Part 1

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Cactus Forest Drive

SAGUARO NATIONAL MONUMENT 18 Miles East of Tucson, Arizona

15¢

NATIONAL PARKS AND MONUMENTS

Saguaro National Monument is one of more than 175 units administered by the National Park Service, U. S. Department of the Interior. They include such outstanding scenic areas as Grand Canyon and Yosemite National Parks and other Parks and Monuments set aside for their scenic, scientific, historic or archeologic values. These superb areas are yours and are a part of your heritage as American citizens.

The National Park Service has the job of preserving the Parks and Monuments in their natural, unspoiled condition and of making them available for your enjoyment in such a manner as to leave them unimpaired for the inspiration of future generations. To achieve this high purpose it has been necessary to prohibit such activities as woodcutting, hunting, grazing, mining and even flower-picking. The men in the uniform of the National Park Service are here to serve you, and will welcome the opportunity to make your stay at Saguaro National Monument more enjoyable.

We hope you will cooperate with us "by taking only pictures and inspiration and leaving only footprints and goodwill."

TIPS TO PHOTOGRAPHERS

Photographers will note that several trails have been laid out for their convenience. These lead to particularly fine specimens and groups of Saguaros, but have not been developed as permanent trails. They are merely guides to the better photographic locations.

The best time to photograph the Cactus Forest is late in the afternoon when the lengthening shadows make the cactus stand out in bold relief. Excellent views of the forest, with the Santa Catalina Mountains in the background, may be had from the hilltops as you drive north on the loop road. The Arizona sun is brighter than you think, so use a light meter.

CONSERVATION--CAN A LAYMAN HELP?

If you are interested in the work of the National Park Service and in the cause of conservation in general, you can give active expression of this interest, and lend support by aligning yourself with one of the numerous conservation organizations which act as spokesmen for those who wish our scenic heritage to be kept unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.

Names and addresses of conservation organizations may be obtained from the ranger.

KEEP AMERICA BEAUTIFUL

_THE NATIONAL MONUMENT_

In 1933 President Herbert Hoover by presidential proclamation created Saguaro National Monument. Within its boundaries is found the magnificent forest of mature Saguaros that is recognized as the finest stand of this great cactus in the United States. It is one of the few National Monuments dedicated to the protection and preservation of a native plant species.

It is also one of the most diversified of our National Monuments. With an altitudinal range of over 5,000 feet its 63,000-acre area encompasses the peaks of two mountain ranges. Against this background of towering mountains the cactus forest is presented as a rare jewel mounted in an incomparable setting.

_THE GIANT CACTUS_

The Saguaro (_Carnegiea gigantea_) is the largest cactus native to the United States. Common in northwestern Mexico, its range north of the border is limited to southern Arizona, with the exception of a few isolated small colonies along the California side of the Colorado river. It grows on low desert plains and foothills in the hot dry climate of the Lower Sonoran Zone. A prominent feature of this desert landscape is the great variety of xerophytic (especially modified to exist on limited water supply) plants, especially the cacti. In response to the arid conditions under which it must survive the Saguaro exhibits a degree of adaptability equalled by few plants anywhere.

The construction of the Saguaro is simple, yet effective. The stem is supported by an inner framework of from 12 to 30 slender vertical ribs. Arranged in a circle and joined at various places these ribs form an openwork tube that possesses great strength and rigidity. In and around this tube is a spongy tissue capable of absorbing a great amount of water. This is facilitated by the accordion-like pleats of the interior surface of the stem. These extend or close together as the moisture content of the plant increases or diminishes.

The roots that serve this living storage tank are no less remarkable. The tap root is small and acts as little more than a pad to support the great weight of the plant. The radial roots are heavy and of great length. They radiate out from the base of the Saguaro, usually no more than a foot below the surface of the ground, but often to a distance equal to the height of the plant. They serve the double purpose of gathering food and moisture, and of holding the great bulk of the trunk upright against the fierce desert storms. In their progress through the rocky soil in which the Saguaro usually grows they become contorted and act as anchors which are not easily dislodged.

The associations of the Saguaro with other plants of the desert have not as yet been fully studied. However, it is apparent that for the first years of its life the young Saguaro seedling requires the protection furnished by a shrub or tree. Here it makes slow but steady progress until at 50 years of age it may be 10 to 12 feet tall. During the next century it may attain a height of 40 feet and a weight of several tons, dwarfing its protector of former years.

The ecological importance of the Saguaro to animals is better known. Two species of Woodpeckers, the Gila Woodpecker and the Gilded Flicker, drill deep holes into the plant and fashion nests in the cool interior. Actually this causes little damage to the Saguaro, which soon forms a thick scar tissue around the walls of the excavation, sealing it away from the rest of the plant. In succeeding years these nests may be taken over by Elf Owls, Sparrow Hawks, Flycatchers, or Purple Martins. Larger birds build their nests among the branches of the Saguaro. Chief among these are the Red Tail Hawks and Great Horned Owls.

