Looking for the best outdoor things to do in Tucson? There truly is an abundance of options when visiting Tuscon, everything from eateries to national parks. So, we pulled together our top three favourite outdoor things to do while visiting Tucson, particularly in June!
1. Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park is a 91,327-acre park, with the name paying tribute to the infamous saguaro (pronounced sa-WAH-ro) cactus, a common symbol of the American West. This park is the perfect place to come if you want to see iconic southwestern landscapes and is divided into two distinct districts. We highly recommend the Tucson Mountain District for its spectacular sunsets, and we recommend those visiting in the summer get to the park in the morning or late evening for sunset. The heat can be quite intense during the middle of the day! You can learn more about this park’s trails and safety tips for visiting at the National Park Service website.
2. Sabino Canyon Recreational Area
Sabino Canyon’s numerous hiking trails and swimming spots make this recreation area popular with locals and tourists alike. The canyon is located along the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains on Tucson’s northeast edge and has the famous Sabino Canyon Tram. The 45-minute ride is a nearly 4-mile narrated tour of the mountain foothills. This is a great way to see the sights without breaking too much of a sweat. The Trams make nine stops, allowing travelers to hop on and off to access the hiking trails in the canyon. A local favorite is to take the tram to the top, and then hop off to hike back down to the visitor center! One of the best times of year to visit is during monsoon season (mid-June to the end of September) when waterfalls form in certain areas of the canyon.
3. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is about 15 miles west of downtown Tucson and is more of a zoo than a museum. The museum’s 98 acres host 230 animal species and over 1,200 local plant species. We highly recommend setting aside a few hours to explore the grounds and make sure you come dressed appropriately. Walking shoes, light clothing, hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses are all recommended to make your visit more enjoyable. There are also 4 eateries located on-site in case you get hungry! This is truly a spectacular way to experience the beautiful Tucson Arizona desert and view the most exceptional flora and fauna.
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