Trails

TUBAC ANZA TRAIL
Depending on your point-of-view, the Anza Trail begins at either the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park or the Tumacacori National Historic Park. Either way, the 3.2 mile trek between parks takes the hiker through a rare and vibrant desert riparian region. The trail is mostly level with a few traverses across the Santa Cruz River that occasionally result in a wet foot. There is no shuttle service between the two parks, so bring two cars if you want to make it a one-way hike.

For interesting information about the history of this trail, visit: http://www.visittucson.org/includes/media/docs/AnzaTrailFAQs.pdf
Click here for famous De Anza Trail Guide: http://www.solideas.com/DeAnza/TrailGuide/

MADERA CANYON
Madera Canyon makes a large dent in the northwest face of the Santa Rita Mountains. Its higher elevation grants relief to desert dwellers during the hot months and allows access to snow during the winter. A world-renowned location for bird watching, Madera Canyon is a major resting place for migrating species, while the extensive trail system of the Santa Rita Mountains is easily accessed from the Canyon's campground and picnic areas.

MOUNT WRIGHTSON
Scenic high desert vistas surround Tubac, and the highest of these is nearby Mount Wrightson, accessible through Madera Canyon. Old Baldy is the name by which those familiar with the Santa Rita Mountains know the centerpiece of this 25,260-acre Wilderness. Towering more than 7,000 feet over the surrounding savannas and deserts, Mt. Wrightson’s distinctive pyramid-shaped profile is visible from much of southeastern Arizona and adjoining areas in Mexico. Located within the Wilderness are the headwaters of Madera Canyon, one of the most famous bird watching areas in the Southwest. The diversity which characterizes this desert oasis extends into other, more out of the way, habitats within the Wilderness, serving as a powerful attraction to nature lovers who value wildlife watching as a vital element of their wilderness experience.

Attractions:
High peaks and sweeping views
Diverse flora and fauna/unsurpassed bird watching
Historic mining and ranching area

FRED LAWRENCE WHIPPLE OBSERVATORY
Mt. Hopkins Road (FR 184) and Observatory
The Mount Hopkins Road twists and climbs its way to the upper reaches of the second highest peak in the Santa Rita Range. This narrow, winding mountain road provides access not only to magnificent views but also to the Smithsonian Institution’s Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory, home of the third largest optical telescope in the world. The 4.5-meter Multiple Mirror Telescope, or MMT, is jointly operated by the Smithsonian Institution and the University of Arizona.

Attractions:
Only road to high reaches of Santa Ritas
Great views, east, west and to the heavens
World famous observatory (guided tours only)
Visitor Center and amateur star-gazing area

SABINO CANYON
5900 N. Sabino Canyon Road
Information - (520) 749-2861
Reservations - (520) 749-2327
Experience the beauty of one of the most unique Southwestern desert canyons on a Sabino Canyon tram ride. Sabino Canyon is a natural desert oasis located in Tucson’s Coronado National Forest and is home to spectacular desert landscapes and abundant wildlife.

ARIZONA SONORA DESERT MUSEUM
2021 N. Kinney Road, (520) 883-2702
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a world-renowned zoo, natural history museum and botanical garden, all in one place!