Written by Rex Vogel, RVing with Rex explores North America one meaningful place at a time through destination guides, history, slow travel, and thoughtful storytelling. Drawing on years of RV travel and firsthand experience, the site helps readers move beyond simply seeing places to truly experiencing them.
For years, I thought of Arizona primarily as a desert. The more I explored its mountains, the more I discovered another Arizona, where elevation creates forests, changing habitats and worlds of wildlife above the desert floor.
A note on this series: Learning Arizona is a personal journey of discovery through the places, landscapes, wildlife, history and experiences that have changed how I see the Grand Canyon State.
These aren’t travel guides or lists of places to visit. They are reflections on what I’ve learned by slowing down, looking more closely and spending time in Arizona.
After Water Writes the Story, I’ve come to understand how deeply water shapes Arizona’s landscape and life. This article continues that journey, exploring how mountains rise from the desert and create worlds of their own. The more I learn about Arizona, the more there is to discover.
For years, I thought of Arizona primarily as a desert. After all, the cactus, mountains, and endless stretches of dry landscape seemed to define the state.
But the more I traveled through Arizona, the more I realized how incomplete that view was.
Drive upward into the mountains and the desert begins to change. Temperatures drop, vegetation changes, forests appear, and birds and wildlife that don’t live on the desert floor come into view.
Arizona isn’t one landscape. It is many worlds stacked together.
The term Sky Island sounds almost mythical but it describes something very real in southern Arizona.
Sky Islands are isolated mountain ranges that rise dramatically from the surrounding desert and lowlands. Their elevation creates cooler temperatures, different vegetation, and habitats that can be remarkably different from those below.
Arizona is home to several Sky Island ranges including the Santa Catalinas, Rincons, Santa Ritas, Huachucas, and Chiricahuas. Each rises above the surrounding desert like an island above a sea, separated from other mountain ranges by broad valleys and desert.
What makes them remarkable is not simply their height. As you climb, the landscape changes. Desert cactus gives way to grasslands, oak woodlands, pine forests, and higher-elevation habitats.
Climbing one of these mountains can feel like traveling through climate and vegetation zones from southern Arizona toward Canada.
The distance may be measured in miles rather than thousands but the change can be just as dramatic.
In Arizona, elevation can change the world around you.
That is what makes the Sky Islands so fascinating—and why they have become some of my favorite places to explore.
The road to Mount Lemmon is one of the best places in Arizona to experience what a Sky Island really means.
The Sky Island Scenic Byway begins among the giant saguaros of the Sonoran Desert and climbs more than 6,000 feet through the Santa Catalina Mountains in just 27 miles.
At first, the road winds through cactus and desert vegetation. As the elevation increases, the landscape gradually changes. Grasslands give way to oak woodlands, then forests of pine and other mountain trees. Each turn seems to reveal another landscape.
The remarkable thing isn’t simply that the vegetation changes. The climate changes with it. Every thousand feet of elevation brings cooler temperatures and different growing conditions.
From the top, the contrast is almost difficult to comprehend. Far below is the Sonoran Desert where the journey began. Around you are cool mountain forests and nearby is Mount Lemmon Ski Valley, the southernmost ski area in the country.
In a single mountain ascent, Arizona takes you from desert heat to a place where winter sports are possible.
The Chiricahua Mountains feel different from the moment you enter them.
Rising dramatically from the surrounding grasslands and desert, the mountains climb to nearly 10,000 feet. Deep within them, the landscape changes again—grasslands and desert scrub give way to oak woodlands, forests, steep canyons, and the remarkable rock formations of Chiricahua National Monument.
The rocks are what first capture your attention. Pinnacles, spires, columns, and balanced rocks rise from the canyon walls, remnants of ancient volcanic activity shaped over millions of years by erosion. They give Chiricahua its otherworldly appearance.
But the rocks are only part of what makes this Sky Island remarkable.
Chiricahua sits where several major ecological regions meet—the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts, the Rocky Mountains, and the Sierra Madre. As elevation changes, so do temperature, moisture, vegetation, and wildlife. The result is a remarkable mosaic of environments within a relatively small area.
Standing among the towering rock formations, I realized that a Sky Island isn’t simply a mountain rising above the desert.
It is a world created by elevation, isolation, and the meeting of different environments.
Ramsey Canyon showed me another remarkable side of Arizona’s Sky Islands.
The Huachuca Mountains rise from the surrounding desert and grasslands but within Ramsey Canyon the environment feels like another world. A spring-fed creek and steep canyon walls create a cool, moist habitat unusual in the desert Southwest. Sycamores, maples, and other water-loving plants grow alongside cactus, yucca, and agave.
Where the habitat changes, the wildlife changes with it.
Ramsey Canyon is renowned for birding, particularly its hummingbirds. Fifteen species have been recorded here, along with a remarkable variety of resident and migratory birds.
But birds aren’t the only wildlife that catches your attention.
While hiking the Bledsoe Trail, I encountered this striking Eastern Collared Lizard sunning itself on the rocks. I stopped to watch and take a photograph.
It was a small encounter but one I remember. Hiking in the Sky Islands means entering a landscape where you never quite know what you might find.
I had come to think of elevation as something that changed temperature and vegetation. At Ramsey Canyon, I began to understand that it also determines who can live there.
Raise the elevation, change the habitat, and an entirely different community of life appear.
Montezuma Pass gave me another way to experience the Huachuca Mountains.
At Ramsey Canyon, I was surrounded by the life created by elevation—a cool, moist canyon filled with trees, birds, and other wildlife. At Montezuma Pass, I could step back and see the larger landscape those mountains rise from.
From high in the Huachucas, the valleys and desert stretch toward the horizon. The mountain range that feels so expansive when you’re inside it becomes part of a much larger pattern—isolated ranges rising from broad valleys and desert.
The view changed my perspective.
From the desert floor, mountains can seem like barriers separating one place from another. From above, they become islands in a much larger landscape, each creating its own environment above the surrounding desert.
Sometimes you have to climb above a landscape to understand how it fits together.
Madera Canyon begins in the Sonoran Desert but doesn’t stay there for long.
As the road climbs into the Santa Rita Mountains, the landscape gradually changes. Cactus and desert scrub give way to grasslands, oak woodlands and, higher in the canyon, forests. The temperature drops, vegetation changes, and water become more visible.
Above it all rises 9,456-foot Mount Wrightson, the highest point in the Santa Rita Mountains. The Old Baldy Trail climbs toward its summit, passing through the changing landscape that makes the canyon so remarkable.
It feels less like traveling through the desert and more like entering another world.
Madera Canyon is particularly remarkable for its birdlife. The changing elevations and habitats provide a home for an extraordinary variety of species including an abundance of hummingbirds that draw birders from around the world.
But what interests me most is not simply the number of birds. It is how the mountains make this abundance possible.
Water, elevation, and changing temperatures create a series of habitats within a relatively small area. Each supports plants and wildlife that could not thrive in the desert below.
Madera Canyon helped reinforce something I was beginning to understand about Arizona’s Sky Islands: the mountains don’t simply rise above the desert. They create worlds the desert could not support.
I’ve spent considerable time exploring the Rincon Mountains and the eastern section of Saguaro National Park including Cactus Forest Drive. Yet every visit seems to reveal another layer of this remarkable landscape.
At first, the Rincons look like the Arizona many visitors expect—saguaros rising from the Sonoran Desert beneath rugged mountains. But climb higher and the landscape begin to change.
The Rincons rise 8,664 feet at Mica Mountain and with the elevation come a remarkable transformation. Saguaros gradually disappear, replaced by grasslands and shrubs, then forests of pine and fir.
It can feel as though you’ve traveled hundreds of miles rather than climbed a few thousand feet.
That is what makes the Rincons so important to understanding Arizona. The desert isn’t simply spread across the valley floor. It is part of a larger vertical landscape with different environments stacked above it.
Cactus Forest Drive offers an accessible introduction to this changing world, while trails lead deeper into the mountains, where the relationship between elevation, vegetation and climate becomes even more apparent.
After so many visits, I no longer see the Rincons simply as mountains covered with saguaros. I see them as a journey through Arizona’s changing landscapes—a place where, foot by foot, the desert gives way to another world.
Sometimes you don’t have to travel farther to discover a different landscape. You simply have to climb higher.
For years, I saw Arizona as a desert with mountains rising from it. The more I traveled through the Sky Islands, the more I realized I had it backward.
The mountains aren’t simply something rising above the desert. They change the climate, create forests and canyons, provide water, and make room for an astonishing variety of plants and wildlife. In a relatively short distance, Arizona can take you through landscapes that seem to belong to entirely different parts of the country.
That has changed the way I see the state. A mountain on the horizon is no longer simply a mountain. I wonder what is happening on its slopes, what life exists there, and how different the world might be at the top than at the bottom.
Perhaps that is another lesson in learning Arizona: sometimes you have to look up to understand the landscape below.
Arizona isn’t one landscape. It is many worlds stacked together.
Editor’s note
This article was originally published in October 2026. Information reflects what was accurate at the time of writing. Conditions, access, and amenities may change over time, so please verify current details before planning your trip.
To maintain transparency and editorial independence, this website contains no ads, no sponsored content, and no affiliate links—just firsthand RV travel experiences and practical information for fellow travelers.
In just 27 miles, Arizona’s Sky Island Scenic Byway climbs from the Sonoran Desert to the alpine forests of Mount Lemmon. Discover scenic overlooks, changing ecosystems, wildlife, and why this remarkable drive is one of the Southwest’s most unforgettable journeys.
Few roads in America offer such a dramatic transformation in such a short distance.
Just northeast of Tucson, Arizona, the Sky Island Scenic Byway—also known as the Catalina Highway—begins among towering saguaros and Sonoran Desert scrub before climbing into the Santa Catalina Mountains. As the elevation rises, the landscape changes from desert to oak woodland, pine forest, and finally an alpine environment where aspen trees replace cactus.
In only 27 miles, this remarkable road gains more than 6,000 feet in elevation and crosses five distinct climate zones. A traveler can begin the day surrounded by desert heat and end it among forests that seem more at home in the Rocky Mountains.
For many visitors, Mount Lemmon is the destination. But after driving this road several times, I have learned that the real experience is the journey itself.
Each trip reveals something different—a sweeping overlook, a changing landscape, an unexpected wildlife encounter, or simply the joy of watching Arizona transform one mile at a time.
The Sky Island Scenic Byway is more than a scenic drive. It is a reminder that slowing down allows us to discover how much can change within a single mountain range.
Where isolated mountain ranges create a world of unexpected diversity
The term “sky island” describes one of southern Arizona’s most remarkable natural features: isolated mountain ranges rising above surrounding desert lowlands.
As these mountains climb higher, temperatures drop and ecosystems change. Desert vegetation gives way to grasslands, oak woodlands, pine forests, and alpine environments, creating an extraordinary variety of habitats within a small area.
The Santa Catalina Mountains are one of the best examples. Protected within the Coronado National Forest, they rise dramatically above Tucson with Mount Lemmon reaching 9,157 feet above sea level.
That elevation creates a remarkable contrast. On summer days when Tucson temperatures soar above 100 degrees, the summit of Mount Lemmon offers a cool mountain refuge only a short drive away.
But the real wonder of the Sky Island Scenic Byway is not simply escaping the desert heat. It is experiencing the incredible diversity of landscapes and life created by this dramatic climb.
Where every mile reveals a different Arizona landscape
The magic of the Sky Island Scenic Byway is not found only at the summit of Mount Lemmon. It begins the moment the road starts climbing.
Leaving the desert floor northeast of Tucson, the Catalina Highway winds through a landscape that defines southern Arizona. Towering saguaros stand among rocky slopes while ocotillo and desert vegetation line the roadway. It is the Arizona many travelers expect to see.
But the desert does not last long.
As the highway climbs into the Santa Catalina Mountains, subtle changes begin to appear. The air becomes cooler, the vegetation shifts, and the desert slowly gives way to a series of higher-elevation habitats.
Saguaros disappear behind you as grasslands and oak woodlands replace the desert floor. Higher still, pine forests dominate the slopes and eventually aspen groves appear—an alpine landscape that seems almost impossible to find above the Sonoran Desert.
That is the wonder of the Sky Island Scenic Byway. In less than 30 miles, a traveler experiences a transition that would normally require hundreds of miles of driving.
For RV travelers exploring southern Arizona, this is a road best enjoyed without rushing. Leave the motorhome behind, take a day, and allow the mountain to reveal itself slowly.
The reward is not simply reaching Mount Lemmon. It is noticing the transformation along the way—the changing vegetation, the cooler air, and the realization that one road can connect such different worlds.
Windy Point reveals the dramatic meeting of desert and mountain
A road like the Sky Island Scenic Byway is not meant to be rushed. Its greatest rewards come from the moments when you stop, step outside, and allow the landscape to reveal itself.
As the Catalina Highway climbs higher into the Santa Catalina Mountains, the Sonoran Desert spreads out below. Tucson becomes a distant patchwork on the valley floor while rugged mountain slopes rise around you. The road has carried you from the desert into another world, and nowhere is that transformation more dramatic than Windy Point Vista.
Windy Point is one of those places where travelers naturally pause. The view stretches across the Santa Catalina Mountains, revealing deep canyons, granite formations, and forested slopes—a landscape that seems impossible when you remember the cactus-covered desert left behind only a short distance earlier.
The name is fitting. The mountain breeze offers a reminder that elevation changes everything. The air feels cooler, the vegetation has shifted, and the view reveals the remarkable relationship between the desert below and the mountain world above.
