Kathryn’s Guidebook to Tucson
Sightseeing
This 3-mile round-trip hike will reward you with panoramic views of the city. Bring some new friends and check out Tucson landmarks — downtown, the University of Arizona, the Catalina Mountains. You can hike Tumamoc any day between 4 a.m. and 10 p.m.
The road is paved all the way up, but the steep climb and switchbacks on the second half of the hike can really kick your butt — the elevation does rise 700 feet from bottom to top, after all. You will feel it in your calves.
This is also a great way to introduce newcomers to desert hiking 101: Bring lots of water, lather on the sunscreen, stay on the trail and don't touch cacti EVER. Even if they look fuzzy.
Parking:
If you drive to Tumamoc Hill, park on the street along Anklam Road. Do not park in the parking lots of Saint Mary's Hospital or the medical offices along Anklam Road, as these spaces are designated for physicians and employees of the medical facilities as well as patients and their families. Please note that parking regulations are enforced in these lots.
If you ride a bicycle to the hill, please lock your bike to a metal post at the entrance. Bicycles are not allowed on the hill.
Rules and Regulations
Tumamoc Hill is an active study site and ecological reserve of the University of Arizona. You are invited to walk the Hill every day from 4 am to 10 pm. You are required to stay on the paved road and within the overlook areas noted by perimeter cables. There are no exceptions to this.
Please adhere to the following guidelines:
Fire arms are prohibited on all University of Arizona facilities.
Do not bring pets on to the preserve.
Stay on the paved road and please do not wander into the ecology reserve—this includes the top of the Hill.
Do not go beyond the fence or cables—this is a sensitive archaeological and cultural area.
Please step to the side when vehicles approach.
Please bring a refillable water bottle—a refill station has been provided for your use.
Please use the garbage and recycling containers at the midpoint of the Hill to dispose of any unwanted items. Please help us maintain the health of the Hill by picking up other people’s garbage.
Smoking is strictly prohibited. Please extinguish cigarettes or any other burning object prior to entering the site.
For the consideration of others and the wildlife, please do not listen to amplified music or sound.
Bicycles and skate boards are not permitted on the Hill. For the safety and pleasure of everyone using the hill, secure your bicycle at the bicycle rack at the entrance and please leave skate boards and all skates at home.
Please help protect the plants and animals of the hill by not handling, harming, or removing them from their natural setting.
Do not bring any plant material or animals on to the hill.
60 il-persuni tal-post jissuġġerixxu
Sentier de randonnée de Tumamoc Hill
Tumamoc Hill RoadThis 3-mile round-trip hike will reward you with panoramic views of the city. Bring some new friends and check out Tucson landmarks — downtown, the University of Arizona, the Catalina Mountains. You can hike Tumamoc any day between 4 a.m. and 10 p.m.
The road is paved all the way up, but the steep climb and switchbacks on the second half of the hike can really kick your butt — the elevation does rise 700 feet from bottom to top, after all. You will feel it in your calves.
This is also a great way to introduce newcomers to desert hiking 101: Bring lots of water, lather on the sunscreen, stay on the trail and don't touch cacti EVER. Even if they look fuzzy.
Parking:
If you drive to Tumamoc Hill, park on the street along Anklam Road. Do not park in the parking lots of Saint Mary's Hospital or the medical offices along Anklam Road, as these spaces are designated for physicians and employees of the medical facilities as well as patients and their families. Please note that parking regulations are enforced in these lots.
If you ride a bicycle to the hill, please lock your bike to a metal post at the entrance. Bicycles are not allowed on the hill.
Rules and Regulations
Tumamoc Hill is an active study site and ecological reserve of the University of Arizona. You are invited to walk the Hill every day from 4 am to 10 pm. You are required to stay on the paved road and within the overlook areas noted by perimeter cables. There are no exceptions to this.
Please adhere to the following guidelines:
Fire arms are prohibited on all University of Arizona facilities.
Do not bring pets on to the preserve.
