SAN XAVIER DEL BAC MISSION Located 9 miles off I-19 exit 92. Founded by jesuit Father Eusebio Francisco Kino before 1700. Called the "White Dove of the Desert", the structure is an impressisve example of Spanish mission architecture. The domes, carvings, arches and flying buttresses distinguish it from other missions. The interior murals and the altar are especially noteworthy. I highly recommend a visit to this treasure of History.
SABINO CANYON Located at Sabino Canyon Rd and Sunrise, is part of the Coronado National Forest. Among the recreational activities at this desert oasis are hiking, bird-watching and picnicking. There are shuttle buses at the parking area that offer narrated excursions into the canyon. This is a picture of Seven Falls which is off the Bear Canyon trail.
CHIRICAHUA (CHEER-EE-KAH-WAH) NATIONAL MONUMENT- WONDERLAND OF ROCKS. Is 36 miles southeast of Willcox. The monument encompasses 11,985 acres once controlled by the Chiricahua Apaches under Cochise. With the elevation ranging from 5,180 to 7,825 the Chiricahua Mountains rise above the surrounding grasslands, providing shady forests for Mexican chickadees, coatimundis, javelina and other wildlife species. Among the monument's outstanding features are gigantic, erosion-sculptured monoliths of vocanic rock. An odd array of shapes can be seen with little imagination. Here is a picture of Duck on a Rock.
KITT PEAK NATIONAL OBSERVATORY Located in the Quinlan Mountains just 56 miles west of Tucson Kitt Peak is reputed to have the largest collection of astronomical observaories. The site contains 24 research instruments, including the world's largest solar telescope.
TUMACACORI NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK is located 19 miles north of Nagales on I-19 exit 29. Once a Pima Indian village, Tumacacori was visited by Jesuit priest Eusebio Francisco Kino in 1691. The Franciscans began building the present adobe church about 1800, but it ws never completed. Apache raids, neglect and a terrible winter contributed to its abondonment in 1848.
SUNSET CRATER VALCANO NATIONAL MONUMENT Is 12 miles north of Flagstaff via US 89. The bright-reddish hues of the water-stained sulfuric rock at the summit are in stark contrast with the black basalt of the adjacent rocks. From a distance the mountain appears to be on fire. Dark at the base, the valcano also has shades of red, orange and yellow leading to the summit. In 1892 John Wesley Powell noted the colors and gave the cone its name, Sunset Crater. The Volcano first erupted in 1064-1065 A.D. and was active intermittently for nearly 200 years.
TONTO NATIONAL MONUMENT, east of Roosevelt Dam, is the most accessible of south-central Arizona's prehistoric cliff dwellings. The remains of a two-story pueblo built in a natural cave were occupied by the Salado culture in the 13th and 14th centuries. A visitor center and museum contain many artifacts from the Salado culture.
CASA GRANDE RUINS NATIONAL MONUMENT is in the city limits of Coolidge off SR 87/287. Casa Grande was built by prehistoric peoples called Hohokam prior to 1350 A.D. The four-story structure is constructed of layers of caliche mud and represents the height of Hohokam architecture. The Hohokam lived in the area for many centuries prior to the construction of the Casa Grande (big house). Around 1450 Casa Grande was aboandoned for unknown reasons. The ruins were named in 1694 by Father Eusebio Francisco Kino.
CANYON DE CHELLY NATIONAL MONUMENT (d'-SHAY) is 3 miles east of Chinle. Five periods of Native American culture dating from 2500 B.C. to present, are represented within the 83,849 acre monument. The principal area ruins are White House, Antelope House, Standing Cow and Mummy Cave. White House was first explored in 1848, and its architecture may indicate connection with Chaco Canyon. Antelope House is named for the large pictograph of running antelopes that appears there. Mummy Cave, in which some well-preserved human remains were discovered, has a three-story tower.
BESH-BA-GOWAH ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK in Globe is a 300 room pueblo inhabited 1225-1400 by Salado Indians. Several rooms are restored. Artifacts from the ruins are displayed in the museum.