I have stopped at Windy Point many times and each visit offers something different. Changing light, passing clouds, and the seasons create a landscape that never feels exactly the same twice.
Farther along the highway, overlooks such as San Pedro Vista and Sycamore Canyon Vista provide additional perspectives of the Santa Catalina Mountains. But for many travelers—including me—Windy Point is the moment when the Sky Island Scenic Byway truly announces itself.
The Sky Island Scenic Byway is not only a journey through changing landscapes—it is a journey through changing life.
As the highway climbs from the Sonoran Desert into the Santa Catalina Mountains, the habitats change and so do the creatures that call these places home. Desert birds among the saguaros give way to mountain species among the pines and aspens, creating an extraordinary diversity of life within a relatively short distance.
For birders, this transition is one of the great treasures of southern Arizona. A single drive can move through habitats that support species found in very different environments, reminding visitors that the Sky Islands are far more than scenic mountain ranges.
But the most memorable encounters are often the ones we never expect.
One of my favorite moments along the Catalina Highway happened at the Palisades Visitor Center on a warm winter day. As I walked from the parking area toward the ranger station, I noticed movement nearby. To my surprise, a white-nosed coati was moving through the area.
The coati was completely focused on its own search for food, paying little attention to the curious observer nearby. It wandered through the area, exploring and foraging, while I watched and photographed one of the Santa Catalina Mountains’ most unusual residents.
I was both surprised and excited by the encounter. It was not something I had planned or expected to see that day but it became one of the moments I remember most from my many drives along this mountain road.
That is the magic of the Sky Island Scenic Byway. The road is not only about reaching Mount Lemmon or collecting another scenic viewpoint. It is about slowing down enough to notice the details—the changing habitats, the sounds of birds overhead, and the wildlife that appears when we take the time to look.
A mountain village shaped by forests, fire, and renewal
After miles of winding mountain roads and changing landscapes, Summerhaven appears almost unexpectedly among the forests of the Santa Catalina Mountains.
Located near the top of the Sky Island Scenic Byway, this small mountain community has long been a refuge from the heat of southern Arizona. Its cooler temperatures, forest setting, and relaxed atmosphere provide a welcome contrast to the desert below.
Summerhaven also carries a story of resilience. In 2003, the Aspen Fire swept through the Santa Catalina Mountains, causing significant damage to the community. Many homes and structures were lost, but Summerhaven rebuilt and continues to welcome visitors today.
For travelers, the town offers a chance to slow down before continuing toward Mount Lemmon. A stop at the Mt. Lemmon Cookie Cabin, a walk through the community, or simply enjoying the mountain air provides a reminder that the Sky Island Scenic Byway is more than a scenic drive.
It is a journey through landscapes, wildlife, and the communities that call these mountains home.
After climbing through desert, woodland, and forest environments, the Sky Island Scenic Byway finally reaches Mount Lemmon.
At 9,157 feet above sea level, the summit feels worlds away from the Sonoran Desert below. The saguaros and desert scrub have been replaced by pine forests, cooler temperatures, and an alpine landscape that seems almost impossible to find in southern Arizona.
That contrast is what makes this journey so remarkable. A traveler can begin the day surrounded by cactus and desert heat and later find themselves among mountain forests and crisp alpine air.
Near the summit, Mount Lemmon Ski Valley offers year-round opportunities to enjoy the mountain environment with winter snow transforming the area into Arizona’s southernmost ski destination.
But reaching the top is only part of the experience.
The true reward is remembering the journey that brought you there—the desert slowly disappearing below, the changing forests along the way, the overlooks that invited you to stop, and the unexpected wildlife encounter that became part of the story.
The Sky Island Scenic Byway is unforgettable not simply because of where it ends, but because of everything revealed along the way.
Why some journeys stay with us long after we reach the end
Some roads are memorable because of where they take us. Others stay with us because of what they reveal along the way.
The Sky Island Scenic Byway is one of those rare roads where the journey itself becomes the destination. A drive that begins among desert cactus and ends among alpine forests reminds us how much diversity can exist within a single landscape.
But the memories that last are not always the grand views. They are the moments between destinations—the breeze at Windy Point, the changing forests along the climb, the sound of birds in the trees, or the unexpected appearance of a white-nosed coati searching for its next meal.
After driving this road several times, I have learned that it never feels exactly the same twice. The seasons change, the light changes, and new discoveries wait around the next bend.
That is the gift of the Sky Island Scenic Byway. It invites us to slow down, look closer, and appreciate the remarkable connections between desert, mountain, wildlife, and the people who call these places home.
Some roads simply take us somewhere.
The Sky Island Scenic Byway reminds us to pay attention to how we get there.
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Editor’s note
This article was originally published in August 2026. Information reflects what was accurate at the time of writing. Conditions, access, and amenities may change over time, so please verify current details before planning your trip.
To maintain transparency and editorial independence, this website contains no ads, no sponsored content, and no affiliate links—just firsthand RV travel experiences and practical information for fellow travelers.
From Tucson, the Sky Island Scenic Byway climbs nearly 6,000 feet from desert floor to pine-covered peaks. Every turn invites you to slow down, pause, and notice the shifting landscapes along the way.
From the sun-baked streets of Tucson, the Sky Island Scenic Byway rises like a green sentinel above the desert floor, a winding ribbon of road climbing nearly 6,000 feet into alpine forests. Driving this route is more than a commute—it is an invitation to slow down, to notice, and to immerse yourself in the shifting landscapes and ecosystems that define Southern Arizona’s sky islands. Each turn of the road, each mile gained in elevation, offers new sights, scents, and sounds, reminding us that the journey is just as important as the destination.
In my previous article, On the Road to Mount Lemmon, I traced the ascent appreciating the transition from prickly Sonoran Desert to oak-studded foothills. In Mountain Island in a Desert Sea: Exploring Southern Arizona Sky Islands, I explored the broader concept of these isolated ecosystems and why they captivate travelers seeking connection with nature. This piece continues that journey emphasizing slow travel—pausing at each vista, wandering lightly through forests, and letting the rhythm of the mountain guide the experience.
A sky island journey: Savoring the shifts from desert to alpine
From desert heat to mountain peaks, one mile at a time
Climbing the Catalina Highway is like moving through a series of ecological postcards. Moving slowly is essential—not only for safety on the winding curves but also to savor each new habitat and each view that begs to be noticed.
The journey up the Sky Island Scenic Byway unfolds gradually revealing a changing world with every mile gained in elevation. It begins at Babad Do’ag Vista where the vast Sonoran Desert stretches endlessly below and the scale of the mountain ahead becomes clear. From here, the road climbs steadily into Molino Canyon where desert scrub gives way to oak and juniper and the sound of running water introduces a cooler, more sheltered landscape. As the ascent continues, Thimble Peak Vista offers dramatic views of rugged rock formations and distant ridgelines, a reminder of the geological forces that shaped this mountain range.
Farther along, Windy Point Vista opens to wide, sweeping views and a noticeable drop in temperature signaling the transition from desert to high country. The air grows crisper as you reach San Pedro Vista, one of the most expansive overlooks on the drive where the desert floor stretches far below and the sense of elevation becomes unmistakable. Continuing upward, the forest thickens near the Palisades Visitor Center where tall pines, interpretive displays, and shaded picnic areas mark a shift into a cooler, more alpine environment.
Beyond this point, the road winds into Summerhaven, a small mountain village tucked among the trees. Here, the pace naturally slows—inviting a walk through the village, a stop for coffee, or simply a moment to sit and take in the mountain air.
The final stretch leads to Mount Lemmon Ski Valley where alpine terrain and open skies complete the journey. By the time you reach the summit, the transition from desert to forest feels almost transformational—a reminder that this drive is not just a change in elevation but a gradual immersion into an entirely different world, best experienced at an unhurried pace.
Every stop along the Sky Island Scenic Byway is a reminder that slow travel transforms a drive into an experience. Move deliberately, pause frequently, and let the landscape guide your attention. From desert heat to alpine serenity, from the hum of creeks to the whisper of pine needles, each mile offers a deeper connection to the mountains and to the act of mindful travel itself.
Hiking and camping: Experiencing the Sky Islands on foot and under the stars
Hike, camp, and let the mountains speak
One of the most rewarding ways to experience the Sky Island Scenic Byway is to step off the road and onto the trail. Hiking here offers an intimate way to understand the dramatic ecological shifts that occur with every gain in elevation. Trails like the Babad Do’ag Trail provide sweeping desert views and a strong sense of place while the Molino Basin Trail follows gentler terrain through oak woodlands and seasonal waterways inviting a slower, more contemplative pace. As the road climbs, the Bug Spring Trail traces the mountain’s lower slopes where the air grows cooler and the open woodland carries the sounds of wind and birdsong instead of traffic. Each trail reveals a different layer of the mountain’s character rewarding those willing to explore on foot.
Camping along the Sky Island Scenic Byway extends this experience beyond daylight hours. Molino Basin Campground offers a quieter, lower-elevation setting where desert and woodland meet while Gordon Hirabayashi Campground provides shaded sites near riparian areas and trail access. Farther up the mountain, General Hitchcock and Rose Canyon campgrounds sit among tall pines and cooler temperatures ideal for summer escapes and stargazing. Whitetail Campground perched at higher elevation offers a more remote feel while Spencer Canyon Campground provides a peaceful forest setting for those seeking solitude.
Camping here allows the rhythm of the mountain to set the pace—cool mornings, warm afternoons and evenings filled with the sounds of wind in the trees and distant wildlife. Whether hiking a short trail or settling in for a night beneath the stars, these moments on the mountain deepen the connection to the land and embody the essence of slow travel: staying long enough to truly experience where you are.
The Sky Island Scenic Byway rewards those who move through it slowly. This is not a road meant to be rushed or conquered but one meant to be experienced mile by mile with time to step out of the car, follow a trail, or simply sit and observe. Hiking short sections of trail, lingering at scenic pullouts, and allowing space for unplanned moments all deepen the journey. The true richness of this drive reveals itself not in how far you go but in how closely you pay attention.
One of those moments unfolded at the Palisades Visitor Center perched at roughly 7,850 feet. While exploring the area, I encountered a white-nosed coati—a raccoon-like mammal with a long, expressive ringed tail—moving confidently through the forest. Often seen in small bands, this solitary individual was a reminder of the biodiversity that thrives in these sky islands. Coatis range from southeastern Arizona all the way through Central America and into South America, yet seeing one here in the cool mountain air felt like a quiet gift of the slow pace I had chosen. It was a moment that would have been easy to miss had I rushed through.
Opportunities like this are woven throughout the drive. Short hikes reveal hidden pockets of life. Pullouts become places to observe birds, watch shifting light, or simply listen to the wind moving through the pines. Camping in the surrounding national forest extends the experience even further allowing the day to stretch into evening and morning when wildlife is most active and the mountains are at their most peaceful.
This is what slow travel looks like along the Sky Island Scenic Byway: not a checklist of stops, but a gradual unfolding of place. By giving the road your time—by walking a little farther, waiting a little longer, and looking a little closer—you gain something far richer than a destination. You gain a deeper connection to the land itself, shaped by elevation, ecology, and the quiet rhythms of the mountain.
Traveling the Sky Island Scenic Byway reminds us that the true reward of the journey isn’t found in how quickly we arrive but in how deeply we pay attention along the way. As writer Eddie Cantor once observed, “Slow down and enjoy life. It’s not only the scenery you miss by going too fast—you miss the sense of where you’re going and why.” Nowhere does that sentiment feel more true than on this mountain road where every curve reveals a new layer of landscape and meaning.
Moving slowly allows the land to speak. At a quiet overlook, in the shade of a pine, or beside a trail where wildlife still moves freely, the mountains offer their own language. As Rachel Carson so beautifully wrote, “Take time to listen to the voices of the earth and what they mean…the majestic voice of thunder, the winds, the sound of flowing streams. And the voices of living things.”Along the Sky Island Scenic Byway those voices are everywhere—wind moving through the high forests, birds calling across canyons, and the subtle rustle of life just beyond the trail.
This is the gift of slow travel: the chance to move beyond seeing and into truly noticing. Whether pausing to watch a coati pass through the trees, hiking a quiet stretch of trail, or simply sitting with the view as the light changes, the journey becomes less about the destination and more about connection. In slowing down, the mountains reveal not only their beauty but their wisdom—inviting us to listen, to learn, and to travel with intention.
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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in February 2026. Information reflects what was accurate at the time of writing. For topics that may change quickly, please verify current details before planning. To ensure honesty and avoid bias, this website features no ads, no sponsored content, and no affiliate links—just straightforward information for fellow travelers.
The 25 best day trips from Tucson include a variety of outdoor adventures, unique desert towns, and hidden local gems
These Southern Arizona destinations include outdoor experiences, big-city entertainment, historical sites, and hidden gems. Plus, if you’re a fan of obscure attractions, I’ve got you covered with haunted sites, prison gift shops, and “The Thing” — which you won’t want to miss.
Ditch the desert for a day in the wooded mountains towering over Tucson
Distance from Tucson: 18 miles to start of byway (43 miles to end of byway)
Mount Lemmon is a catch-all for all your day trip desires. At the end of the Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway, you’ll find the small, aptly named town of Summerhaven. Here, you can escape the desert heat and enjoy local restaurants, a cookie cabin, and quirky gift shops. Outside in the shimmering shade of the aspens, summer visitors explore tons of picturesque hiking trails and rock climbing routes.