Stay on the paved road and please do not wander into the ecology reserve—this includes the top of the Hill.
Do not go beyond the fence or cables—this is a sensitive archaeological and cultural area.
Please step to the side when vehicles approach.
Please bring a refillable water bottle—a refill station has been provided for your use.
Please use the garbage and recycling containers at the midpoint of the Hill to dispose of any unwanted items. Please help us maintain the health of the Hill by picking up other people’s garbage.
Smoking is strictly prohibited. Please extinguish cigarettes or any other burning object prior to entering the site.
For the consideration of others and the wildlife, please do not listen to amplified music or sound.
Bicycles and skate boards are not permitted on the Hill. For the safety and pleasure of everyone using the hill, secure your bicycle at the bicycle rack at the entrance and please leave skate boards and all skates at home.
Please help protect the plants and animals of the hill by not handling, harming, or removing them from their natural setting.
Do not bring any plant material or animals on to the hill.
Try this easy saguaro-filled hike in Tucson, all the way at the end of Broadway!
Mica View Trail in Saguaro National Park is less than a mile long and is completely paved.
The Mica View Trail in the Broadway Trailhead is just under a mile long and took me about 20 minutes to complete one-way (with lots of pausing to take photos of saguaro friends). But if you're searching for something longer and possibly more difficult, there are lots of options beginning at the same starting point. There's a map of the trails when you first enter the trailhead.
The Mica View Trail ends (or begins, depending on which way you go) at a picnic area, filled with about 10 picnic tables (many of which are under a shade sail) and grills. There's also a bathroom in the area, plus trash and recycle bins.
Also at the end of this trail is a parking area for hikers who enter from Freeman Road and Cactus Forest Drive from the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center. So, if you prefer, do the opposite of the route I took: Pack a picnic basket, park at the southern entrance of the trail, munch on your treats and then start your hike, going north toward Broadway and back south to your car.
Closer to Broadway, you'll also spot a boot brush, which you can use before and after your hike to remove any dirt and invasive seeds that may have clung to your feet.
Side note: Grasshoppers were out in full force during my hike, so watch out for the lil guys!
How to get there:
Drive east on Broadway. So east that the road hits a dead end and you can't go any farther. That's passed Houghton Road, then passed the stop sign you'll see at Freeman Road.
You'll see a "Broadway Trailhead" sign on your right, with a dirt patch in the median area of the road for parking.
When you get out to begin the hike, you'll notice a sign that mentions a fee for the area.
How hard is the hike?
On a scale of 1 to 10 in difficulty, I give the Mica View Trail a 1. Maybe a 2 or 3, if it's hot.
The trail is paved the entire way, making it wheelchair friendly and also easier for tiny energetic kids. Although it's a paved trail, I wouldn't consider it to be nearly as smooth as a sidewalk.
Keep in mind that bicycling and horseback riding are not allowed in this area, but a sign posted along the trail says leashed pets are allowed on the paved areas (aka Mica View Trail).
Does it feel safe to go alone?
Because of the low difficulty and short distance of this trail, it feels safe enough to do solo. I also had good phone reception the entire time. But I think hiking is always better with good company.
Always remember hiking tips though — take water with you (I didn't spot a water fountain near the trail), protect yourself from the sun, know your limits and tell someone where you're going ahead of time. The trail also has a park dispatch phone number listed, 928-608-6301, but call 911 for emergencies.
26 il-persuni tal-post jissuġġerixxu
Ċentru tal-Viżitaturi tal-Distrett ta 'Tucson Mountain tal-Park Nazzjonali Saguaro (L-Punent)
2700 N Kinney RdTry this easy saguaro-filled hike in Tucson, all the way at the end of Broadway!
Mica View Trail in Saguaro National Park is less than a mile long and is completely paved.
The Mica View Trail in the Broadway Trailhead is just under a mile long and took me about 20 minutes to complete one-way (with lots of pausing to take photos of saguaro friends). But if you're searching for something longer and possibly more difficult, there are lots of options beginning at the same starting point. There's a map of the trails when you first enter the trailhead.
