Nogales is a community that is located on the southern boundary of Arizona, borders Nogales, Sonora, Mexico.  It is a major international gateway along the Mexico-United States border.  Because of it’s border location Nogales has members of the same family living on both sides of the border, some in Mexico and some in the United States.  Although, with the correct papers, visitors can go back and forth between the two cities it is still two separate countries working together to bring a smooth transition for the visitors.

Nogales has the border fence running right though it to keep illegals from crossing the border.  Standing on either side of the fence you can see the people on the other side, people shout back and forth to each other if they are not crossing the border.  With illegal immigration a major problem for Arizona the Border Patrol is busy trying to maintain legal crossings and keep illegals out of the US.  It was reported that the road that runs along side the fence in Nogales, through the residential area, had approximately 38 tunnels dug on the Mexican side of the border to the basements of homes on the US side of the border.  The Border Patrol found them and closed them down.

Now, although this sounds like a bad movie, the community itself is a charming place to shop, have lunch and cross into Mexico for the day.  Referred to as Ambos Nogales, the communities of Nogales, Arizona and Nogales, Sonora, Mexico comprise the largest international border community in Arizona with a combined population of 177,732 inhabitants according to the 2000 censuses.

Known in O’odham as Nowa:l, the name “Nogales” is derived from the Spanish word for “walnut” or “walnut tree.” It refers to the large stands of walnut trees which once grew abundantly in the mountain pass between Nogales, Arizona and Nogales, Sonora. Walnut trees can still be found around the city.

The community will have architectural buffs thrilled with the options of different houses in Nogales.  There are, of course, the Sonoran Style but there are also Queen Anne Cottages, Second Empire, Spanish Colonial, Pueblo Revival, Mediterranean Sytle and Bungalow Style houses for you to see all within the downtown area.  Bring along a good pair of walking shoes and enjoy the walk and discovery.

While in the area of Nogales you may want to venture out a bit and see some of the other sites close to Nogales.  There are over 15 ghost towns near Nogales. One of the better known towns is Lochiel’s post office, originally established August 23, 1880. There were two smelters, three saloons, a butcher, bakery, livery stables, five stores, a boardinghouse, and Pancho Villa. Yes, this was a favorite place for Pancho to cattle rustle and take the stock into Mexico. Lochiel is also the spot where the first European went west of the Rockies, Fray Marcos de Niza on April 12, 1539.

Just take Hwy 19 south from Tucson and you will come to Nogales.  It’s about 65 miles but the drive is beautiful.

Border Town of Nogales – Nogales, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Email: gloriacl@cox.net

Phone: (480)388-5685

Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter Observatory is a post from: Arizona Tourism

The entrance to the rooms is nothing short of awe-inspiring. The ceiling of the rotunda/hallway sparkles and twinkles with stars, as the ceiling rotates according to the earth’s revolution. Were this the only room in the museum, both children and adults would be entertained for hours. But thank goodness this isn’t the only room as guests continue to be spell-bound as they move onward towards the three rooms that comprise and hold the collections: Enchanted Realm, History Gallery, and Exploring the World.

The Enchanted Realm area has miniatures that represent different fantasy style scenes. This includes fairies, an Enchanted Tree with miniature scenes scattered in different parts of it, and witches. Those that collect their own Department 56 winter villages will enjoy the display of buildings from the North Pole series and the Snow Village buildings, which are displayed under glass in the floor. This area is the main area that kids tend to enjoy, especially those that like faeries and other mythical things.

The History Gallery contains antique miniatures that date from the 1700s to the mid-1900s. This area of the museum gives a look back at the history of miniatures and how they have been made over the years. It also gives historical context to various times and places of the past. This area also has some good info on the making of miniatures, especially early mechanical ones.

The Exploring the World area also contains a wide date range of historical time periods (1400s to present), but is bigger than the History Gallery. It displays a variety of miniatures from around the world. It includes Chateaus inspired by European palaces and Asian miniatures. The best part, though, is that it includes some Southwest inspired miniatures to add a local flair to the exhibit.

The museum hosts weekly sessions over the summer break for children aged 7-10 to learn the art of miniatures. For teachers looking for a creative and interesting way to bring history alive, the museum has special pricing and docent-led tours for school groups. Also, once a month, the museum hosts a literacy program geared toward little readers, children aged 2 to 6.

Museum Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 9 am – 4 pm
Closed Sundays, Mondays and all major holidays

Admisison:
General Admission $7
Senior (65 or older) Military $6
Youth (ages 4 – 17) $5
Children under 3 Free
Group rates available

Located at the north side of Camp Lowell drive just west of Swan Road.  Free parking with barrier-free access is available.

Emily Wolverton
Museum Services Coordinator
520.881.0606 ext. 100
emilyr@theminitimemachine.org

General Number: 520-881-0606

Location: 4455 E Camp Lowell, Tucson, AZ 85712

The Mini-Time Machine, A Museum of Miniatures – Tucson, AZ is a post from: Arizona Tourism

The Casa Grande Ruins are the remains of a “Great House” that probably appeared around 1350.  It was one of the largest prehistoric structures ever built in North America.  The purpose of the building remains a mystery but the ruins are there for you to visit and speculate.  The Casa Grande is a 4-story, 11-room structure which was built about 700 years ago.

The Casa Grande was abandoned around 1450 C.E.  Since there was no written history because the ancient Sonoran Desert People didn’t leave any the informaiton available begin with the journals entries of Padre Eusebio Francisco Kino when he visited the ruins in 1694.  That’s 244 years after the abandonment.  Father Kino referred to the building as a casa grande which is what is still used today. 

As interest in the ruin grew with the public moving closer to the area due to the train route and stagecoach route that ran right by the ruin there was a real problem with damage from souvenier hunting, graffiti and outright vandalism which raised great concern about the preservation of this ancient site.

Becasue of the concern of some political leaders there was a bill passed for the government to take steps to repair and protect the ruins.  Repair work began in 1889 and in 1892 President Benjamin Harrison set aside on square mile of Arizona Territory surrounding the casa grande Ruins as the first prehistoric and cultural reserve established in the United States.

In 1903 a shelter roof of corrugated iron supported by redwood timbers was built over the Casa Grande, and between 1906 and 1908 major excavations and repairs of the ruins were conducted.  Most of the lower walls visible today were uncovered at that time. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Casa Grande Ruins to be a National Monument on August 3, 1918 and management of the Ruins was transferred to the National Park Service.

Several important construction projects were undertaken during the 1930’s. The main part of the visitor center building with adjacent parking lot and entrance road, and a new steel shelter roof over the Casa Grande, were completed in 1932. Between 1937 and 1940, the Civilian Conservation Corps constructed a number of adobe buildings to support park operations. All of these structures remain in use today and are now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. As a result, the general physical appearance of Casa Grande Ruins has changed very little since the 1940’s.

Continuing research, ruins repairs, interpretive programs, and visitor center remodeling are all part of the continuing effort to provide the best visitor experience possible, and to fulfill the National Park Service’s mission to protect, preserve and make available for present and future generations the many wonders of Casa Grande Ruins National Monument.

The Casa Grande Ruins are still used today for ceremonies and special events by the O’odham people. The Casa Grande is a place to be visited with respect and reverence. 

Casa Grande Ruins National Monument is open everyday of the year from 9 am to 5 pm except for Thanksgiving Day and december 25th.

Casa Grande Ruins is entered off Highway 87/287.  A 3/4 mile paved entrance road leads to the parking lot and the visitor center. There is special parking for RV’s and longer vehicles.

The self-guided tour consists of a short walk around the Casa Grande following wayside signs. Guided tours are provided from December through April. Please call for tour schedules.

Children ages 8-14 can participate in the park’s Junior Ranger Program during their visit.

A picnic area is located across the parking lot from the visitor center which has shaded tables and a raised platform to view an ancient ball court.

All areas are accessible by paved or hard-packed dirt paths. Leashed pets are welcome. Please allow one to two hours for your visit.

Casa Grande Ruins National Monument – Coolidge, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

When miners returned from the Klondike gold rush they settled here to pursue their dream of finding gold.  The first store in the town was started in a tent by Mr. Bedoya.  He later built a saloon and a wood store.  He also opened the John F. Greenwood store and the post office, which he was the postmaster of between 1907 and 1918.  The town, at the time, had a school and a church.  The Depression hit Klondyke and about half of the citizens moved on.  The post office ceased to operate in 1955.

History of the area tells of the Jacome Indians being the original inhabitants of the area.  Although there isn’t much known about them it is believed they are related to the Apaches.

The area had both the mining industry looking for gold and ranching. 

In 1909 Jeff Power and his family homesteaded in Rattlesnake Canyon and worked the mine nearby.  There was Jeff, his wife and 4 children, a girl and three boys.  Martha Jane, the wife, was killed in a buggy accident in 1915 when the horses ran wild with the buggy.  In 1916 Jeff took his family to his mine in the Galiuro Mounts and build a cabin in Rattlesnake Canyon.  His daughter, Ola May, died when she was bitten by a snake in 1917.  The oldest son, Charley, was wounded in the First World War which lead Jeff to decide that his other sons were not going to serve.  They, Tom and John, failed to report when drafted which sent Sheriff Robert F. McBride to deliver a letter to the Powers asking them to come in for prosecution.  The letter was ignored.  Several weeks later, on the night of February 9, 1918, Deputy US Marshal Frank Hayes, Sheriff McBride, and Deputy Sheriffs Martin Kempton and T.K. Wooten went to the cabin with arrest warrants for Tom and John for draft evasion and warrants for Jeff and his hired man, Tom Sisson, for an unrelated charge.  Just before Dawn on the 10th, as the Power camp was preparing breakfast, they heard two of their horses gallop by and the dogs began barking.  When Jeff stepped outside with his rifle Deputy Sheriff Wooten yelled for him to “Throw up your hands!”  There was a furious gunfight after that leaving Sheriff BcBride, deputy Sheriffs Kempton and Wooten, and Jeff Power dead.  Marshall Hayes escaped to nearby Klondyke while the Power boys and Tom Sisson fled south to Redington ont he San Pedro River.  This lead to the largest manhunt in Arizona’s history.  The group entered Mexico but on March 8th they surrendered to the US Army patrol. 

 At their trial, all three men were convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life imprisonment.  Sisson died in prison at the age of 86, but the Power brothers were paroled in 1960, 42 years after their conviction.  They were pardoned by Governor Jack Richard Williams nine years later.

The whole family is buried in Klondyke cemetery.

The Powers Cabin has been restored by the forest service.  It is located in Rattlesnake Canyon in Galuiro Mounts many miles south of Klondyke and is accessible only by foot or horseback.  It is a nine mile journey from the trailhead to the cabin.

If you are interested in hiking then you will find the area around Klondyke to be perfect.  It is ideal for hiking, hunting, bird watching, trail riding and enjoying the beautiful serenity of the area.

Klondyke is a village located in the environs of the Coronado National Forest west of Safford

Another Ghost Town – Klondyke, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Come to Tombstone and enjoy the adventures of the old west with Wyatt Earp Days.  This annual Memorial Day weekend celebration in “The Town Too Tough to Die” is much like stepping back in time. Men, women and children dress in 1880s Old West styles to celebrate the life and times of the town’s most-famous lawman. Enjoy a chili cook-off, stagecoach rides, a fashion show, and mock gunfights in the dusty streets. 

Wyatt Earp and his brothers along with Doc Holiday have an interesting history in Tombstone that you will hear about while you are in town.  They were the people in the Gun Fight At OK Corral in which his arch rivals, Ike Clanton, Billy Claiborne, and other Cowboys, and the Earp’s and Doc Holiday faced off in the famous gunfight.  Although the stories of the fight have made it to the movies much of the story was just good movie making. The historical documentations of the fight show that neither side of the fight were very good shots.  Lots of bullets flew but only a few hit home.  Tom McLaury was killed in the fight and Billy Clanton and Frank McLaury were wounded, Virgil Earp was hit in the calf, Doc was shot in the left hip, but the shot was deflected by Holliday’s leather holster, and he suffered only a bruise.  The fighting continued until Billy Clanton was shot and down.

The battle took place on October 26, 1881 between the Earps and the Cowboys.  (Cowboys was a term often capitalized in papers as a local term for a cattle-dealer that often was synonymous with rustler).  The two sides faced off and began shooting with Doc Holiday being credited (justly or unjustly) as firing the first shot.

Although history has made it out to be a great fight, the end result was that the life for Wyatt in Tombstone was doomed to fall apart with all the trials, accusations and distrust of those he needed to support him.  It didn’t happen immediately, but the Earps left Tombstone and traveled to Colorado where the story of this unique family continued.

Come to Tombstone and relive those days.  Get into the spirit of the time and wear something from the era and join the residents of the community that make this celebration so much fun.

Tombstone is approximately 70 miles Southeast of Tucson.