In the wintertime, hit the slopes at the United States’ southernmost ski resort. Though there are a limited variety of runs on Mount Lemmon, a few solid hours of skiing or snowboarding make for a wonderful day trip. Since this sky island is under 1.5 hours from Tucson, it’s easy to plan this quick getaway in the Santa Catalina mountain range.
Explore the beautiful scenery and hiking trails among thousands of saguaros
Distance from Tucson: 16 miles
Saguaro National Park is one of the defining features of Tucson’s Sonoran Desert scenery. Two sections—East and West—border two sides of town. The west side occupies the jagged Tucson Mountains and the east side occupies the marbled Rincon Mountains. Both are equally beautiful and offer something unique.
Saguaro National Park West is conveniently located just 15 minutes from downtown. You can drive west on Speedway until it turns into the winding road that reaches Gate’s Pass. This scenic recreation area overlooks the city lights and vibrant desert scenes.
Saguaro National Park East is about an hour’s drive from the happening spots in town. But this less-populated section of the park offers a more remote, natural feeling.
3. Sonoita
Calling all wine-os! Your Southern Arizona tasting journey awaits.
Distance from Tucson: 51 miles
Say hello to the best of Southern Arizona wine country! Sonoita is one of my all-time favorite day trips from Tucson. The rolling hills, cool weather, and mountain views make it one of the most scenic places to visit as well. I always bring my camera on this Tucson day trip because the beauty of Sonoita demands to be photographed!
When you plan your trip to Sonoita, make sure you have a designated driver. I recommend taking a guided tour so you and your friends don’t have to worry about who has to be responsible at the vineyards.
For the best quality wine, head to Deep Sky, Callaghan, and Dos Cabezas. If you’re looking for beautiful views, visit Autumn Sage or Rune. You can’t go wrong with whatever vineyard you choose because everywhere you go in Arizona wine country is lovely.
Take a quick detour to view these ancient, well-preserved Hohokam ruins
Distance from Tuscon: 66 miles
Just 30 minutes north of the Casa Grande Domes, you’ll find a hidden gem: Casa Grande Ruins National Monument. This site features a collection of well-preserved Hohokam ruins. Some of these structures are nearly 2,000 years old! The integrity of their forms is astounding, and you’ll be amazed at the details that remain intact.
The beloved ghost town full of charming shops, cute restaurants, and haunted history
Distance from Tucson: 96 miles
Bisbee is one of us T-locs’ favorite day trips from Tucson. This historic mining town is full of intriguing history, fabulous artwork, cozy restaurants, and quirky personalities. As soon as you exit the tunnel that opens up to the town and your eyes adjust, you’ll be in awe of the beautiful scenery of Bisbee.
‘B’ Mountain overlooks the steep town precariously built into the picturesque Mule Mountains. To the south, if you’re not claustrophobic, take a mine tour in the old Queen copper mine. To the north, you can wander the charming downtown streets, warmly lit with string lights.
Book a night at the Copper Queen Hotel if you dare! It’s the longest continuously operating hotel in Arizona. If walls could talk (which some say they do!), you could bet they’d have some wild stories about the last 120 years of guests.
6. Nogales
Cross the border for a vibrant taste of true Mexico
Distance from Tucson: 70 miles
Just over an hour from downtown via I-19, Nogales, Sonora is a lovely town offering an authentic taste of Mexico close to home. Stock up on handmade gifts, freshly made tortillas, and memories that will leave you longing for Mexico well after you return to Tucson.
Park your car on the U.S. side of the border, then walk into Mexico to avoid the hassle of driving back across the border. There is a parking lot (pay no more than $10) just outside of the main gates, so it’s easy to do. Walk across and enjoy vibrant shops, delicious Sonoran food, and the authentic culture that brings Tucson to life.
The spirit of the Wild West lives on in this iconic Arizona town
Distance from Tucson: 74 miles
The storied past of the Wild West is on display in this special Southern Arizona town. Peruse the dusty roads of this iconic western settlement located just over an hour from Tucson. Watch a shootout reenactment, take a ride with a horse and buggy, and explore a haunted theater all in one day! People-watching is a must as actors stroll by in traditional western and Victorian wear.
Don’t skip out on the OK Corral, the site of the famous shootout between the Earp brothers and ruthless outlaws during Tombstone’s early mining town days.
Immerse yourself in glorious nature in the lush Santa Rita Mountains
Distance from Tucson: 40 miles
Madera Canyon is the perfect Tucson day trip for hiking and bird watching. It’s just a short drive from downtown Tucson via I-19 yet it feels like entering a completely different state. The windy road is canopied by vibrant mesquite trees. Tall grasses swish alongside the highway and the Santa Ritas tower over the region. Expect to see a gaggle of wild turkeys cross your path or a family of mule deer prancing by your car.
The hike to the top of Mount Wrightson which looms over the valley is challenging yet rewarding. Plan for an all-day hike if you decide to tackle the peak—and refer to my Beginners Guide to Hiking, too!
I recommend camping along the creek if you want to stay in Madera Canyon for longer than one day. The B&Bs are also worthy contestants. The A-frame cabins in the canyon are adorable, and you’ll swoon at the tranquility of the landscape. For an easy escape from the sounds of the city, Madera Canyon is your #1 contestant!
Enjoy a day on the water surrounded by the beautiful Patagonia hills
Distance from Tucson: 75 miles
A day at the lake is closer to Tucson than you think! Patagonia Lake State Park is just over an hour from downtown. This beautiful man-made reservoir is the perfect place to spend a day fishing, boating, swimming, or picnicking. If you decide to stay at Patagonia Lake longer than a day, you can sleep under the stars at the campground beside the water.
The tiny town of Patagonia is only a few miles northeast of Patagonia Lake. Nogales is less than 30 minutes south.
If you love lakes and reservoirs, you can also see my guide to the best lakes in Arizona.
Wander through whimsical hoodoo rock formations on a breathtaking hike
Distance from Tucson: 120 miles
Chiricahua National Monument delivers some of the most stunning rock formations you will ever see. Nicknamed the “Wonderland of Rocks,” the park is full of incredible hoodoos—tall, thin rock columns formed by erosion. These hoodoos cover a large section of the mountain range lined up side by side by the thousands. It’s truly a sight to behold.
Chiricahua National Monument makes for a great day trip from Tucson. The scenic drive goes by quickly and there are tons of exciting hikes you can do within a few hours.
My favorite is the Big Balanced Rock trail which features a massive boulder balancing precariously atop a small formation. This hike is gorgeous all along the way and I highly recommend it.
Hike the cabled trail of this challenging climb to a summit offering 360-degree views
Distance from Tucson: 38 miles
Are you ready to take on one of the most challenging hikes near Tucson? Head north! Picacho Peak State Park is a mysterious-looking place, the focus of which is the rugged spire that juts into the sky beside the I-10 freeway. Though a short 3-mile trail, it takes about 3 hours to complete given the near-2,000 foot ascent.
Make sure to bring gloves, quality hiking boots, wide-brimmed hat, and lots of water on this hike. The trail demands cable-assisted climbing up the steep sections near the top so you want to have the correct gear to summit successfully (and painlessly). The view from the top is very rewarding. Scan 360-degree views of the desert and mountains surrounding Tucson.
Strangely, there is an ostrich farm located at the base of Picacho Peak. After your grueling climb, stop at the Rooster Cogburn Ranch. Encounter dinosaur-like birds, feed deer, and meet lots of other wild animals. You’re bound to have some hilarious stories to tell after leaving this place.
12. Phoenix
Shop ‘til you drop, see a concert, and explore the myriad offerings of the big city
Distance from Tucson: 112 miles
If you want to have a day full of activities and events, Phoenix is the Tucson day trip for you. The capital city never fails to entertain. Enjoy massive concert venues, shopping, art galleries, and award-winning restaurants galore. There’s certainly no way to fit all the things to do in Phoenix into one day but you’ll discover something up your alley or for the whole family here.
Check the local concert venues if you plan to make the 2-hour drive to Phoenix. While Tucson has some fantastic, intimate venues, there are rarely any big-name artists performing here. So if you’ve been dying to see an artist on the big stage see what Talking Stick Arena, Ak-Chin Pavilion, and the Van Buren have to offer.
Go fishing or enjoy a beach day beside the calm waters of this peaceful lake
Distance from Tucson: 80 miles
Parker Canyon Lake is a hidden gem located about 2 hours south of Tucson. You’ll pass through mountains, rolling hills, and wine country on your way to this lovely spot. It’s about as Southern as Arizona as you can get, just 5 miles north of the Mexican border. The drive alone makes this Tucson day trip worth it.
When you arrive at Parker Canyon Lake, you can rent a small fishing boat, pedal boat, or paddle board at the dock. It’s rarely packed with people and the scenery is beyond tranquil. I highly recommend this quaint lake.
14. Kitt Peak National Observatory
Play among the stars in this impressive research facility
Distance from Tucson: 55 miles
Looking for a Tucson day trip that’s out of this world? Kitt Peak National Observatory has been conducting cutting-edge research since 1958. This place gives you a ticket to the stars, moon, and other celestial beings.
This center strives to inform and educate the public about basic astronomy. The whole family will find Kitt Peak fascinating. The observatory offers a multitude of interactive exhibits and educational programs. I recommend staying after sunset for a night sky stargazing tour. The universe looks all the more breathtaking from the end of a telescope!
15. Willcox
Pick apples, peaches, and pears with the family then sip a glass of local wine
Distance from Tucson: 85 miles
Willcox is the perfect Tucson day trip for those who want to take the whole family on a wholesome adventure. Known for its orchards and wineries, the best time to visit is during the fall when the apples and peaches are ripe.
Discover the history of missionaries and their influence on local indigenous culture over the last 500 years
Distance from Tucson: 46 miles
Tubac and Tumacacori National Historical Park are a southwest history buff’s paradise. The park preserves the remains of three Spanish missions and presents the history of the Tohono O’odham people in Southern Arizona. You’ll also learn all about Father Kino and his role as an influential Jesuit in the late 1600s. After perusing the missions, explore the lush grounds that surround the Santa Cruz River Valley landscape.
17. Colossal Cave Mountain Park
Explore the magic below Tucson in this underground world
Distance from Tucson: 30 miles
Colossal Cave Mountain Park is one of the most popular day trips from Tucson. This arid landscape is the site of incredible underground worlds. Book a wild cave tour online ahead of time then bring the whole family on a magical adventure. In the humid abyss below the desert floor, you’ll feel like you entered another universe. Explore massive stalagmites and stalactites that have been forming over thousands of years.
Prefer an above-ground adventure? Colossal Cave Mountain Park offers plenty of other activities that won’t trigger your claustrophobia. Visit the butterfly garden or take a horseback ride through the gorgeous desert landscape around the caves. The park’s number of attractions makes it one of the best things to do in Tuscon.
18. Kartchner Caverns State Park
The cathedral of Tucson caves is a sight to behold
Distance from Tucson: 57 miles
Kartchner Caverns State Park also offers an extraordinary underground escapade. It’s only a slightly farther drive from Tucson than Colossal Cave Mountain Park.
A guided tour will take you to a brilliantly lit-up “show cave,” a sort of grand hall of caverns. Explore over 2 miles of underground passageways that formed over thousands of years. You can expect to have your mind blown by the world that exists below the desert floor.
Spelunking, horseback riding, and “The Thing” are all within reach in Benson
Distance from Tucson: 45 minutes
Benson is a great meeting point for a myriad of Arizona activities. Kartchner Caverns State Park is only 15 minutes south of this small town. Double R Ranch is the perfect venue for a sunset ride on horseback. And if you’ve ever heard of “The Thing,” you’ll find this mysterious roadside attraction just 15 minutes east on I-10. (Spoiler alert: it’s mummified!)
While Benson itself isn’t a terribly exciting place, it’s one of the most pleasant day trips from Tucson. Enjoy a delightful lunch at Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant for the most authentic hole-in-the-wale dining experience of your life. Then get dessert at the Old Benson Ice Cream Shop. The drive back to Tucson is an easy 45 minutes.
20. Florence
Stock up on gifts from the prison gift shop and savor the flavors of award-winning Mexican food
Distance from Tucson: 75 miles
As mentioned in my Day Trips from Phoenix article, Florence is one of the weirder Arizona destinations. Most well-known for the massive Florence State Prison, this unique town has a culture all its own. The prison gift shop is a wonderful place to stock up on quirky presents for friends and family.
Downtown Florence area features lovely historic buildings. There are a few fun shops and quaint cafes you can check out when visiting. Most notable about this town is the Mexican food. Stop for lunch at Lidia’s Cocina before returning to Tucson. This famous place serves up some of the best Sonoran food in Arizona!
21. Patagonia
A hidden getaway on the way to the border
Distance from Tucson: 64 miles
Patagonia is one of the smallest Arizona towns on this list located just east of the beautiful Patagonia Lake State Park. It offers an adorable community with breakfast joints and charming stores.
The lush desert comes to life with greenery in this river valley environment. Relax the days away beneath the shady walnut, mesquite, and willow trees that make this southern Arizona area so beautiful.
Patagonia is the perfect place to unwind in nature when you want to get out of Tucson for a bit. Check out my article on the best lakes in Arizona to read more about all that Patagonia Lake has to offer.
