🌵⛰️ Saguaro National Park: Over 2 Million Cactus! | 51 Parks with the Newstates

[@NewstateNomads]

📺🏞 Full Playlist: 51 Parks in 52 Weeks! kzbin.info/aero/PL65WeD4x2qTgf6x_ImXLRDnm2WWweeOKb

[@Bsargentnoble1]

Kudos to them for creating and maintaining a program to assist young people in the efforts to serve the National Parks and their visitors.

[@NewstateNomads]

Beverly, we couldn't agree more! Hopefully this program exists at other parks and we'll keep an eye out for it.👍 -Howard

[@carmaela2689]

If only the government put even a small fraction of the military budget into programs like that!

[@kjt4623]

Superb production values - narration, editing & research! Great to know our youth are preparing themselves to serve in America's National Parks. I live ten miles from Saguaro East and it truly amazes me every-time I'm here. Be sure to visit the visitor center and watch the video presentation on this unique and beautiful park in our National Park System.

[@davemaurer9709]

I love those saguaro cactuses. Those arms take decades to grow. They reminded me of all the western movies I used to watch. I was just in awe the first time I saw them in Arizona.

[@NewstateNomads]

Haha, Dave you and Katelyn are a kindred spirit! Awe is a perfect way to describe the first time she saw them as well. Now, I'm just prepared to snap a pic with her "cactus friends." 😂👍 -Howard

[@davemaurer9709]

@@NewstateNomads I just enjoy following your adventures. Keep enjoying God's creations ❤️

[@lindakasper7155]

Loving the National Parks series. Thanks for sharing.

[@NewstateNomads]

Thanks so much, Linda!! 💟

[@melgun13]

Big fan of all your videos, and I love how this year you've been highlighting park rangers, park interns/volunteers and the challenges the parks face! Interesting, educational and entertaining! I look forward to your videos every week!❤

[@NewstateNomads]

Melanie, thank you so much for all the kind words. ♥️ There are so many unsung heroes of the National Parks and rangers doing incredible work to benefit all of us! We're humbled to have an opportunity to share their stories this year. 👍 -Howard

[@karppadiem7014]

We actually had an entire bed of prickly pear cactus in front of our house in western NY. I couldn't believe that they had survived there. Each winter, they flattened themselves and hunkered down for winter. In the spring, they perked back up and had beautiful yellow blooms each summer. Thanks for sharing. 💖 Troy & Aimee

[@NewstateNomads]

WOW, I had no idea prickly pear were that hardy! You're definitely well out of native climate in that area, did they ever get damaged by a deep freeze?? -Howard

[@karppadiem7014]

@Newstate Nomads a little bit. I just removed the damaged arms in the spring. Some years we covered them with burlap and that helped. The deer ate a few arms too in tough winters. I had no idea they could survive here until I attended a local Garden Walk and someone had them outside so I had to try. 💖

[@Bsargentnoble1]

So encouraging to see these young people nerding out on nature. Very encouraging.

[@melvinmeinhart6878]

You make everything so interesting. I love your style. Keep going. I love it. Thank you!

[@NewstateNomads]

Thank YOU, Melvin! We're so glad you're along for the journey. 👍 -Howard

[@KurtSkert]

Malana was awesome! I love that she grew up in the area and knows her home so well

[@NewstateNomads]

Kurt, we agree! Big fans over here of the NextGen ranger program, and love that so many of the members of the program are from the surrounding community! 👍 -Howard

[@gregpriddy8595]

I loved your interviewees! Kudos to all the young people going through that program. G

[@adventuresofMomDadGirlWhiteDog]

Cacti is a new obsession of mine. So cool! Saguaro is one of tops on my list. 😍💖🌵💕 Great video!

[@mariondiemert430]

That was awesome! Thank you so much for sharing.

[@NewstateNomads]

Marion, thanks so much and glad you enjoyed it! 👍 -Howard

[@terrygillis9909]

We love any cactus that is blooming. The flowers on cactus are fantastic.