MONTEZUMA CASTLE NATIONAL MONUMENT off I-17 exit 289 contains reuins of an early clifff dwelling. Built in the 13th and 13th centuries, it is among the best preserved dwellings of its type. The foundation is in a vertical cliff 46 feet above the talus slope. The five-story casle, believed to be inhabited by Sinagua Indians, contains 20 rooms and was once accessible only by ladders. MONTEZUMA WELL,is a limestone sinkhole that is rimmed by pueblos and cliff dwellings. A source of water to the fields of ancient peoples, some of the ditches dug 1200-1300 A.D. are stillvisible.
JEROME In 1582 Spanish missionaries exploring the Verde Valley recorded that natives were using the copper mines near what is now Jerome. The missionaries description of the mines was identical to the workings found in 1883 by the United Verde Co. Eugene Jerome of New York agreed to finance the mining project on condition the camp be named for him. Once a city with a population of 15,000, Jerome became a virtual ghost town when the United Verde Branch copper mines of the Phelps Dodge Corp. closed in 1953. Since then, shops, galleries and studios have been established in the restored town.
BISBEE Bisbee mines have produced more than $2 billion in copper, gold, silver, lead, and zinc. By 1900 Bisbee was a large booming cosmopolitan center. But by the 1970's most of the mines had closed, and artists studios replaced the miner's shacks. Bisbee is now home to many artists. Events and cultural activities are held throughout the year and tours of the Lavender Pit mine are held year round. Long favored as a weekend escape, Bisbee is about 100 miles southeast of Tucson in the cooler confines of the Mule Mountains. Today Bisbee thrives on tourism, offering tours of the Copper Queen Mine, and shopping adventures at numerous small stores selling everything from fine jewelry to antiques. History aficionados will enjoy a walk down Old Bisbee's Main Street, where many of the area's oldest commercial buildings still stand, as well as a stroll through the Copper Queen Hotel built in 1902, and reputed to be haunted. The community is home to several quaint bed and breakfast inns, as well as other historic hotels and rental properties. To get the inside scoop on life in the mining era, visitors can tour the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum, located in the former general office building of the Copper Queen Consolidated Mining Company. Period Photos, mineral specimens, and the restored office of the general manager are just some of the things that can be seen here.
YUMA TERRITORIAL PRISON STATE HISTORIC PARK Erected in 1876 the building was used as a prison until 1909 and at full capacity confined 3,000 prisoners. visit the cell blocks and the museum.
WUPATKI NATIONAL MONUMENT near Flagstaff and Sunset Crater, is one of hundreds of ruins within the 35,253 acre monument. Wupatki, or Long-cut House, is the largest containing more than 100 rooms. The original inhabitants are believed to be the ancestors of the Hopi Indians. While in the area, explore more sights around Flagstaff. Home to Northern Arizona University and a population of about 60,000, "Fag," as it's affectionately called by its residents is a short drive away from Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, Wupatki National Monument, Walnut Canyon National Monument, and Arizona Snowbowl Ski Resort and Scenic Skyride. There's plenty to see and do within the confines of the city as well, including visiting the Lowell Observatory, cruising on Route 66, shopping and eating in the revitalized downtown area, and learning about our state's history at the Museum of Northern Arizona. And for a view of how the other half used to live, take a tour of historic Riordan Mansion State Historic Park, designed by Charles Whittlesley and built in 1904.
FORT BOWIE NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE the fort was built in 1862 to guard the Butterfield Overland Trail and to protect peoneers from Apache raids lead by Cochise and Geronimo. The site can only be reached by traveling 1.5 miles on foot, but well worth the walk. Click to see a site map of Fort Bowie.
TOMBSTONE, THE TOWN TOO TOUGH TO DIE, was founded in 1877 by Ed Schieffelin. Silver and Gold mines made men rich until rising underground waters forced suspension of mining operations. The town is best known for it's lawlessness and violence which climaxed with the infamous gunfight at the OK corral. Tombstone has morphed into a colorful tourist attraction offering a glimpse of the Old West through historic buildings, museums, and reenactments of notorious events like the Gunfight at the OK Corral. Attractions include the Tombstone Courthouse Historic State Park, The Bird Cage Theatre, the Crystal Palace Saloon and the Museum of the West. For floral enthusiasts, the Rose Tree Inn is home to what is purported to be the largest rose tree in existence covering more than 8,000 square feet, originally planted in 1885.