Preserves a deactivated Titan II intercontinental ballistic missile silo from the Cold War era
The Titan Missile Museum located in Green Valley is a unique Cold War-era historic site preserving the only remaining Titan II intercontinental ballistic missile silo open to the public. Visitors can join a 45-minute guided tour that descends 55 stairs into the underground control center and missile silo experiencing the authentic equipment, command consoles, and even a launch simulation.
Above ground, a self-guided topside exhibit area provides further context with displays such as the Titan II re-entry vehicle and interpretive signs detailing the history and technology of the era.
Scenic desert park at the base of the majestic Santa Catalina Mountains
Distance from Tucson: 13 miles
Catalina State Park offers an exceptional outdoor experience that combines both hiking and camping in a beautiful desert setting. The park features a variety of hiking trails suitable for all levels including the popular Canyon Loop which is a family-friendly 2.2-mile loop crossing a stream multiple times and surrounded by towering saguaro cacti, wildflowers, and expansive views of the Santa Catalina Mountains.
A more challenging trail like the Romero Canyon Trail leads hikers to scenic destinations such as the Romero Pools. After a day of exploring these trails and enjoying the diverse desert ecosystem, visitors can camp in the park to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty and tranquility of the desert under the dark, star-filled skies for which the park is known. This blend of accessible hiking and convenient camping makes Catalina State Park a treasured destination for outdoor enthusiasts
Commemorates the 1540 expedition of Spanish explorer Francisco Vásquez de Coronado
Distance from Tucson: 96 miles
Coronado National Memorial located in southern Arizona near the US-Mexico border offers over eight miles of hiking trails that take visitors through diverse landscapes including desert grasslands, rugged mountain forests, and oak woodlands. Popular hikes feature the Coronado Peak Trail which provides panoramic views and a moderate climb and the interesting Coronado Cave Trail where hikers can explore a limestone cavern extending 600 feet into the mountain.
The memorial also includes sections of the renowned Arizona National Scenic Trail such as the Yaqui Ridge Trail that leads to the international border and offers dramatic views of the surrounding region. The park’s remote natural setting and cultural history make it a fascinating destination for day hikers and outdoor enthusiasts looking to connect with Arizona’s unique desert environment
25. San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area (SPRNCA)
A peaceful escape into nature
Distance from Tucson: 97 miles
The San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area (SPRNCA) located in southeastern Arizona is a 57,000-acre protected area that preserves one of the last free-flowing rivers in the Southwest. It features a rich cottonwood riparian forest and serves as a vital bird migration flyway hosting approximately 350 bird species.
Visitors can explore an extensive network of trails that are open for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Popular hikes include the Fairbank Loop Trail, the Millville and Rock Art Discovery Trail, and the San Pedro Trail which runs alongside the river. The area is well-suited for birdwatching with designated spots such as the San Pedro House and the Hereford Road Bridge.
Final thoughts
From the rugged peaks of the Santa Ritas to the quiet desert trails near Saguaro National Park, Tucson offers a wealth of destinations just a short drive away. Whether you’re seeking history, scenic vistas, or a touch of adventure, these 25 day trips showcase the diversity and beauty that surrounds the city. As travelers set out on these journeys, it’s worth remembering that “the joy of travel lies not just in the destination, but in the discoveries made along the way.” Each trip, no matter how near, holds the potential for new sights, experiences, and memories that linger long after the drive home.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in November 2025. Information reflects what was accurate at the time of writing. For topics that may change quickly, please verify current details before planning. To ensure honesty and avoid bias, this website features no ads, no sponsored content, and no affiliate links—just straightforward information for fellow travelers.
Tucson, Arizona, is sometimes called a “year-round playground” and it’s easy to see why—this charming town and surrounding area are full of things to do
Driving through the urban jungle of Arizona’s largest desert cities I find it hard to believe that the once-wild Arizona territory gained statehood just 113 years ago. The growth and change have been exponential! Many of the highways crisscrossing the state were rutted, single-lane dirt roads back when today’s seniors were just kids and several of the interstates weren’t even in the planning stages.
The advent of air conditioning transformed Arizona’s landscapes forever. Yet, despite the population explosion, the desert winds still carry the whispers of bygone voices across the vast, saguaro-cactus-studded Sonoran Desert.
Hints of the ancient indigenous cultures from millennia ago, the Spanish conquistadors a few centuries ago, and the American settlers just 150 years ago can still be found and felt especially in and around the historic city of Tucson which is affectionately known as The Old Pueblo.
Back when Arizona gained its statehood in 1912, there was a fierce rivalry among Arizona’s three largest cities: Tucson, Phoenix, and Yuma. After some political wrangling, Phoenix emerged as the state capital and commercial hub while Yuma was left with the prison known as The Hell Hole of the West. Meanwhile, Tucson housed the university and laid claim to all things cultural and intellectual. Whiffs of these traits have stayed with these cities and Tucson is now not only colorful and artsy but it’s a favorite among RVers.
Northwest of downtown, Saguaro National Park is home to long-lived cacti that were mere sprouts during Arizona’s territorial days and to prehistoric rock art carved by the ancients many centuries ago. Saguaro cacti stand tall with their arms held high, the sentinels of the Sonoran Desert and in this park they are beyond the reach of urban development and the threat of relocation. Endless hiking trails weave between them.
A collection of petroglyphs pecked in the rocks by earlier peoples decorate a group of boulders atop Signal Hill. There are images of all kinds including bighorn sheep. We were intrigued by the geometric spiral and wheel-shaped petroglyphs. Were these markers created by specially trained members of the tribe? Or were they just doodles made by idle hands in a creative mood? We’ll never know for sure!
For a day trip out of town, we ventured 10 miles south of Tucson to San Xavier del Bac Mission Church located on the Tohono O’odham Indian Reservation. As we wandered the grounds, we mused that some residents of the area today may be descendants of the Indians who were converted to Catholicism by the Spanish Jesuit missionaries who settled New Spain in the American Southwest and Mexico over 400 years ago.
San Xavier del Bac Mission, the northernmost mission in New Spain was founded in 1692 by the Italian Jesuit missionary Father Eusebio Kino. Ironically, in that exact same year, the Salem witch trials were happening on the other side of the continent in Massachusetts. The mission showcases the elegant Spanish Colonial architecture of the era with rounded arches, a fantastic bell tower, and a very ornate altar. In recent years, it has undergone extensive renovations. Meticulous craftsmanship by artisans from Italy, Mexico, and the Tohono O’odham tribe has brought the mission back to its former glory.
One of the most beautiful artifacts in the church is an antique book that is on display under glass. It features Latin verses written in exquisite calligraphy. Outside, a pair of lion statues stands guard over the mission grounds. Climbing up a hill, we were able to get a bird’s-eye view of the mission in its desert setting.
One of my favorite activities in the city of Tucson is to stroll the streets in the Barrio Viejo (Spanish for Old Neighborhood). Many original adobe-style homes are punctuated with brightly painted doorways deeply recessed in the 18-inch-thick mud-based walls. These walls were ideal for Tucson’s intense climate because they kept the interior of the house cool during the baking-hot summer days and held in the heat when overnight winter temperatures dropped below freezing.
Visitors can pick up a self-guided walking tour map at the visitors center at 115 N. Church Avenue—a colorful building with red and purple dominating the outside decor. Docent-guided walking tours are available as well. Nearby, the former Pima County Courthouse is an architectural delight built in 1928 in the Mission and Spanish Colonial Revival styles.
Approximately 15 miles west of Tucson, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum features animals of all kinds that are native to the state including mountain lions and gila monsters. Founded in 1952, this zoological park is world renowned because it presents the flora and fauna of the Sonoran Desert and nearby ecosystems. From bighorn sheep to coyotes, bobcats, javelinas, ocelots, wolves, and parrots, Arizona’s wildlife is easily seen in large enclosures.
The trick to visiting the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is to arrive right when it opens or slightly before. At this time, the animals are active in their enclosures because they’ve just had breakfast. An hour later, most of them have bedded down for a nap in a hidden nook or cranny so latecomers see one seemingly empty enclosure after another.
The highlight of our visit to the museum was the outdoor Raptor Free Flight show. As a small group of visitors craned their necks toward the sky, two handlers on either side of us released and caught one big bird of prey after another. Each bird—from great horned owl to peregrine falcon and more—would soar into the sky, happy to be free. What a thrill it was to see these birds riding the thermals for a few moments of pure joy. A handler would then hold out a delicious treat like a handful of raw meat and gradually lure the bird out of the sky onto his leather glove for a snack.
Mt. Lemmon’s summit is at a 9,159-foot elevation while the base in Tucson is at just 2,490 feet. Driving this mountain from bottom to top is a memorable experience that takes you through several ecosystems from the low-lying Sonoran Desert to aspen-filled forests in just 32 miles.
There are many turnouts for enjoying sweeping views of Tucson below. If driving that steep road seems like an accomplishment watching groups of cyclists tackling it on their bicycles is literally breathtaking! Because of the 10 percent grades in some places, I suggest owners of bigger RVs use their towed/towing vehicle. Shorter rigs can stay in campgrounds a few miles from the summit.
Located just north of downtown Tucson, Catalina State Park is a wonderful place not only for an immersion in lush Sonoran Desert scenery but for RV camping as well. Set in a valley at the base of the gorgeous Santa Catalina Mountains, the campground offers 120 electric and water sites, most of which are suitable for any size RV. Besides camping in the midst of stunning scenery eight beautiful hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails are just steps from your RV door. Our favorite was the 2.3-mile Canyon Loop Trail. It’s an easy hike through the foothills and the Catalina Mountains light up in a radiant golden glow at sunset.
Desert creatures abound at this park and like all desert dwellers they welcome a drink of water. If you want to coax small birds and harmless mammals into your campsite, simply leave a shallow dish of water on the ground away from your RV. A hummingbird feeder will attract eager customers in no time and sometimes several species at once! Whether or not you share your campsite with furry or feathered visitors, there’s nothing like basking in the afternoon sunshine in Arizona.
We have loved every trip we’ve made to the Tucson area and we discover more gems each time we go. If you visit in the spring keep an eye out for the glorious spring wildflower displays alongside all the desert roads on the outskirts of town!
Worth Pondering…
Tucson had opened my eyes to the world and given me… a taste for the sensory extravagance of red hot chiles and five-alarm sunsets.
College-town vibes, sun-soaked adventure, and desert zen converge in Southern Arizona’s oft-overlooked visitor haven. Here’s how to take in the best of Tucson.
Tucson has played second fiddle for far too long in the Grand Canyon State. Phoenix, its glitzy, low-desert neighbor to the north swallows most of the limelight. Even distant Sedona has somehow grabbed more fanfare and Insta-love in recent years.
Not anymore. Arizona’s second-largest city, home to the University of Arizona and Saguaro National Park is capturing the attention of foodies, art-lovers, solitude seekers, and outdoor junkies chasing the perfect adventure in one of the purest corners of the Southwest—or The Old Pueblo as the arid metropolis is affectionately named. Regardless of what type of escape artist you are, there’s no shortage of eye-opening, spirit-reviving things to do in Tucson.
The heartbeat of Tucson is the Sonoran Desert, one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems which teems with yucca, mesquite trees, agave, and a never-ending sea of saguaros—the giant cartoon-famous cactus that serves as the city’s unofficial emblem. Runners, hikers, cyclists, birders, golfers, wellness-seekers, stargazers, and skiers (we’re looking at you Mount Lemmon) flock here for Sabino Canyon’s trails, Coronado National Forest’s evergreen woodlands, and surreal sky islands—mountain ranges separated by nothing but desert—like the Santa Rita and Huachuca ranges.
On the culinary front, Tucson holds the title of America’s first UNESCO City of Gastronomy, designated in 2015. So, you’ll have plenty to taste in this city, too—from sampling mouthwatering tacos and Sonoran hot dogs to sipping at some of the best mezcal bars in the deep Southwest. Combine Tucson’s thriving food scene with its surplus of creative shops, diverse art galleries, adobe missions, and some of the most beautiful architecture in America—a mix of Native American, Spanish, Old Western, and modernistic styles—and a true desert dream awaits you. Here’s how to experience the best of Tucson.
How to get to and around Tucson
You’ll need a car to explore the sites and scenery surrounding the city, places like Saguaro National Park, Mount Lemmon, and San Xavier del Bac Mission. Tucson’s free Sun Link Streetcar is a handy alternative for shoppers, gallery-goers, and bar-hoppers linking four miles of downtown from east to west.
When to visit Tucson
Smack-dab in the Sonoran Desert, Tucson is one of the sunniest cities in the country. Its dry climate is actually a few degrees cooler than Phoenix—despite being 120 miles south—due to its 2,400-foot base elevation. Summer is still hot but it’s a more manageable dry heat (as they like to say here) and evenings come with cool breezes that make this time of year a favorite for outdoor dining.
Spring and fall are ideal times to visit for milder desert weather—mid-March to May (70s to 90s) and late-September through November (70s and 80s). Winter boasts blue skies and snowbirds flock to town that time of year. Keep in mind that mornings and evenings are cool in the desert so pack layers alongside your sunglasses and sunblock.
As one might imagine, camping near Tucson offers you all of the expansive and sparse desert beauty you can handle. Sleeping among mesquite trees and saguaro cacti, you will truly feel as if you have traveled to another world—even though you are a short distance from the heart of Tucson’s city center.
With a diversity of amenities these campgrounds and RV parks in and near near Tucson will not disappoint.
Tucson/Lazydays KOA Resort offers RV sites with full hookups and deluxe cabins. It has great amenities like two resort-style pools, a hot tub, mini-golf, and shaded areas. It’s located just 10 minutes from downtown Tucson.