_CACTUS FOREST DRIVE_

While at Saguaro you will find it is desirable to take advantage of the recreational and educational facilities provided for your use. After you leave the Administration Building, signs along the 9.1-mile loop road will direct your attention to special exhibits along the way. Each area has been chosen because of features especially interesting to the visitor. Limited exploring and hiking trips are encouraged along Cactus Forest Drive. A picnic area provided with fireplaces, tables and ramadas is located at the 8-mile point.

Among the many stops along the Cactus Forest Drive five have been selected as especially important to an understanding of the natural features of the Monument. Each has "in place" information which will add to your appreciation of the Cactus Forest.

First Stop

ROCK PARAPET--Approximately 200 years ago prevailing climatic conditions were of such nature as to permit germination of a large number of Saguaro seeds, creating the more or less even-aged stand of Giant Saguaros we see here today.

The Tanque Verde Mountains to the east are composed largely of crystalline rocks formed under conditions of great heat and pressure. They were elevated by movements of the earth's crust and now are gradually being eroded away.

The Tucson Valley to the north is in reality a deep canyon (2,000 to 3,000 feet) filled with debris.

Second Stop

CRISTATE SAGUARO--This abnormal growth, called a cristate, is of rare occurrence. Many theories have been advanced as to what causes these "crests" but none hold true in all cases. Although the cause is unknown, the pattern of their growth is simple. Instead of growing in three directions the cells of a cristate grow only upward and outward in two. This results in a fan-shaped malformation with a long growing line in the center of the upper edge. Although a cristate may apparently develop from an injury, there is every reason to believe that, once established, the tendency to cristate becomes a genetic character. Seed from cristates often produce cristate plants. An excellent specimen of cristate Barrel Cactus may be seen at the entrance to the Nature Trail.

Third Stop

NATURE TRAIL--Along this 300-yard trail you will find most of the important plants native to the Cactus Forest. Each plant is labelled with both common and scientific names, together with much additional information.

SAGUARO NATIONAL MONUMENT ACREAGE--63,000 ELEVATION--2,600 to 8,590 ft. N.W. CORNER EL. 2,600 FT. RINCON CREEK PANTANO WASH AGUA VERDE CREEK CACTUS FOREST LOOP DRIVE OBSERVATION HILL OLD SPANISH TRAIL VISITOR USE BLDG PARK HEADQUARTERS LUNCH AREA DESERT TO MOUNTAIN HWY. JUNIPER BASIN EL. 3,000 FT. MICA MTN. EL. 8,590 FT. FOREST USE AREA RINCON PEAK EL. 8,465 FT.

Fourth Stop

VIEW OF WEST SLOPE OF TANQUE VERDE MOUNTAINS--Saguaro cacti growing up to an elevation of 4,000 feet.

The country you see here is a good example of what is called the Lower Sonoran life zone. Here you may expect such typical desert animals as the Roadrunner, Gambel Quail, Kangaroo Rat, Jackrabbit and the Javelina or "wild pig".

Fifth Stop

JAVELINA DEN (_hah-veh-LEE-nah_)--In these undercuts the Javelinas (or Peccary) often hide during the day to escape from the heat of the sun. At night many Javelinas are often present in this particular area due to the abundance of Jojoba bushes.

From the view point near the Javelina Den a striking view may be had of the distant Santa Cruz Valley. On a clear day seven mountain ranges may be seen from this spot.

"All photographs on pages 9-12 by Marvin H. Frost, Sr." 5th Ed. 4-56 20M

Saguaro National Monument, a unit of the National Park System, is one of 180 areas administered by the National Park Service, U. S. Department of the Interior.

The traveling public is becoming increasingly aware of the National Monuments, which have received less publicity than the great, well-known National Parks, yet which possess extremely interesting features.

Many of these are in the Southwest; we hope you will take the opportunity to visit one or more of them on your trip.

_Administered as a group by the General Superintendent, Southwestern National Monuments, Box 1562, Gila Pueblo, Globe, Arizona_

IN UTAH: Arches National Monument, Moab Natural Bridges National Monument (care of Arches) Rainbow Bridge National Monument (care of Navajo) IN NEW MEXICO: Aztec Ruins National Monument, Aztec Chaco Canyon National Monument, Bloomfield El Morro National Monument, El Morro Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument (care of General Supt.) Gran Quivira National Monument, Gran Quivira IN ARIZONA: Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Chinle Casa Grande National Monument, Coolidge Chiricahua National Monument, Dos Cabezas Coronado National Memorial, Star Route, Hereford, Arizona Montezuma Castle National Monument, Camp Verde Navajo National Monument, Tonalea Sunset Crater National Monument (care of Wupatki) Tonto National Monument, Roosevelt Tumacacori National Monument, Tumacacori Tuzigoot National Monument, Clarkdale Walnut Canyon National Monument, Rt. 1, Box 790, Flagstaff Wupatki National Monument, Tuba Star Route, Flagstaff