Wyatt Earp Days – Tombstone, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Located in this remote area of Arizona is the Amerind Foundation Museum which is focused on promoting the knowledge and understanding of the Native Peoples of the Americas through research, education and conservation.  The Foundation was established in 1937 by William Shirley Fulton.

A Native of Connecticut he became interested in archaeology as a young man and made frequent trips to Arizona between 1906 and 1917.  Throughout the 1920s Fulton regularly traveled west from his New England home, heading into the southwestern mountains, as well as the canyons and mesa country to explore for archaeological sites.

It was on one of these trips that he heard of Texas Canyon.  He traveled to the area and saw the rugged vistas and heard rumors of prehistoric agricultural villages.  It so intrigued him that he purchased the property in 1930 and named it the FF Ranch which was later turned into the Amerind Foundaiton.

He built his home amid the boulder formations of Texas Canyon in 1931.  he began excavating archaeological sites right on his property leading him to publish his first scholarly articles in 1934 and 1938, based on is work.  He loved the life and wanted to pass his knowledge on to future generations.

He created one of the finest private museum collections of ethnographic and archaeological materials anywhere.  The years from 1937 witnessed the expansion of the Amerind facility as the Museum, Library, Art Gallery (primarily Mrs. Fulton’s contribution), laboratories, storage, workshops, and staff housing were constructed.

Although the Amerind, at this point, is no longer engaged in archaeological excavations, they contribute to the field by hosting 3-5 advanced seminars each year, bringing together archaeologists, anthropologists and other scholars to discuss, debate, and synthesize work on various topics.

The Amerind Foundation’s 21,000 piece collection includes a cross-section of Native American ethnographic objects from the Western Hemisphere dating to the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

The Fulton-Hayden Memorial Art Gallery & Library is home to a 22,000 volume collection including books and professional journals.

Hours
The Amerind Museum:
Tuesday through Sunday year round,
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., (Arizona) Mountain Time.
(Closed Mondays and major holidays).

The Fulton-Hayden Memorial Art Gallery:
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m to 4:00 p.m.

Location
The Amerind is located in Cochise County, one mile south of Interstate 10, only about an hour east of Tucson, between Benson and Willcox. We’re easy to find – just look for Dragoon Road exit, #318, and head south until you see mile marker 1 on one side of the road and the Amerind entrance on the other. View map

Admission
Adults: $8.00
Seniors (60 and up): $7.00
College Student (with ID): $5.00
Youth 12-18: $5.00
Children under 12: Free

Group Rate:
Available for tours and other groups
of 8 or more, but only if pre-registered. $5.00/person
Call 520.586.3666 to register.

Amerind Foundation – Dragoon, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Rosemont Copper offers tours to all that are interested in seeing the development of the copper mine planned for the area just outside of Tucson.  You will see cattle grazing, detailed plans of how the mine is going to be developed with minimum impact on the surrounding beauty.

It is planned for Rosemount Copper Company to develop on the most progressive and efficient metal-producing operations in the world at this location.  They will set new environmental standards for the resource protection, water conservation and land reclamation which will set the standard for the rest of the world to follow when they are mining the necessary resources to make the world function.

What an opportunity for you to learn and see what this company is offering the world right here in Tucson! Just book a tour, visit with the people working in the mine environment and you will learn that there is a genuine desire to reclaim the land in a beautiful manner rather than ugly piles of waste.

To assist in the revegetation and reclamation effort, Rosemont Copper has established a 30,000 acre working cattle ranch about 30 miles south of Tucson, AZ. The ranching operation is professionally managed by Tom Kay and he will oversees a herd of 500 to 550 beef cattle. The Rosemont ranch has no dairy cows. Tom has years of ranching experience and loves being a cowboy, working to keep the cattle, equipment and beauty all working in tip top order.  He knows that we need copper to function today but he also knows that beauty in the area needs to be maintained.  The plans of the company accomplish this with their vision, approach, plans and promises.

Rosemont will be using the latest in natural, non-confined ranching techniques. Rosemont cattle will be raised in environmentally friendly conditions with no hormones, no antibiotics and they will be completely range fed.

The revegetation has been studied with the assistance of the University Of Arizona School Of Natural Resources.  They were performed to identify the optimum plant species for the revegetation following the mining process.  The 29 seeds selected have a resilient and productive system and are currently available from large-scale commercial seed vendors and meet the NRCS’s ecological site description.

The cattle ranching operation are critical to assist in the process of growing and reproducing the seeds.  Since seeds do better if incorporated into the soil so they don’t dry out in our desert heat or blow away in our wind so the cattle hooves can press the seed into the soil.  The grazing of the cattle creates textured soil which helps capture water and nutrients.

Not only that but the grazing helps to stimulate the growth not only with them grazing but also by trampling weeds and eating weed flowers.  Of course the manure provides benefits of fertilizing the land which helps even in the poor growth areas where a concentration of manure increases microorganisms and ads to the soil fertility.

Rosemont Copper Mine has been actively assisting a number of local organizations with their fundraising activities.  They have assisted in a number of activities such as supplying not only financial assistance but also providing the cow for the Cienega Rotary "Cow Pie Bingo" event where funds assist in both local and international projects.

Rosemont Copper hosts free weekly tours of the site that include visits to the geology exploration camp, the historic mining areas, the old quarry, and the weather station. Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 to noon.  This tour will be not only a beautiful opportunity to see the Arizona Mountains and desert but also to learn about the value of copper to our development.  Without copper we probably would not have electricity or would not have a space program.  It’s critical to mine this mineral in the most environmentally friendly manner possible and Rosemont Copper Mine is working toward accomplishing this and setting the standard for the rest of the world!

You can arrange for your tour by calling Phone: (520) 343-1730 or by going to the ad on www.arizonabeautiful.com and going to the Tucson region.

The mine is located approximately 30 miles southeast of Tucson, Arizona.

Rosemont Copper Mine Tours of Tucson – Tucson, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

For greyhound racing fans the Tucson Greyhound Park offers you greyhound racing Tuesday – Saturday nights at 7:30 pm.  There is a pari-mutuel betting and OTB betting available. The Tucson dog racing track has been in operation for over six decades. 

The park also participates in the Greyhound Adoption Program.  Greyhounds are smart, sweet, calm, gentle and loving dogs, good with children and adults alike.  The dogs need to be on a lease when outside, they may need special medical treatment.  The program volunteers will assess the right dog for you with a number of questions about your lifestyle and your desires.  They will schedule a home visit to have the dog meet with everyone in the adopting family and see how the dog reacts to you and visa versa. You will be able to check out more than one dog during the process to see which one you would be most comfortable bringing into your life.  They want to find the best match between your family and your dog.  If you don’t think you want to adopt yet but would like to have a dog for a little while then check out the foster parent program.   You can learn more about retired greyhound racers at the Tucson dog track.

Tucson dog racing has been a part of the local community for over seventy years.  The park has the Clubhouse for those that would like to enjoy dining while at the races.  Prices are reasonable and you can see the track from the dining area so you can spend the entire race venue in the Clubhouse if you want.

There is a proposal by the legislature to allow casino gambling at the greyhound race tracks popularly called “racinos.”

Phone: 520-884-7576

Email: info@tucsongreyhound.com

Location: 2601 S 3rd Ave., Tucson, Arizona  Off I-10 take S 6th Ave. to E 36th St. and S. 3rd.

greyhound racing, tucson dog track, dog racing tucson, dog track tucson, tucson greyhound park.

See also the Phoenix Greyhound Park for simulcasting and off track betting.

Tucson Greyhound Park – Tucson, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Cow Pie Bingo is not currently being done by the Rotary Club but may be again in the future….

Cow Pie Bingo – Vail, Arizona

Join in the fun, take a chance to win the prize and help out the Cienega Rotary Club of Vail, Arizona with the projects they support in the community and world wide.  Never heard of Cow Pie Bingo?

Let me tell you about it, you take a cow (or calf in our case) and turn it loose in a pen that has been marked into a grid with 100 numbers.  Where the cow poops, that number is the winner of the raffle!  Simple and a whole lot of fun. Just visualize a group of people standing around a pen yelling for the calf to poop!!

The Cienega Rotary Club sells raffle tickets for this event for weeks prior to the actual “drop date”.  The tickets for the event are just $20.  For a winning ticket the payout is $500.  Just think of that…a 25 to 1 payout…that’s better than the casinos!!

The event will be held at the Cienega High School.  Tickets will be available the day of the event, but at a reduced amount for both purchase and payout.

Help the Cienega Rotary achieve their goals of being able to assist those in need, locally and internationally, by purchasing a raffle ticket from any member of the Cienega Rotary Club.  For those that are away, or don’t know a member, contact either Pat Watson at patwatson@patwatson.com or Steve Katz at flyingifr@yahoo.com. 

The event is continually growing with vendors, children’s activities and community events so be sure to come out to Cienega High School and have a great time.

Date: November 14th

Time: 2 PM

See you all there!

Cow Pie Bingo – Vail, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

If you are looking to visit places that are supposedly haunted then you probably will really enjoy a trip to the Birdcage Theater in Tombstone.  Although there are other buildings in the community which are said to be haunted the Birdcage seems to be the one that gets the most attention. 

The Bird Cage Theater has a history of being something less than calm.. It is said that 26 people were killed in the Bird Cage during its reputed eight years as one of the meanest and wildest places in Tombstone.  If you want to count you will find over 120 bullet holes still remaining in the building.

While the "ladies of the evening" plied their trade from cribs suspended from the ceiling the patrons went ahead with their nefarious actions before taking a break to "have some fun."  There are 14 cribs which line the sides of the gambling hall, 7 on each side of the room.  It was in these cribs that the "ladies" would entertain their clients.

You not only can see the gambling hall but now you can visit six more rooms below the Bird Cage that were closed and sealed off since 1889.  What kind of ghosts do you suppose are there?  Do you think you will hear or see them?

The owner of the Bird Cage Theatre has said that numerous people see the same ghost while touring through the theatre.  It appears to be a male stage hand that walks across the stage from the left to the right then disappears into the walls.  He is always seen wearing stripped pants, a little visor hat, and carrying a clip board.

There is an admission fee to see the theater part of the Bird Cage.  The front is open to view, you can see some of the bullet holes and other things but to see the stage you must pay an admission fee.  There is a narrator that will tell stories of the building while you are there.

There are lots of ghost stories about Tombstone.  From the ghost of Virgil Earp crossing the street, and never making it to the other side, to Marshal Fred White who was shot by Curly Bill Crocius in 1880.  Then there is the woman in a long white dress who is thought to be a fretful mother of a child that dies from yellow fever and took her own life, or she was a madam that was hung and is out looking for her executioners.

Whatever the ghost stories you hear, you may want to visit Tombstone and see if you can find out if there is a ghost waiting there for you.  Maybe you can get a picture as some say they have, maybe you will actually witness the crossing of the street by Virgil Earp.  Who knows, you might see someone new!

Ghosts and More – Tombstone, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Welcome to the world of Rodeo in Tucson.  Not only is this a huge event consisting of 6 days of action, beauty and talent but the opportunity to learn more about the rodeo is also available through the museum.  Tickets for the Rodeo range from $12 to $19 and can be purchased in advance or at the gate.

There are seven professional rodeo events included in the Tucson Rodeo.  Of these events, six are sanctioned by the Professional Cowboys Rodeo Association with women’s barrel racing being sanctioned by the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association.  The six events that are sanctioned by the Professional Cowboys Rodeo Association are, bareback riding, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, team roping and bull riding.

Although some may think that the animals must be mistreated to enter a rodeo, it is the opposite.  These animals are well cared for by those that provide them to the rodeo since they are entered into many different rodeos around the country.  A bucking horse or bull earns half the score recorded by the cowboy, so the better the animal performs, the higher the score. The horses ridden in the steer wrestling, tie-down roping, team roping and barrel racing are those of the competitors and many have been together for many years.  They are a team that works together and train together to be the best they can be.

During the Tucson Rodeo week there is the largest non-motorized parade in the nation with western-themed floats and buggies, festival Mexican folk dancers, historic horse-drawn coaches, marching bands and many outfitted riders showing off their beautiful mounts and tack.  The route begins at Park Avenue and Ajo Way, continues south to Irvington Rd, then heads west on Irvington Rd to South 6th Ave.

There are grandstands for viewing which are located on Irvington at South 6th Ave. with tickets being $6 for adults and $4 for children 12 and under.  You can stand (or bring your own chair) along both sides of the route at no charge.  This route is approximately 1 mile long.  There are normally about 200,000 people that come out to see the parade.

The Rodeo organizers do provide shuttle service from area malls so you don’t have to fight the traffic or parking issues.  Take the shuttle, the cost is around a dollar and saves you lots of grief!

The Tucson Rodeo Parade Museum is located on the northeast corner of S. 6th and Irvington Rd.  Here you can see over 100 buggies, wagons and Old West artifacts which will give you a good history of the life of the cowboy in earlier days.  There is also a typical western street with various shops, and historical memorabilia of Tucson for you to see.