[@moore_2_explore]

I just Loved all the great information the rangers shared! That’s one of the best part about visiting our NP’s and that next gen program is fantastic! Great episode guys!!💙

[@NewstateNomads]

We just loved learning about the NextGen program, such a fantastic idea! The rangers are always so full of great info! Thanks so much, as always, for watching! ❤ -Katelyn

[@b1mfua33]

All I can say is I love the baby cactus. That’s all I know. Haha.. loved your video.Thank you for this. Now I know a lot more about Cactuses.🙂❤️❤️🇨🇦

[@charlenebishop7530]

Great tip about the driving tour. Thank you!

[@NewstateNomads]

Happy to help, Charlene! We love audio tours! 👍 -Howard

[@ChrisRoxDuhh]

Saguaros would be my favorite cactus! I can't cease to marvel at them❤

[@rv2travel]

Thanks for sharing the desert with us. It’s one of my favorite places!

[@Desertmomof2]

I live in AZ and still haven't made it to Saguaro National Park! I'm more encouraged to get down there now. It's always so hot when I think of it... like now. I love both the saguaro and the ocotillo, especially when they bloom. We have a huge prickly pear in our back yard that's beautiful along with a barrel cactus. They are all nice in their own ways. Thanks for this video. It was great.

[@NewstateNomads]

So glad our video helped inspire a future trip! 👍😍 It's such a beautiful place. We were there in late February and as you probably saw, it was very cool weather-wise. Yes! Love seeing all the various cacti in bloom. Thanks so much for watching!! -Katelyn

[@pglen6042]

I like the little cacti I can grow on my windowsill, lol. This is a fascinating park.

[@NewstateNomads]

I like those too! 😍

[@susandt3856]

The Saguaro cactus is my fav for looks. The prickly pear in a margarita is my fav for taste!

[@shannonalward217]

Love the cactus!! That Next Gen program looks so cool. You guys always highlight the best stuff! Loved the sound of those coyotes.

[@terripopp5469]

Katelyn I LOVE Cactus 🌵 too!!! My favorite are the prickly pear. My bucket list is to go to Saguaro National Park to see the giant cactus!!! Thank you for the great video!!! I have binge watched from the beginning!!! Y’all are the BEST!!! 🌵🌵🌵🌵

[@virginialemm864]

I absolutely love, love, LOVE Saguaro cacti!!! Tim and I go to Tucson each year (since 2008) to attend the many gem and mineral shows. I’m always enamored by them to and from Tucson, and all the drives around the area. I GET EXCITED ABOUT THEM just like you! As I got older, I grew to appreciate the desert,whereas I did not like it at all as a child and teenager. I believe this year, you two were there the same time we were. The skies, sunsets, CACTI, local food (😋😋😋) and camping in our Lucy all make for a fabulous vacation. Have you ever stayed at Catalina State Park? It’s in the Oro Valley area, and is beautiful! Right there below the mountains and they have water and electric hook-ups if you want them. Our National Parks are our Country’s treasures, and this series of your travels to all in the lower 48, beings us so much closer…THANK YOU! I so look forward to your videos each week, I keep looking for Sunday to come! Many thanks, as-always, for your expertise in filming and your sweet natures, which makes for a very happy Sunday for me! Much love, Virginia

[@NewstateNomads]

Virginia, first and foremost thank you as always for the encouragement and support. You've been along for the journey since the beginning and we can't thank you enough! Now, somehow we always just miss the gem/mineral shows. Always just happened or shortly after we leave! Hopefully some day our paths cross, would be great to meetup! 👍 -Howard

[@virginialemm864]

@@NewstateNomads hi Howard! Such nice words from you! I only compliment when compliments are due. I tell everyone I know, whether or not they rv, to watch your channel. Many have and tell me how much they enjoyed your videos…very professional, yet very “comfortable” to watch. ..like you are family members. That’s how I feel. Your documentation of everything you experience, whether happy or sad, draws us in. Again, many tanks for just being “you.” Love You Two, Virginia

[@ANTIK1OAS]

Put on this video as I watch a lot of videos about Saguaro National Park and the Tucson area when I get homesick. My front door was 2 acres from the park in the Picture Rocks area. I miss it so much. Your production value is fantastic and I actually learned something which is rare when watching most travel channels that visit there. Going to be a go to watch for me with Cactus Atlas. Thanks guys, keep it up.