A full-scale resort with abundant activities, Rincon Country West RV Resort is very clean and comfortable. It’s popular for spending winters in Tucson.
Beautiful and rustic, Desert Trails RV Park is adjacent to Tucson Mountain Park with direct trail access for hiking and biking. It’s a great option for an outdoorsy stay.
Catalina State Park offers over 120 electric/water sites, modern bathrooms, dump stations, and amenities like hiking trails in a beautiful natural setting.
Located on the west side of the Tucson Mountains, Gilbert Ray Campground lies in the gorgeous Sonoran Desert. There are water and electrical hook-ups, dump stations, and picnic tables. However, there are no showers on site and wood fires are strictly prohibited due to the high fire risk in this severely dry environment.
Where to eat: Best breakfast, lunch, and dinner in Tucson
Cup Café has been a local’s favorite in downtown’s historic Hotel Congress since the early nineties slinging jazzed-up breakfast staples like chilaquiles and huevos rancheros. For a novel play order the Braveheart—a medley of brisket, gruyere cheese, and poached eggs smothered in sausage gravy.
The courtyard at Mercado San Agustin’s Seis Kitchen is one of the best nooks in town to get your taco fix and the al pastor plate being a must-order. Come hungry to the counter-service restaurant especially if tackling one of their belly-stuffing burritos. A veteran move: snagging churros for the road.
You won’t regret a dinner reservation at BATA—and you’ll need one. Housed in a 1930s warehouse turned slick industrial space befit for a Chef’s Table episode, the vegetable-forward restaurant features an ever-rotating menu of seasonal, flavorful fixings. The best part? Each dish, be it the green-chile curry carrots, whiskey-garlic glazed mushrooms, or peach-koji charred winter squash, gets tinged by the oak-fired oven, even the smoked carrot cake. Before exiting veggie heaven, grab a nightcap at its basement bar, barbata, where the Kitt Peak Old Fashioned gets the job done.
Best bar in Tucson
Agave magic awaits at Bar Crisol, a sanctuary for mezcal and tequila lovers in the Barrio Viejo neighborhood. The mixology at this desert watering hole stationed inside an 1885 adobe home chock-full of antique typewriters hits all the right notes on its A-plus menu. Look no further than the Casa Verde, a refreshing-as-rain cocktail with mezcal, lime, bitters, sal de gusano, and creosote, an earthy desert botanical (good luck ordering just one). As they say in Mexico, para todo mal, mezcal… y para todo bien tambien.
Flanking both sides of Tucson with two distinct sections—east and west—Saguaro National Park is an epic outdoor wonderland and a certified must-explore playground boasting some 91,000 acres, 165 miles of trails, hundreds of petroglyphs, and elevation ranging from 2,180 to 8,166 feet. The park’s namesake giant cacti picket the landscape which skirts through a plethora of biozones from desert scrub and desert grassland to oak woodland and pine forest in the Rincon Mountains.
Enhancing the drama in the most biodiverse desert on the planet is its wildlife: coyote, bobcats, mountain lions, javelinas, coatis, and if you’re crazy-lucky come sundown, an elf owl—the world’s smallest owl. As one of only nine Urban Night Sky Park’s in the world, Saguaro skies shines brightly after hours.
Savvy tip for visitors to Tucson
If you can handle the summer heat, you can snag incredible deals on camping and activities in Tucson from late May to September. The key is to have a game plan: In the high desert, that means waking up early to take advantage of cool mornings, lounging poolside or hitting up one of the city’s stellar museums during the daytime, and going out for drinks and a meal and some live music after sundown.
Still, you need to stay on top of your hydration levels, wear plenty of sunscreen and chapstick, and be cognizant of overexertion in the hot, dry air. It will be different than a spring or fall trip, but your pocketbook will thank you.
Day 1: See Saguaro National Park, wander the Mercado San Agustin, and take a tipple in Barrio Viejo
Fuel up with a cup of third-wave coffee and a fried-egg breakfast sandy or avocado ricotta toast at Time Market, an artisan bakery in the heart of U of A’s campus.
Pro tip: They also serve some of the best pizza in town for lunch or dinner.
From there, head to the west district of Saguaro National Park, a half hour’s drive away.
If you’re ready to get after it, hike from the King’s Canyon trailhead and zigzag your way up to Wasson Peak, the zenith of the Tucson Mountain Range at 4,687 feet. Labeled moderate, the seven-mile roundtrip will swallow your morning but it’s worth it for the sprawling Sonoran views and petroglyph-peppered canyons. A shorter route is the King Canyon Wash/Gould Mine Loop (2.4 miles), a beautiful hike that can be done in an hour.
Non-hikers can explore the western district’s foothills via the 6-mile Bajada Loop Drive which provides plenty of photo ops of the park’s majesty. At the Signal Hill picnic area, a 0.3-mile trail will take you to more than 200 petroglyphs, the park’s widest demonstration of rock art estimated to have been carved between 550 to 1,550 years ago.
Raptor demonstration, Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum
Just outside the park, visit the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, a misnomer of a name if there ever was one. More a zoo/botanical garden/art gallery than anything, the 98-acre outdoor classroom and research center features Mexican gray wolves, a hummingbird aviary and raptor center, mountain lion and ocelot viewing, 1,200 types of plants and flowers, a cactus garden, and an agave field. You’ll walk away with an oversized appreciation for the desert’s infinite natural wonders.
Back in town, peruse the mishmash of restaurants and shops along the Mercado District’s Avenida Del Convento starting with some lunch at Beaut Burger, part of the MSA Annex’s fleet of shipping-container retailers. The plant-based burger joint will make you forget you ever loved In N’ Out—especially the B4 and a side of sweet potato fries.
Then walk up the street to the white-washed courtyard and open-air market at Mercado San Agustin and enjoy a traditional Mexican pastry from family-owned La Estrella.
After a long day in the dry desert air treat yourself to a Butter Worker cocktail (mezcal, amaro, Aperol) or a local brew from Pueblo Vida at Nightjar in Barrio Viejo. Then head next door and grab a bite at the Coronet located on the same 160-year-old property. Get the porcini and chestnut soup with the Wild Boar Birria Bucatini.
Day 2: Golf, gallery-hop, and stargaze on Mount Lemmon
Before you hit the links, pop in any one of Presta’s three stylish crosstown locations for a donut and Tucson’s best pourover coffee.
Then head to Marana for 18 holes at The Golf Club at Dove Mountain, 30 minutes north of the city. The challenging Jack Nicklaus design is home to three 9-hole routings: Wild Burro, Saguaro, and Tortolita, the latter two having played host to the PGA Tour’s WGC match-play event from 2009 to 2014. No matter which loop you play (the Golden Bear has called Wild Burro his favorite), you’re in for a fun test of golf on an immaculate layout that crawls through a stunning cactus forest and canyons in the Tortolina Foothills. Just be sure to pack your short game.
Non-golfers have plenty of options, too. Nearby Catalina State Park beckons mountain enthusiasts with 5,500 acres, 5,000 saguaros, and eight trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horse riding on the edge of Coronado National Forest.
Or you can swing by the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun, a 10-acre National Historic District and museum that captures the ethos of the Southwest and its people with oil paintings, ceramics, sculptures, and an old adobe mission from 1952.
For a cultural lesson and appreciation of the area’s agricultural and Indigenous heritage, book a morning tour at Mission Garden, a four-acre plot of heirloom crops and desert-adapted orchards in the shadow of Sentinel Peak. From the Hohokam to the O’odham peoples, the walled-in Tucson Basin site has been cultivated for 4,100 years.
For lunch, the jackfruit tacos at chef-owner Wendy Garcia’s vegetarian restaurant Tumerico which nabbed a cameo on Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” in 2018, highlight some of the freshest Mexican fare in Tucson.
Take an afternoon on the Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway, a 26-mile stretch of stunning switchbacks to the Santa Catalinas highest point. Its stunning drive and a bucket-list climb for cyclists. Brace yourself for a 30–40 degree temperature drop as you’ll gain some 6,000 feet in elevation in a little over an hour swapping saguaros for pines and depending on the month, pockets of snow. If it’s not ski season, kick back and scale the old-growth forest on the Sky Ride, a 30-minute journey up the slopes and then knock back a pint on the patio at Sawmill Run.
Finish off the day with one of the best astronomical programs in the country at the Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter where you’ll get to peer through two of the Southwest’s largest telescopes at the cosmos and the moon in the otherworldly Arizonan night sky.
Day 3: Admire birds and Old Spanish Missions—and take a Taco Bike Tour
America’s best birdwatching happens in southeast Arizona, close to the Mexican border—so grab your binos and buzz down I-19 to the Paton Center for Hummingbirds in tiny Patagonia. The star of the show at this former private residence now managed by the Tucson Audubon Society is the violet-crowned hummingbird, a Mexican species whose purple crown, paperwhite chest, and black-tipped red bill will blow you away.
Another birding haven a little closer to Tucson is Madera Canyon drawing birders from all over the world during spring migration for a chance to spot the elusive Elegant trogan, a seasonal guest to the Santa Ritas.
Hiking for birds not your thing? Tromp into more than 100 miles of trails in Madera Canyon, part of Coronado National Forest from chill creek trails to summiting Mount Wrightson, the highest peak in the Tucson region at 9,456 feet.
A fun pitstop on your way back to town is Mission San Xavier del Bac, a beatific Catholic mission founded in 1692. Dressed in Baroque architecture and inhabiting Tohono O’odham land, the National Historic Landmark is the oldest intact European structure in the state, completed in 1797.
We have loved every trip we’ve made to the Tucson area and we discover more gems each time we go. If you visit in the spring keep an eye out for the glorious spring wildflower displays alongside all the desert roads on the outskirts of town!
Worth Pondering…
Tucson had opened my eyes to the world and given me… a taste for the sensory extravagance of red hot chiles and five-alarm sunsets.
Arizona offers an abundance of scenic byways perfect for road trips allowing travelers to experience the state’s diverse landscapes and natural beauty
Located in the Southwest, Arizona, also known as the Grand Canyon State, is a perfect destination for travelers who want to soak up beautiful scenery. It has an open and vast landmass and enjoys an arid climate in most parts of the state. Since it is among the four corners of the country, it shares its borders with Utah, California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Mexico.
The Grand Canyon is the state’s most visited and most popular attraction. But the state has plenty of other things that can be as fun and entertaining. It is filled with mountains, plateaus, rivers, mesa, national parks, national forests, state parks, and museums.
An RV road trip is one of the best ways to explore the state. Here are 10 scenic byways in Arizona that are perfect for a road trip.
Experience the iconic Mother Road in Arizona from the Colorado River through Oatman, Kingman, and Petrified Forest to exit 23 on I-40
Historic Route 66 is the Mother Road of America. It has been used in TV shows, songs, and novels and is considered America’s most famous historic highway. The section that goes through Arizona is quite impressive.
There are several attractions along the way including Oatman, Jack Rabbit Trading Post, and Petrified Forest National Park. The road enters Arizona at the Colorado River to Oatman and Kingman and its terminus is exit 23 on Interstate 40.
Distance: 358 miles
Best time to go: Late spring, early summer, and early fall
The Apache Trail is a 39-mile scenic byway with historic roots dating back to the Wild West era in Arizona
Arizona has so many scenic byways and the Apache Trail is not only stunning but also historic. It follows an old stagecoach trail near Phoenix into the Superstition Mountains. It is a drivable trail but sections are unpaved and not suitable for larger vehicles. Apache Trail is one of the best Arizona road trips with majestic mountain views.
While damage from the Woodbury Fire and floods in 2019 which triggered a massive landslide still blocks part of the route, the Arizona Department of Transportation this year repaired the Apache Trail up to Fish Creek Vista turning an already scenic road into a day trip with a panoramic payoff.
Drive through forests up Mount Lemmon near Tucson stopping to hike and take in beautiful views
Climbing to over 9,000 feet with a nearly 7,000-foot elevation change in a mere 24 miles, the Catalina Highway (also called the Mount Lemmon Highway and Sky Island Scenic Byway) is a brilliant ascent with countless curves, numerous vistas, and three major switchbacks. The best news is since there’s only one paved road up this mountain when you reach the top, you’ll have no choice but to turn around and let gravity assist in your descent.
Most of the road passes through Coronado National Forest and travelers can camp and hike in many areas. With every turn, passengers get to see beautiful rock formations. Stop at Windy Point, The Forest Service Ranger, and Mount Lemmon for incredible hiking.
Another brilliant bit of rapidly rising mountain two-lane is AZ-89A from Prescott Valley to Cottonwood. You’ll climb over 2,000 feet on this 31-mile stretch of tight bends and switchbacks through the Mingus Mountain area.
Those wanting to obey the multitude of 15, 20, and 25 mph curve signs (certainly you among them) have plenty of scenic turn-offs. Go on a weekday. Tourists own this road on weekends as the old mining town of Jerome is quite the destination and 89A is the one road there.
Red Rock Scenic Byway winds through Sedona’s Red Rock Country, often called a “museum without walls”
The fifteen-mile stretch of State Route 179 from Interstate 17 (Exit 298) is the primary route that millions of tourists use to visit Sedona, a premier world destination. Visitors winding their way along this route are treated to one of the more incredible scenic drives in America.
The Red Rock Scenic Byway is a tourist attraction onto itself. Many will claim that the natural beauty along this winding road is unparalleled anywhere else in the nation.