The Museum is open Monday through Friday during January and February from 9 am to 4 pm and will be opened upon request on Saturdays. If you want to arrange a special time for your tour year round you can contact the museum directly at 520-294-1280 or 520-294-1289.

The tour lasts about 1.5 hours.  Included in the tour are vehicles manufactured by Ronstadt, Studebaker, Brewster, Healey and others, and used in films starring Maureen O’Hara, Ava Gardner and John Wayne are among our offerings. Historic vehicles used by Maximilian, Mexico’s ill-fated ruler, and Howell Manning of the Tucson Manning family.

The Tucson Rodeo is held at The Tucson Rodeo Grounds, 4823 S. 6th Ave., Tucson, Arizona.

Gates open at 11 am most days except for the barrel racing which begins at 8.
 
Directions
From I-10: take Park Ave. exit South; turn West (right) on Irvington Road

From I-19: take Irvington Road exit East

Tucson Rodeo – Tucson, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Enter the world of the past with this 21 mile long trek through history.  This unpaved, but accessible to high clearance vehicles (during dry weather only) road to take you on the journey of the past.  You will need at least 2 hours to make this trip and you won’t be able to take a travel trailer or any vehicle more than 20 feet long.  These can be left at parking areas provided near kiosks at each end of the road.

This trip is made for the adventurists, not the rocking chair marathon participant.  You will need to ake enough gas, water and other provisions for your trip since no services are provided along the byway.  The side routes you will be faced with steep, rough, and rocky areas where washes make crossing them quite difficult, you sometimes can’t tell where the road is so be ready.  Let someone know your travel schedule so if you get lost there is someone that knows where you were planning to go and can send help.

This area was inhabited by Native Americans as much as 1000 years ago where they farmed, hunted and gathered wild plant foods.  The Chiricahua and Western Apache (who actually arrived in AZ around 1600) were from this area. 

The Safford-Clifton Road was constructed by prisoners between 1914 and 1920.

This area is home to a number of wild animals such as the lizard, birds (who can fly for miles to get water), kangaroo rats, the roadrunner, whip-tailed lizard, and the diamondback rattlesnakes.  Just think what you might see while taking your hike.

The higher elevations offer a different type of wildlife for you to see.  Here live Gambel’s quail, coyotes and raptors such as red-tailed hawks and kestrals.  The animals come to this area in late summer to eat the bright red fruits of the prickly pear cactus.

The highest areas of the byway pass through a community of evergreen trees and shrubs: juniper, pinyon pine, and oak. This is called interior chaparral, and it is the rainiest and coolest of the plant communities. Trees attract migratory birds that come north from the tropics each year to breed. White-crowned sparrows and rufous-sided towhees feed on fallen seeds and insects under the bushes and trees. Birds such as phainopeplas eat mistletoe berries that are poisonous to humans. The thick vegetation at ground level makes it tough for reptiles to move around, although a few snakes, such as striped racers and Arizona black-tailed rattlesnakes are occasionally seen. The trees and thick brush make this the best for mule deer and javelina, but you have to look closely to see them moving across the hillsides.

The byway offers you the opportunity to engage in many challenging rides on your off-highway vehicle.  The challenge for the mountain bicycler is certainly something that those that are good enough to enjoy this type of ride will remember for years to come.  There is a great opportunity to do some quality rock collecting here too in the Black Hills Rockhound Area. Fire agate is a relatively new gemstone, only identified and formally recognized in the 1930s. It has the color play of precious opal with gem quality reds, greens, and blues.

The desert regions of Arizona, southern California, and central Mexico are the only areas of the world where fire agate is known to occur. Although its origin is unknown, it is always associated with volcanic deposits.

Hiking along side roads, trails, or cross-country will give you a most rewarding view of the area.  You can camp or picnic on the public lands along the road and there are several developed sites available. Midway on the byway, the Canyon Overlook Picnic Area provides shaded ramadas with a scenic vista of the Gila River canyon. Closer to the east end of the byway is the Owl Creek Campground with seven units perched on a cliff overlooking the historic Old Safford Bridge. The south end of the bridge is a popular launch site for those floating the Gila River and for fishing for catfish. The north end of the bridge has a small picnic area. Mule deer, javelina, and quail can be hunted on public lands along the byway.

The byway crosses the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area between mileposts 17 and 18. Designated by Congress in 1990, the conservation area includes 22,000 acres of scenic desert canyons surrounding perennial rivers and creeks. A 15-mile segment of Bonita Creek and 23 miles of the Gila River, including the steep-walled Gila Box, form the core of the NCA. Two other perennial waterways, Eagle Creek and the San Francisco River, flow into the Gila Box. Rafting, backpacking, hiking, birding, horseback riding, photography, and camping are just a few to the popular activities in the area.

Location: The Black Hills Back Country Byway is located between Safford and Clifton in southeastern Arizona, about three hours northeast of Tucson or 3 1/2 hours east of Phoenix. Both ends of the byway are accessed from U.S. Highway 191. The southern end is at milepost 139, the northern end at milepost 160.

More information: Bureau of Land Management
Safford District
711 14th Avenue
Safford, AZ 85546-3321
928-348-4400

Black Hills Back Country Byway – Safford/Clifton, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

The Organ PIpe Cactus National Monument was founded to celebrate the life and landscape of the Sonoran desert.

Whether you want to hike, take a drive on a lonely road, backpack, camp in the desert or just soak in the warmth and the beauty of the Southwest this is the place to do it.

There are extraordinary plants and animals in the Sonoran Desert for you to enjoy.  These creatures adapted themselves to the extreme temperatures, intense sunlight and little rainfall of this Southwest region.  There are Twenty-six species of cactus living here, including the beautiful park’s namesake and the giant saguaro.

Because this is a protected area, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument has allowed the life of the Sonoran Desert to flourish under nearly ideal wilderness conditions.  It is one of the Earth’s major ecosystems.  In 1976 it was designated as an International Biosphere Reserve.

The park is home to the Gila Monster, one of only two species of poisonous lizards found in North America.  They are out in the late spring through early autumn at the park but they move real slowly so you don’t have to worry about getting away from them to avoid getting bitten.  They just want to be left alone.

The area also has ferruginous pygmy owls.  They are so darling, such a delight to watch (please don’t try to touch or catch them, leave them to beautify the area in their natural habitat).  There are also Sonoran Pronghorns.  This edgy, skittish and shy creature will run if it hears a car as far away as 2 miles!  The Sonoran pronghorn is tinier than its more extroverted grassland sibling, the American pronghorn. This desert subspecies can freeze, invisible in the patchwork of cactus and rock. Fear is their survival strategy. It steers them away from highways, automobiles, and noisy humans. It makes them fast. It keeps them wary. With the dry season of 2002 many of them died leaving just 25 in the United States.  The program to save them was begun in 2004 as scientists started a captive breeding program.  11 animals were caught, some from the larger herd in Mexico, to provide for genetic diversity.  A square mile of desert was set aside in a non-wilderness are of Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge and through the care and hard work of the scientists involved the herd has begun to grow again.  They seem to adapt to the wild very well once they are turned lose as they get big enough.

Coyotes are highly intelligent animals that are well adapted to survive in almost any environment. They are among the most common animals spotted in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and you might hear them "singing" on any given night.

The Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is also a fabulous place for bird watching.  There are a number of great sites to sit and watch for the bird you are interested in seeing show up.  There is Alamo Canyon, Twin Peaks Campground, Ajo Mountan Drive, Kris Eggle Visitor Center or wherever you are hiking.  The birds are fascinating and beautiful.  Enjoy the experience.

There are sone arches in the area for you to see, such a fantastic work of nature.

Closed Roads: Conditions at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument periodically lead to closures of some roads and sections of the park. The following roads are closed indefinitely to vehicle traffic until further notice.

Pozo Nuevo
Camino de Dos Republicas
South Puerto Blanco Drive
North Puerto Blanco is closed past the five-mile gate
Backcountry Areas: The following areas are closed to use until further notice.

All backcountry areas are closed to overnight use.  Many backcountry areas are open for day hiking only.  Check at the Kris Eggle Visitor Center for the most current closure information.
Red Tanks and Lost Cabin Mine trail complex are closed to all visitor use.
Dripping Springs area from west of Pinkley Peak to North Puerto Blanco Drive is closed to all visitor use.
Bates Mountains, Kino Peak and all areas south of the Bates Well Road, including areas along the Pozo Nouvo Road are closed to all visitor use.
Sweetwater Pass area is closed to all visitor use.
Open Roads: Some areas of the park are too beautiful to close for very long, currently these roads as well as Hwy 85 are open to visitor use.

Ajo Mountain Drive is a 21 mile loop drive which is open and beautiful.
The first five miles of North Puerto Blanco Drive has been newly reconstructed and is open in both directions, providing access to the new picnic area at the turn-around point by Pinkley Peak.
Alamo Canyon is open and beautiful for hiking into the canyon or camping in the primitive campground, click here for more information on camping in the Alamo Canyon Primitive Campground.
The Bates Well road is subject to periodic annual closures due to Sonoran Pronghorn fawning season during mid-March until mid-June.  This time frame can vary year to year depending on the needs of the pronghorn.  Check at the Kris Eggle Visitor Center for current information on the Bates Well Road.
Please be aware of your surroundings in all areas of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. This is a wild place with natural and man-made hazards. Please be aware of your abilities and respect the laws of nature, as well as the laws of our state and nation.
 
Location: along the US/Mexican Border, south of Ajo, west of Tucson, and east of Yuma.
From the NORTH: follow AZ Hwy 85 through Ajo and Why. The Monument is 22 miles (35.4 km) south of Why. From the EAST: follow AZ Hwy 86 to Why, then turn south on AZ Hwy 85. From the WEST: follow I-8 to Gila Bend or I-10 to Buckeye, then turn south on AZ Hwy 85. From MEXICO: drive on Mexico Route 2 to Sonoyta, then north to Lukeville.

Hours: The Kris Eggle Visitor Center is open daily from 8am to 5pm Mountain Standard time.
Closed all federal holidays between April 1 and December 31.  The remainder of the park is open 24 hours a day, every day.  You can enjoy the park even on holidays.

Things to Know and Keep in Mind!
This is a desert wilderness environment, carry water, sunscreen etc. Watch for cactus spines and rattlesnakes.
There is no food or lodging in the monument. Lukeville, 5 miles to the south on the US side of the Mexican border has a restaurant and small grocery as well as gas and a post-office. To the north, the small village of Why has gas and a restaurant. Further north to Ajo, you will find lodging, gas, restaurants and groceries.

Winter temperatures are pleasant, mid 50-60 during the day, chilly 30-40 during the night. Summer temperatures are hot 100+ during the day and 70-80 during the night. If you plan on visiting during the summer months, plan on starting your day early and resting during the heat of the afternoon.

All plants, animals and historic artifacts are protected inside the Monument, that includes rattlesnakes, scorpions and tarantulas. This is their home, if you are startled by one of these animals, step back and give them space. Enjoy the moment and consider yourself lucky to see such amazing creatures in such a wild environment. Let the rangers at the Kris Eggle Visitor Center know if you see something really cool, like a Gila monster.
 
 
 
 

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument – Ajo, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

This is the newest karting facility in the United States.  It is located directly across the street from Tucson Raceway Park and is a replica of the famous Suzuka Kart Circuit in Suzuka, Japan.  That track is known by professionals kart drivers as the best circuit in the world.

This is a spot that works for both the serious and recreational karters with a comfortable environment for families and spectators.  Because of the fabulous weather in Tucson this track is open year round.

The track offers different levels of driving schools for those that want to begin the experience of Karting.  Even as young as 10 can get a start in this sport with the right training. 
More advanced is available for those with experience who wish to improve their skill levels and learn something new.

P1 Circuit host’s karting and bicycle racing events, corporate/group events, kart rentals and racing school programs.  P1 also has a full service and retail kart pro shop located on-site.

Location: 11800 S. Harrison Road, Tucson, Arizona

PARKING: Free
 
HOURS*: Monday – By Appointment 8 or more drivers
Tuesday – By Appointment 8 or more drivers
Wednesday – 10:00am – 5:00pm – Open Karts, and Rental Karts
Thursday – 10:00am – 5:00pm – Open Karts and Rental Karts
Friday – 10:00am – 10:00pm – Open Karts and Rental Karts
Saturday – 10:00am – 10:00pm – Open Karts, Supermoto and Rental Karts Sunday – 10:00Am – 4:00PM

PHONE: 520.245.5278

DIRECTIONS:  From I-10 take exit 273 (Rita) or 275 (Houghton) south to the Pima Fairgrounds.  P1 Kart Circuit is 11800 S. Harrison Road on the west side across from the Fairgrounds

P1 Kart Circuit – Tucson, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Enter the world of the beautiful past when you step into the entryway of the glorious Fox Theater.  This theater was built in 1929 to serve a dual purpose, to be a vaudeville/move house. The Fox was originally to be called "The Tower" but was changed to the Fox prior to opening.

