Nov
18
Motor Home Desert Adventure in Tucson Mountain Park
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Andrew Stratton asked:
Imagine this - You are standing in the middle of the desert. The ground is all saguaro cactus and shrubs. Rocks and hills rise all around you, some of the rock outcroppings reaching well over your head. And, in the distance you can see the valleys stretch to the horizon, where grey shadowy mountains stand, making a dim outline against the cloudless sky.
This is the view from the heart of Tucson Mountain Park. Located just west of Tucson, Arizona, it boasts a stunning 20,000 acres of sonoran desert, full of majestic desert mountain views and saguaro forests. The park’s saguaro forest is considered to be the best in the world, and watching the sun set from its foothills is awe-inspiring.
Before getting to the heart of the park, you have to hike a little ways. Many visitors are surprised to find the walk into the park is one of the best parts. The trail leads you through Gates Pass, where it winds and meanders, offering some of the best scenery you’re likely to see in the entire state of Arizona.
If you’re not up for the hike, or, if you want to enjoy the scenery from the luxury of your motor home, you’re still in luck. There is a scenic drive that takes you through Gates Pass and right along the edge of the park. There, you’ll see all the amazing scenery, and you can also stop at the Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum, which is full of exhibits about the unique saguaro desert climate. There are also a number of short hikes, picnic areas and campgrounds.
For some real adventure at Tucson Mountain Park, bring along your mountain bike. The area is known all over the country for its more than 30 spectacular mountain bike trails, varying in length and difficulty. Some parts of the park are flat and sandy, while other areas have some steep hills and more vegetation.
The good news is that nearby Tucson is full of great motor home friendly sites. Because it is one of the number one motor home destinations in the country, you can find lots of great places to stay. Here are just a few places to check out.
- Voyager RV Resort - This is a big, friendly RV campground with more than 1,500 spaces. They have swimming pools and lots of other family fun to enjoy while you stay, and prices range from $25 to $40, with long term stay discounts available.
- Adventure Bound Camping Resorts - This commercial campground with 250 RV hookups, tries its best to live up to its name. They have a number of fun activities, and are located a little off the beaten path.
- Valley of the Sun Mobile Home and RV Park - This site is located in the suburb of Marana, and gives you a little more peace and quiet than the other motor home locations. This is a nice, clean park with full hook-ups, access to activities, and pretty desert scenery. They offer overnight rates, as well as long-term stay deals.
BURES
Imagine this - You are standing in the middle of the desert. The ground is all saguaro cactus and shrubs. Rocks and hills rise all around you, some of the rock outcroppings reaching well over your head. And, in the distance you can see the valleys stretch to the horizon, where grey shadowy mountains stand, making a dim outline against the cloudless sky.
This is the view from the heart of Tucson Mountain Park. Located just west of Tucson, Arizona, it boasts a stunning 20,000 acres of sonoran desert, full of majestic desert mountain views and saguaro forests. The park’s saguaro forest is considered to be the best in the world, and watching the sun set from its foothills is awe-inspiring.
Before getting to the heart of the park, you have to hike a little ways. Many visitors are surprised to find the walk into the park is one of the best parts. The trail leads you through Gates Pass, where it winds and meanders, offering some of the best scenery you’re likely to see in the entire state of Arizona.
If you’re not up for the hike, or, if you want to enjoy the scenery from the luxury of your motor home, you’re still in luck. There is a scenic drive that takes you through Gates Pass and right along the edge of the park. There, you’ll see all the amazing scenery, and you can also stop at the Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum, which is full of exhibits about the unique saguaro desert climate. There are also a number of short hikes, picnic areas and campgrounds.
For some real adventure at Tucson Mountain Park, bring along your mountain bike. The area is known all over the country for its more than 30 spectacular mountain bike trails, varying in length and difficulty. Some parts of the park are flat and sandy, while other areas have some steep hills and more vegetation.
The good news is that nearby Tucson is full of great motor home friendly sites. Because it is one of the number one motor home destinations in the country, you can find lots of great places to stay. Here are just a few places to check out.
- Voyager RV Resort - This is a big, friendly RV campground with more than 1,500 spaces. They have swimming pools and lots of other family fun to enjoy while you stay, and prices range from $25 to $40, with long term stay discounts available.
- Adventure Bound Camping Resorts - This commercial campground with 250 RV hookups, tries its best to live up to its name. They have a number of fun activities, and are located a little off the beaten path.
