Mount Wrightson is one of the best hikes I have done in the Tucson area!…read more We hiked the Old Baldy trail with a large group, starting at 6:45 am. The trail is mostly tree-covered on the way up, and on this windy day we were all relatively cold rather than hot, despite what was a 4,400 ft elevation gain and a total of 11.08 miles. The hike took us 7 hours total, including some stops for rest and lunch. There is a very steady incline, making the trail easier than I expected for the amount of elevation gain. Only in the last mile to the top does it get noticeably steeper and more rocky. I liked how the trail was very straightforward, with very few intersecting paths, making it hard to get turned around. We only saw a handful of other hikers, many of which we passed by several times. With a long and challenging hike, it is nice to build rapport with and have encouragement from other hikers. The views at the top were incredible and truly make you feel like you are on top of the world! I would recommend starting early and coming prepared with friends, lunch, lots of snacks and water, and layers. It may be challenging, but you won't regret it!

This is a 10.4 mile (11.4 according to alltrails) out and back moderate/slightly strenuous hike…read moreabout 2 hours south of Phoenix (40 min south of Tucson). Total elevation gain is ~4100' (actually more than Humphreys). Alltrails rates it difficult but elevation gain is stead/constant throughout the 5 mile ascent. It gets a little rockier at the top, but there's no scrambling/rock climbing involved- no scootin' down necessary here! Breathtaking panoramic views from the summit, and there's a geocache box here too. Very clearly defined trail the entire way (I didn't get lost a single time). I passed 4-5 groups in tota, but I hiked this on a weekday. Started around 830am. It was 55 degrees and slightly cloudy. Made it to the summit in 2h31min and came back down in 1h31min. Dogs allowed on leash, restrooms at trailhead. @azfitfoodfun

The Abrego Trailhead provides access to the Anza National Historic Trail. The trailhead is located…read morein the Green Valley area immediately east of Abrego Drive approximately one mile south of Continental Road. It has a shade structure, 15 vehicle spaces including 2 that are accessible, and 4 horse rig parking spaces. Open sunrise to sunset. Dogs permitted on leash. Excellent picnicking area for large groups with electric outlets. One water spout but you need your own Sillcock key.

A beautiful historical place to walk and explore around amidst the ruins of three Spanish colonial…read moremissions. It illustrates the blending cultures of Native Americans and European peoples. Exploring the park is highly immersive and at the same time very calming. It is a short drive from Tucson to the park and is definitely worth a visit.

History was made here and really not all that long ago. A beautiful place to spend about an hour…read moregetting a real feel for the history of southern Arizona. It's a National Monument and located right across the street from the Santa Cruz Chile Company! Very convenient and makes for a great excursion!

First rule of the cave.. no pictures lol. Hence, no pictures are attached. They say it's because of…read moreaccidents reported from people not paying attention. Also, basically nothing is allowed in the cave. They had lockers that takes quarters but as far as I saw, no machine, you have to exchange with cash soooo prepare ahead. Leaving things in the car felt some what okay but not my favorite. I would appreciate if they had more security. They say they are not government funded so everything comes from public support. This was such a cool experience. You can tell the amount of work and detail they've put into the cave and preserving it. Truly different than other caves I've been to. There are two different parts of the cave you can choose from. If you can't do both my preference was the big room tour. I felt there was more to it, more things to see. Also, (sorry parents) perhaps the age limit made it more enjoyable too. Our tour guide Charles was INCREDIBLE. We did both tours back to back 0945 big room tour and 12 rotunda. Timing was perfect. Enough time to use the restroom and eat a snack. We brought our snacks, their cafe was closed. It would be an enjoyable experience to eat a packed lunch outside not sure if it's 100% allowed. Beginning of April was a GORGEOUS day. There's a McDonald about 12 min away. The big room tour is a man made/marked out, well paved easy walk/route. If you're worried about endurance or handiaccesible, it seems very accessible. The rotunda seemed a bit more incline but still well paved. You can wear white shoes and you wouldn't get dirty lol. I don't recommend open toes shoes/sandals because the Floor is very moist/wet. BOOK AHEAD. At least 2 weeks ahead to get the slots you want. If you're by yourself then a lot easier. It sells out quickly Restrooms were very clean and plentiful. As you wait for your tour guide before taking the tram to the cave there are another set of restrooms so that's appreciated. They want you to get there 30 min before. There really wasn't anything much to do ahead, it's just a simple check in. They have a mini museum that's nice to look around. You can get some good pictures outside prior or after the tour. Are both caves a must see, my bf says yes. I'm in between. If I would go back I would choose the big room tour again but that also has limited time opening due to the bats. As an AZ local or visiting this is a very enjoyable spot

Largest wheelchair accessible cave in North America? Yes please. My review of the tour is incapable…read moreof describing the magnitude of what you'll experience. You see structures that are a million years old. You see rock layers millions of years old. Everything about this experience forced me to reflect on my place in the universe. That there has been a near infinite amount of history before me and there will be a near infinite amount of history after me. So I need to stop worrying and enjoy the majesty of this beautiful cave.

This has been a favorite place for us to camp. If you're in the area for hunting or a quick weekend…read moreget away with the family. Part of the grounds has hookups and part is dry. It's remote and quiet at night, except for the friendly neighborhood donkey. The staff is always very friendly and helpful.