Opening night, April 11, 1930, proved to be the biggest party the small community of Tucson had ever seen. With Congress Street closed and waxed for dancing, four live bands, a live radio broadcast and free trolley rides Downtown, the party was one not to be missed. Those lucky enough to have bought tickets in advance—3,000 or so people—enjoyed the show inside as well as out. The film "Chasing Rainbows," a Movie Tone short, and a Mickey Mouse cartoon were well received by both audiences that evening, and the Fox Theatre began its 40­year life as the center of Tucson’s entertainment world.

Due to the change in the situation downtown, the television and drive-ins the theater closed in 1974.  Although it was in need of major repair the building avoided the wrecking ball and in January 2006 the theater re-opened  after remaining closed for 32 years, following the dedicated work of a group of citizens that wanted to have this beautiful piece of Southwestern Art Deco construction back in the forefront of the art world.

The theater hosts a variety of performing talent, ranging from ballets, to contemporary pop and rock acts.

Locations: Business Offices located at:
30 North Church Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85701

Theatre Address:
17 West Congress Street
Tucson, AZ 85701

Box Office:
17 West Congress Street
Tucson, AZ 85701
(520)547-3040

The Box Office is open:
Monday – Friday 11am–6pm
Saturday: 11am–2pm
Show Days: 11am–1 hour after show start time
Sunday: Closed

Phone: (520) 624-1515

Email: foxinfo@foxtucsontheatre.org
 

Fox Theater – Tucson, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

The Tucson Opera Company has offices in both Tucson and Phoenix.  The Company began in 1971 and has consistently provided quality opera to the area since that time.

The operas are preformed in their original language with English subtitles on the screen overhead.  No need to be afraid to go since you will be able to understand (or read) the entire story of the opera.

Since it began the opera has performed over 170 productions.  There is a mix of artists of internationally acclaimed artists and emerging talent working together to provide quality opera to the area.

Ticket prices range from the area of $290 to $80 depending on where you are seated in the Tucson theater for the three productions presented.

In Phoenix they range from $350 to $80 for the three, again, depending on where you are seated.  These prices are for the Sunday afternoon show, prices for the evening performances may be a bit higher.

Single ticket prices range from $100 to $25 each for single performances.

You will have the opportunity to truly "dress up" for the opera.  The opera is the one special place where you can really dress up and go glamorous. Cocktail dress is usually the norm for evening performances, while Sunday matinees generally see more casual sport jackets and dresses. Your opera experience is what you make of it – you’ll fit in with Arizona Opera’s patrons in everything from Birkenstocks to Blahniks!

In most cases, get a babysitter!  Generally, opera is better suited to older kids because the stories often contain adult themes and following the subtitles can be difficult for new readers. Sometimes Arizona Opera offers operas sung in English (such the productions of The Merry Widow and Hansel & Gretel) that are more kid-friendly. When bringing a child to the opera, it is helpful to explain the story in advance and instruct them on proper audience behavior. Arizona Opera’s Opera Look-in program, Opera dell’arte and Student Dress Rehearsals are a good way to ease children into enjoyment of a full-fledged production. Call for details.

The opera, much like a Broadway production, usually lasts between 2 and 3 hours.  There is an intermission during the performance for you to get up, move around, respond to emails, phone calls that have gone into voicemail (because you have turned your phone OFF when entering the theater) and get something to drink.

Just a little heads up for those that aren’t sure when it is appropriate to clap.  At the end of big arias and, of course, at the final curtain call. Feel free to shout out "Bravo!" (for a male performer), "Brava!" (for a woman) or "Bravi!" (for an ensemble) – singers love an appreciative audience!

Enjoy the wonderful world of opera in both Tucson and Phoenix.

Directions & Parking
PHOENIX INFORMATION:

How do I get to the theater, and where do I park?

From I-10, exit 7th Street, turn south. Travel 7th Street south to Washington, turn right (west). Symphony Hall is on corner of Washington & 2nd St.  Entrance to Symphony Hall is on the west side of the building, which is located on 2nd Street and Adams, (1/2 block north of Washington).

Please note:  Due to construction, allow time for navigating downtown.
Parking lots for Symphony Hall:

Hyatt Regency Garage, southwest corner of Second and Adams streets.
Chase Parking Garage, Second Street north of Adams between Van Buren and Monroe streets.
Collier Parking, on Washington directly behind theater between Second and Third Streets.
Arizona Center surface lot, between Second and Third streets north of Van Buren Street.
Event parking is typically between $8 and $15.

The Tucson Music Hall is located in downtown Tucson at 260 South Church Avenue, bordered by Broadway, Granada and Cushing. From I-10 Frontage Road, turn east onto Congress/Broadway, then turn south on Granada or Church.

Parking lots for TCC:
Lot A (at Church and Cushing)
Lot B (at Cushing and Granada)
Lot C (reserved for Bravo! Society Donors)

Phoenix Office:  4600 N. 12th St, Phoenix AZ 85014

Phone: 602-266-7464

Tucson Office: 3501 N. Mountain Ave, Tucson AZ 85719

Phone: 520-293-4336

Arizona Opera – Tucson and Phoenix, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Come and enjoy this scenic desert oasis at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains.  You can camp, hike, ride the equestrian trails, view the wide displays of natural plant and wildlife and enjoy a picnic.  

Here you can get the true feel for the mountains and the desert together.  This is the life that Arizona natives relish, beautiful scenery and miles of hiking trails.  This is certainly a place to have the adventures that will last a lifetime and make you want to come back time after time.

Day-use hours are from 5 am to 10 pm.

Visitor Center and Gift Shop: 8 – 5.

Entrance and camping fees apply.
 

Catalina State Park – Tucson, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

The

The Nation has created an industrial park which is the home to Caterpiller, the Desert Diamond Casino and a 23 acre foreign trade zone.  The lands are located within the Sonoran desert in south central Arizona with the largest community being Sells.  This community functions as the Nations capital.

The O’odhams are well known for their basket weaving.   O’odham baskets were used as household wares, such as food containers, medicine and trinket holders, strainers for liquids, etc.  Baskets have progressed to an art, where weavers can express themselves in various patterns and designs.  Baskets were made by women, but today many are men have taken up the art. 

Gaming was authorized August 11, 1993 and on October 12 of that year, the Desert Diamond Casino opened. The casino offered visitors a choice of 500 slot machines which has resulted in the Nation being the 13th largest employer in the area, representing over 2,400 jobs.

In 1995 the facility was expanded to include bingo and live card dealers as well as 500 slot machines. A second, smaller casino, Golden Hasan opened 1999, and has 100 slot machines.

The Desert Diamond Casino, open 24 hours, and is located at 7350 South Old Nogales Highway in Tucson, Arizona.  There are two casinos run by the tribe, one is the "old" Desert Diamond and not as large as the "new" one.  The "old" one is located on Noglas Hwy, just south of the Tucson Airport.

The tribe has a specail event on February 1st when they hold their annual rodeo.

Contact the Tribal Council at: Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc.
2214 North Central Avenue, Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Phone: 602-258-4822
Fax: 602-258-4825Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc.

Tohono O’odham – Native American Tribe – Central and Southern Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Traveling on the highway south of Tucson you will see the signs that are reminiscent of the Wall Drug Store signs of years ago.  Every few miles (and sometimes closer than that) you will see a sign promoting The Thing.  It may say something like "Mysteries of the Desert" or "The Thing, Mysteries of the past."

They go on for miles asking if you’ve seen it and so forth.  Of course your curiosity is awakened by this marketing ploy, you really want to know what The Thing is!

As you get closer to the spot of The Thing the signs get closer only…what the heck?  They are promoting jewelry and moccasins as well as rattlesnake eggs and cold drinks.  Oh yes, don’t forget the frosty malts. 

Be prepared to find that The Thing is no more than one of the hundreds of trading posts in Arizona.  The signs work, people stop, and of course, most buy something.

There is a museum, of sorts, for you to see while you are at The Thing, containing such wonders as….three old cars and an exhibit of carvings that depict ancient methods of torture…Whee!

Most people realize that it is a gimmick to get you to stop in the trading post, and it works.  In this instance you get what you pay for, not much but you can tell everyone that you stopped at The Thing and have them wondering just what The Thing is…don’t tell them, have them come to AZ and see for themselves.

Location: Between Willcox and Benson off I-10 at the Johnson Road exit #322.

Admission and Hours: $1 for adults, 75 cents for children 6 to 18.

Open 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day.

Phone (520) 586-2581.
 

The Thing – Tucson, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Tom Mix was a silent-movie cowboy who died in 1940 but his legend still goes on today.  He told a great story about himself, most of it not true, about his life prior to entering the movie business.  He claimed to have been a Texas Ranger, to have fought in the Boer War and other wondrous adventures.  He was a working cowboy, a night marshal in Dewey, OK and a peace officer in mining camps in Colorado so there was a little bit of reality in his exaggerations.

In more than 300 silent movies, Mix swooped over rivers hanging from ropes, jumped on and off moving trains, leaped from an airplane into tumultuous waters at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, hung on ledges and plopped down into the saddle of his patient and proficient steed, known as Tony the Wonder Horse.

When Tom Mix died it was just as bizarre as his life.  He had just left the Santa Rita Hotel in Rucson and headed north to visit friends in Florence before heading on to Hollywood.  He stopped off at a bar0restaurant in Oracle Junction and had something to eat, played cards and probably, knowing his history, had a few drinks, but wasn’t drunk by any means.

When he left the restaurant he got into his 1937 yellow Cord Phaeton convertible and took off at a high rate of speed (considering the speed available at the time).  At about 2 p.m. he encountered road construction on route Arizona 79 which had him slam on his brakes and lose control of his car.  The Cord swung into a dry wash, onto rough ground that jolted the vehicle and caused a suitcase that was in the backseat to fly up and hit him in the head.

Mix got out of the car, took one step and fell dead of a broken neck.

Although Tom Mix was not a sound star, he was a silent movie star that was considered to be the real thing.  He was an expert shot, understood the life of a cowboy, took terrible risks doing his own stunt work and thrilled the ladies with his handsome face and great build.

The Tom Mix Memorial is just a clumpy mortared-cobblestone pile surmounted by a two-foot-tall metal horse with its head sagging and the reins hanging loose.  This is supposed to represent Tony the Riderless Horse, Tony was the horse that Mix rode in the movies.

The memorial is 20 miles south of Florence.  Something to bring back a little cowboy history and have you wondering about this cowboy from the 40′s. 

There is a museum dedicated to Tom Mix in Dewey, Oklahoma, just 40 miles north of Tulsa so if you find you want to learn more about this dashing cowboy you can stop in there and see a whole bunch of artifacts from the life of Tom Mix.
 

Tom Mix Memorial – Florence, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Flying into Tucson International brings you to the southern most airport in Arizona where you can enjoy the wide range of activities offered in this city and surrounding area.

Getting the best Tucson airfare takes some time but is well worth the effort.  There are days of the week that the rates are less than other days, there are weeks of the month that offer a better rate so you may want to spend some time checking on the different options.  If you can book your ticket way in advance it is often a less costly way to go than to wait until a week or two before you want to arrive.  When the airlines first schedule a flight they want the seats filled so they have discounted rates available, sometimes. The closer it gets to the date of the flight the rates often go up, it’s a matter of supply and demand.  The more people that have booked a flight the higher the rate will be, the less people that are booked the lower the rate will be.

Of course you can wait until the very last minute and hope that you can find a flight that is not full and therefore offering deeply discounted rates to fill it up, but that is a risky avenue to take if you must be in Tucson at a certain time.  If you are more flexible on your date then you may be able to find those deeply discounted rates either directly with the airline or by going to a travel booking site such as Travelocity or Kayak.

Kayak gives you the option of checking with a number of different booking sites which allows you to check out some that you normally wouldn’t think about that may be running a special.  It’s worth the time to research them.

Tucson airfare differs from day to day, airline to airline but you can find a good rate, just be diligent in your search and enjoy your time in Tucson!
 

Tucson Airfare is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Where are you planning to fly into?  Are you going to Phoenix Sky Harbor or Tucson?  How about Mesa-Willianms Gateway?  Where you are flying into can make a difference in what rate you pay for your ticket.  Occasionally it is considerably less expensive to fly into a different airport and rent a car then to fly directly to the destination you are going to ultimately want. 

Checking out the options on a site such as Travelocity.com or Kayak.com can give you the option to check alternate airports within a given mileage range to see if the rates from there are enough less to make you adjust your plans.  If you are flying to a smaller airport you may not have the option, such as flying to Show Low, so you will need to fly into Phoenix.  But it is certainly worth checking into.

Different times of the year affect the rates you will pay to fly into AZ.  The AZ airfare may drop when the season changes from the warmth of the winter to the heat of the summer.  But checking on the shoulder times is also wise.  If you can visit during the slow air season you may be able to pick up a great deal for a round trip ticket.

