(This article by Louisiana-based writer Kathie Rowell originally appeared in the June 2024 issue of Military Officer, a magazine available to all MOAA Premium and Life members. Learn more about the magazine here; learn more about joining MOAA here.)
Arizona has three national parks, including awe-inspiring Grand Canyon, perennially second only to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in annual visitors for the major parks. But it’s Saguaro National Park in southern Arizona that holds Tucson native and former Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Michael Chappell’s heart.
“My duty stations were all coastal, and I was always disoriented,” he said. “I never could figure out east, west, north, south, because my whole life, I’ve had these mountain ranges to use as my compass rose.”
Chappell, director of the Arizona Trail Association VETS (Veteran Engagement and Trail Stewardship) program, loves the austere beauty of the desert, with its towering saguaro cactuses and surrounding mountain ranges.
“Cactuses sort of encompass how harsh this landscape is but how awesome and adaptable it is,” he said. “Sometimes you’ll get into a patch, and if you can still your mind long enough, you can actually hear all of the life that is buzzing beneath it.”
Keep an eye out, he said, for rare crested saguaros with their fan-shaped tips caused by a mutation.
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If you’re up for a strenuous hike, he suggests the trail to Manning Camp, a 14- to 18-mile trip depending on where you start, with great views, climbing to 8,000 feet.
“You’re nestled in literally the heart of the Rincon Mountains. It’s just beautiful.”
He also recommends hiking to Bridal Wreath Falls, a 6-mile round trip to the 25-foot waterfall best seen after periods of significant rainfall or snow melt. A paved park loop trail is available for cars and bikes.
For visitors to the Sedona area, he recommends Red Rock State Park, with trails leading through amazing views of the distinctive escarpments. Those with sharp eyes might spot mule deer and javelinas.
Stargazers will enjoy Oracle State Park, designated an International Dark Sky Park, for its night sky views and star parties.
Military Site: The Titan Missile Museum and National Historic Landmark, just south of Tucson, is the last of the 54 Titan II missile sites that were on alert across the U.S. from 1963-87. The tour includes the launch control room, simulated launch, and a close-up look at a missile.
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