[@toddramsay977]

I like prickly pear cactus, pretty flowers, good to eat, makes a wonderful marquita or daiquiri flavor. Second is a Teddy Bear Cholla. My grandparents had a 3 sided Star cactus with 3 stalks that had many branches. They called it a Arizona Christmas Tree. They had it for over 40 years. I remember it as a kid (7), ( I am 57now) about 3 ft, high. Today, it is over 6 ft tall and 3’ in diameter. My aunt has it and they decorate it for every holiday as my grandparents did. Great video!

[@mikestone9839]

Great series! Learning a lot as you go along on these adventures.

[@NewstateNomads]

Mike that is great to hear, we're really enjoying this year's tour! Thanks for watching and glad you're along for the journey. 👍 -Howard

[@lorraineanderson149]

Definitely on my bucket list, I love Cacti!

[@NewstateNomads]

Yes! They are all so beautiful in my eyes!

[@pglen6042]

Loved this. Thank you.(and no food being eaten).

[@WilHershberger]

Wonderful video. I too love Saguaros and the Sonoran desert. It’s a magical place.

[@NewstateNomads]

Wil, thanks so much! We keep returning to the Sonoran, and the word magical is a PERFECT way to describe it. 👍 -Howard

[@iamfaithfullyhis]

Amazing Park! ❤Just left Joshua which was amazing too! This one is a bucket list! Thanks guys! 😎👍🌵🐾

[@jentillman200363]

I live in Tucson. Thank you for doing this video. You did a great job!

[@kevinstrahle9687]

Hi guys Great video great park I really like the desert so vibrant and beautiful. The mighty saguaro is my favorite. I also like the palo verde trees. The desert landscape is the best.

[@TravelSmallLiveBig]

Ha ha - Katelyn you are so funny! I like barrel cactus - especially when it’s flowering. I do not like the dangers of cholla. Oh wow - that program is the best! To find their passion & be so great at sharing it 🥰

[@karlamartins2761]

Excellent video. Packed with great information

[@missriggy]

Thank you for the tip about the Gilbert Ray Campground! We had a lovely stay there last week!

[@NewstateNomads]

Oh yay!! I'm so glad you enjoyed it... definitely one of our favorites 😍🌵

[@missriggy]

@@NewstateNomads and yes, I do have a favorite cactus, just like Katelyn! Mine is definitely the saguaro, it has so many different shape possibilities. I think they are endless! I love cactus fields so so very much!! We are at Organ Pipe National Monument now, finishing up work, but I’m about to step out and soak up some more cactus wonder! 💝

[@NewstateNomads]

Love that! Agree on the saguaro. It's so amazing! Organ Pipe is still on our list. 😍 It looks awesome!

[@richarddibble4075]

Greetings here in Flagstaff Arizona!! Safe travels

[@NewstateNomads]

Richard, thanks so much! Flagstaff is one of our favorite towns and I used to live there back in the early 2000s! -Howard

[@michelleroosma3342]

Yes, as a matter of fact, I do have a favorite cactus; it's the totempole cactus. It's bumpy, smooth, and unique to look at.

[@NewstateNomads]

I just looked that one up, Michelle! It's SOOO pretty. I love how different it is! -Katelyn

[@brianstevens7132]

I wasn't sure how much I would enjoy watching this video. Thought it was just another desert video. You did an excellent job of presenting so much information and made it very interesting. Thanks so much for the work you put into your videos.

[@NewstateNomads]

Thank you so much, Brian! We're so glad you found our video. Appreciate the kind words! ❤ -Katelyn

[@pattismith1331]

Barrel cacti. But succulents really own my heart.

[@theroadoffaith7855]

Cool we arrived in the area two weeks later for a month and those cacti were in bloom. Very neat

[@martincastro620]

We were down by tomstone and saw your video and now we're here, got here early and got a great spot for the week. thanks to your great info

[@NewstateNomads]

Hi Martin! Oh, yay! That makes us so happy to hear. Hope you enjoy it as much as we do! -Katelyn

[@cindyj9014]

We loved the drive up Mt Lemmon - SO many beautiful 🌵 and the change in landscape was amazing! Thanks for sharing your adventures, we are gradually visiting all the National Parks when we visit the US and getting our stamps! Cheers from 🇨🇦

[@edsi979]

Olympic National Park is amazing and only a couple of hrs from us. There are tons of hiking and beachfront walking. Kalaloch Beach has the tree of life. Realto beach has the hole in the wall hike with tide pools at low tide. Hurricane Ridge will be closed til memorial day weekend. 😢. (You may want to replan). The Hoh rainforest is a must-see as well. Also there are plans to have the hood canal bridge closed in July. Either way, you may want to use RT 101 for a more scenic drive. Just the drive around 101 is picturesque. It's a full loop from hood canal are around crescent lake past Forks WA down along the scenic coast. Any questions give a shout. As always, another amazing video with insightful knowledge and intriguing destinations.