Get online, compare rates, compare cities and then come on to visit AZ.  Come to enjoy the weather, the golf, the hiking and the biking offered throughout Arizona.  You may want to visit some of the other sites such as the Native American regions or spend a weekend at a western working ranch.  All of these are available for you when you fly into Arizona.  Check out AZ airfare from where you are and then buy a ticket to come and visit.  You will be glad you did!
 

AZ Airfare is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Saguaro National Park contains two districts, and each offers a variety of attractions and opportunities for recreational activities. The Rincon Mountain District is located east of Tucson, while the Tucson Mountain District is located to Tucson’s west.

The eastern Rincon Mountain District of Saguaro National Park includes more than 128 miles of trails to explore. Heights of over 8,000 feet are reached in this part of the Park. There is an aging saguaro forest located at the foot of the Rincon Mountains here and many other desert areas to explore. The Visitors Center at Saguaro East includes an outdoors plant exhibit that names and describes 15 major plants of the Sonoran Desert.

The western Tucson Mountain District features Saguaro National Park’s lower elevations and a denser saguaro forest. You can visit the Red Hills Visitor Center in the Tucson Mountain District for maps and more information on this part of the Park. You’ll enjoy spectacular views of the mountains and saguaros from the Center, and you can tour a variety of cultural and natural history exhibits focused on the Sonoran Desert here.

The two Visitors Centers at Saguaro National Park are terrific starting points for planning your adventure in either district. You can then explore and enjoy the Park in a variety of ways. There are two scenic drives in Saguaro National Park. You can travel along an 8-mile one way loop in the eastern part of the Park, or take your choice of several scenic driving routes in the Park’s western district. There are picnic areas located along both areas’ scenic drives.

Horseback riding, biking and hiking are three popular ways people view the fascinating plants and animals that inhabit Saguaro National Park. There are many hiking trails located within each district of the Park, and bikers can travel along the scenic drives. Horseback riders must stick to designated horse trails within the Park. If you’re not looking to go camping, but prefer more comfortable accommodations, HotelsCombined.com provides excellent hotel rates for the Tucson area.

Saguaro National Park
3693 South Old Spanish Trail
Tucson, AZ 85730-5601
520-733-5100

Saguaro National Park – Tucson, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

At the Saguaro National Park you will experience the beauty of the towering saguaro cactus.  The park covers approximately 91,000 acres and is filled with saguaro which are multi-pronged plants which can live more than 150 years!  Some even grow to over 50 feet in height.  There is also teddy-bear cholla, hedgehog and a wide range of the cactus for you to learn about and enjoy.

The Rangers at the visitor centers (there are two centers) offer a wide array of activities such as guided nature hikes to discussions about Saguaro’s unusual make up of flota and fauna.  The majority of these programs are schedule from October thru April.

The park is divided into two distinct sections.  The primary one on the east side of Tucson and a secondary one on the west side.  You can visit both in one day but it would be a disservice to yourself to try to cram too much into one day, why not make a couple of days and see both areas in more detail? 

Saguaro’s East Visitor Center is just off Old Spanish trail, 15 miles east of downtown Tucson.  The park’s Red Hills Visitor Center (the western one) is 20 miles west of downtown.

on the east side there are a couple of quick hikes you can take along the 8 mile park loop road, Cactus Forest Drive, the quarter mile desert Ecology Trail with it’s informative signage to help you identify the species.  On the west side you can take the .8 mile Valley View Overlook Trail (which is off the 6 mile Bajada Loop Drive) for a spectacular view of the desert.

For those of you that want a more challenging hike Saguaro has a number of rather ambitious trails for you to try.  These are primarily on the eastern side.  The Tanque Verde Ridge Trail is truly a rewarding hike to the elevation of 7,000 ft!

You may enjoy the Saguaro Wilderness Area which is a large, road less backcountry area consisting of 57,930 acres within ght Rincon Mountain District.  It is bounded on three sides by the Rincon Mountain Wilderness Area which is part of the Coronado National Forest.

The plant communities in the wilderness area consist of plants from hot and dry desert scrub to cool and moist pine forests.  There are six different biotic communities which are represented including desert scrub, desert grassland, oak woodland, pine-oak woodland, pine forest and mixed conifer forests.

Operating Hours & Seasons

Both districts of the park are open from 7:00 a.m. to sunset daily.  Both districts of the park offer a visitor center with operating hours of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, except closed on Christmas Day.

Entrance Fees

Entrance fees are charged to enter either district of Saguaro National Park.

$10.00 for any privately owned vehicle or motorcycle – the receipt is valid for 7 days
$5.00 for any individual on foot or bicycle – the receipt is valid for 7 days

How to Get There:
Traveling By Car

Getting to the Rincon Mountain District from the City of Tucson

Travel east on Broadway or Speedway Boulevard to Freeman Road (turn right on Freeman Road). Drive south on Freeman Road (4 miles [6.5 kilometers] from Speedway, 3 miles [5 kilometers] from Broadway) to Old Spanish Trail. Turn left on Old Spanish Trail. Drive .25 miles (.4 kilometers) southeast on Old Spanish Trail to the Park entrance on the left side of the road.

Getting to the Rincon Mountain District from Interstate 10

Primary Route from I-10

Exit I-10 at exit # 275 (Houghton Road) and drive 9.5 miles (15 kilometers) north to Old Spanish Trail and turn right. Drive 3 miles (5 kilometers) southeast on Old Spanish Trail and the park entrance, which will be on the left side of the road.

Alternate route from I-10

For a more scenic alternate route, take exit #279 (Colossal Cave Road) and go north for 3.5 miles (5.5 kilometers) to Pistol Hill Road and turn left. Drive 2 miles (3 kilometers) northeast on Pistol Hill Road to Old Spanish Trail and turn left. Proceed north on Old Spanish Trail 11 miles (17.5 kilometers) to the park entrance, which will be on your right.

Getting to the Tucson Mountain District from the City of Tucson

Travel west on Speedway Boulevard. At the junction of Camino de Oeste, Speedway Boulevard will change names to Gates Pass Road. From this junction, drive 4 miles (6.5 kilometers) west on Gates Pass Road until it ends at Kinney Road (turn right on Kinney Road). Drive 3 miles (5 kilometers) north on Kinney Road to the Park entrance (entrance will be on the right side of the road). This route is not suitable for vehicles over 25 feet in length.

Getting to the Tucson Mountain District from Interstate 10

Primary Route from I-10

If you are traveling eastbound, there is one direction sign at Exit # 242, which is called the Avra Valley Road. Drive 5 miles (8 kilometers) west on Avra Valley Road to Sandario Road (turn left on Sandario Road). Drive 9 miles (14.5 kilometers) south on Sandario Road to Kinney Road (turn left on Kinney Road). The visitor center is 2 miles (3 kilometers) down Kinney Road on the left side of the road.

Alternate Route from I-10

Take exit #248, which is called Ina Road and drive west 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) to Wade Road and turn left. Drive .6 miles (1 kilometer) to a big curve. At this point, Wade Road will change names to Picture Rocks Road. Drive 6 miles (10 kilometers) west on Picture Rocks Road to Sandario Road and turn left. While on Picture Rocks Road you will enter and exit Saguaro National Park. Drive 3.5 miles (5.5 kilometers) south on Sandario Road to Kinney Road and turn left. Drive 2 miles (3 kilometers) down Kinney Road to the visitor center, which will be on your left.

Getting to the Tucson Mountain District from Interstate 19

Interstate 19 is a rather short route beginning in Tucson at Interstate 10 and going south to the border of Mexico at Nogales, Arizona. Take I-19 south to Ajo Way (exit 99) then go west on Ajo Way (also known as Highway 86) to Kinney Road and turn right and head north, follow the signs to the park.

Headquarters and Rincon Mountain District

Saguaro National Park
3693 South Old Spanish Trail
Tucson, AZ 85730-5601

- or -

Saguaro National Park-Tucson Mountain District
2700 North Kinney Road
Tucson, AZ 85743

By Phone
Visitor Information – Rincon Mountain District
(520) 733-5153
Visitor Information – Tucson Mountain District
(520) 733-5158
Headquarters
(520) 733-5100

Saguaro National Park – Tucson, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

This museum was founded in 1988 and highlights over 400 species of insects, mammals and birds from around the globe.  There are some collections that are over 100 years old and all the animals at the museum were donate by people that wanted to share their knowledge with others.  The Museum is an educational program of the Safari Club International Foundation.

The museum talks about Living Fossils and shows you what they are comprised of such as coelacanths, birds and cockroaches.  There is the Absaroka Elk Ecology Project which is a multi-community, multi-landscape project working to provide long term benefits to wildlife and the communities that co-exist with them in northwestern Wyoming.  You can learn about some of the research being done with elk and wolves that are living in this 3.3 million acre area.  This display is one of the temporary exhibits.

Take a look at the animals on the grounds of the museum.  Take pictures of them and enjoy the close up experience.  You will see insects, birds, mammals, reptiles or amphibians on the grounds.

You can either take a self-guided tour or a guided tour with a knowledgeable docent or museum educator.  A typical visit lasts 2 hours.

The Wildlife Theater shows the following movies daily: 10 am – Jungle which is the story of the rainforest, 35 minutes; 11 am Cara the Sea Turtle, 30 minutes; 12 pm – Habitat Earth: H20, 30 minutes; 1 pm – Tarantulas & their Venomous Relations, 52 minutes; 2 pm – Spirit of the Eagle, 30 minutes; 3 pm – The Secret World of Bats, 48 minutes; 4 pm – Plant and Animal Partners, 30 minutes.  Movies change quarterly with the seasons.

Hours: Monday thru Friday 9 – 5, Saturday and Sunday 9 – 6.  Museum is closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.  The Oasis Grille where you can get something to eat is open weekdays from 10 – 3.

Admission: Adults $7; Seniors (62 and over) $5.50; Students/Military (with ID) $5.50; Children (4-12) $2.50 and Children 3 and under are free.  Discounts area available for groups of 10 or more with advance reservations. 

Location: 4800 W Gates Pass Rd., Tucson, Arizona 85745

Phone: 520-629-0100

International Wildlife Museum – Tucson, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

This museum isn’t huge but it is packed with interactive exhibits, the daily hands-on activities and monthly special events to keep children interested and learning.  There area "Adventure Learning Tours" including the Dinosaur Adventure, the Power Up electricity tour, Depths of the Sea and wonder about grown up life with a When You Grow Up experience.  Maybe you want to take the World of Wellness tour and learn about how to be the best you can be!

The museum has special events such as the Children’s Social Powwow, Festivals of Friendship, Bubblepalooza, Dia de los Muertos Festival and more.  There is also adventure for the little tykes with finger painting where they use edible finger paint, and Fish of Every Color where they learn about the Rainbow Fish and make a colorful, sparkly fish to keep.  These programs are for children 4 years of age and younger.  Target Tykes Time (TTT) is offered every 2nd and 4th Tuesday and Saturday of the month.  The programs change so it’s always exciting.  There is story time, singing and hands-on activity for preschoolers.

There are 12 permanent exhibit areas over 11,000 sq. fee. Exhibits are interactive, allowing the children to learn by doing.  Some of them are: 6th Avenue Market, the Zoomzone, the Tucson Electric Power "Electri-City", Musica de las Americas, The Art Studio, The Mouse House and the Tucson Fire Station along with the Dinosaur Canyon and Wee World.

The Museum’s youth volunteer program involves young people aged 13 and up and has an average of 50 to 60 participants at a time from high schools throughout Pima County.  There are also many adults who volunteer their time at the Museum.

Contacts: Sandy Napombejra, Executive Director: 520-792-9985 ext 104, Email: snapombejra@tucsonchildrensmuseum.org; Jennifer Phillips, Education and Volunteer Coordinator: 520-792-9985 ext 111. Email: jphillips@tucsonchildrensmusuem.org

Hours: Summer June 2 – August 10 – Mondays 10 am – 8 pm, Tuesday – Saturday 10 – 5 and Sundays – Noon – 5.  Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Admission: $5 for children (ages 2 – 18) Children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult.  $7 for adults and $5 for seniors.  Children under 24 months are free.

Location: 200 S. Sixth Ave, Tucson, Arizona.  The museum is located in the historic Carnegie Library Building.
 

Tucson Children’s Museum – Tucson, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

There are approximately 15 unique park areas included in the Tucson Botanical Gardens which are open to the public with special events and educational programs available.  There are historical gardens, herb gardens, cactus & Succulent gardens and on and on, all to capture your eye and interest.

The Botanical Garden in involved with the community in a number of interesting manners, one of them is with the Horticultural Therapy Program.  This program has been in place for two decades and offers the healing benefits or working with plants to people in community-based programs, nursing homes, hospitals, and assisted living facilities throughout Tucson and Pima County.  Working with the plants, and doing nature-related activities enables those with disabilities an experience that affords them a greater sense of competence, enhance sensory stimulation, improved motor skills and a great way to socialize with others while being a benefit to not only themselves but the community.

Location: 2150 N Alvernon Way, Tucson, Arizona 85712

Phone: 520-326-9686

Admission: $7 for adults and admission for children 4  12 is $3.  Children 3 and younger are Free.