Sweeping vistas of rocky outcrops, meandering rivers, and vibrant rock formations
In the middle of the 32,000 acres that are the Salt River Canyon Wilderness, State Route 60 is a narrow ribbon buckling through the harsh terrain. By starting in Apache Junction you’ll traverse the 1,200-foot-long Queen Creek Tunnel cutting through the mountain at a 6 percent upward +grade.
Next you’ll climb 4,000 feet via tight bends, S-curves, and the three consecutive switchbacks plunging into the canyon. The first half of this trip twists through the Tonto National Forest with views of the Superstition Mountains—the second half winds through the more brutal terrain of the Fort Apache Reservation where you’ll chase the Salt River for a while. Here, the canyon dictates the road. There shouldn’t be a lot of traffic, so it’s good for a scenic drive.
Spend time exploring Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Superior, Miami-Globe, and Besh Ba Gowah Archaeological Park before continuing onto San Carlos Reservation with stops at Apache Gold Casino and RV Park and Peridot Mesa, a broad hump of land often ablaze with poppy fields starting in late February and carrying on through March.
Traverse varied terrain of the Santa Cruz River Basin which is great for birding and wildlife
The Patagonia-Sonoita byway is perfect for travelers seeking a beautiful drive across the desert. Taking visitors across varied terrain this route offers many opportunities to watch birds and wildlife that call the Santa Cruz River Basin home. Some of the spots travelers don’t want to miss include Patagonia Lake State Park and the Creek Sanctuary.
Drive 82 miles to experience the amazing scenery of lush woodland forests and ancient red rock formations
This byway follows State Route 89A as it splits from State Route 89 at Bitter Springs, heads north before turning and taking a southwesterly direction. To the north of Marble Canyon is the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument with its layers of red rock displaying clear stratifications and Lees Ferry Historic Site with river rafting opportunities.
Visit the Navajo Historic Bridge and Interpretive Center as you cross the Colorado River. The House Rock Valley is to the south. Continue on State Route 89A as you travel through a portion of the Kaibab National Forest and arrive at Fredonia.
A 10-mile route on State Highway 89A that connects three historic towns in Arizona
The Jerome, Clarkdale, Cottonwood Historic Road was designated on May 13, 1992 by the Arizona Department of Transportation. The Tuzigoot National Monument which can be seen over looking the Verde River from the road was the site of a Sinagua village between 1125 and 1400. Prior to the Sinagua, the Hohokam was known to live in the area.
Several of the towns along the road are on the National Register of Historic sites including Jerome and Clarkdale. The distinct combination of visual patterns in the historic sites, riparian vegetation, mines, ancient Indian dwellings and the Black Hills/Mingus Mountain make this drive a memorable experience.
Drive 24 miles to see red-rock deserts, rainbow-colored sandstone cliffs, and unique rock formations
The Sedona-Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Road was designated by the Arizona Department of Transportation on August 24, 1984. This route follows US 89A through the scenic canyon made popular in the 1920s when it was discovered by Hollywood. This scenic road offers a rare opportunity to study a variety of elements within a short distance.
The road traverses seven major plant communities as a result of elevation changes, temperature variation, and precipitation. It begins near the town of Sedona and runs in a northerly direction through Oak Creek Canyon to the top of the Mogollon Rim traveling areas rich with geologic formations similar to the Grand Canyon.
To my mind these live oak-dotted hills fat with side oats grama, these pine-clad mesas spangled with flowers, these lazy trout streams burbling along under great sycamores and cottonwoods, come near to being the cream of creation.
It’s a dry heat but Arizona is still hot: here’s some ways to cool off
Hello, triple-digit temperatures!
It’s been hot in Arizona since May thanks to a heat dome but now that the official first day of summer 2024 has come and gone you may be needing ideas on how to survive the Sonoran Desert heat.
Those who live in—or spend time in—the desert have two options for coping with triple-digit temps: finding ways to have fun indoors or outdoors or getting out of town.
Whichever way you roll (in your RV) I’ve got you covered.
Don’t let those high temperatures deter you from doing fun stuff this summer. Here’s a list of 106 fun things to do this summer to beat the Arizona heat.
1. Let’s start with the obvious: Pools, waterparks, and splash pads are the first things to think about when it comes to summer.
2. And while we’re on the subject of bodies of water, Arizona actually has a surprising number of sandy beaches where you can swim. I’m totally for real—check them out below.
3. Salt River Tubing has been a summer tradition since the 1980s.
4. With hundreds of miles of shoreline, Lake Powell harbors countless remote beaches amid a colorful labyrinth of canyons. There are even a few beaches that don’t require a boat.
5. Tucked away amid the rolling hills of southern Arizona, Patagonia Lake State Park is a shimmering oasis in the high desert. And since water is scarce around these parts, the 265-acre reservoir draws summer visitors from all across southern Arizona looking to cool off.
6. Four state parks cling to the edge of the Colorado River between Parker and Lake Havasu City accessed from State Route 95. Buckskin Mountain straddles a picturesque section of river, a beautiful combination of stony mountains and sparkling water.
7. Nearby River Island State Park nestles in a sloping bowl at the base of stark mountains that rise from the riverbank. An intimate beach sits next to the boat ramp and just beyond the campground with a grassy lawn that’s perfect for tents.
8. Hugging the southern edge of Lake Havasu, Cattail Cove State Park protects a long piece of scenic shoreline. Swimming is allowed in the roped-off area adjacent to the beach.
9. Lake Havasu City also has free public beaches. Rotary Beach is a 40-acre park with picnic areas, barbecue grills, multiple play areas, a skate park, and designated swim area. Its location inside the 5 mph no-wake zone of Thompson Bay makes for calm waters.
10. Yuma has done an amazing job cleaning up and revamping its waterfront in an effort to reconnect to the Colorado River. Gateway Park was part of that development. Sitting at the end of Madison Avenue the park has picnic ramadas, a grassy area, playground, fishing piers, and a sandy beach with a gradual entry into the water. Located under the Ocean to Ocean Bridge the span provides a swath of welcome shade.
11. Popular with anglers, Roper Lake State Park has 5 miles of trails, cabins, a campground, and a picnic area.
12. For those uninterested in being out during daylight hours summer provides the perfect opportunity to catch up on all the shows. Lucky for you, Season 3 of Bridgerton is out on Netflix.
13. Also in TV news, Season 6 of Love Island USA is airing weekly on Peacock.
14. If you do want to leave the house for entertainment take advantage of summer movie deals at AMC Theatres, Harkins Theatres, and Cinemark.
15. Want to learn something this summer? The Poozeum is an extraordinary FREE museum and gift shop located in Williams. You can immense yourself in the fascinating world of coprolites or fossilized poop at Arizona’s most unusual new museum where while indulging in an experience that goes beyond the ordinary—it’s instructive entertainment at its finest and is suitable for visitors of all ages.
16. Speaking of museums, Tucson’s Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum just recently won the 2024 National Medal for Museum and Library Service due to their excellence in service to the community. So, it’s definitely worth checking out.
17. Plus, the Phoenix Art Museum offers “Pay-What-You-Wish Wednesdays” from 3-9 p.m. for general admission with special exhibition tickets being $10 for adults and $5 for anyone under the age of 18.
18. Want to save some money while soaking up all this knowledge? The Act One Culture Pass gives free admission to museums around Arizona. All you need is a library card.
19. Too hot to golf outdoors? Hone your skills at TeeBox Indoor Golf Club in Cave Creek. It has 11 simulator bays with the latest training technology plus a restaurant and bar.
20. If you’re going shopping, pick one of the many retail emporiums with misters lining the walking areas. A favorite is Tempe Marketplace which also has a splash pad for the kiddos and boba tea, ice cream, and frozen yogurt shops to keep you cool. It’s a win/win/win.
21. For the perfect family-friendly day outing the Arizona Boardwalk near Scottsdale has a ton of fun activities including a brand-new attraction: the Boardwalk Carousel.
22. Another way to stay cool is to go bar hopping and Arizona has so many cool bars and I bet you haven’t been to them all. See how many new ones you can make it to by the end of summer.
23. Don’t go day drinking and bar hopping without the proper fuel. Luckily, there are zillions of restaurants where you can enjoy a summer of trying new foods.
24. And what’s summer without a cool sweet treat? Head to Novel Ice Cream for their famous dough melt (warm glazed doughnut stuffed with ice cream?) or to Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream for one of their 100 irrestible ice cream flavors (Graham Central Station or Cotton Candy for starters).
25. You can also go on a food crawl at the farmers’ market which will give you an opportunity to taste the best Arizona fruits, veggies, and other foods. Several farmers’ markets are open during the summer.
26. No list of iconic summer foods would be complete without the classic hot dog.
27. And speaking of dogs the Sonoran hot dog is a must-try on many foodie enthisiast’s list. Sonoran hot dog, also known as a Sonoran dog, is a regional specialty and a type of hot dog that originated in the Sonora region of northern Mexico specifically in the city of Hermosillo.
28. Stay with me on this one: Arizona has some pretty cool bug life and you could spend the summer learning all about it. For example, did you know that summer is peak tick season in Arizona? Here’s how to keep these biters off you and your dog.
29. Consider the scorpion, that symbol of the desert. Don’t be surprised if a scorpion shows up in your pool or even your toilet. Pools and other damp areas can attract scorpions seeking water especially during extreme dry periods. Scorpions can survive in water for up to two days.
30. Its also good to read up on black widow spiders since they’re plentiful in the desert.
31. You could spot a rattlesnake anytime in warm weather. They’re rarely aggressive if you’re careful.
32. If you’re determined to spend the summer outside of Phoenix, there are lots of in-state getaways perfect for a weekend or much longer.
34. For time travel without all the butterfly effect nonsense take a drive to Bisbee. In its mining heyday, it was Arizona’s largest city for a time. Today it’s a laid-back artsy and historical community.
35. If you’re traveling north this summer you can explore myriad interesting museums along the way from the Sharlot Hall Museum in Prescott which covers Arizona’s territorial history to the Museum of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff which presents a comprehensive look at the people and natural history of the Colorado Plateau.
36. Kids can get some summer learning with a side of fun at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix. It has three floors of interactive exhibits for kids up to age 10. There are weekly summer camps to get them even more involved.
37. Another fun, hands-on option is the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix. Ranked nationally as a top destination for families it’s easy to see why with kids able to play, hear, and experience music in new ways.
38. The Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix is beautiful in the bright sunshine but you should check it out under the beam of a flashlight for a cooler experience. During the garden’s Flashlight Nights you can see its beauty while strolling under the night sky with cool drinks and treats.
39. If you want to explore Arizona’s wildlife from the safety of your own vehicle, check out Bearizona Drive-Thru Wildlife Park in Williams to see bison, bighorn sheep, goats, wolves, and bears.
40. If you’re more into classic animal excursions the Phoenix Zoo opens at 7 a.m. for nonmembers and 6 a.m. for members and closes at 1 p.m. to avoid the hottest times of day making it the perfect early outing.
41. If you love birdwatching or want to pick up the hobby explore the Base and Meridian Wildlife Area at the confluence of the Salt and Gila rivers in Avondale. You could see hawks, doves, Western yellow-billed cuckoos, and many more species. Bats, bobcats, Sonoran Desert tortoises, and other wildlife also live here.
42. For a one-stop wildlife experience you can visit Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium and Safari Park in Litchfield Park to see over 600 species and over 6,000 animals.
43. For rock climbers summer temps can be deadly. Thankfully, there are plenty of indoor climbing gyms in metro Phoenix and Tucson. Try out ClimbMax Climbing Gym or Phoenix Rock Gym in Tempe, Ape Index in Peoria, or AZ on the Rocks in Scottsdale. In Tucson check out Rocks & Ropes, the BLOCK Climbing + Fitness, and Rock Solid Climbing.
44. Want to expand your dining horizons? Arizona is home to many James Beard award-winning chefs. Recent winners include Silvana Salcido Esparza of Barrio Café in Phoenix, Rene Andrade and Roberto Centenoat Bacanora in Phoenix, Jaren Bates and Brett Vibber at The Table at Junipine in Sedona, and Wendy Garcia at Tumerico in Tucson.
45. Do you have a need for speed? Metro Phoenix has a plethora of indoor and outdoor go-karting venues including the new Andretti Indoor Karting. Many have arcade games and other attractions too.
46. Many people have opinions on the ultimate summer drink. In Arizona, the michelada is the one to beat.
47. If you’re truly trying to avoid the sun, go underground. Outside Benson in southern Arizona is Kartchner Caverns State Park where you can explore amazing living caves.
48. And don’t discount how fun a night bike ride or hike can be. Maricopa County Parks offer after-dark mountain bike rides, scorpion hunts, and other family-friendly outings.
49. Looking to learn a new skill? Tempe Town Lake offers classes for kids and adults to learn rowing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Plus, they occasionally throw a nighttime glow paddle party.
50. Take a relaxing sit at WaterWorks at Arizona Falls in Phoenix. Sitting in the water room will give you the feeling of being behind a real waterfall. Arizona Falls is a natural 20-foot drop along the Arizona Canal.
51. It doesn’t matter if you are headed to your local public library, the school library open for summer hours, or even just the library at your church or a friends house, reading is a great summer activity that can take you anywhere you want to go from the comfort of your air conditioned living room.
52. A favorite getaway of Tucsonans is Mount Lemmon where it’s about 20 degrees cooler than Tucson.
53. If you haven’t checked out Changing Hands Bookstore and First Draft Book Bar in Phoenix or Changing Hands in Tempe (which just celebrated 50 years) go peruse the stacks, get yourself a little gift and if you go to the Phoenix location grab a drink or snack at the bar to enjoy with your new summer read.