[@NewstateNomads]

Ed, wow so many great recommendations in one comment! We're scheduled to visit Olympic in June, so it sounds like the timing might be perfect. Would you mind sending a message or email? Would love to pick your brain more as we plan our filming up there! Thanks so much for watching and glad you're along for the journey! 👍-Howard

[@gloriacardenas2056]

Muchísimas gracias por mostrarme ese parque de saguaro o 🌵🌵🌵 hermoso.

[@geraldzimmerman8777]

found your channel about a month ago. Enjoy the places you go, especially the National Parks. (My favorite park is Capitol Reef, next to where my mom grew up.) I also love all cactus. I have a 50 year old saguaro that has an arm. We got it as a pin cushion. I have also seen ocotillo in bloom with its red flowers at the mission in Oceanside, CA...beautiful.

[@gregspence2202]

We love hearing the coyotes at night in Quartzsite. Karen and Greg

[@Rejoicewithsinging]

Those coyotes gave me goosebumps 😱 I love all cactus 🌵 Used to do travelling nurse assignments in Scottsdale and on my days off I would take my Harley motorcycle and just ride and ride and loved seeing the desert 🏜

[@trwent]

Saguaro is a great park in which to see all kinds of cacti. Another great place to see cacti is Natural Bridges National Monument in Utah.

[@johneason6540]

Fantastic video. I stayed at Belle campground and night hiked to Keys view to be there for sunrise photos. It had a super moon that night.

[@penelopebartell840]

Really enjoyed this video. The ranger and new ranger programs, very cool! Will have to visit Saguaro again. It is a cool park.

[@NewstateNomads]

So glad you liked learning about those programs, Penelope! Thank you so much for watching! -Katelyn

[@LovelyMels1]

Melena and the other park rangers did a great job. This is my home! I live in Vail so im closer to the Saguaro park east, but there is nothing better than driving Gates Pass and coming up over the Saguaro park west especially near sunset time! The vast array of saguaro forests are mesmorizing even for me and ive lived here for 17 years. 🌵 We are the greenest we have been in a while because of all the extra rain we have gotten this past year. Monsoon season was especially fruitful and this past winter has graced us with many rainy nights and days and even several snow days. Brown Mountain is a great hike and right there near where you camped. There is an amazing Saguaro on that hike with its arm bent down like its offering you a seat. One of my favs! Colossal Cave in Vail is another great place to visit and there is a hiking path off of the cave which is a nice little place. Small campground here as well but more of a tent camping spot. Where I live in Vail its not super remote though my place is 3 acres of raw desert, we have our nightly howlers (coyotes) and javelinas looking for food. Great video, i loved this!

[@mooreroadstotravelon3]

Love your adventures and videos!!

[@johneason6540]

Great video guys. I live in Marana AZ, so about 20 miles from both sides and about 35 miles from Mt Lemmon ski bowl. I have hiked Mt Wasson and I have hiked Mt Lemmon from Catalina state park. Which would be a great place for you to stay in your evening. I'm following your NP tour. Im on the same mission but not all in 1 year. ❤

[@NewstateNomads]

John, obviously you're working your way through our episodes, but how many national parks have you visited so far? Isn't it amazing the variety of experiences you can have at different parks? We created this series to share the stories and help others plan a visit to our National Parks, but not to encourage everyone to try a marathon like what we've gotten ourselves into, lol. -Howard

[@johneason6540]

I have been to 30, most of the ones on your tour this i will see hopefully this year.

[@rpmcmurphy2348]

Very nice vid!

[@NewstateNomads]

Glad you enjoyed it, and thanks for watching! 👍 -Howard

[@primalperry5667]

Love these parks. The hikes and desert museum are great. I live to the south, in Sierra Vista so I've visited a few times and it's still great to visit.