There are self-guided tours which may be taken anytime during public hours.  Look for the interactive touch carts staffed by docents in various garden locations.  Themed carts such as desert birds, saguaros, cacti and succulents, and ethno botany are equipped with hands-on props that can be handled by visitors.

Wheelchairs are available on a first come basis.  Please inquire at the Gift Shop.

If you are new to the Tucson area or are planning to start a garden it will be well worth your time to visit the Botanical Gardens and learn about the unique requirements to grow plants in the desert area.

The Gardens ask that you stay on the paths, do not climb on the trees, walls, sculptures or fountains, do not collect any plants or plant materials. There is no smoking at the Gardens. Pets are not allowed except for service animals.  DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PET IN YOUR VEHICLE, IT IS WAY TOO HOT AND THEY WILL NOT SURVIVE!!

If you want to take pictures you can use the Gardens as a location for your shoot for a fee.  Snapping pictures for your personal enjoyment is allowed.
 

Tucson Botanical Gardens – Tucson, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

in 1775 there was a fort built by the Spanish called El Presidio San Augustin del Tucson where they staked their claim to the northern frontier of New Spain.  Where Old Town Artisans is located was the site of the stables and the north wall of the fort area assisted in repelling Apache attacks.  The other adobe buildings construction began in the 1850′s. The buildings have the original ceilings made of saguaro cactus ribs, packing crates, and whiskey barrel staves with remnants of imported wallpaper and gold-leaf moldings.

There are special events going on in the area offering you the opportunity on certain dates to hear bluegrass, jazz or blues music and other entertainment for your enjoyment.

The shops are a wide array of offerings from pottery to chili peppers, jewelers and fine arts to native arts and crafts as well as world imports.  There is a restaurant with an outdoor seating area under the trees to break you from shopping and the heat (or go inside for air conditioning).  They have a 1890′s cantina with live music for your enjoyment too.  There is wireless internet access available in the courtyard and the cantina.

The shops are close together so you can roam from one to the other with ease.  It’s only a block long, but well worth your visit.

Hours: Shops: September – May Monday – Saturday 9:30 am to 5:30 pm with Sunday 11 am – 5 pm.  June – August Monday – Saturday 10 am – 4 pm and Sunday 11 – 4.
Restaurant: September – May Monday – Sunday 11 am – 3 pm.  From June – August Monday – Sunday 11 am – 2 pm.  They are closed on all major holidays.

Location: 201 N Court Ave, Tucson, Arizona 85701

Phone: 520-623-6024 or 800-782-8072

Email: info@oldtownartisans.com

Old Town Artisans – Tucson, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

This beautiful canyon offers a wonderful opportunity for hiking on its many trails to enjoy the canyon.  There is also a tram for those that would rather ride than hike.  The canyon is located in the Coronado National Forest and is the home to spectacular desert landscaping and a variety of wildlife.

Located right at the edge of Tucson affords this area the opportunity to get regular hikers from the city.  There are self-guided Desert Nature Trails at the Sabino Canyon Visitor Center which provides an excellent way to get to know the plants in the area.

There are buses that wind along the floor of the canyon, crossing Sabino Creek on 9 low-water rock bridges, while drivers give you the history of the area.  The buses pass 89 picnic sites which are scattered along the roadside and clustered at two large group picnic sites.  The buses allow you to get off at any of these and re-board later.

The canyon offers nature watches, hiking and equestrian trails, picnicking, watchable wildlife and the shuttle bus tours. 

There are some rules: No pets (handi-dogs must wear I.D.), no glass containers, no camping, no alcohol, no weapons, no motorized vehicles, no nudity and no removal or introduction of plants or animals.  All wilderness areas are closed to mechanized vehicles, including bicycles.

It is suggested that if you don’t think you will want to hike the whole canyon then take the shuttle for part of it and hike the rest or hike to the canyon and take the bus back.  It’s a good way to see the 7 waterfalls that are in the canyon.

When you visit you may be lucky enough to see hummingbirds, white tail deer, coyotes and grey fox.  If you visit in the summer you will probably be safe from seeing snakes, if you don’t like them, since they are in hibernation.  There are other wildlife that you will want to keep your eyes open for (as you PAY ATTENTION to where you are hiking) such as scorpions, snakes, mountain lions and so on but don’t let this keep you from enjoying this beautiful canyon and all the beauty of nature.

Admission: Day Pass $5.

Location: Northeast of Tucson at the foot of the Santa Catalinas
Access: From Tanque Verde Rd in Tucson take Sabino Canyon Rd north to the Recreation Area just north of Sunrise Rd.  Turn right into the parking lot which is a fee area.  A pass can be purchased at the Entrance Station.  From here you must walk, ride a horse or take the shuttle bus into the canyon.

Location: Sabino Canyon Tours
5900 N. Sabino Canyon Road   Tucson, AZ 85750
Information – (520) 749-2861 or

Email: sabinoshuttleinfo@worldnet.att.net

Elevation: 2,800′

Open: Year round
 

Sabino Canyon – Tucson, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

One of the less known parks of Arizona is the Chiricahua National Monument of Southern Arizona. This park has some of the most beautiful scenery in the state and should not be overlooked.

The Apaches called it the "Land of the Standing-Up Rocks" because of the unusual rock formations that are vertical on this 19 square mile area on the western edge of the Chiricahua mountains.

The Heart of Rocks is a seven mile hike that passes through oddball rock formations that make for a wonderful photo op or just a wonder to the eye.  Although there is an 8 mile drive through the park for those that don’t want to hike you really should take the time (and energy) to hike at least part of this fabulous area.  Some of the areas you will see are "Duck on a Rock," "Kissing Rocks," "Punch and Judy" and others that are marked by signs at just the right spot for you to get your picture taken.

Let your imagination fly when you look at the variation of rock formations and you will probably come up with some names of your own.

This area has a long and interesting history of the Indian battles to survive the forced moves by the government to reservations.  Chief Cochise and his followers hid out in this area.  Cochise Stronghold, in the Dragoon Mountains approximately 40 miles west of the Chiricahuas, is one well-preserved fortress from this time.  With the death of Cochise in 1874 (with his hid out and burial site still a mystery today) nearly 4,000 Apaches were forcibly moved by the government to a reservation at San Carlos in east-central Arizona.

Following the death of Chief Cochise the legendary Geronimo took on the roll of leadership leading the fight to regain and retain their homeland but Geronimo was forced to surrender in 1886.

Neil and Emma Ericksen, Swedish immigrants, settled in Bonita Canyon in the Chiricahua Mountains and their daughter and her husband worked to make the area a National Monument in 1924, President Calvin Coolidge made it official.  The Faraway Ranch still stands today and provides tours of the historic house to enable visitors to get a close up look at frontier life.  Inside the home is historic memorabilia from the first half of the twentieth century.

Directions: Chiricahua National Monument is located 120 miles southeast of Tucson.  Take I-10 east from Tucson to the first exit for Willcox.  Travel 3 miles into town to the stoplight and turn right.  You will follow Arizona State Highway 186 for 32 miles to the junction of Arizona State Highway 181.  Turn left and 4 miles later you will be a the entrance station to the park.

NOTE: Get gas in Willcox since there is none available at or near the monument.

Hours: Open all year.  The Visitor Center is open daily 8 – 4:30 Mountain Standard Time.  Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.  Sometimes the scenic drive will be closed beyond the campground due to snow, ice or fallen rocks.

Fee: $5 per person, children 15 and younger are free.  Pass is valid for 7 days.  Campground fees are $12 per night or $6 for owners of a Senior/Golden Age or Access Pass.  The sites are available on a first come, first served basis.  Busiest months are March and April when the campgrounds are normally filled every night.

Phone: 520-824-3560
 

Chiricahau National Monument – Near Wilcox, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Have you seen those old travel trailers in the back 40 of some farm where it sits falling apart and having everyone wonder why the heck they didn’t get rid of the "piece of junk" years ago.  Well, if you come to Bisbee you will see how someone took the past and has converted them into a lodging facility to accept guests.

The old trailers are the aluminum-bodied tag-along types from the 30′s, 40′s and 50′s that have been restored to their original condition.  The six trailers show how some people are really not ready to let the past go, they continue to collect items for year’s gone bye and now have the opportunity to stay in a trailer from the era rather than a new, modern hotel.  You can stay in one of the trailers for something between $25 and $45 a night, depending on how fancy you want to get.

Some of them don’t have toilets, but there is a large bathhouse a few steps away that actually have flush toilets and showers (sure beats the outhouse concept.)  There are three trailers that have showers but the owner would really rather the people use the bathhouse since the showers are hard to clean, and after all, at $25 a night a few steps to the shower isn’t bad!

There is a small diner for your pleasure, it’s a 1957 Valentine diner purchased from Los Angeles and is now a neon-trimmed, freshly painted silver and red Dot’s Diner.  It only seats 10 inside and 8 outside.  You can get your breakfast, lunch or dinner there which is what is expected when you are on vacation!

Directions: Bisbee is located in the south of Cochise County, in the southeast corner of Arizona.  From Tucson take Hwy 80 and continue south, past Benson to Bisbee.

Phone: 928-432-3567

Shady Dell Trailer Court Motel – Bisbee, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Sitting on 600 acres between Phoenix and Tucson on Interstate 10 you will see the largest privately owned Ostrich ranch in the U.S.A.  The ranch raises its own birds, they do not board for other people but they do share their experience and joy of these magnificent birds with those that want to stop by and see them.  The ranch is the home to over 1100 Pure South African Black hens laying. 

The Ostrich is the largest living bird in the world; it is native to Africa and are desert animals.  The adult males are called roosters (just like chickens) and are 8 to 9 feet tall weighing in at 350 to 400 lbs.  The hens are a little smaller but during breeding season they will get to 300 to 350 lbs.  They don’t fly but can run at speeds of up to 40 mph!  The birds will live to be 50 to 70 years old so you probably don’t want to think about getting one for a pet.  Just visit the ranch and get your exposure to these huge birds. 
If you are thinking about baking and need lots of eggs for your goodies you may want to consider an Ostrich egg, one egg is equivalent in volume to 2 dozen chicken eggs.  The hen can lay 40 – 100 eggs per year (that’s like 960 chicken eggs at the smallest number of 40!)  The Ostrich egg tastes very similar to the chicken egg but are fluffier and are great for baking and pastries but if you are planning to have them soft boiled for breakfast know that it will take an hour and if you want hard boiled plan on one and a half hours!  The meat from the Ostrich is a red meet that looks and tastes much like beef (seriously) and has a lower fat and cholesterol level than either turkey or chicken.

The old story of the Ostrich burring it’s head in the sand is a fable.  The male will dig a deep hole in the sand to build a nest for the eggs and that if probably what has been seen so that people thought they were burying their head in the sand but it isn’t so.  It’s for the protection of the eggs that they dig such a big hole (up to 6-8 feet wide and 2-3 feet deep).

You are welcome to visit the ranch and take a 40 minute tour on the Monster Truck.  You will visit the ostrich ranch and the desert and learn about the big birds and all the other things that make this ranch unique (even the birds).  You will be able to feed the birds, see breeding camps, see chick rearing barns and much more.

Location: 27480 S Marex Drive, Picacho, Arizona 85241 – Located between Phoenix and Tucson take exit #219 on I-10, then follow the sign and take frontage road east 1 mile directly to the ranch.

Hours: Summer: 9 – 5:30 Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.  Closed on Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday until October when they are only closed on Wednesday from October to Christmas.  Winter hours: 9 – 5:30 from Christmas thru May.  They are closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Feeding area Admission: Kids 6 – 106 $5 each (includes feed and nectar); kids 5 and under are free but they don’t get the feed or nectar and feed or nectar refills are $2 each.

Phone: 520-466-3658

Email: fun@roostercogburn.com
 

Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch – Picacho, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Biosphere 2 is a project of the University of Arizona which serves as a tool to support research already underway by UA scientists.  It will enable the college to perform key experiments aimed at quantifying some of the consequences of global climate change.

The facility sits on 3.14 acres and has 7,200,000 cubic feet of sealed glass with 6,500 windows.  The facility stands 91 feet tall at it’s highest point.  It sits at an elevation of 3,820 ft and has hosted nearly 2,300,000 visitors from 1991 – 2007, 325,000 of them K – 12 students.

The ecosystems under glass consist of Ocean with coral reef, mangrove wetlands, tropical rainforest, Savannah grassland and fog desert.

The technical portion of the Biosphere 2 consists in the basement is nearly 3.14 acres hosting it’s electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems.  There are 26 air handlers with 14 large unites that heat and cool the air, remove particles and maintain humidity levels and generate condensate water (for rain, fog and resupplying the ocean).  The other 12 smaller AHs can cool the air and generate condensate water. 

The most comprehensive tour is available throughout the day.  The interior portion of this tour is not wheelchair or stroller accessible due to it being a research facility.

