If you read my blog last week, you know my family took me down to Tucson for the day. We discovered a great park and enjoyed a picnic by the pond. On our way out of Agua Caliente Park, we saw a sign for Saguaro National Park. This confused Dad for a moment because way off in the distance on the west-side of Tucson was the SNP…except that SNP has two sides: East and West.
Since we were super close and had never been to the Eastside of the SNP, we decided to drive in and take a look. Like any national park, you will need to pay an entrance fee, which varies from location to location, or use your National Park Pass. Dogs are welcome in national parks and their picnic areas, but we aren’t allowed on the walking or hiking trails. I already got my leg stretch for the day, so I was good with a car ride.
Since it was later in the day, no one was at the check-in gate. Should this happen to you, you need to pay at the kiosk for the daily fee or hang your pass up on the rear-view mirror. Mom and Dad popped into the human restrooms at the Visitor Center before taking the eight-mile scenic drive through the park.
The road is paved and is a one-way loop. On a busy day, expect slow driving as the road is narrow and steep. 
Ahead of us were some bicyclists. Yowsa! The road is hilly, but I guess riders get some momentum when they head downhill. Plenty of pull outs allow drivers to take pictures and enjoy the scenery.
We happen to hit SNP during the superbloom. Wow! The colors were amazing with tons of yellows and oranges. We have to admit, though, we didn’t see near the saguaros as in the westside of the park. However, the diversity of the plants is vast. We found the desert quite interesting and eye catching.
We felt both sides offer something different. Should you ever be in Tucson for a few days, we encourage you to take the time to visit both sides. If you are hiking, the westside might be best. If you want to bike the road, go to the east entrance. Both have scenic drives, but we liked the eastside just a little better.
Those eight miles pack a punch, and we stopped a lot. At one of the overlooks, a nice couple said, “Kuma, is that you?” Why yes, it is! I recognized them from our picnic spot, and they knew I was a Shiba Inu and not a Husky. I’m always happy when people don’t call me a baby Husky. Anyway, they couldn’t remember Mom and Dad’s name, but they knew me. Such is the life of my humans. They are just the poop scoopers and picture takers! Awoof! We visited with the couple from Oregon for a while before finishing up our drive.
In my 14 ½ years on this earth, I’ve met people from all over 
the USA and even from different countries. Being out in nature seems to bring out the best in humans. Their shoulders lower, they breathe a little deeper, and they slow down to smell the roses. And because of me, the humans meet, share stories, laugh, and enjoy connection. You are all very welcome! I’m glad I could help.
My mom, Lorraine Bossé-Smith, is kind enough to help me share my Great Adventures, big and small. My mom is a motivational speaker, corporate trainer, executive recruiter, business consultant, coach, fitness expert, and author of nine published books. More importantly, she’s the best doggy mom ever!
Enjoy my blog at https://www.lorrainebosse-smith.com/category/kuma/kumas-great-adventures/
and be sure to follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kumathedog/ and Instagram: kumaitothedog
Get outside! You never know what you’ll discover, and our paths just might cross. Happy tails!
Ginger Stahl says
Too cute!!! Yes, people speak to dogs easily – sometimes ignoring their owners. You’re lucky, Kuma, that your mom & dad are so friendly!!