SEDONA is situated amid red rocks of Oak Creek Canyon. The red monoliths and buttes provide a wonderful place to hike, picnic, and just enjoy nature. Sedona is a center for contemporary and traditional arts. It is also purportedly home to several vortexes, electromagnetic energy fields emitting upward from the earth. These fields are thought to energize and inspire visitors.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO DO AND SEE
GATES PASS-A winding uphill drive west on Speedway Blvd. (which becomes Gates Pass Rd) brings you, at its apex, to Gates Pass-and a panoramic view of Tucson to the east and Tucson Mountain Park to the west. It's a perfect setting for inspiring sunrises, midday contemplation, and romantic sunsets. (It's a favorite ride for bicyclists, too-be aware!)
DE GRAZIA'S HAUNT-Many works by one of Tucson's most famous artists, Ted De Grazia, are housed in De Grazia's Gallery in the Sun, a group of low-slung adobes set amidst the modern structures of the Swan and Sunrise ares. Exhibitions of his early and late works, plus a gift shop, make this stop worthwhile. At 6300 N. Swan Rd. Phone 299-9192.
HISTORICAL MUSEUMS-Just east of the Main Gate of the U of A campus, the Arizona State Museum exhibits pottery and artifacts and presents important facts about food gathering, trading, and commerce of prehistoric and modern Native Americans. The museum also has a gift shop. Phone 621-6281. The nearby Arizona Historical Society, established when Arizona was a territory, features period rooms, the Mining Hall mine shaft replica, photo exhibits, self-guided tours, and hands-on exhibits for all ages. At 949 E. 2nd St. Phone 628-5774.
OLD TUCSON STUDIOS-One of the most visited attractions in Arizona (after the Grand Canyon), Old Tucson Studios is a family theme park and movie location with daily staged gunfights, saloon shows, musicals, Native American storytelling, games, and rides. First built in 1939, the Old West town has been built up from the more than 300 movies and television shows filmed there-including Kurt Russell's 'Tombstone', John Wayne's 'Rio Lobo', and the 'High Chaparral' series. Be sure to visit the Town Hall Museum. Admission fee. Open Thurs.-Mon. 10-6 and 10-2 Tues. and Wed. Phone 883-0100 or check out www.oldtucson.com. You can also step back in time with a guided tour of Gammons Gulch, a ghost-town movie set with the look and feel of the Old West. This authentic 1890s town is located 12 miles north of Benson and is open 9-5 Wed-Sun, Sept-May and for tours by reservation. Phone 212-2831 or visit www.gammonsgulch.com.
J. KNOX CORBETT HOUSE-The Tucson Museum of Art operates this period home as a local model for the Arts and Crafts movement of the early 20th century. The house, designed in 1906 by architect David Holmes, was the home of Johnston Knox Corbett, a lumber and hardware dealer who also served as Tucson's postmaster for 23 years and was mayor from 1914 to 1917. Members of the Corbett family (including Hiram "Hi" Corbett, for whom the Reid Park baseball field is named) occupied the house for 56 years, until 1963. The Corbett house (180 N. Main Ave) is open during regular museum hours. Phone 624-2333.
SUMMERHAVEN-This little village's claim to fame is revealed by its name. Just below the summit of 9,157 ft. Mt. Lemmon, Summerhaven offers cool mountain air, moutain streams, views, and the sound of gently rustling leaves. Picnic, browse for antiques, hike, bike, shop, ride the ski lift, eat homemade fudge, or savor hot soup and coffee at a cafe'. The US Forest Service now charges a fee for use of all national forest land on Mt. Lemmon-however, there is no charge to visit Summerhave. It should be noted that portions of the mountain are closed due to a devastating wildfire.