The tour begins in the human habitat where you will be able to see one of the apartments where the Biospherians lived, the farm area where they grew their crops and the kitchen where they cooked their meals.  You will then be lead through the airlock door into the wilderness area of Biosphere 2.  You first will enter the tropical savanna, travel along the 40 foot ocean cliff and look down into the million gallon tropical ocean.  You will enter the mangrove through the tropical thorn scrub and into the coastal fog desert.  From there you go into the techno sphere which is where mechanical systems make control of the environments possible.  From there you venture into the recently opened tropical rainforest which contains over 150 different species of plants.  If you can imagine, some of the plants are more than 60 feet tall.  You finally descend through a tunnel into one of two lungs which are large geodesic domes that originally prevented Biosphere 2 from exploding or imploding (nice thought!)

Biosphere 2 was built in late 1980′s with $150 million in funding from a Texas oil magnate (Edward Bass.)  It was designed as an airtight replica of Earth’s environment (Biosphere 1).  The desire was to learn what problems would rise from people living in a closed system.  In 1991 8 people moved in for 2 years.  They came from 7 different countries and had spent several years in training to become more proficient in their own fields as well as gaining expertise in the skills of the other residents.  They did remain inside for the two years but when the second group of 7 entered the project ended due to physical and social problems.  The Biosphere 2 suffered scientific disdain and public ridicule which lead to the suspension to these experiments in 1994.  There have been no other resident crews living inside since and there are no plans to change that decision.

Tour Prices: Adults – $20; Seniors 62 + – $18; AAA Members – $18; Military – $18; Children ages 6 – 12 – $13; Children under 5 are FREE.

Operating Hours: Open every day of the year except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Last tour 3 p.m.

Attention: Wear comfortable walking shoes; NO PETS; No food or drink is allowed on the premises except for bottled water and items needed for baby care.

Phone: 520-838-6124

Email: clarkm1@email.arizona.edu and for groups call 520-838-6200 or email infor@b2science.org for reservations for groups of 20 or more.

Directions: 32540 S. Biosphere Rd., Oracle, AZ 85623
I-10 exit 240.  East on Tangerine Rd. for 13.5 miles, then north on Hwy 77 for 14.6 miles, then right onto Biosphere Rd. for 2.5 miles.  The gate across the road closes at 4 p.m.

Biosphere 2 – Oracle, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

There are 90 members of this organization dedicated to the advancement of model railroading by the collection and operation of toy trains and railroad memorabilia, as well as preserving prototype railroad history by sponsoring railroading related activities and events to share with the public.

O-Gauge, G-Scale, Standard Gauge, S-Gauge, HO-Scale, N-Scale, Z-Scale displays are all set up for the showing of the different styles of model trains at the museum.  The displays are set up at table top level to allow for easy viewing by everyone visiting the museum.

One prize piece of railroad memorabilia is the Centralized Traffic Control console donated by the Southern Pacific Transportation Co.  The walls are covered with pictures of railroad history.

These trains run on 16 different tracks and incorporate all the sizes of model trains for your enjoyment and education.  The whistles blow, the bells ring, the steam engines smoke and the trains travel the paths designed by the members of the museum.

One of the major attractions to the museum is the Rio Grande Steel Sided Caboose that was moved from Arizona City to the museum.

Location: 3975 N. Miller Ave., Tucson, Arizona 85705-2275

Directions: Northwest Tucson, Arizona

From I-10 exit 254 and Prince Road…

  1: Turn (East bound) onto W PRINCE RD., go 0.4 miles

  2: Turn LEFT (NORTH) onto N ROMERO RD., go 0.3 miles

  3: Turn LEFT (WEST) onto W PRICE St., go 0.2 miles

  4: Turn LEFT (SOUTH) onto W MILLER Ave,

        go half block to Museum on RIGHT (WEST)

Phone: 520-888-2222 (you will get an answering machine most of the time so leave a message.)

GPD hosts two toy train shows/swap meets annually, now called the Winter Toy Train (formerly Coyote) and Summer Toy Train (formerly Roadrunner) Shows.  The Winter meet is usually held the third Saturday in January.  The Summer meet is held the first Saturday in June.  Both are open to the public and feature model and toy trains as well as prototype railroad memorabilia.

Also, the Museum is again providing special tours for various community organizations and visitors upon request.  To have a tour the group must have 10 or more persons attending.  Contact our Tour Chairman Ray Mason at 520-790-0337 for more information on tours.

Hours: the second and fourth Sundays of the month and two Saturdays in December from 12:30PM to 4:30PM.  There are special events held throughout the year so contact them to see if when you are visiting the museum will be open.  If the Museum is not open, contact the Publicity Chairman Ivan English at 520-881-2050 for special arrangements.

Email: IEnglish@aol.com

Gadsden Pacific Division Toy Train Operating Museum – Tucson, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Enter the world of the military life on the Arizona frontier with a visit to the Fort Lowell Museum right in the heart of Tucson.

When it was first established in1866, on the outskirts of Tucson, it was called Camp Lowell (originally called just “Post at Tucson”) on land previously inhabited and used between 900 A.D. and 1250 A.D by a large community of the prehistoric Hohokam people, today known as the Hardy Site.in. Due to unhealthy conditions of the city the army moved the post 7 mile northeast and established Fort Lowell in March, 1873. The role of Fort Lowell encompassed escorting wagon trains, protection of settlers, guarding supplies, patrolling the border and conducting offensive operations against the Western and Chiricahua Apache Indians. Troop strength at Fort Lowell averaged 130 officers and 239 enlisted men. Serving at Fort Lowell were companies representing the 2nd, 4th 5th and 6th Cavalry Regiments, and the 1st, 8th, and 12th Infantry Regiments. Much of the construction work on the Fort was done by the soldiers themselves.

The buildings at Fort Lowell reflected a Mexican Sonoran style of architecture. Buildings were built with think adobe walls, pine logs, and saguaro ribs supporting hard packed dirt roofs and wide hallways for ventilation.  The Fort grew to have approximately 30 adobe buildings, and included accommodations, a hospital, commissary, stables, trading store, guard house, kitchens, a large parade ground, and tree-lined sidewalks.

By the mid-1880s Eastern Anglo features such as porches, shutters and tin roofing were added. The troops kept in constant contact with Tucson through dinners, dances, band concerts, baseball games and by frequenting the numerous gambling halls and saloons.
With the end of the Apache wars the army saw no further need for Fort Lowell and in 1891 the post was abandoned.  Most of the Fort fell to ruin due to vandalism and the elements.

In 1900 three of the buildings were purchased to be used as a sanitarium.  They were the Officers’ Quarters and their kitchens.

Around 1928 the Harvey Adkins, whose family operated Adkins Steel and Tank Manufacturing Company from 1934 until 2006, bought the sanitarium and land. Harvey Adkins also built a small house on the site at the intersection of Craycroft and Fort Lowell roads, where he raised a family.

With the changes in the city during 1945 more of the buildings were lost and the only remaining buildings were in need of repair.  Currently to the west of the Fort Lowell Park the Commissary building and ruins of the hospital remain. The one intact Officers Quarters on the Adkins Steel parcel representing the most complete original structure from the 1870s Fort Lowell.

In 1978 the area, minus the land owned by the Adkins Steel and Tank Company was entered into the National Historic Register.

Since 1963 the Arizona Historical Society has operated a branch Museum at the Fort Lowell Historic Site.

Location: 2900 N. Craycroft Road, Tucson, Arizona – The museum is located in Old Fort Lowell Park at the corner of Cracroft and Fort Lowell Road in Tucson.

Hours Wed – Sat 10am – 4pm. Walking tours, lectures, living history events are featured as special events.

On the first Saturday of each month the museum is free

Admission: 12 and under and AHS Members – Free

Students 12-18 yrs and  Seniors 60+ yrs – $2.00

Adults – $3.00
 

Fort Lowell Museum – Tucson, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

If you love viewing animals from diverse areas around the globe, you’ll want to visit the Reid Park Zoo on your next trip to Tucson. The Reid Park Zoo is home to more than 400 animals. You’ll see all of your favorite zoo animals in comfortable habitat environments located throughout Reid Park Zoo.

The Reid Park Zoo features an impressive assortment of beautiful Asian Animals, including Gibbons, bears and tigers. The Zoo is actively involved in conservation projects that are designed to protect bear species. You can see a variety of Asian bears at the Zoo, all of which are threatened with extinction in their natural environments.

You’ll also see majestic Asian tigers at the Zoo, another endangered species the Zoo is active in protecting. You may be surprised to see one or more tigers lounging in their pool during the heat of the day. Unlike many other species of cats, tigers enjoy being in the water.

African animals are well represented at the Reid Park Zoo. You can view the white rhinoceroses here, relaxing in their mud wallows. The African elephants are actually housed together with Asian elephants, and you can learn to spot the differences between the two. Grevy’s Zebras, lions and giraffes are some of the other popular African animals you’ll see at the Zoo. Mandrill baboons that originate from the rain forests of Africa are an interesting animal exhibited here which you may not have seen before at other zoos.

In addition to mammals, there are some very interesting African birds to see at the Reid Park Zoo. You’ll have a unique opportunity to see the Crowned Crane and Marabou Stork during your visit.

If you’re interested in viewing animals that originate in South America, you’ll be delighted with the variety of beautiful animals from the continent’s unique habitats that are exhibited at the Reid Park Zoo. You can see the capybara, a semi-aquatic rodent that may grow to weigh up to 150 pounds. You’ll also see caiman, llamas, jaguar, and giant anteaters, as well as lesser known animals such as the spectacled bear and the large, flightless bird, the rhea.

Brightly colored Macaws are another type of bird exhibited at the Reid Park Zoo. Bird lovers will enjoy touring the walk-through aviary at the Zoo that features a variety of birds from South America.  Flamingos are exhibited in their own special area at the Zoo.

In addition to touring all the wonderful exhibits at the Reid Park Zoo, you may opt to take a special, behind the scenes tour, as well. On this intriguing extra tour, you’ll see the Zoo’s kitchen, health center, and the animal night house. You’ll gain a unique understanding and appreciation of the effort it takes to keep the Zoo’s animal residents healthy, happy and safe at the Reid Park Zoo.

Reid Park Zoo – Tucson, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Another must visited place in the state of Arizona is the city of Tucson, where you can visit world famous spa resorts. You can visit Tucson spa resorts that offer a relaxing mud massage, hydrotherapy and steam baths. Some even offers a wide range of relaxing therapies, from ancient Native American treatments to modern therapies.

No matter what your predilection for a great summer vacation, whether it is a relaxing sightseeing experience, a soothing spa to calm the nerves or just experiencing an unforgettable Old Western tradition, then Arizona is definitely a great destination to do it all.

Tucson Spa Resorts – Tucson, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Dissecting the state of Arizona from its southern border with Mexico to the northern border of Utah this trail gives hikers, bikers and horseback riders an un-matched opportunity to enjoy the beautiful state of Arizona.

There are 807 miles of trails to enjoy.  From Coronado National Memorial in the Huachuca Mountains to the Coronado National Forest, on to the Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park, the Tonto National Forest area, Mormon Lake, around Flagstaff in the  Kaibab National Forest area, and finally up to Jacob Lake you will find the wonders of the state just waiting for you to see.

One man can make a difference.  Although the thought of having a trail across the state had been on the minds of many for years it took one man, Dale Shewalter, a hiking enthusiast and schoolteacher from Flagstaff, to actually do something to get the trail moving off the "gee that would be nice" to getting it started.  He began promoting his vision of the trial to key state and federal agencies, service groups, corporations and individuals to get interest up for the project.  He gathered other enthusiasts along the way to help in getting this accomplished.

Working together with multiple agencies has facilitated the completion (or near completion) of the trial.  Much of the trial is on Federal land but still, it took everyone working together to get it done.

While hiking, biking or riding you could encounter a wide range of conditions from heat to snow so be sure to check the conditions along the way to have the appropriate clothing and gear with you.

 Use common sense when using the Arizona Trail. Try to use more than one source of information about the trail. Some sections of the trail are in very remote areas of the state. Carry appropriate equipment and be prepared for unexpected situations. And most important – water in many areas along the trail is uncertain. Plan accordingly.

Get out and enjoy the trails, there are wonderful adventures just waiting for you in Arizona!

Arizona Trail – Southern Border to Northern Border, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

This community of southern Arizona is quickly becoming a growing artist colony.  Located in the Santa Cruz River Valley Tubac has a 250 year old Spanish history and an interesting struggle to exist when the military pulled out and the railroad went to Tucson.  But, it has become home to some of the most unique artists in the state.

There are over 80 galleries and shops that feature hand crafted items, sculpture, paintings, clothing and some of southern Arizona’s best import shops all for you to enjoy.

The Tubac Center of the Arts provides a full range of arts programming for you to attend.

Tubac is also great for birding, hiking, off-road mountain biking and golf.  It’s just 40 minutes south of Tucson and 20 minutes from Nogales.