[@ladikmk]

Wow - so much great info about this amazing National Park and what a super camping area too. Were you able to walk the dogs in the camping area? That volunteer pre-Ranger program sounds ideal, and the perfect way for someone to learn and practice what they’d actually be doing in a position as a National Park Ranger. You asked about a fav cactus Katelyn - I have SO many favorite plants and it all boils down to the one I’m actually looking at, at that moment, because to me they’re all so very special. Thanks so much for sharing this video. Safe travels, stay well & hugs for the fur-girls too.

[@NewstateNomads]

Lis, thanks so much and YES the campground is a great spot for walking the dogs (we showed it briefly in the beginning of the episode)! Great observation about the NextGen Ranger program, it's a fantastic concept that hopefully other parks are doing as well! As always, thanks for the wonderful comments and encouragement. 👍 -Howard

[@barbaracarlson7402]

Really enjoyed this video. Have you ever visited Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument in southern Arizona? It’s south of Ajo. We loved it, so many cacti and it’s nestled between two mountain ranges. We were there a few years ago in our Navion (love ours too) and thought it was magical.

[@bigjimslade6250]

Who Dey 🐅 I don’t like cacti but they can be entertaining to watch others deal with the thorns. One time in Palo Duro Canyon we came up on a mountain biker who had crashed into a cactus off trail. His little skinny bicycle pants looked like a pin cushion. But we came to the rescue with duct tape. Helpful hint; duct tape is very useful to pull out cacti spines in mass. I will never forget the sight of that guy & those spines sticking out of the seat of his pants. Reminded me of a scene from Bugs Bunny with Yosemite Sam. Enjoying the trip this season.

[@NewstateNomads]

Who Dey, big Jim! Saw you in the chat for the live yesterday, too! Yeah, we've had our own run-ins with cactus in our travels, too. Poor little Piper we feel has the worst feelings for cactus, especially after one incident in TX when she got a thorn stuck in her LIP! 😮😂 -Howard

[@bigjimslade6250]

@@NewstateNomads I bet so. It hurts just thinking about a thorn in the lip.

[@jamesclick8223]

I have been through there but sadly didn't have time to explore. She is right,cacti are cool. I have had a thing for Saguaro cactus since I first saw them in western movies in the 60's as a kid.

[@RBF-hq6tu]

Great videos

[@wilsonsk11]

Love traveling with you all. Katelyn, can you tell me where you purchased your sling backpack from? I am going to be hiking in Maine this summer and it looks just about the righty size. Thank you.

[@NewstateNomads]

Thanks, Susan and can't wait to hear about your trip to Maine (it's one of our favorites!) this summer. The sling backpack and most things you see in our episodes is over on our Amazon shop! Katelyn loves that bag so much, she just bought it again in a second color. 👍 -Howard www.amazon.com/shop/newstatenomads

[@jeanninekalua9016]

I dont have a favorite cactus, but i do think they are beautiful!❤

[@NewstateNomads]

That's good enough for Katelyn! Anyone who says they love cactus or think they're beautiful is a win in her book. 😂👍 -Howard

[@jeanninekalua9016]

@@NewstateNomads awesome! Im loving your park adventures, and the cactus is of course spectacular!

[@iamfaithfullyhis]

P. S. We like the cactus without needles! 😂

[@KennedyKrew58]

Excellent video.

[@NewstateNomads]

Thank you so much!! 🥰🌵🙌

[@glennscotti8891]

Totem pole cactus are my favorite. I live in Tucson and suggest anyone visiting to stop at the sonoran desert museum.

[@marthatester4910]

The catus are cool, my Husband and I like the non prickly ones

[@Thesaltymedic36]

I’d thought about being a Park Ranger at one point in my life. Obviously I didn’t take that route. The road up was very interesting, seeing the change in the landscape. Some of those cacti just look mean with those sticker. Great video 👍🏼

[@NewstateNomads]

I think you would have made a great Park Ranger! Yes, the drive up Mt Lemmon is sooo cool! The change is amazing to see in person!