CAVES & CAVERNS-Cave explorers of all ages and abilities can have a field day in Arizona. Kartchner Caverns State Park near Benson has been described as an underground nature preserve. Providing spectacular sights in two football-field-sized rooms, this living cave also features a 52 ft tall stone column dubbed Kubla Khan. Also on the grounds: a hummingbird garden, hiking trails, and campgrounds. Reservations are recommended 520-586-CAVE. Colossal Cave Mountain Park, 20 miles east of TUcson on Old Spanish Trail 647-7275 is a local favorite. Coronado Cave, near the Mexican border and part of the Coronado National Memorial 520-366-5515, is a more primitive cave, but worth the effort to enjoy the cool temperature and calcite formations. Visitors need to remember flashlights, good shoes, and a permit from the visitors center for this 3/4-mile hike. All except Coronado Cave charge admission fees.
FORT HUACHUCA-An army post with a history that is both preserved and cherished, Ft. Huachuca is a real treat. Most of the original buildings from the 1890's are still in use; photos at the museum, established in 1960, can show you just how the homes have changed in a century. Head southeast of Tucson to Sierra Vista for a brief trip back in time to a frontier town without the frontier fears. Also on the grounds is a US Army Intelligence Museum. Phone 520-533-5736.
OLD TOWN ARTISANS & MORE-In the historic Presidio district, Old Town Artisans, 201 N. Court Ave, 623-6024, is a haven for those seeking beautiful arts & crafts or a relaxing lunch in wonderful courtyard. The historic adobe structure is filled with items ranging from prickly pear pad spoon rests and handmade gargoyles to dried flower arrangements, Western wear, and hand crafted jewelry and pottery. Nearby, you'll find historic homes, and more. It's a freat area for shopping and sightseeing.
PATAGONIA-Consider a daytrip to the eclectic town of Patagonia, where you'll find interesting galleries, shops, and restaurants lining the sides of Town Park. You'll find everything from paintings to jewelry. Imagine blue skies, a breeze coming off the water, and a bobber lulling you to sleep-you'll find this paradise at Patagonia Lake State Park. Or you can look for more than 290 species of birds in the Nature Conservancy's Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve.
TRAIL DUST TOWN-This collection of shops and eateries is a little slice of the 19th century West: boardwalks, an old-fashioned town square lit by the glow of authentic gas streetlamps, shaded park benches, and a gazebo in the middle of it all. Enjoy all this as well as the Dragoon Street Wild, Wild West Stunt Shows. You'll also find the vintage Allen Herschell "Fiesta del Presidio" the oldest operational carousel in the city. You'll be able to ride the Trail Dust Town railroad (a replica 1863 C. P. Huntington narrow-gauge train) visit the museum of the Horse SOldier, pan for gold at Gabby's Gulch, grab a cowboy dinner at Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse. At 6541 E. Tanque Verde Rd. near the Grant Rd. intersection. Phone 296-4551.
TOHONO CHUL PARK-Created to promote the conservation of arid regions, this 49-acre park offers a lovely retreat. It includes wheelchair accessible nature trails, art and cultural exhibits, demonstration gardens, a greenhouse,a children's garden, a tea room, gift shops, and a cool spot near a recirculating stream. 7366 N. Paseo Del Norte. Admission fee. 575-8468 or 742-6455, or www.tohonochulpark.org
TUBAC & TUMACACORI-Situated 45 miles south of Tucson off I-19, Tubac was once the site of a Spanish presidio. Today, it's the town "where art and history meet," offering prints, pottery, jewelry, batiks, paintings, restaurants, lodging, golf, and more. Drive south to Tumacacori or hike the 4.5 mile Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail to Tumcacacori National Historical Park (398-2341) to see a Franciscan mission built in the early 1800s and a garden like the one grown by the padres 200 years ago. Phone the Tubac Chamber of Commerce at 398-2704 or visit www.tubacaz.com
ARIZONA-SONORA DESERT MUSEUM-Wandering through this living museum is like taking an enchanted walk through the desert-with no fear of snakes or critters. There's lots of information, plenty of shade and water, and close-up views of bobcats, prairie dogs, coyotes, hawks, Mexican gray wolves, scorpions, rattlesnakes, roadrunners, quail, and more. Aviaries offer a birder's haven. Trees and cactus are identified for you as well. The internationally famous museum has seasonal fine dining and year-round casual dining. Trained museum docents give live-animal demonstrations and seasonal guided tours. Admission fee. 2021 N. Kinney Rd. 883-1380 or www.desertmuseum.org.