_Other areas administered by the National Park Service in the Southwest follow:_

IN ARIZONA: Grand Canyon National Park, Grand Canyon Grand Canyon National Monument, Grand Canyon Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Ajo Petrified Forest National Monument, Holbrook Pipe Spring National Monument, Moccasin Saguaro National Monument, Rt. 8, Box 350, Tucson IN COLORADO: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument (care of Colorado National Monument) Colorado National Monument, Fruita Great Sand Dunes National Monument, Box 60, Alamosa Mesa Verde National Park IN NEVADA: Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Boulder City Lehman Caves National Monument, Baker IN NEW MEXICO: Bandelier National Monument, Santa Fe Capulin Mountain National Monument, Capulin Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Carlsbad White Sands National Monument, Box 231, Alamogordo IN OKLAHOMA: Platt National Park, Sulphur IN TEXAS: Big Bend National Park IN UTAH: Bryce Canyon National Park, Springdale Capitol Reef National Monument, Torrey Cedar Breaks National Monument (care of Zion) Timpanogos Cave National Monument, Pleasant Grove Zion National Park, Springdale Zion National Monument (care of Zion)

This booklet is published by the SOUTHWESTERN NATIONAL MONUMENTS Box 1562 H, Gila Pueblo, Globe, Arizona

_which is a non-profit distributing organization pledged to aid in the preservation and interpretation of Southwestern features of outstanding national interest._

The Association lists for sale interesting and excellent publications for adults _and_ children and very many color slides on Southwestern subjects. These make fine gifts for birthdays, parties, and special occasions, and many prove to be of value to children in their school work and hobbies.

May we recommend, for instance, the following items which give additional information on Saguaro National Monument and the Southwest?

****3. ARIZONA'S NATIONAL MONUMENTS. King, ed. Comprehensive chapters, written by rangers, on the 16 monuments in the state and Grand Canyon. Beautifully illustrated, 8 color plates, maps. 116 pp $3.00 ***45. FLOWERS OF THE SOUTHWEST DESERTS. Dodge and Janish. More than 140 of the most interesting and common desert plants beautifully drawn in 100 plates, with descriptive text. 112 pp., color cover, paper $1.00 ***60. FLOWERS OF THE SOUTHWEST MESAS. Patraw and Janish. Companion volume to the Deserts flower booklet, but covering the plants of the plateau country of the Southwest. More than 140 species are beautifully illustrated in the 100 plates of line drawings by Jeanne R. Janish, with descriptive text, 112 pp., color cover, paper $1.00 ***61. FLOWERS OF THE SOUTHWEST MOUNTAINS. Arnberger and Janish. Descriptions and illustrations of plants and trees of the southern Rocky Mountains and other Southwestern ranges above 7,000 feet elevation. 112 pp., color cover, paper $1.00 ***64. POISONOUS DWELLERS OF THE DESERT. Dodge. Invaluable handbook for any person living in the desert. Tells the facts about dangerous insects, snakes, etc., giving treatment for bites and stings, and dispels myths about harmless creatures mistakenly believed poisonous. 48 pp $0.50 ***67. ANIMALS OF THE SOUTHWEST DESERTS. George Olin and Jerry Cannon. Interestingly written accounts of 42 desert dwelling mammals with 75 line drawings. 112 pp., color paper cover $1.00 **107. TUMACACORI'S YESTERDAYS. By Earl Jackson. The interestingly written story of 18th and early 19th century Indian and Spanish life in southern Arizona and Sonora as reflected in the history of the mission of San Jose de Tumacacori, now Tumacacori National Monument. 96 pp., color paper cover, 53 excellent illus $0.75 **131. NALAKIHU. By Dale S. King. Thorough and concise reports on an interesting pueblo in Wupatki National Monument. Technical but has interesting summaries and discussions. 193 pp., 81 plates, 17 tables $4.00 **650. FOR THE DEAN. Erik K. Reed and Dale S. King, eds. Handsome volume of anthropological essays by 23 of his former students in honor of the noted Dr. Byron Cummings of the U. of Arizona. Valuable contribution to science, consisting mostly of Southwestern subjects. Authors include Haury, McGregor, Hawley, Wedel, Willey, Spicer, etc., and subjects cover wide field: Pueblo witchcraft, Cocopah history, Papago physical status, Great Kivas, etc. 319 pp., illus., cloth $6.00

For the complete list of almost 100 publications and 1700 color slides on Southwestern Indians, geology, ruins, plants, animals, history, etc., ask the Ranger, or you can obtain one by mail by writing the

SOUTHWESTERN NATIONAL MONUMENTS Box 1562 H--Gila Pueblo, Globe, Arizona

_Offset by_ KILLIAN PRINTING SERVICE GLOBE, ARIZONA

Transcriber's Notes

--Silently corrected a few typos.

--Retained publication information from the printed edition: this eBook is public-domain in the country of publication.

--In the text versions only, text in italics is delimited by _underscores_.