The Mica View Trail ends (or begins, depending on which way you go) at a picnic area, filled with about 10 picnic tables (many of which are under a shade sail) and grills. There's also a bathroom in the area, plus trash and recycle bins.
Also at the end of this trail is a parking area for hikers who enter from Freeman Road and Cactus Forest Drive from the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center. So, if you prefer, do the opposite of the route I took: Pack a picnic basket, park at the southern entrance of the trail, munch on your treats and then start your hike, going north toward Broadway and back south to your car.
Closer to Broadway, you'll also spot a boot brush, which you can use before and after your hike to remove any dirt and invasive seeds that may have clung to your feet.
Side note: Grasshoppers were out in full force during my hike, so watch out for the lil guys!
How to get there:
Drive east on Broadway. So east that the road hits a dead end and you can't go any farther. That's passed Houghton Road, then passed the stop sign you'll see at Freeman Road.
You'll see a "Broadway Trailhead" sign on your right, with a dirt patch in the median area of the road for parking.
When you get out to begin the hike, you'll notice a sign that mentions a fee for the area.
How hard is the hike?
On a scale of 1 to 10 in difficulty, I give the Mica View Trail a 1. Maybe a 2 or 3, if it's hot.
The trail is paved the entire way, making it wheelchair friendly and also easier for tiny energetic kids. Although it's a paved trail, I wouldn't consider it to be nearly as smooth as a sidewalk.
Keep in mind that bicycling and horseback riding are not allowed in this area, but a sign posted along the trail says leashed pets are allowed on the paved areas (aka Mica View Trail).
Does it feel safe to go alone?
Because of the low difficulty and short distance of this trail, it feels safe enough to do solo. I also had good phone reception the entire time. But I think hiking is always better with good company.
Always remember hiking tips though — take water with you (I didn't spot a water fountain near the trail), protect yourself from the sun, know your limits and tell someone where you're going ahead of time. The trail also has a park dispatch phone number listed, 928-608-6301, but call 911 for emergencies.
The Museum educates its guests on the art and history of the Desert Southwest. Nowhere else will you see such a variety of contemporary and classic art, Native American textiles and southwestern artifacts. The Museum Store features authentic southwestern and Native American jewelry, pottery and gift items for purchase. The Four Corners Gallery carries jewelry from Native American artists, southwestern plein air artists and contemporary western works for purchase. Closed July and August. Four Corners Gallery in the Museum is open during the summer Thursday - Saturday 12 Noon - 4 PM
10 il-persuni tal-post jissuġġerixxu
Tucson Desert Art Museum
7000 E Tanque Verde RdThe Museum educates its guests on the art and history of the Desert Southwest. Nowhere else will you see such a variety of contemporary and classic art, Native American textiles and southwestern artifacts. The Museum Store features authentic southwestern and Native American jewelry, pottery and gift items for purchase. The Four Corners Gallery carries jewelry from Native American artists, southwestern plein air artists and contemporary western works for purchase. Closed July and August. Four Corners Gallery in the Museum is open during the summer Thursday - Saturday 12 Noon - 4 PM
Ignite Sign Art Museum opened in October 2018 with the mission of preserving and restoring historically significant signs. More than twelve Arizona roadside signs have been rescued and saved from destruction and are now in the museum, along with others from the Southwest and Midwest. There are over 350 signs and items on display. We’ve also restored 23 historic neon signs in the Tucson area that are out in the community to be enjoyed by the community at large and visitors to the area.
7 il-persuni tal-post jissuġġerixxu
Ignite Sign Art Museum
331 S Olsen AveIgnite Sign Art Museum opened in October 2018 with the mission of preserving and restoring historically significant signs. More than twelve Arizona roadside signs have been rescued and saved from destruction and are now in the museum, along with others from the Southwest and Midwest. There are over 350 signs and items on display. We’ve also restored 23 historic neon signs in the Tucson area that are out in the community to be enjoyed by the community at large and visitors to the area.
