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On a recent trip to Tucson, Arizona, I entered Saguaro National Park East before the sun rose. As I drove the 8-mile Cactus Forest Scenic Loop, the colors of the sky gradually lightened and brightened the Sonoran Desert around me. The many-armed giant saguaro and the purplish mountain ridges were soon silhouetted against the rosy blush of the eastern horizon. At several pullouts, I stopped to walk the trails and admire the sometimes humorous shapes of saguaro arms. Looking westward, I could still spy stars above that horizon.
While sunset’s golden hour gets much attention and romantic hoopla, the quieter beauty of a sunrise can be equally magical and breathtaking. Getting out early also means enjoying activities in cooler weather and with fewer crowds. Plan to arrive at your viewing destination at least 30 minutes before sunrise to ensure the full sensory experience and boost both your body and mind.
A full 95 percent of travelers 50-plus who were surveyed agree that travel is good for their mental health, and 85 percent agree it is good for their physical health, according to AARP’s 2025 Travel Trends. Additionally, “Time in nature can improve our mental health and sharpen our cognition,” according to an American Psychological Association story. Check out these National Parks that are almost always open.

Saguaro National Park, East and West, Arizona
East or west of Tucson, early risers will find multiple places to admire the fresh day. In Saguaro East, the Desert Ecology Trail is ¼ of a mile long, wheelchair-accessible, and offers educational signage. In Saguaro West, take the slightly uphill 0.8-mile trail to the Valley View Overlook for a panoramic view of the cactus forest or take the Bajada Loop Drive for other options. Entrance fee: $25 for a vehicle pass for both sides.