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Posted by Ballpark Frank (24.237.94.196) on 10:06:12 04/07/14
In Reply to: Headed to Tucson! posted by Funkiller
Funkiller,
Given your description of what you are desiring, I will contribute my opinion, as one who have visited Tucson many times.
First, your original list is a good list. Here's some input specific to items on the list:
1.) The east and west units of Saguaro National Park both merit visitation, each for different reasons. The east unit offers a nice one-way drive through that local bicyclists love to cruise. There are MANY short walks available off this drive that offer the casual visitor the opportunity to get out into the desert without having to pack for a Sahara expedition. You go as far as you are comfortable with, and then return to your vehicle. (We have been known to bring scopes and tripods early or late in the day to search for groups of javelina. It works!)
The west unit is virtually right next door to the Sonoran Desert Museum. It's better for those wanting longer walks, and is better for saguaro.
2.) Sabino Canyon should be fun. I have not done it, but I've hiked Bear Canyon, which is one canyon to the east. It's much less crowded, and takes you to a way cool waterfall area a few miles up the trail.
3.) The Sonoran Desert Museum is a definite "don't miss". Be aware that even in April, the heat could be a factor, particularly in the middle of the day. If you want to see the resident javelina, do the walk that goes down through their habitat early or late in the day to mitigate the heat. Pay particular attention to the areas by the bridges, where the javies can get out of the sun.
Now, if you are a western movie fan, while you are west of Gates Pass, doing item 3, you might want to visit "Old Tucson". I haven't been there myself, but I know it's a popular attraction.
I would highly recommend doing the Mt. Lemmon Highway, particularly late in the day, in case there is a killer sunset. If you are the kind of visitor that gets into roads like the Beartooth Hwy, Going-to-the-Sun Highway, or Trail Ridge Road, you will love this road. You ascend six or seven thousand vertical feet through a series of climatic zones, starting with Sonoran Desert, climbing through high desert and chaparral, and eventually being in a ponderosa pine forest. There are lots of great pullouts offering stunning views of Tucson and the desert/mountains to the west.
Again, if you are into western history and/or western movies, check out Tombstone. You can see the real Boot Hill cemetery and the town of Tombstone. It is a half day trip.
If you like Mexican food, Tucson is heaven! As a Mexican food freak, I have sought out outstanding Mexican cuisine all over the broad southwest, from Texas west to L.A. and San Diego. Tucson has some of the best Mexican food available. There is so much variety. The hub for authentic Mexican cuisine is in the 4th St./6th St. area, just east of where I-10 and I-19 diverge. It is a decidedly Mexican part of town, and there is a cluster of restaurants that cater to the locals. Beyond South Tucson, there are all sorts of other great Mexican restaurants. We typically eat in Mexican restaurants about 3 nights out of four when we are in town.
Don't be bashful about asking the locals for input once you are in the city.
Ballpark
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