REID PARK ZOO-If you see a young firaffe learning to run across an open field, a polar bear taking a plunge, and ostriches, cranes, and other birds sharing an African grassland with antelope, you must be at Reid Park Zoo. The zoo has carefully created natural habitats and multi-species exhibits-a pleasant setting for animals and visitors alike. The South American exhibit has jaguars, spectacled bears, and capybara. Don't miss the aviary, dubbed the Flight Connection. In Reid Park off 22nd, between Randolph Way and Country Club R. Admission fee. 791-3204.
CATALINA STATE PARK-Just 12 miles north of Tucson on Oracle Rd. this park offers the best views of the canyons, cliffs, domes, and spires on the north side of the Catalina Mountains. White-tailed deer abound. Walk the Romero Ruin Interpretive Trail to the archaeological site of an ancient Hohokam village and later a Spanish hacienda. Picnicking, camping, and hiking are available. Admission fee. 628-5798.
MADERA CANYON-About 40 miles south of Tucson, the Santa Rita Mountains are home to Madera Canyon, one of the prettiest spots around. There are trails for hikers, tables for picnickers, a clear stream, and a variety of trees for all. In the cooler months, you should take a coat 0or a jacket. Take I-19 south of Tucson to the clearly marked turnoff near Continental, just south of Green Valley.
TUCSON CHILDREN'S MUSEUM-You'll find one fine exhibit after an other in the historic library builings, 200 S. 6th Ave. The museum focuses on participatory exhibits and displays geared to learning and exploration. There's also a gift shop filled with toys that are educational as well as fun. 792-9985.
SAGUARO NATIONAL PARK-Long known as Saguaro National Monument, this national park (designated in 1994) bookends Tucson on the east and west. The park continues to protect native plants and animals on its more than 91,000 combined acres. Each location has a loop road for driving or bicycling. The westside park, at 2700 N. Kinney Rd. has picnic areas, hiking trails, petroglyphs, and a visitors center with a bookstore, exhibit area, and theatre. The eastside park, at 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail, also has a visitors center, exhibit area, and theatre. Special hikes and interpretive programs are offered. 733-5158 (west) or 733-5153.
"A" MOUNTAIN-Perhaps Tucson's most notable, or should we say most easily noted, landmark is "A" Mountain. Rising above downtown, the peak has witnessed the history and growth of the city. CHUKSHON, meaning "spring at the base of the black mountain" was the name of the original Native American settlement besite the peak. The US Army named it Sentinel Peak for its strategic importance. Since 1915-1916, U of A freshmen have made yearly tradition of painting the now-namesake letter "A". You can drive to the top of the peak to enjoy a panoramic view of the city.
ARIZONA STATE MUSEUM-a permanent exhibit, "Paths of life: American Indians of the SOuthwest" takes an innovative look at contemporary native cultures. Just east of the Main Gate of the U of A campus (at Park Ave and University Blvd.) 621-6302.
INTERNATIONAL WILDLIFE MUSEUM-Have you ever petted a polar bear? Touched a toucan? come face-to-face with more than 400 preserved species of mammals, birds, and insects from around the world at Tucson's museum of natural history. You'll find a display on prehistoric mammals, revolving exhibits, and sucesssful conservation projects, as well as interactive displays, a restaurant, theatre, and international gift bazaar. Admission fee. On Speedway Blvd, 5 miles west of I-10. 617-1439.
BIOSPHERE 2-Experience hands-on science exhibits that allow visitors to explore the Biosphere 2 Center while learning about the environment. A nonprofit research and educational center, the 3.1 acre glass and steel complex designed as a prototype for space colonization contains a million gallon ocean and living coral reef, a rain forest, savannah, marsh, and desert. Be sure to check out the multi-media exhibits and a new seashell exhibit designed especially for kids. Daily tours. On AZ hwy. 77 at mile marker 96.5 about 30 miles north of Tucson. Admission fee. 838-6200 or www.bio2.edu.
