Sightseeing
The Ironwood Forest National Monument is made up of 129,000 acres and contains a significant system of cultural and historical sites covering a 5,000-year period. Possessing one of the richest stands of ironwood in the Sonoran Desert, the monument also encompasses several desert mountain ranges including the Silver Bell, Waterman, and Sawtooth, with desert valleys in between.
Access Ironwood Forest National Monument directly from the property.
Ironwood Forest National Monument
Interstate 10The Ironwood Forest National Monument is made up of 129,000 acres and contains a significant system of cultural and historical sites covering a 5,000-year period. Possessing one of the richest stands of ironwood in the Sonoran Desert, the monument also encompasses several desert mountain ranges including the Silver Bell, Waterman, and Sawtooth, with desert valleys in between.
Access Ironwood Forest National Monument directly from the property.
Saguaro National Park is an Icon of the Southwest.
Tucson, Arizona is home to the nation's largest cacti. The giant saguaro is the universal symbol of the American west. These majestic plants, found only in a small portion of the United States, are protected by Saguaro National Park, to the east and west of the modern city of Tucson. Here you have a chance to see these enormous cacti, silhouetted by the beauty of a magnificent desert sunset.
Access Saguaro National Park using back road 4x4 trails (~ 5 miles) or take the public paved road from the property (~5 miles).
80 locals recommend
Saguaro National Park West
Saguaro National Park is an Icon of the Southwest.
Tucson, Arizona is home to the nation's largest cacti. The giant saguaro is the universal symbol of the American west. These majestic plants, found only in a small portion of the United States, are protected by Saguaro National Park, to the east and west of the modern city of Tucson. Here you have a chance to see these enormous cacti, silhouetted by the beauty of a magnificent desert sunset.
Access Saguaro National Park using back road 4x4 trails (~ 5 miles) or take the public paved road from the property (~5 miles).
Located within the Ironwood National Monument, with a National Park to the south and the beautiful Tortolita mountains to the northeast, it’s easy to forget about the rugged and remote Silver Bell Mountains to the west of Marana. Out in Avra Valley though, those distant, jagged silhouettes are more than just a beautiful horizon. They are home to the Ironwood Forest National Monument as well as a highly productive copper mine. They don’t attract as many visitors as other local mountain ranges, and for many, that’s part of what makes them so attractive. For this Marana adventure, take a risk on something new.
silverbell mine az
There are a number of ways to explore this beautiful landscape. Today, we’re going to hit the road for a scenic drive, but hikers, backcountry campers, and rock climbers will all find numerous adventures in this wilderness. When planning this drive, a four-wheel drive, high clearance vehicle is strongly recommended.
Asarco LLC - Silver Bell Mine
25000 W Avra Valley RdLocated within the Ironwood National Monument, with a National Park to the south and the beautiful Tortolita mountains to the northeast, it’s easy to forget about the rugged and remote Silver Bell Mountains to the west of Marana. Out in Avra Valley though, those distant, jagged silhouettes are more than just a beautiful horizon. They are home to the Ironwood Forest National Monument as well as a highly productive copper mine. They don’t attract as many visitors as other local mountain ranges, and for many, that’s part of what makes them so attractive. For this Marana adventure, take a risk on something new.
silverbell mine az
There are a number of ways to explore this beautiful landscape. Today, we’re going to hit the road for a scenic drive, but hikers, backcountry campers, and rock climbers will all find numerous adventures in this wilderness. When planning this drive, a four-wheel drive, high clearance vehicle is strongly recommended.
UNCOVER THE SECRETS OF AMERICA’S LARGEST NUCLEAR WEAPON
This is a real Titan Missile Interpretive site. Self guided tour. Access via 4x4, ATV, SxS.
At the Titan Missile Museum, near Tucson, Arizona, visitors journey through time to stand on the front line of the Cold War. This preserved Titan II missile site, officially known as complex 570-3, is all that remains of the 54 Titan II missile sites that were on alert across the United States from 1963 to 1987.
Titan Missile Silo 570-3 Interpretive Site
UNCOVER THE SECRETS OF AMERICA’S LARGEST NUCLEAR WEAPON
This is a real Titan Missile Interpretive site. Self guided tour. Access via 4x4, ATV, SxS.
At the Titan Missile Museum, near Tucson, Arizona, visitors journey through time to stand on the front line of the Cold War. This preserved Titan II missile site, officially known as complex 570-3, is all that remains of the 54 Titan II missile sites that were on alert across the United States from 1963 to 1987.
Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO), part of the National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO), supports the most diverse collection of astronomical observatories on Earth for nighttime optical and infrared astronomy and daytime study of the Sun. Sharing the mountaintop site with the National Solar Observatory, KPNO, founded in 1958, operates three major nighttime telescopes and hosts the facilities of consortia which operate 22 optical telescopes and two radio telescopes. (See the Tenant Observatories list.) Kitt Peak is located 56 miles southwest of Tucson, AZ, in the Schuk Toak District on the Tohono O'odham Nation and has a Visitor Center open daily to the public.
95 locals recommend
Kitt Peak National Observatory
Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO), part of the National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO), supports the most diverse collection of astronomical observatories on Earth for nighttime optical and infrared astronomy and daytime study of the Sun. Sharing the mountaintop site with the National Solar Observatory, KPNO, founded in 1958, operates three major nighttime telescopes and hosts the facilities of consortia which operate 22 optical telescopes and two radio telescopes. (See the Tenant Observatories list.) Kitt Peak is located 56 miles southwest of Tucson, AZ, in the Schuk Toak District on the Tohono O'odham Nation and has a Visitor Center open daily to the public.
Come tour one of the world's most unique facilities dedicated to the research and understanding of global scientific issues. The Biosphere 2 facility serves as a laboratory for controlled scientific studies, an arena for scientific discovery and discussion, and a far-reaching provider of public education. Its mission is to serve as a center for research, outreach, teaching and life-long learning about Earth, its living systems, and its place in the universe; to catalyze interdisciplinary thinking and understanding about Earth and its future; to be an adaptive tool for Earth education and outreach to industry, government, and the public; and to distill issues related to Earth systems planning and management for use by policymakers, students and the public.
156 locals recommend
Biosphere 2
32540 S Biosphere RdCome tour one of the world's most unique facilities dedicated to the research and understanding of global scientific issues. The Biosphere 2 facility serves as a laboratory for controlled scientific studies, an arena for scientific discovery and discussion, and a far-reaching provider of public education. Its mission is to serve as a center for research, outreach, teaching and life-long learning about Earth, its living systems, and its place in the universe; to catalyze interdisciplinary thinking and understanding about Earth and its future; to be an adaptive tool for Earth education and outreach to industry, government, and the public; and to distill issues related to Earth systems planning and management for use by policymakers, students and the public.
Mt Lemmon is the cool jewel of Southern Arizona, a sky island rising 7,000 feet from the Sonoran desert below. We spend our Spring and Summer days basking among the pines and wild flowers of the alpine forests, our Autumns hiking through the kaleidoscope of Aspens and Maples, and our Winters sipping hot cocoa and playing in the snow. Due to the mild climate of Southern Arizona and proximity to Tucson, Mt. Lemmon is your perfect shoulder season destination.
485 locals recommend
Mount Lemmon
Mt Lemmon is the cool jewel of Southern Arizona, a sky island rising 7,000 feet from the Sonoran desert below. We spend our Spring and Summer days basking among the pines and wild flowers of the alpine forests, our Autumns hiking through the kaleidoscope of Aspens and Maples, and our Winters sipping hot cocoa and playing in the snow. Due to the mild climate of Southern Arizona and proximity to Tucson, Mt. Lemmon is your perfect shoulder season destination.
The Desert Museum is ranked on as one of the Top 10 Museums in the country and the #1 Tucson attraction. Unlike most museums, about 85% of the experience is outdoors!
The 98 acre Desert Museum is a fusion experience: zoo, botanical garden, art gallery, natural history museum, and aquarium.
21 interpreted acres with two miles of walking paths through various desert habitats
242 animal species
Plants from 1,200 taxa — 56,000 individual specimens
One of the world's most comprehensive regional mineral collections
670 locals recommend
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
2021 N Kinney RdThe Desert Museum is ranked on as one of the Top 10 Museums in the country and the #1 Tucson attraction. Unlike most museums, about 85% of the experience is outdoors!
The 98 acre Desert Museum is a fusion experience: zoo, botanical garden, art gallery, natural history museum, and aquarium.
21 interpreted acres with two miles of walking paths through various desert habitats
242 animal species
Plants from 1,200 taxa — 56,000 individual specimens
One of the world's most comprehensive regional mineral collections
A National Historic Landmark, San Xavier Mission was founded as a Catholic mission by Father Eusebio Kino in 1692. Construction of the current church began in 1783 and was completed in 1797.
The oldest intact European structure in Arizona, the church's interior is filled with marvelous original statuary and mural paintings. It is a place where visitors can truly step back in time and enter an authentic 18th Century space.
The church retains its original purpose of ministering to the religious needs of its parishioners.
328 locals recommend
Mission San Xavier del Bac
1950 W San Xavier RdA National Historic Landmark, San Xavier Mission was founded as a Catholic mission by Father Eusebio Kino in 1692. Construction of the current church began in 1783 and was completed in 1797.
