Halloween Caravan to show off spooky side of Saguaro National Park East

Does the desert seem spooky to you at night? Saguaro National Park is inviting visitors to embrace their fear this Friday during the park’s first-ever Halloween Caravan.

The 2-hour, family-friendly tour along the Cactus Forest Loop in the park’s Rincon Mountain District will feature stops and ranger-led talks along the way about some of the Sonoran Desert’s scariest and most misunderstood residents, including snakes, scorpions and other creatures of the night.

“We are learning many people, locals and visitors alike, are nervous to explore the desert at night, and this is a way they can come and feel safe to learn about myths — and facts — to help them be more comfortable,” said park spokeswoman Perri Spreiser in an email.

Participants in the caravan will drive themselves along the loop, with vehicles sent out in groups every 20 minutes from 6 p.m. until the final group at 7:40 p.m.

There is no charge for the Halloween Caravan, but those who participate will have to pay the usual park entrance fee to drive the loop.

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There is no need to register in advance. Simply show up at the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center at 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail between 6 and 7:40 p.m.

Halloween costumes are encouraged.

Spreiser said the park is hoping to build on the success of its popular Holiday Caravan, held each year between Christmas and New Year’s. Friday’s event is also part of a growing slate of nighttime programs designed to highlight nocturnal animals and “share how the desert comes to life once the sun goes down,” she said.

“We wanted to try something new to engage our community in a unique way, while teaching them about their backyard,” Spreiser said. “We are experimenting with family-friendly programs and seeing what sticks. It is our desire to get those kiddos outside and inspire them to learn more.”