Saguaro Cactus
(Carnegiea Gigantea)

There is no other natural feature that better represents the American Southwest than the Saguaro Cactus. Picture an old western in your mind and the image of cowboys on horseback riding off into the sunset through a forest of saguaros is likely what you'll picture.

Saguaro Cactus commonly reach heights of 12 meters and can live to be 200 years old. This unique plant grows nowhere else on earth than here in the Sonoran Desert. In fact, the geographical range is actually limited to southern Arizona and parts of western Sonora, Mexico.

Supported by woody ribs, the cactus is made of succulent tissue, a thick epidermis, and water.

On average, Saguaro Cactus do not bloom for approximately 35 to 40 years. Saguaros develop their first arm after approximately 65 years.

Some of the best opportunities for viewing Saguaro Cactus can be found right outside Fountain Hills' back door. The McDowell Mountain Loop, a popular route for exploring the beauty of the Sonoran Desert passes through Fountain Hills on Fountain Hills Boulevard.

To learn more about the McDowell Mountain Loop see Road Trips under Recreation on this web site.

Spines and blooms are distinct features of the Saguaro Cactus.

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