54. Test your daring spirit at the Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course at Fort Tuthill County Park. This elaborate above-ground obstacle course has aerial challenges like cable bridges, zip lines, swings, and more.
55. The new Slick City Action Park in Peoria has 10 indoor slides, an acrobat alley with a trapeze and swing, and a few sports courts to keep kids and adults entertained for hours.
56. The Scottsdale Arts District is home to dozens of unique art galleries and Thursday ArtWalks. You can find a new treasure for your home or RV while strolling the streets and trying some of Scottsdale’s best restaurants and bars.
57. You also shouldn’t miss out on the First Friday art walks on Roosevelt Row and Grand Avenue in downtown Phoenix.
58. The Great Arizona Puppet Theater has been introducing children to the magic of puppetry and live theater since 1983 and they have several fun shows to take the kids to.
59. Ice skating in the summer? Heck yeah. Three AZ Ice arenas around the Valley have multiple public skating times, allow you to rent skates, and they’ll even teach you how to lace them properly.
60. See 70 species of butterflies, learn about how they live, and even watch them hatch out of their cocoons at the Butterfly Wonderland on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community near Scottsdale.
61. Want to learn the science behind bubbles? What about being immersed in a 360-degree planetarium? The Arizona Science Center has that and more and is open seven days a week.
62. Every summer, Catalina State Park hosts its “Music in the Mountains” concert series. Head on up the mountain to hear various compositions from jazz swing music, blues, Latin, bebop, ballads, rock, gypsy, and oldies.
63. At an elevation of 9,157 feet, you will find Mt. Lemmon’s SkyCenter. Here, the two largest dedicated public telescopes in the Southwest guide visitors through a unique and awe-inspiring galactic adventure with a bonus dinner.
64. Descend into a cool experience (literally) underneath the surface of your feet at Colossal Cave. Like an underground rock climbing adventure, this cave system features unique rock formations with a fascinating science behind its creation.
65. Take a tour of architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home Taliesin West in Scottsdale with the gorgeous McDowell Mountains as a backdrop.
66. While it’s no longer known as Bedrock City after the Flintstones, Raptor Ranch is the perfect day getaway to learn more about raptors and learn more about the wildlife conservation they’re doing with the Northern Arizona Raptor Foundation.
67. Fishing is a classic summer activity and there are 27 city-park lakes around the Valley that allow you to fish from their shores. If you’re 10 years of age and older, you’ll need a fishing license.
68. Take golfing to a new level by going to TopGolf and make it a party with friends, drinks, and snacks while listening to some tunes all from the comfort of a mister-cooled golfing bay.
69. If you have a kiddo obsessed with music, Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Teen Centers offer a place for ages 12-20 to get free music, vocal, and dance training.
70. Stay cool indoors and throw it back to the good old days by roller skating at USA Skateland. 71. Pack a picnic and head up to Kitt Peak to take advantage of the cooler temperatures at the Peak! At 7,000-foot elevation temperatures on Kitt Peak are typically 15-20 cooler than the valley floor. The day-use area closes at 4 p.m. but if you have tickets and are so inclined you can remain at Kitt Peak for a cool evening of astronomical wonders during their Night Observation Program.
72. The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures is one of the most unique museums you will find in the West. It’s a must-do for any Tucson visitor particularly if your visit falls during the heat of the summer. At this unusual museum, you will be able to explore over 400 mini dollhouses spread out through three sections: The Enchanted, History, and Exploring the World rooms.
73. The Happy Saguaro sells all sorts of beautiful Southwestern style decor and knick knacks. If shopping is your preferred means of escaping the heat then keep it local. At this little Tucson gem you will find all sorts of unique treasures including hand painted pottery pieces, glass blown art, eccentric decor, handcrafted furniture, and much more.
74. The 14 mile picturesque Oak Creek Canyon drive includes scenery ranging from towering red rocks to tranquil creeks to the tall ponderosa pines. It’s a drive like no other in the country.
75. Set your alarm for a sunrise hike. About the only time you can even consider hiking on a hot summer day is during the early morning hours. Plan on a short hike (preferably under 2 miles) and be sure to complete your hike before 8 a.m. Carry plenty of water and choose a nature stroll over a vigorous uphill climb.
76. The Tohono Chul Garden Bistro offers one of the shadiest patios in Tucson thus making it a prime choice for outdoor dining during the hot summer season. There are so many trees here that it feels like a mini oasis in the middle of the desert which of course is not a bad thing during the brutal summer season.
77. Plan a day of fun at Castles N Coasters where you can experience 20 rides and attractions, spend hours winning tickets in the arcade, and play 18-hole mini golf.
78. What has bowling, arcade games, movies and glow golf all under one roof? Fat Cats, of course! Spend the day knocking down pins and testing your mini-golf skill then end the day with a movie. There are locations in Gilbert, Mesa, Queen Creek, and Surprise.
79. Travel back to the days of gold mining at Goldfield Ghost Town at the base of the Superstition Mountains in Apache Junction. There’s a pottery shop, a museum, a church, livery stables, and a reptile exhibit; plus, you can pan for gold, go to a shooting gallery, and ride on a zipline, train, or a horse.
80. Take a trip to the Arizona Snowbowl near Flagstaff and ride the chairlift to the top of an extinct volcano about 11,500 feet above sea level. Just don’t forget a jacket!
81. Catch an Arizona Diamondbacks baseball game at Chase Field.
82. Or maybe basketball is more your sport? If that’s the case, you can catch the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury play at Footprint Center.
83. Explore Arizona’s newest state park Rockin’ River Ranch State Park. The Verde River runs right through it making it the perfect place for swimming, fishing, or lounging. Plus, there are 6 miles of flat trails.
84. Explore the new $66.4 million, 85-acre Frontier Family Park in Queen Creek.
85. Located in the Talking Stick Entertainment District on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community near Scottsdale, Medieval Times transports you back in time with jousting knights, horsemanship, falconry, and a four-course dinner.
86. You know what has great air conditioning, a fun atmosphere, a variety of food and beverage options and is a kid-free zone? Casinos. The newest one in the Valley is the Santan Mountain Casino on the Gila River Indian Community near Chandler.
87. Las Vegas is a getaway from Arizona and the Eagles recently announced a residency at the trippy new Las Vegas Sphere at The Venetian Resort.
88. For those wanting to say closer to home, Jerome is an easy Arizona day trip. Go for galleries, restaurants, and ghosts.
89. The best way to avoid the scorching sun? Become a night owl and go stargazing, of course! Arizona has numerous dark-sky cities and parks where you can see the stars, planets, and Milky Way.
90. Splash in a cool mountain stream at Tonto Natural Bridge State Park northwest of Payson.
91. Keeping your family entertained on a budget sometimes feels nearly impossible. Gilbert Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch is free and you can fish, feed ducks, and peer at the night sky through a telescope.
92. Feel the wind in your face and embrace the cooler temperatures when riding Arizona’s first mountain coaster at Canyon Coaster Adventure Park in Williams.
93. And a new mountain coaster is coming soon to Sunrise Park Resort in the White Mountains that sports 3,287 feet of track, thrilling drops, heart-pounding turns, and breathtaking mountain views.
94. Ride a gondola to the top of the San Francisco Peaks. Marvel at the vistas spilling away in all directions as you glide up the slopes before being deposited at 11,500 feet. Pause to enjoy incredible panoramas, the sweet chilled mountain air, and some memorable photo opportunities before returning. You may not be on the roof of Arizona but you’re pretty darned close.
95. Drive up the highest mountain in southern Arizona. Travel through five life zones on this twisting climb up the slopes of Mount Graham, southern Arizona’s highest peak. For 35 miles State Route 366 makes a switchbacking ascent from desert scrubland to high forests.
96. A summer’s worth of adventure awaits at Lyman Lake State Park. At 1,500 acres, Lyman Lake dwarfs all bodies of water in the White Mountains. With such an expanse, there are activities for everybody including a sheltered swimming beach, a no-wake zone for anglers, twisting canyons kayakers will love, and plenty of wide-open water for speed-boaters and skiers.
97. Stop and smell the flowers at the Arboretum at Flagstaff.
98. Instead of going north, dodge some traffic by driving south to Chiricahua National Monument. Forming an island of sculpted stone and forest in a sea of arid grasslands, the 12,000-acre park southeast of Willcox shelters an exotic array of massive columns, slender spires, and impossibly balanced boulders. Elevation at Chiricahua National Monument ranges from 5,124 feet at the entrance station to 7,310 feet at the top of Sugarloaf Mountain.
99. Rent a rowboat or kayak at Parker Canyon Lake. At 5,400 foot elevation, it’s a lot cooler up there than on the desert floor.
100. The Titan II Missile Museum tour will warm you up and then drop you into the cool underground silo where the mighty missile still stands at attention.
101. Ramsey Canyon Preserve near Sierra Vista is owned by the Nature Conservancy. This is a beautiful, cool forested area with a year ’round stream and amazing plant and wildlife diversity including 15 species of hummingbirds and dozens of other bird species such as the rare elegant trogon. Here you will also find bears, deer, and other wild critters. Bring your camera.
102. Waterfalls are a welcome surprise at the end of several hikes in and around Tucson such as Hutch’s Pool or Seven Falls in Sabino Canyon, Romero Pools in Catalina State Park, Bridal Wreath Falls off East Speedway Boulevard, or Tanque Verde Falls off Redington Road.
103. Show Low’s unique name comes from a legendary card game played by two early settlers to determine the town’s name. This charming town situated in the White Mountains offers a cool escape with summer temperatures averaging around 80°F. Embrace the laid-back mountain lifestyle, enjoy fishing and boating on Show Low Lake, and savor the fresh mountain air.
104. Considered one of the most beautiful places to swim in Arizona, Rattlesnake Cove is on the Bartlett Reservoir near Carefree but is completely protected from motorized watercraft. A gentle slope allows swimmers of all abilities to enjoy the cove and you can bring your own grill to enjoy a picnic
105. Located over 8,500 feet above sea level, Greer is much cooler than the surrounding deserts. You can travel up to the 9,500 foot level to explore Big Lake where you can camp, fish, and swim.
106. Tubing is a great summer pastime in Arizona and the Lower Salt River located near Mesa offers exceptional tubing conditions.
Adventurers, take note: Whatever you’re into, you can get into it in Arizona
Sunny skies, year-round perfect weather, and stellar sunsets complemented by rugged backcountry terrain make Arizona an adventurer’s dreamland. From the North Country’s pine-forested rim that drops into the depths of the Grand Canyon to the picturesque Sonoran Desert landscape of central and southern Arizona, all the ingredients for the quintessential American adventure recipe are at your fingertips.
Check my list of some of the can’t-miss experiences, possibly life-changing opportunities, and adventures that give a glimpse into the incredible backcountry world of the amazing state of Arizona.
Nothing more perfectly sums up Arizona’s sense of adventure than the search for the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine. The truth behind the legend is harder to pin down than a Gila monster but the gist is that somewhere hidden in the Superstition Mountains just east of Phoenix is a gold mine once tended by German immigrants Jacob Waltz and Jacob Weiser.
The two men pulled untold amounts of the precious metal from the mountain before a murderous run-in with—depending on who you ask—Apaches or each other left all who knew the mine’s location dead.
To this day, adventurers set out into the Superstitions in search of the mine. Sadly, more than a few have met the same fate as Waltz and Weiser.
If you’re not particularly interested in hunting for gold there are still more than a dozen access points into the surrounding wilderness that can take you on a short day walk or a multi-day expedition. Give the Peralta Trail a shot—this nearly five-mile hike is one of the state’s most popular.
Rising 9,000-plus feet in the north of Tucson, Mount Lemmon is the highest peak in the Santa Catalina Mountains and for longboarders one of the truly epic runs in the country. The 20-plus miles of highway are paved smooth and offer great views and a challenging ride.
Don’t take my word for it—check out the plentiful YouTube videos. And watch out for the cactus!
You simply can’t have a conversation about Arizona adventures without mentioning the Grand Canyon. The 24-mile Rim-to-Rim hike is an immense challenge that gives those who complete it an intimate understanding of the canyon that’s impossible to attain without dipping below its surface.
Start on the North Kaibab Trail and descend 6,000 feet to the bottom of the canyon where the Colorado River awaits. On the way down, you’ll pass through every ecosystem that exists between Canada and Mexico. Cross the Colorado and connect with the Bright Angel Trail and return to the surface along the South Rim passing hundreds of millions of years’ worth of history preserved in the surrounding rocks.
Most guides suggest planning on two to five days to complete the trail at a regular pace.
4. Ride horses around the legendary landscape of Sedona
If the red-rock cliffs that preside over Sedona don’t make you pause it’s time to book a trip to Mars because Earth has nothing left to offer. In the early evening, the spires reflect a reddish-purple hue that no photo could ever hope to do justice. Whether or not you subscribe to New Age beliefs, it’s easy to understand why people say there’s energy here that’s different than anywhere else on the planet.
There are many ways to explore the desert scenery around the cliffs but none gives you the chance to interact with nature on its own terms quite like riding a horse. Horseback trips typically last between one and three hours with sunrise and sunset options available. Beyond the red rocks, you can catch glimpses of the Verde Valley, the Mogollon Rim, and if you’re lucky some wildlife as well.