- Valley of the Sun Mobile Home and RV Park - This site is located in the suburb of Marana, and gives you a little more peace and quiet than the other motor home locations. This is a nice, clean park with full hook-ups, access to activities, and pretty desert scenery. They offer overnight rates, as well as long-term stay deals.
BURES
Nov
5
Tucson Tourist Attractions
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Brian Link asked:
Tucson is filled with tourist attractions ranging from the Catalina State Park, which hosts the Hohokam village (the site of the oldest known Indian tribe), to the Sonora Desert Museum with its collection of desert creatures caught right in their natural habitat. The weather in Tucson, which ranges somewhere to the average of 75 degrees for most of the year, is ideal for outdoor camping, hiking, biking, sightseeing and even movie-making. The clear skies all year round have made Tucson the ideal location for the Kitt Peak Observatory Lab where dozens of astrologers and cosmologists camp in a view to capture the heavens. But this is not all there is in Tucson.
No one leaves Tucson without visiting the Pima Air Museum which is dedicated to the preservation of the history of commercial and military aviation. This museum opened its doors in 1976 with just over 70 aircraft but has since grown to over 250. It has recently added the world-famous F-5B made by Northrop. Special aviation events and conferences are held here every year and flight enthusiasts can be seen here all the time.
A big part of Tucson is its scenery and mild weather that draws thousands of hikers to the area every year. Many of them come to hike or cycle in the mountains and nowhere else is this more enjoyable than at Finger Rock Trail. Despite the steep 4000 feet climb the vistas from different vantage points are simply stunning. Tours to this area are always fully booked. The trail winds into Alvernon Way which approaches Finger Rock and the Pontatoc Trail. The Finger Rock Trail stretches over five miles. The hike passes through the Sonora Desert up to the jagged peaks of the Catalina Mountains which offers more views of the surrounding terrain.
Another memorable attraction in Tucson is actually located right in the heart of downtown. This is the Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block which is famous for its Western art that is both contemporary and experimental. The museum also hosts a large section devoted to pre-Columbian artistry of the American Southwest and Mexican art. In addition, the building features works by some of Arizona’s most talented artists. Tours to these widely visited attractions are extremely popular and children under 12 years old are admitted free. The first Sunday of every month is also free for all visitors regardless of their age.
WALTJEN
Tucson is filled with tourist attractions ranging from the Catalina State Park, which hosts the Hohokam village (the site of the oldest known Indian tribe), to the Sonora Desert Museum with its collection of desert creatures caught right in their natural habitat. The weather in Tucson, which ranges somewhere to the average of 75 degrees for most of the year, is ideal for outdoor camping, hiking, biking, sightseeing and even movie-making. The clear skies all year round have made Tucson the ideal location for the Kitt Peak Observatory Lab where dozens of astrologers and cosmologists camp in a view to capture the heavens. But this is not all there is in Tucson.
No one leaves Tucson without visiting the Pima Air Museum which is dedicated to the preservation of the history of commercial and military aviation. This museum opened its doors in 1976 with just over 70 aircraft but has since grown to over 250. It has recently added the world-famous F-5B made by Northrop. Special aviation events and conferences are held here every year and flight enthusiasts can be seen here all the time.
A big part of Tucson is its scenery and mild weather that draws thousands of hikers to the area every year. Many of them come to hike or cycle in the mountains and nowhere else is this more enjoyable than at Finger Rock Trail. Despite the steep 4000 feet climb the vistas from different vantage points are simply stunning. Tours to this area are always fully booked. The trail winds into Alvernon Way which approaches Finger Rock and the Pontatoc Trail. The Finger Rock Trail stretches over five miles. The hike passes through the Sonora Desert up to the jagged peaks of the Catalina Mountains which offers more views of the surrounding terrain.
Another memorable attraction in Tucson is actually located right in the heart of downtown. This is the Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block which is famous for its Western art that is both contemporary and experimental. The museum also hosts a large section devoted to pre-Columbian artistry of the American Southwest and Mexican art. In addition, the building features works by some of Arizona’s most talented artists. Tours to these widely visited attractions are extremely popular and children under 12 years old are admitted free. The first Sunday of every month is also free for all visitors regardless of their age.