I camp. A lot! I'm not a big fan of campgrounds. I call that…read morefancy camping. I'd rather pull off a SR or fire road somewhere and boondock in the woods. That being said, one of my absolute favorite places is La Siesta Campground. It's incomparable! It has all the creature comforts you could possibly desire and (I cannot stress this part enough) 5 star hospitality! Definitely a home away from home. It can be the most peaceful place, or an excellent meeting ground for friends; both old and new. Already have the next 2 trips here planned and there will always be many more!

Beautiful trail that runs along the Santa Cruz River. Water runs year round and you can hike along…read morethe river under a canopy of beautiful cottonwood trees!

This is a very special place. Wally and Marion Paton started inviting birders to their home in…read moreabout 1973. The Tucson Bird Alliance acquired the property in 2014. You will find lots of hummingbirds there, but also dedicated volunteers that help visitors learn about the birds. There are lots more than just hummingbirds, I had several "lifers" at the Center that were not hummingbirds. There are shady benches to watch the birds, and a real community of birders from around the country, well, even international visitors, too. Behind the Center are lots of other birds, one notable place in the Patagonia Sonoita Creek Preserve. The star of the Paton Center is the Violet Crowned Hummingbird. Yes, you can sometimes find this Hummingbird elsewhere, but this the place you can always reliably find it. It's beautiful. The volunteers are not pushy, they are always helpful. They also know other places to find birds. There's a sense of peace here, comradery, and fun. It's all free, but donations are welcome.

This little nestle of nature is just off the main road in Patagonia. Its almost a magical space…read morethat allows you to forget about the world. I went here with my husband for a day trip of bird watching and we got 20+ birds on the Merlin app and where able to spot most of them. The pollinator garden was small but dense filled with hundreds of beautiful flowers. Now the important facts: 4th Saturday they offer a guided bird walk! Be sure to RSVP to AStark@TucsonBirds.org There are also two public restrooms that are very clean! They offer bird guide books AND binoculars to borrow during your visit. The binoculars are great to try out as a new birder. Don't forget to donate to the Tucson Bird Alliance to help fundthese amazing spots!

We love Patagonia Lake for a day trip. The park has much to offer including fishing, picnicking,…read morebird watching, recreational water activities like boating, kayaking, and paddle boarding. The lake has beautiful views too. Our favorite part is the "beach". We love to set out pop up out and enjoy the lake for the day. We love that it's not too far from Tucson as well!

This is a great location for outdoor enthusiasts. They have a nice birding trail and they…read moresometimes lead guided tours. The traffic gets a little congested during weekends in the summer, and there is a slight discount for visiting on weekdays. I thought the admission price at $25 was steep, in comparison to what other states are charging around the country. They don't take American Express, so I had to go 20 miles for an ATM machine. Prices were high in the market concession, and I didn't see any pricing. They charged $8 for a 19.9 oz of Coconut Water, which is at least a 100% markup. I was impressed that they offered free WiFi down by the lakefront, unfortunately it wasn't working.

I hike the Cochise Trail ever few years. There's a lot to see here: rock formations, vistas,…read morebirds, insects and rattlesnakes, and is a challenging hike of ten miles. I usually start this from the west side, driving through Tombstone and taking Middlemarch road north of town for nine miles before turning north on a forest road. This road is a dirt road that gets very rutted the last two miles as it follows a dry wash. This wash fills into a creek during active monsoon season, so a high-clearance vehicle is necessary. Unlike the east side, parking and dry camping on the west side is free. The trail climbs immediately for 1.75 miles before hitting the western Stronghold and from here it's a gradual descent to the eastern trailhead and campground. The only source of water is at Halfmoon tank, a cattle pond about halfway up or down the trail, depending on which direction you start this hike. Lots of butterflies were in the area in September. During active monsoon season, the creek will run and the waterfall on the western side is a sight to behold. My hiking party rests here near the restrooms before returning the way we came. There was no water in the campground last month when I last did this hike. Dogs are allowed The only negative thing about this hike is its remoteness and accessibility. From Sierra Vista it's a two-hour drive each way. Add another five miles for the hike and it's a day-long adventure.

Well we came yesterday to get out of town and visit the dragoon hills…read more This campground is officially closed to all but hikers. They say mountain bikes are permitted but we are riders and I think the trails are too narrow. And slots where you can t pedal. I say hike. So no parking, bathrooms or camping or potable water. But you can park outside the gates. A few did, like us. Since we are new to the site, we only went to the water tank. Lots of shade along the way. Caves. Huge Rock formations. Hawks circling above hunting. Butterflies, BlueJays. Lots to see. I m going to go back while the weather is still cool. It is normally Officially Closed July to September due to extreme temps. Great to use your imagination about where the Apache's would have hidden in wait to protect the Stronghold.

Eric was amazing he told us the story of how he wrestled a gorilla and then we got stuck by rocks…read morethat fell but luckily our brave tour guide Eric led us out of the cave safely he should definitely get a raise.

A must do if you're visiting the area!…read more $24 for a basic tour and you will go inside with a tour guide! Our guide Everett was hilarious and informative. Didn't see wildlife like bats but saw their presence in the black goop on the walls. Apparently, people used to cut off a piece of the rock formation as a souvenir. Anyways, very interesting experience would rec! Plus u can get prickly pear ice cream or lemonade or both at the concession stand!