Nestled between four mountain ranges, the Santa Catalina Mountains to the north, the Rincon Mountains to the east, the Santa Rita Mountains to the south and the Tucson mountains to the west, Tucson is the second largest city in Arizona. It is also home to Saguaro National Park West and Saguaro National Park East.

The Saguaro National Parks are home to some of the finest examples saguaro cacti. These cacti only grow in the Sonoran Desert. They can reach heights of 40 to 60 feet tall and weights between 3,200 and 4,800 pounds. They have a life-span of 150 to 200 years and start growing their "arms" around the ripe old age of 75.

The area is also home to the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. This is the only place in the United States that this particular cactus grow.

But other than the natural beauty surrounding the city, Tucson also has a thriving arts scene with several museums and several art fairs that take place throughout the year. It is definitely a city worth visiting.

A nice cluster of saguaro cacti.

With arms reaching for the sky.

A good specimen of Organ Pipe cactus.

Naturally formed arch.

The road to nowhere.

Organ Pipe Cactus.

Older saguaros.

Closeup of an organ pipe cactus.

A saguaro silhoueted against the sky.

Same saguaro, different view.

The beginning of the arms.

Thought this was a bit erotic.

Cactus flowers.

Ocatillo in Saguaro East.

A blooming cactus in downtown Tucson.

Another downtown cactus.

I liked the varying shades of blue in the tile against the blue sky.

San José de Tumacocari. Established in 1691.

Tumacocari.

Inside one of the rooms at Tumacocari.

The graveyard at Tumacocari.

Another view of Tumacocari.

The bell tower.

A butterfly exhibit at the Botanical Gardens.

One more butterfly.

And yet another.