Every tourist destination has its attractions. However, because every tourist is different, these attractions have greater or lesser value. In this series Gary gives his reasons for traveling to a particular place. Hopefully some of his thoughts will entice you to consider adding this particular location to your itinerary. The entire series is being categorized under the heading, “Spotlights.” However, you may find more about these locations in the archives of this website, under headings such as, “Great Places,” “Things to Do in,” “Best of,” “Top 10” and “Places of a Lifetime.” In addition, “Walking Tours” of many of these destinations may be available for purchase on the website for the low price of $1.49 each.

I love cacti! To me they are among the most fascinating creatures on the planet because of their extensive and elaborate adaptations to a parched and dry environment. The largest of the cacti is the Giant Saguaro, which only grows in a limited region of southwestern Arizona and northern Mexico. This national park preserves stands of this impressive plant for future generations of cactophiles. A visit to Saguaro National Park should include at least the following:

1. Walk the park trails to get up-close and personal with these behemoths of the cactus world.

Giant Saguaro

2. There are many other varieties of cactus within the park.

Gary with Cactus

3. The Opuntia, or Prickly Pear is also very common in this area.

Prickly Pear