WALTJEN
Oct
7
Activities in Tucson, Arizona
Filed Under Destinations | Comments Off
Brian Link asked:
Tucson, Arizona, has great weather with temperatures hovering over the mid 70s for most of the year. This not only makes the city an awesome place for living but also for extra activities outdoors. Downtown Tucsonís rich and eccentric history and cultural heritage make it an excellent place to tour and learn about the west. The infamous gangster John Dillinger once slept at a motel in downtown Tucson and movie companies flock to this city to make western movies on location.
Tucson, with its dry weather and beautiful scenery, is the home to such wonderful attractions as the Sonora Desert Museum which displays a host of desert creatures in their natural habitat. It is located about an hour and a half from the Tucson metro area and gives viewers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ranges. The Sonora Desert gift shop stocks an excellent array of memorable souvenirs. The Sonora Desert Museum is a great attraction to tourists from all over the world.
Another great attraction in Tucson is the Kitt Peak National Observatory which, because of the year long clear skies, is one of the world’s largest observatories. Located approximately 56 miles southwest of Tucson, it sits atop Kitt Peak and has been credited with some of the greatest cosmic observations ever. This observatory is open to the public and continues to draw thousands of visitors each year.
Most people drawn to Tucson also come here because of the rugged terrain located on the outskirts of the city. This terrain is ideal for outdoor hiking and cycling. No such place surpasses Gates Pass which is known for its breathtaking panoramic view of Tucson and its surrounding mountain ranges. To get there one can drive along Speedway Boulevard which winds into the Gates Pass Road. Sunsets here are especially awe inspiring and the area is very popular with cyclists.
A visit to Tucson cannot be complete without a visit to the Catalina State Park located about 12 miles north on Arizona Highway 77, also known as Oracle Road. This park also sees its share of visitors with digital cameras because of its views of the canyons and domes of the Catalina Mountains. The park is also home to exotic birds, snakes and lizards. In addition to the native wildlife, visitors can find the Hohokam village at the Catalina State Park. This is symbolic because the Hohokam Indian tribe is reputed to be the oldest in America and has since become extinct. The Catalina Park is great for outdoor family picnics and camping.
STUPP
Tucson, Arizona, has great weather with temperatures hovering over the mid 70s for most of the year. This not only makes the city an awesome place for living but also for extra activities outdoors. Downtown Tucsonís rich and eccentric history and cultural heritage make it an excellent place to tour and learn about the west. The infamous gangster John Dillinger once slept at a motel in downtown Tucson and movie companies flock to this city to make western movies on location.
Tucson, with its dry weather and beautiful scenery, is the home to such wonderful attractions as the Sonora Desert Museum which displays a host of desert creatures in their natural habitat. It is located about an hour and a half from the Tucson metro area and gives viewers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ranges. The Sonora Desert gift shop stocks an excellent array of memorable souvenirs. The Sonora Desert Museum is a great attraction to tourists from all over the world.
Another great attraction in Tucson is the Kitt Peak National Observatory which, because of the year long clear skies, is one of the world’s largest observatories. Located approximately 56 miles southwest of Tucson, it sits atop Kitt Peak and has been credited with some of the greatest cosmic observations ever. This observatory is open to the public and continues to draw thousands of visitors each year.
Most people drawn to Tucson also come here because of the rugged terrain located on the outskirts of the city. This terrain is ideal for outdoor hiking and cycling. No such place surpasses Gates Pass which is known for its breathtaking panoramic view of Tucson and its surrounding mountain ranges. To get there one can drive along Speedway Boulevard which winds into the Gates Pass Road. Sunsets here are especially awe inspiring and the area is very popular with cyclists.
A visit to Tucson cannot be complete without a visit to the Catalina State Park located about 12 miles north on Arizona Highway 77, also known as Oracle Road. This park also sees its share of visitors with digital cameras because of its views of the canyons and domes of the Catalina Mountains. The park is also home to exotic birds, snakes and lizards. In addition to the native wildlife, visitors can find the Hohokam village at the Catalina State Park. This is symbolic because the Hohokam Indian tribe is reputed to be the oldest in America and has since become extinct. The Catalina Park is great for outdoor family picnics and camping.