[@StevenDietrich-k2w]

Kings Canyon trail to Wasson Peak is often kind of rutted and in less than ideal shape. You can access Wasson Peak on the Hugh Norris trail which is a better trail (I've done both). You can access Wasson Peak from the east side of the Park on the Sweetwater trail, which I have not yet done. Don't miss the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum which is just south of the park, but not in it. Also, Mission San Xavier del Bac, which is a Spanish mission about 10 miles south of the park.

[@rupachenthil]

I have a favorite cactus :) Barrel ones

[@NewstateNomads]

Ooo that is a great choice! Those are fun!

[@adriannurse1502]

That is really neat that they have a program to help people become Rangers. I learned something new. Sorry, but I don't have a favorite cactus. I didn't even know they had multiple kinds.

[@kristenschust]

Great info - I love your National Park series! Sorry Katelyn I'm not a catus fan.

[@rosemountfarms2897]

Bunny Ears or Hairbrush Cactus I love them I have a collection of Cactus Go Kaitlin 🎉❤

[@Adamandlisa]

Did you get a permit to film in the NP? Was it a hard process?

[@NewstateNomads]

Hi Adam and Lisa, thanks for watching and yes we did get permits (like at all 51 of our park stops this year). The process varies a little by each park, but you generally will apply, submit your schedule of filming and then the park will review and send you a method to pay the application fee. For 2 or less people, there is no location fee, but you will pay the application fee. The more detailed your plan, the easier the process (the parks will sometimes ask for more specifics of locations and times so it is best to have that on your application). -Howard

[@darlenekeene755]

What app if any do you use when doing driving tours through the national parks? Refer me to one of your videos if needed. Thanks.

[@chrisnorvell1631]

I love Joshua trees, but unsure if they are actually cactus. Prickly pear and barrel cactus in at the top of my list

[@andreagoodling2133]

prickly pear gets my vote

[@RainyJo715]

I’m from South Dakota, no Cacti 🌵here, although my uncle did bring me one back from Arizona once, and it was about the size of a basketball, completely round. The joke was that I finally had a plant that I couldn’t kill. Lol However, it had these big hook shaped thorns all over, and if I had a nickel for every time that stupid thing poked or cut me wide open! Ugh!! Lol I did eventually kill it accidentally too, go figure. So I think they’re beautiful to look at! I’ve been four wheeling through the desert mountains and I did my best to avoid them, except for pictures, because they absolutely are, just magnificent, in person. So I give Cacti a thumbs up for their cool factor, but I am happy that I don’t have to deal with them here at home on an everyday basis. Lol 😆

[@keithramsdell2691]

My favorite cactus is a Bird of Paradise. Haha

[@amyhorne2206]

After you've been stuck by a cactus you don't tend to have a favorite cactus!

[@NewstateNomads]

Haha that's very true! 😂 That's why Piper, our pup, hates them!

[@stevenr7003]

My favorite cactus is the one in someone else's yard "sorry"

[@juliepetruzzi8563]

Prickly pear! No, Howard is wrong, it is not okay not to like cactus!! J/k 😂

[@NewstateNomads]

Hahaha thank you Julie! 🤣🌵❤️ All in good fun. Prickly pear is an excellent choice!

[@chasenventures1911]

I’m a cactus tolerator

[@NewstateNomads]

I wish you could see how hard this made me laugh 🙌🤣🌵 thank you for that!

[@greghanson5864]

C4YT!

[@drone_boss]

I did not know this place existed. Shame on me!!!

[@MrRayedw]

Do you guy's plan on going back to videos of you actually traveling and rv life or continuing to do 20 minute commercials for each National Park? I understand that Winnebago is sponsoring you so you can't post anything that happens wrong with rv, but something other then National Park commercials every week please.

[@NewstateNomads]

With a plan to hit 51 National Parks this year, that's going to be all we can fit in! We respectfully appreciate your comment, but love and are proud of the stories we are able to share from the parks during this tour. Our channel has always been destination oriented, and this year we are featuring National Parks. Next year will likely include major cities and locations. Thanks for watching. 👍 -Howard

[@larrymoore4223]

Sorry but I do not care for cacti 🌵 😮😅

[@NewstateNomads]

Haha!! You and our pup, Piper! 🤣 She always has bad run-ins with them somehow.

[@aaronbrewer1742]

I live very close to this desert wasteland. Seen one, seen them all. The place is garbage