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Red Hills Visitor Center (West)

Cortaro, Arizona · Pima County · Facility

The Red Hills Visitor Center is a great place to learn about the park and start your visit to Saguaro National Park's West District. Views from the patio are spectacular and overlook the Red Hills and majestic Saguaro cactus forest nearby. Learn more about the unique geology of the Tucson Mountains, get great recommend…

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About Red Hills Visitor Center (West)

The Red Hills Visitor Center is a great place to learn about the park and start your visit to Saguaro National Park's West District. Views from the patio are spectacular and overlook the Red Hills and majestic Saguaro cactus forest nearby. Learn more about the unique geology of the Tucson Mountains, get great recommendations on how to get the most out of your time in the park, or explore the park bookstore. General information, park maps, and hiking guides are available on the southern patio 24/7.

How to Get There

Getting to the Tucson Mountain District from the City of Tucson Travel west on Speedway Boulevard. At the junction of Camino de Oeste, Speedway Boulevard will change names to Gates Pass Road. From this junction, drive 4 miles (6.5 kilometers) west on Gates Pass Road until it ends at Kinney Road (turn right on Kinney Road). Drive 3 miles (5 kilometers) north on Kinney Road to the Park entrance (entrance is on the right side of the road). Vehicles exceeding 12,000 pounds GVWR are prohibited on Gates Pass

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

Plan Your Visit to Red Hills Visitor Center (West)

Heading to Red Hills Visitor Center (West)? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Red Hills Visitor Center (West)?

No central reservation system listed for Red Hills Visitor Center (West). Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/251563) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Red Hills Visitor Center (West)?

Getting to the Tucson Mountain District from the City of Tucson Travel west on Speedway Boulevard. At the junction of Camino de Oeste, Speedway Boulevard will change names to Gates Pass Road. From this junction, drive 4 miles (6.5 kilometers) west on Gates Pass Road until it ends at Kinney Road (turn right on Kinney Road). Drive 3 miles (5 kilometers) north on Kinney Road to the Park entrance (ent…

How do I contact Red Hills Visitor Center (West)?

You can reach the park at phone: (520) 733-5158 or email: sagu_information@nps.gov.