The oldest intact European structure in Arizona, the church's interior is filled with marvelous original statuary and mural paintings. It is a place where visitors can truly step back in time and enter an authentic 18th Century space.
The church retains its original purpose of ministering to the religious needs of its parishioners.
Visitors traveling along I-10 in southern Arizona can’t miss the prominent 1,500-foot peak of Picacho Peak State Park. Enjoy the view as you hike the trails that wind up the peak and, often in the spring, overlook a sea of wildflowers. The park and surrounding area are known for its unique geological significance, outstanding and varied desert growth, and historical importance. The unique shape has been used as a landmark by travelers since prehistoric times. One of the first recordings was in the 1700s by the Anza Expedition as it passed through the area.
The park offers a visitor center with exhibits and a park store, a playground, historical markers, a campground and picnic areas. Many hiking trails traverse the desert landscape and offer hikers both scenic and challenging hikes. Hike prepared and know your limits. Bring plenty of food and water and wear proper footwear. Enjoy the beauty of the desert and the amazing views.
18 locals recommend
Picacho Peak
Visitors traveling along I-10 in southern Arizona can’t miss the prominent 1,500-foot peak of Picacho Peak State Park. Enjoy the view as you hike the trails that wind up the peak and, often in the spring, overlook a sea of wildflowers. The park and surrounding area are known for its unique geological significance, outstanding and varied desert growth, and historical importance. The unique shape has been used as a landmark by travelers since prehistoric times. One of the first recordings was in the 1700s by the Anza Expedition as it passed through the area.
The park offers a visitor center with exhibits and a park store, a playground, historical markers, a campground and picnic areas. Many hiking trails traverse the desert landscape and offer hikers both scenic and challenging hikes. Hike prepared and know your limits. Bring plenty of food and water and wear proper footwear. Enjoy the beauty of the desert and the amazing views.
History of Mount Lemmon
1542-Coronado expedition
Spaniards begin the Coronado expedition.
1881-Mt Lemmon gets its name.
Sara Plumber Lemmon who trekked to the top of the mountain with her husband and E. O. Stratton, a local rancher, by horse and foot. She is one of the first westerners to ascend Mt. Lemmon, and thus gave Mt. Lemmon its namesake.
1944-Sahuaro Ski Club is formed
During the war, Thomas traveled to Tucson to visit his ailing son who was stationed at Davis Monthan. His son, Lowell Thomas Jr., was not recuperating well and his father thought a ski adventure might help.
Today Ski Valley is the southernmost ski destination in the continental United States. The top elevation of Ski Valley is 9,157 feet (2,791 m) above sea level and has 200 skiable acres with 21 runs.
-Hours of Operation-
Ski Valley is open ALL YEAR!
Ski Side Hours - 10:30AM - 4:30PM Mon, Thur, Fri (Closed Tues/Wed)
Ski Side Weekend Hours: 9:00AM - 4:30PM
Restaurant Weekday Hours: 10:30AM - 4:30PM Mon, Thur, Fri (Closed Tues/Wed)
Restaurant Weekend Hours: 9:00AM - 4:30PM
27 locals recommend
Mt Lemmon Ski Valley
10300 E Ski Run RdHistory of Mount Lemmon
1542-Coronado expedition
Spaniards begin the Coronado expedition.
1881-Mt Lemmon gets its name.
Sara Plumber Lemmon who trekked to the top of the mountain with her husband and E. O. Stratton, a local rancher, by horse and foot. She is one of the first westerners to ascend Mt. Lemmon, and thus gave Mt. Lemmon its namesake.
1944-Sahuaro Ski Club is formed
During the war, Thomas traveled to Tucson to visit his ailing son who was stationed at Davis Monthan. His son, Lowell Thomas Jr., was not recuperating well and his father thought a ski adventure might help.
Today Ski Valley is the southernmost ski destination in the continental United States. The top elevation of Ski Valley is 9,157 feet (2,791 m) above sea level and has 200 skiable acres with 21 runs.
-Hours of Operation-
Ski Valley is open ALL YEAR!
Ski Side Hours - 10:30AM - 4:30PM Mon, Thur, Fri (Closed Tues/Wed)
Ski Side Weekend Hours: 9:00AM - 4:30PM
Restaurant Weekday Hours: 10:30AM - 4:30PM Mon, Thur, Fri (Closed Tues/Wed)
Restaurant Weekend Hours: 9:00AM - 4:30PM
Great place for BMX and OHV riders to practice.
Visit https://www.riderplanet-usa.com/atv/trails/info/arizona_03339/ride_b489.htm for more information.
Pinal Air Park OHV
East Pinal Airpark RoadGreat place for BMX and OHV riders to practice.
Visit https://www.riderplanet-usa.com/atv/trails/info/arizona_03339/ride_b489.htm for more information.