While it may not be the dinosaurs from Jurassic Park, Petrified Forest National Park offers an amazing place to see extinct species. Many of the fossilized logs that dot the floor of the 146-square-mile national park belong to long-extinct trees. Interestingly, the site of the park is not where an actual forest stood but rather an ancient riverbed where fallen plants accumulated.
To get the most out of your Petrified Forest adventure, forget the trails—the National Park Service administers eight off-the-beaten-path routes. Check out Devil’s Playground, an especially old part of the park. Only three permits are handed out for it each week with information on how to access the route supplied only to those granted permission to take on the journey.
6. Off-road to ghost towns
While Arizona is a state known for its epic highways and scenic views, even more, it happens off the state-maintained thoroughfares. For every ghost town worth a visit there’s the main road to take you there and a secret second entrance for those with a hearty sense of adventure and a 4-wheel-drive vehicle.
Off-roading or wheeling to the initiated is a great way to see Arizona’s wildlands and get a dose of history as well. Many off-road trails pass through old mining towns and other long-abandoned remnants of human habitation. The Bradshaw Mountains Trail takes you past the ghost town of Bumble Bee which was once a stagecoach stop for the U.S. Cavalry.
Traveling by these backroads is probably one of the most vastly under-appreciated ways to explore the state. There’s simply no way to not feel like a pioneer when you cross a mountain path or stream named for some long-deceased prospector. For a good off-roading guidebook, try the Guide to Arizona Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails, or check out the Off-Highway Vehicle Program at AZStateParks.com.
7. Explore both well-known and secret ancient cliff dwellings and ruins
Arizona is home to some of the most famous cliff dwellings in the world. Montezuma’s Castle in the Verde Valley is an 800-year-old, five-story structure built by the Sinagua Indians and one of the best-preserved examples of such a site. Three hours northeast on Navajo Land is Canyon de Chelly and its White House Ruins.
While many of Arizona’s ruins require a guide or sit inside well-developed tourist sites there are still plenty that demand a more intrepid spirit. The Sycamore Canyon Cliff Dwellings north of Clarkdale lie at the end of a tough drive and hike but exploring these magnificent ruins away from the masses is a worthy payoff. Just remember that when there’s no park ranger to keep an eye on things, it’s up to you to ensure these locations remain intact and pristine for the following generation of explorers.
8. Stand in a shaft of light in Antelope Canyon
There are other slot canyons but few if any can truly compete with the beauty of Antelope Canyon. Located east of Page on Navajo tribal land, the roughly quarter-mile-long canyon is a tight squeeze through a wonderland of colored sandstone, speckled shafts of light, and a smooth sandy floor. There are two canyon routes here, the Crack and the Corkscrew; both offer jaw-dropping palettes of light and color. Don’t you dare enter without your camera (and the mandated guide)!
9. See the biggest cacti in North America at Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park boasts some absolutely huge cacti. They dominate the desert landscape and make for some very cool photo ops. Located in the Sonoran Desert, it’s worth dedicating at least a couple of days to this park. Tackle the 1.5-hour King Canyon, Gould Mine Loop hike, walk the Signal Hill trail out to ancient petroglyphs, or go for some backcountry camping if you’re looking for a real adventure.
10. Tour Hopi country
If you’re fortunate enough to take part in a tour of Hopi land you won’t just see some of the most beautiful terrain in the Southwest—you’ll also be given a lesson in the importance of living in harmony with nature and showing respect for all things, alive and otherwise.
The Hopi inhabit 12 villages spread across three separate mesas in northeastern Arizona. These homes have been occupied continuously for centuries, longer than most—if not all—settlements in the U.S. Your tour will include explanations of Hopi beliefs and culture, panoramic views from the high villages, and of course culinary treats.
Make sure to review the visitor etiquette (which includes refraining from taking photos or recordings of any kind) before you go. This is one Arizona-only adventure you can’t post to Facebook—which makes it all the more special.
It’s easy to imagine Zeus and the other Greek gods bickering over whether to settle on Mt. Olympus or in Sedona’s sandstone red rocks. During the evening, the massive outcroppings turn a shade of red so intense and worthy of contemplation that they feel like massive antennae signaling to the New Agers who flock from across the planet to admire them.
Like so much of Arizona, Sedona is a place that holds onto its secrets. Many beautiful views are accessible from the road but an entire world opens up when you have an off-road vehicle and a knowledgeable guide. To accommodate, there are several companies offering jeep tours to remote locations among the red rocks. Trips typically last between two and three hours and will take you to sweeping desert views and the ruins of ancient Native American dwellings.
12. Walk in Geronimo’s shadow at Chiricahua National Monument
Chiricahua National Monument is a maze of volcanic rock spires in the southeastern corner of Arizona. Boulders balance on top of each other so precariously it can feel as if the laws of physics have been suspended.
Covering nearly 12,000 acres, this is where Native American warrior Geronimo and other Apaches hid and planned attacks against the invading U.S. Army. Today, the national monument is notable for hiking trails and birdwatching—look out for bald eagles and prairie falcons. For an unbeatable view, be sure to check out Massai Point.
Lots of people recognize Jerome as a great day trip but it’s time to think bigger. Spend a night or two in this mountainside artist community soaking up the culture and general weirdness.
Visit Jerome State Historic Park which preserves a rambling 8,700-square-foot mansion built in 1916. Once the opulent home of mine owner James Douglas, it now serves as an informative museum filled with photographs, artifacts, mining, equipment, minerals, and models of the network of shafts and tunnels dug through the mountains.
Sitting a mile north of Jerome, Gold King Mine and Ghost Town harbors an assortment of ramshackle buildings, a menagerie of friendly animals, and a sprawling array of rusted machinery that forever teeters between ruin and redemption.
Nestled in the foothills of the Huachuca Mountains abutting the Mexican border, Coronado National Memorial commemorates and interprets the Coronado Expedition of 1540-1542 and its lasting impacts on Southwest culture. Located about 20 miles south of Sierra Vista, the memorial is part of Arizona’s Sky Island Mountains filled with spectacular scenery.
Enter on the park road, which climbs from verdant grasslands into oak woodlands and continues through heavier forest up Montezuma Canyon. Past the visitor center the road is paved for a mile and graded dirt for the upper 2 miles. It twists around tight switchbacks (vehicles over 24 feet are prohibited) and steep grades as the world falls away below.
Montezuma Pass Overlook sits at 6,575 feet flanked by picnic tables and interpretive signs, a perfect spot for an end of summer picnic celebration. Afterward you can make a short scramble (0.8 mile round-trip) to the summit of Coronado Peak, crowned with a shade ramada and additional signs describing the Coronado Expedition.
Adventurous types will want to visit Coronado Cave, one of the few open, undeveloped caves in southern Arizona. You don’t have to worry about squeezing through. The large cavern is 600 feet deep and in most places about 70 feet wide. Legend has it that Chiricahua Apache leader Geronimo often hid out in the cave.
Larger-than-life hidden treasures and some of the world’s greatest destinations for biodiversity, Sky Islands—which, to be clear, are mountains—dot Southern Arizona’s landscape, erupting up up up from valley floors toward the Sonoran Desert sky. But what makes this type of mountain so special for the region, its environment, and explorers? Read on.
What Are Sky Islands?
Sky Islands are a classification of the mountain—an unofficial nickname given to 55 mountain ranges across Southern Arizona, Southern New Mexico, and Northern Mexico that rise so high, so quickly, that multiple habitats can be found from base to peak.
As you climb up Sky Islands, you may go from an arid, saguaro-studded desert to a brisk, pine-filled forest in as little as an hour’s drive (in the case of Mount Lemmon, in Tucson). This makes these habitats especially attractive for wildlife, birds, and memorable hiking and biking. Sky Islands are also ecologically separated from other mountain ranges by distance and lowlands of a different environment.
The terminology is better known locally than anywhere else even though the parameters for what qualifies as a Sky Island can be applied to mountain ranges around the world. Knowing the term and its definition is less important than knowing how best to have an adventure on them.
Listen to the audio tour available on the Mount Lemmon Science Tour app produced by the University of Arizona College of Science as you climb up Mount Lemmon in Tucson.
Hike a portion of the Arizona Trail, an 800-mile trek that goes from Arizona’s border with Mexico—up, through, and over several Sky Islands—to the state’s border with Utah.
Go birding in Ramsey Canyon near Sierra Vista, a site popular for seeing the elusive elegant trogon and more than a dozen species of hummingbirds.
Get involved with the Sky Island Alliance which hosts events aimed at protecting the diversity of Southern Arizona’s Sky Islands.
The Santa Catalina and Rincon Mountain ranges make up Tucson’s Sky Islands hugging the city’s northern and eastern edges. Perhaps one of the best ways to explore a Sky Island—and one that requires the least amount of physical exertion—is by listening to the Mt. Lemmon Science Tour app which times fun facts and interesting tidbits with the one-hour drive from the mountain’s base to its peak. The flora and fauna surrounding the drive become a lot more interesting and you’ll learn some history about the area, too.
Saguaro National Park East below the Rincons makes up the dramatically different environment separation that Sky Islands require. More than saguaros can be found here as you bike, hike, or drive through the enormous national park.
The southeastern Arizona Sky Islands partly made up of the Mule, Chiricahua, and Huachuca mountains are crisscrossed with trails that beckon hikers and mountain bikers. Vertical monoliths challenge rock climbers.
And cool, damp canyons like Ramsey Canyon create some of the world’s greatest biodiversity. Here, vintners grow grapes for award-winning wine alongside spicy chiltepin peppers and sweet pistachios. Jaguar, white-nosed coati, and javelina wander under forest canopies while elegant trogons and hummingbirds zip across blue skies. In the fall, butterflies abound.
Montezuma Pass in the Huachucas just south of Sierra Vista marks the start of the Arizona Trail (AZT), an 800-mile hiking path that stretches from the Arizona/Mexico border to Utah. Dozens of other trails join the AZT for challenging hikes or woodsy walks and jaw-dropping views of Arizona, New Mexico, and Sonora, Mexico. Mountain bikers take to the trails for single-track rides; maps are available at Sierra Vista bike shops.
Head east to Cochise Stronghold near Willcox. The Stronghold is strewn with massive boulders amid a maze-like terrain. Mountain bikers, hikers, and rock climbers head to these rugged canyons and craggy hoodoos for classic climbs and outstanding trails.
Go a little further east to Chiricahua National Monument where towering rhyolite pinnacles and balancing spires stand alongside the 17 miles of trails. (If you have time, make a side trip down Turkey Track Trail for a gander at Johnny Ringo’s grave, the Old West outlaw and gunfighter made famous by Hollywood writers.)
After hiking around Chiricahua National Monument, head east for 25 miles via a dirt road toward the Yosemite of Arizona: Cave Creek Canyon. Accessed through the town of Portal, the canyon is described as a birder’s paradise for five months of the year. And, the rest of the time, it’s just paradise. Spend some time communing with nature. When you’re ready to rest and eat, head to the Portal Cafe, Country Store & Lodge, or if you prefer to camp, the Stewart Campground or Sunny Flat Campground are the closest to the canyon.
In Douglas, San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge which shares its conservation efforts with compañeros across the border provides a year-round habitat for an amazing diversity of wildlife, both flora and fauna, and offers world-class bird and wildlife watching.
The Refuge is part of a migration superhighway through Cochise County following the northward-flowing San Pedro River. With near-tropical climates in the Sky Islands, Cochise County welcomes an incredible variety of birds that make season-long stops in the Huachucas and along the riparian area. The Nature Conservancy’s Ramsey Canyon Preserve just minutes from downtown Sierra Vista is one of the country’s top birding spots.
In centuries past, the Sky Islands provided hidey holes for outlaws and Apaches, vantage points for the U.S. Army, and cool retreats for city folk seeking to beat the heat of the valley floor. Geronimo, General Pershing, Johnny Ringo, and the Earp brothers roamed the area leaving indelible legends in the wind. In later years, the Sky Islands starred in feature films alongside Hollywood legends like John Wayne, Paul Newman, Charlton Heston, Val Kilmer, Sam Elliott, and Nicolas Cage.
Wayne is known to have frequented the communities among the Sky Islands including Patagonia and Bisbee, a reimagined former mining town. Both towns’ charming main thoroughfares while small are dotted with local restaurants and bars for a nibble and libation and some decent local lore.
In addition to mining, southeastern Arizona is also known for ranching. Many of the mines are gone but the ranches remain run by the descendants of the original families.
The John Slaughter Ranch (about a 20-mile drive on the Geronimo Trail outside Douglas), no longer a working ranch, gives visitors a glimpse into the life John Slaughter, a former Texas Ranger and Cochise County sheriff. He bought the property in 1884 and spent the remainder of his life developing it into a thriving southwestern cattle ranch despite the harassment from Geronimo and his band as they crossed into Mexico.
The lower loop of the Sky Islands cuddles Douglas, a border and former copper-mining town with a rich history. Home to the first international airport in the U.S., this community is anchored by the stately Gadsden Hotel built in 1907 for visiting mining company executives and fronted with a massive stained glass window—the only southwestern scene Tiffany ever created.
Legend says that the infamous Mexican bandit Pancho Villa rode his horse up the sweeping marble staircase in the early 1900s. Two decades later, a speakeasy opened in the basement and nine decades later the same speakeasy will open again. And yes, it’s said to be haunted.
Worth Pondering…
To my mind, these live oak-dotted hills fat with side oats grama, these pine-clad mesas spangled with flowers, these lazy trout streams burbling along under great sycamores and cottonwoods, come near to being the cream of creation.
