long time and have different uses.
Hike Through A Cactus Forest
This is beautiful during springtime. It is a long pleasant walk through Douglas Spring Trail and on to Bridal Wreath Falls. The wide path of spring blooms is a treat.
Go On A Slow Drive
Explore the park from the comfort of your car. The Cactus Forest Loop Road is a one-way paved road that shows off the landscape. A lot of cyclists take this route so be careful to avoid accidents.
Key Guidelines for Travelers in Saguaro National Park
When To Visit
Summers at Saguaro National Park can be very warm. The best time to visit is during spring and fall. It offers the perfect combination of pleasant weather, a unique landscape, and no crowds. Winters are also ideal, but the nights can be chilly. Nothing a good jacket cannot handle, but it can be too cold for backcountry camping if you don't carry the necessary supplies.
Where To Stay
There are no RV sites and a total of 20 campsites that can only be reached by backcountry camping. So, if you're not up for a bit of a challenge, you will have to find a hotel. The closest place you can stay in is the Tanque Verde Ranch. They conduct guided horseback rides to explore the park too. If you don't mind half an hour drive, you can find accommodation in Tucson. The nightlife and food are great.
Look Out For Spotted Fever
This tick-borne disease is very common in Arizona. Look out for symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, fever, and rashes. Get in touch with the local government health department so you can get tested and treated. Apply chemical repellents and wear light-colored clothes to protect yourself.
Getting Around
The park is placed very close to urban spaces and is easily accessible by cars. You can also try cycling and mountain biking within the park. Be sure to carry enough water so you don't become dehydrated. Trailers longer than 35 feet (about 10.7 meters) and cars wider than 8 feet (about 2.4 meters) are not allowed inside.
Before You Travel to Saguaro National Park - Do This
- Check The Official Website: The National Park Service posts regular emergency and non-emergency alerts on their official website. Check for seasonal closures and updates related to activities and sites at the park. This will give you time to make changes accordingly and cancel the trip if need be.
- Share Your Itinerary: Let family members or friends know your travel plans and the routes you're taking. This will make sure you wriggle out of a murky situation if you get stranded or lost. Also, having an emergency contact is always best.