STUPP
May
20
An Overview of Tucson, Arizona
Filed Under Destinations | Comments Off
Brian Link asked:
The State of Arizona is widely known for its dry western weather, beautiful scenery and cactus plantations spread over wide expanses of rock and desert. This makes for the traditional wild west territory. This picture is painted best in Tucson, a bustling city of 1 million that is set against awe-inspiring mountains. Tucson is Arizonaís second largest city after Phoenix and has a rich Mexican-Native American heritage and history stemming from its occupation by native Indians. Many people have traveled through this city since its inception in the 18th century. From French merchants to Anglo-American frontiersmen to Indian tribesmen, Tucson can boast a rich and diverse heritage.
What makes Tucson tick is the mild weather all year round which makes the city both an awesome place for business and living and also for lots of recreational activities. Downtown Tucson is rich in history and used to be the cultural heartbeat of Old Pueblo which boasts over 10 districts rich in art theater, opera, ballet and symphony. Downtown Tucson also has memorable landmarks which include the old Pima County Courthouse, the St. Augustine Cathedral and two train depots which date back to the days of the old west. If you want to shop in Tucson then you will find that there is an abundance of shopping districts which come with great restaurants, vintage theaters, motels and inns not to mention five star hotels. Tucson also has an exciting nightlife which is corroborated by its multi-ethnic citizenry who have a taste for the finest in life.
Tucson is a truly beautiful city with breathtaking and eccentric architecture that can be attributed to the best of architects and designers in the industry. The downtown area sprouts from the rugged terrain against a backdrop of cactus plants and the desert. Tucson is special because its location lies directly on the spot of the most continuously inhabited area in the United States. This is due to the fact that Tucson is the actual spot of the earliest documented inhabitants belonging to the Hohokam tribe which has since become extinct. The Spanish adventurers, including missionaries, also graced this area as did Mexican and U.S. armies, outlaw legends such as John Dillinger and other romantic characters.
The Tucson airport accommodates 14 different airlines flying to over 32 destinations and connections to 125 cities in the US and overseas. Over 90 flights depart from Tucson on a daily basis. Rail service is not new to Tucson. Since the 18th century, rail travel has been an important part of travel for locals and visitors as alike. Tucson actually boasts some of the oldest train depots in the US. Amtrak now has regular train service to and from Tucson as is the Greyhound bus. Tucson is also strategically located on I-10, the main artery that connects California to Florida.
BEALS
The State of Arizona is widely known for its dry western weather, beautiful scenery and cactus plantations spread over wide expanses of rock and desert. This makes for the traditional wild west territory. This picture is painted best in Tucson, a bustling city of 1 million that is set against awe-inspiring mountains. Tucson is Arizonaís second largest city after Phoenix and has a rich Mexican-Native American heritage and history stemming from its occupation by native Indians. Many people have traveled through this city since its inception in the 18th century. From French merchants to Anglo-American frontiersmen to Indian tribesmen, Tucson can boast a rich and diverse heritage.
What makes Tucson tick is the mild weather all year round which makes the city both an awesome place for business and living and also for lots of recreational activities. Downtown Tucson is rich in history and used to be the cultural heartbeat of Old Pueblo which boasts over 10 districts rich in art theater, opera, ballet and symphony. Downtown Tucson also has memorable landmarks which include the old Pima County Courthouse, the St. Augustine Cathedral and two train depots which date back to the days of the old west. If you want to shop in Tucson then you will find that there is an abundance of shopping districts which come with great restaurants, vintage theaters, motels and inns not to mention five star hotels. Tucson also has an exciting nightlife which is corroborated by its multi-ethnic citizenry who have a taste for the finest in life.
Tucson is a truly beautiful city with breathtaking and eccentric architecture that can be attributed to the best of architects and designers in the industry. The downtown area sprouts from the rugged terrain against a backdrop of cactus plants and the desert. Tucson is special because its location lies directly on the spot of the most continuously inhabited area in the United States. This is due to the fact that Tucson is the actual spot of the earliest documented inhabitants belonging to the Hohokam tribe which has since become extinct. The Spanish adventurers, including missionaries, also graced this area as did Mexican and U.S. armies, outlaw legends such as John Dillinger and other romantic characters.
The Tucson airport accommodates 14 different airlines flying to over 32 destinations and connections to 125 cities in the US and overseas. Over 90 flights depart from Tucson on a daily basis. Rail service is not new to Tucson. Since the 18th century, rail travel has been an important part of travel for locals and visitors as alike. Tucson actually boasts some of the oldest train depots in the US. Amtrak now has regular train service to and from Tucson as is the Greyhound bus. Tucson is also strategically located on I-10, the main artery that connects California to Florida.
BEALS