Tucson’s premier art collection. Seven centuries of art - one museum. Home to the spectacular, 26 surviving panels of the Altarpiece of Ciudad Rodrigo, acknowledged by scholars as the finest 15th century Castilian altarpiece outside of Spain. Dynamic, changing exhibitions, check website. Hours: Tuesday – Friday, 9 am – 5 pm; Saturday & Sunday, 12 - 4 pm. Closed: Mondays and University holidays. Admission: Adults - $5 / children, students with ID, UA faculty and staff – free.
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University of Arizona Museum of Art
1031 N Olive RdTucson’s premier art collection. Seven centuries of art - one museum. Home to the spectacular, 26 surviving panels of the Altarpiece of Ciudad Rodrigo, acknowledged by scholars as the finest 15th century Castilian altarpiece outside of Spain. Dynamic, changing exhibitions, check website. Hours: Tuesday – Friday, 9 am – 5 pm; Saturday & Sunday, 12 - 4 pm. Closed: Mondays and University holidays. Admission: Adults - $5 / children, students with ID, UA faculty and staff – free.
Whether we are orbiting an asteroid or determining how we feed 9 billion people, Arizona Wildcats are continually looking to explore, experiment and expand. The campus is home to a variety of attractions to fill your day. From living laboratories to world-class fine art to cultural attractions there is something for everyone. We also have free, public tours available during academic year. See, play, explore, Arizona.
University of Arizona - Recreation Center
Whether we are orbiting an asteroid or determining how we feed 9 billion people, Arizona Wildcats are continually looking to explore, experiment and expand. The campus is home to a variety of attractions to fill your day. From living laboratories to world-class fine art to cultural attractions there is something for everyone. We also have free, public tours available during academic year. See, play, explore, Arizona.
Food scene
We love Tucson Meet Yourself so much. This epic, three-day festival is a foodie's dream — so much so that its affectionate nickname is Tucson Eat Yourself. Take your new friends.
Because dozens of vendors converge downtown to prepare foods from around the world, we recommend tackling the festival as a team and sharing dishes. You'll want to try as many as possible.
Beyond the food, Tucson Meet Yourself has an entertainment line-up of music and dance performances showcasing traditional cultures. You'll get a taste of Tucson at its best.
This year, Tucson Meet Yourself is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 11 through Sunday, Oct. 13 .
Tucson Meet Yourself
101 N Stone AveWe love Tucson Meet Yourself so much. This epic, three-day festival is a foodie's dream — so much so that its affectionate nickname is Tucson Eat Yourself. Take your new friends.
Because dozens of vendors converge downtown to prepare foods from around the world, we recommend tackling the festival as a team and sharing dishes. You'll want to try as many as possible.
Beyond the food, Tucson Meet Yourself has an entertainment line-up of music and dance performances showcasing traditional cultures. You'll get a taste of Tucson at its best.
This year, Tucson Meet Yourself is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 11 through Sunday, Oct. 13 .
I recommend this local laundromat because the dryers in the laundry room of the complex are unreliable. Very clean and free Wi-Fi! Only 3 min away
Campbell Laundry
1800 East Fort Lowell RoadI recommend this local laundromat because the dryers in the laundry room of the complex are unreliable. Very clean and free Wi-Fi! Only 3 min away
Pickleball
This is THE new family friendly and adult entertainment playground right around the corner from the fun part of downtown Tucson. They have great food and drinks, friendly staff (Declan was great), nice managers, live music on Saturday and, lots of TV’s, and of course - Pickleball : inside courts and outside courts!
Great place to bring your local and out of town guests!
Make a reservation for your preferred court time!
CORBETT'S
This is THE new family friendly and adult entertainment playground right around the corner from the fun part of downtown Tucson. They have great food and drinks, friendly staff (Declan was great), nice managers, live music on Saturday and, lots of TV’s, and of course - Pickleball : inside courts and outside courts!
Great place to bring your local and out of town guests!
Make a reservation for your preferred court time!