The small road sign for Tubac should easily be missed but with the flags of all the "rulers" of the area over the years blowing in the breeze you will certainly notice your exit. 

Tubac’s present incarnation as an artists’ colony began in the 40′s with the opening of Dale Nichol’s Artist School.  Some forty artists traveled to Tubac to study with him and it has grown from then on to be the artist Mecca it is today.

Location: 45 miles south of Tucson off I-19.

Open: daily except Christmas from 8 – 5

Admission to the museum is $2 for adults and $1 for children 7 – 13, free for the little ones.

The historical re-enactors perform Sundays from 1- 4 October through March.

For more information call: 520-398-2252

Tubac Artist Colony – Tubac, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Pinnacle

This delightful taste of the Old West in the heart of Tucson is a great way to step back in time for awhile.  Get your picture taken in vintage cloths; the pictures are the black and white (which are actually a gold toning) and so much fun.

Trail Dust Town (where Pinnacle Peak is) has been a Tucson landmark for over 40 years.  It was originally a movie set it has the wooden sidewalks, red brick streets and detailed old-fashioned town square and centerpiece gazebo.  You’ll see families strolling through the park enjoying the area.

Trail Dust Town hosts a variety of attractions including the Fiesta del Presidio carousel, C.P. Hunington miniature train, gold-panning, stunt shows and the Museum of the Horse Soldier.

You can spend a wonderful afternoon or evening wandering around the shops and park area and then go to Pinnacle Peak restaurant (if you want) for a meal with the whole family.  This environment is most casual so don’t go in a suit and tie!

Location: 6541 E. Tanque Verde Rd., Tucson, Arizona

Phone: 520-298-3614

Pinnacle Peak Park – Tucson, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Fort

The fort was constructed in 1877 as one of a chain of forts established to guard southern Arizona against the Chiricahua Apaches, led by Geronimo.  The army organized at this site for the chase of Geronimo and his followers through Mexico‘s Sierra Madre during the summer of 1886, compelling their surrender.

The fort was also home to the Buffalo Soldiers (the elite black cavalry corps). 

Fort Huachuca is still active today as a military post.  There are 70,000 acres, 110 of which are the "Old Post Area".  This historic district contains many notable buildings, among them the Pershing House.  General John Pershing, in 1916 led a campaign into Mexico to find Pancho Villa.

In 1954 the fort became the site for advanced testing of electronics and communications equipment and today is the Army Intelligence Center and School and the army’s Information Systems Command.  All C130 flight training for NATO takes place at the fort, as does some training for the Israelis air force and army.

Carleton House is the oldest building on the base.  It was originally constructed as the post hospital back in 1880 and was named for Brig. General James H. Carleton, the famous leader of the "California Column" during the Civil War.  It was a hospital for a few years and then was turned into house quarters for officers, an officer’s mess, post headquarters, a cafe, and then a schoolhouse.  Between 1947 and 1951, when the fort was briefly given back to the state of Arizona, Carleton House was used as vacation retreat by Governors Sidney Osborn and Dan Garvey.  In more recent years it has been the home of the hospital commander and other officers assigned to the base.

This is an interesting stop on your Arizona vacation.  Plan for a couple of hours at the museum and wandering around looking at all the buildings.

To gain a better understanding of the Buffalo Soldiers you may want to visit the fort and take the tour that starts at noon in front of the Fort Huachuca Historical Museum the third Saturday of every month.  You will see several sites on the post that are part of the Buffalo Soldier story.

Location: 3 miles northwest of the fort’s main gate at Boyd and Grierson Ave. in Sierra Vista is the Museum.

Open weekdays from 9 – 4 and from 1 – 4 on weekends

A donation is suggested.

Fort Huachuca Historical Museum – Sierra Vista, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Titan

This missile museum is the only publicly accessible Titan II missile site in the nation and well worth the trip to see!  You will tour the underground site, the actual Titan II in the launch duct, the 3 ton blast doors, and the 8 ft thick silo walls and get the feeling of what it was like for the servicemen that had duty in this hole in the ground!

You will descend the ladder to the control center, see the control panels that are there, have a chance to sit at the controls and imagine what it was like to contemplate pushing the button to send the missile off, although it takes two people to launch and the controls are far enough apart that one person can not do it by themselves.  This safety precaution makes great sense when you think about the destruction a missile like this can do.

The site is kind of out in the middle of no place so you will have to watch for the signs.  Tours include a six-story view of the silo, and a simulated missile launch.

The hours are one hour in length and offered every half-hour beginning at 9 a.m.  The last tour begins at 4 p.m.

Walking shoes are required, no heels.  Food and beverages (except bottled water, are prohibited.  Smoking is prohibited.  The Titan Missile Museum is an ADA compliant facility.  An elevator is available to access the underground portion of the missile site for those who have limited mobility or who need special assistance.

There is a gift shop for you to pick up a rocket and flight-related reminder of your trip, apparel, books, models, and educational toys.  Stop in and see all they have.

Tours are limited to 25 visitors per hour.

Location: 1580 W. Duval Mine Rd., Sahuarita, Arizona

Directions: Located approximately 25 miles south of Tucson on I-19 south toward Green valley and Nogales.  Exit I-19 at Duval Mine Road (exit 69).  Turn west on Duval Mine Road an follow the signs.

Hours: 8:45 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Phone: 520-625-7736

Titan Missile Museum – Sahuarita, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

This church is also known as "The White Dove of the Desert".  Built between 1783 and 1797 it represents the finest example of Mexican Ultra Baroque architecture and decoration in the United States.

When the church was built it was part of New Spain’s Province of Sonora.  In 1854 San Xavier became part of the United States.

The church was built by the O’odham (Piman Indians) whose village of Wa:ak (Bac) the church was built were the paid laborers who dug the clay for the bricks, shaped them, fired them, and laid them in lime mortar to form the walls and multi-domed ceiling.  When the job was finished in 1797 they also worshiped in the building as their descendents do today.

The church was abandoned except for an occasional visit by a secular priest in 1837; the only caretaking it received at that time was done by the Piman Indians.  In 1873 the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Carondelet moved into the church and opened a school for the Indians so it finally had a permanent residence.  In 1912, the church was turned back to Franciscan administration and the mission has had resident occupants ever since.

The building has had extensive repairs done to keep it in it’s pristine condition, all through the efforts of the people of the church and Tucson.

A visitor should note that the entire structure is a series of domes and arches, and that wood is employed only in window and door frames.  The floor plan of the mission resembles the Latin cross.  The main aisle is separated from the sanctuary by the transept or cross aisle, which has chapels at either end.  The dome above the transept is 52 feet high supported by arches and squinches.

A prominent part of the Mission‘s facade is the Franciscan coat-of-arms with the monograms of Jesus and Mary on either side.  The four figures in niches are believed to represent St. Barbara, St. Catherine of Siena, St. Cecilia and St. Lucy.

When you drive up to the Mission you will see the facade in wonderful detail with the domed towers on each side in such a glorious white it will certainly be seen as a fabulous work of beauty by all that go there.

While visiting the Mission you can also go to the Plaza where you will be able to view handmade Indian works of art, have something to eat and learn a bit about the Native American culture and food.  There is a shop run by a wonderful lady named Carole Garcia who will tell you about the fabulous work being done by the Reservation Creation Women’s Circle Charitable Trust to promote the youth of the tribe.  They also have activities for visitors to get to know more about Native foods and thier culture.  Stop in and tell her you read about her on this site, she’s delightful, knowledgable and has been there for 20 years so will be able to give you some history of the area.

Location: The mission is 9 miles south of Tucson off I-19, Exit 92 on San Xavier Rd. in the Tohano O’odham Nation.

Phone: 520-294-2624
Admission: Free (donations welcome)
Hours: Open every day of the year, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Museum: Yes, A continuous video tape of the mission is provided throughout the day. Self guided tour.  Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Handicapped Access: Yes

Gift Shop: Yes, Open every day of the year except Easter Sunday
and Christmas Day.  Hours:  8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Winter Mass Schedule (October thru May)
Monday-Friday, 6:30 a.m. (Juan Diego Chapel)
Monday, Communion Service, 8:30 a.m.
Tuesday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.
Saturday, Sunday Vigil, 5:30 p.m.
Sunday, 8:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m.

Summer Mass Schedule Begins June 1st!

Sunday Masses are one hour earlier through September.

Summer Mass Schedule (June thru September)
Monday-Friday, 6:30 a.m. (Juan Diego Chapel)
Monday, Communion Service, 8:30 a.m.
Tuesday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.
Saturday, Sunday Vigil, 5:30 p.m.
Sunday, 7:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m.

San Xavier del Bac Mission – Tucson, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Yuma

This prison was built by the prisoners themselves in 1876.  3,069 prisoners, including 29 women, lived within the walls of the prison during its 33 year operation.  Some things never change as their crimes are some of those still being convicted today, murder, polygamy, grand larceny (which was the most common).  One hundred 11 persons died while serving their sentences, most from TB. No executions took place at the prison because capital punishment was administered by the county government.

Due to overcrowding the prison was moved to a new facility in Florence which was built by the prisoners.  The last prisoner left Yuma in 1909.

The Yuma Union High School occupied the buildings from 1910 to 1914.  Empty cells provided free lodging for hobos riding the freights in the 20′s and sheltered many homeless families during the Depression.  Townspeople considered the complex a source for free building materials.  This, plus fires, weathering, and railroad construction, destroyed the prison walls and all buildings except the cells, main gate and guard tower, but these provide a glimpse of convict life a century ago.

No pets are allowed.  Damaging or removing the artifacts, natural rocks, vegetation or public property is prohibited.

Hours: Open daily 8 – 5.  Closed at 2 on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve.  Closed Christmas Day.

Location: 1 Prison Hill Rd, Yuma, Arizona 85364

Phone: 928-783-4771

Directions: Take I-8 to Yuma, take exit 1 to Giss Parkway, Turn at Prison Hill Rd.

Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park – Yuma, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Kartchner

The Kartchner Caverns were found in 1974 by two young cavers, Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts.  They were exploring the limestone hills at the base of the Whetstone Mountains when they found a narrow crack at the bottom of a sinkhole.  Warm, moist air flowed out which signaled the existence of a cave.  After several hours of crawling they entered a pristine cavern.  Four years later they told the properly owners, James and Lois Kartchner, about their amazing discovery.

The boys had explored the cave secretly for the four years before telling the owners but then they decided that the caverns must be preserved and so they told the owners.  The cave’s existence became public knowledge in 1988 when its purchase was approved as an Arizona State Park.  Extraordinary precautions have been taken during the development and even now during the tours to conserve the cave’s near-pristine condition.  It is absolutely stunning!

There are, of course, bates and other cave creatures in the cave.  During the summer months the cave’s Big Room serves as a nursery roost for over 1,000 female cave myotis bats.  During the summer the colony consumes about half a ton of insects, consisting of moths, flying ants, beetles, mosquitoes and termites.  The bats leave mid=September.  These bats provide the only link between the ecosystem of the cave and the surface. After returning to the bat roost for the night the bats excrete waste, forming large guano piles.  Most of the other life forms found in the cave depend on these guano piles for their food.  Fungi and bacteria consume the guano first.  There are in turn eaten by nematodes, mites, isopods, amphipods, and look lice.  These are then eaten by spiders, scorpions, mites, millipedes and centipedes. Scavengers, like crickets and beetle larvae, clean up the leftovers.

Wile exploring the cave, paleontologists uncovered an 86,000 year record of the local faunal community including skeletons of an 86,000 year old Shasta ground sloth, a 34,000 year old horse, and an 11,000 year old bear.  Wow!

Kartchner Caverns is home to: one of the world’s longest soda straw stalactites (21 ft 2 inches); the tallest and most massive column in Arizona, Kubla Khan which is 58 ft tall; the world’s most extensive formation of brushite moonmile; the first reported occurrence of "turnip" shields; the first cave occurrence of "birdsnest" needle quartz formations and many other unusual formations.

While visiting the cave, keep your hands to yourself!  Do NOT touch anything. If you do, you have stopped the formation forever, do NOT be responsible for such a tragedy.

Fee: from $3 to $10  State Park Fees

Reservations for cave tours are strongly recommended and can be made by calling 520-586-2283 or online at www.azstateparks.com.

Directions: nine miles south of I-10, off State Hwy 90, exit 302

Hours: Open 7 days a week from 7:30 AM to 6 PM (MST) Closed Christmas Day
Reservations taken from 8 AM to 5 PM.

All tours are guided by a trained tour guide.  The cave averages 68 degrees F and 98% humidly year around.  All cave trails are barrier free.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

• Touching or breaking formations is punishable by law
• No photography or video cameras allowed on cave tour
• no walkers allowed on cave tour
• small children should be carried in arms or in front pack.  No baby backpacks or strollers allowed on cave tour
• cave tour is barrier free
• the park, including the discovery center, is accessible for persons with disabilities
• no food, drink (including bottled water), gum, or tobacco products allowed on cave tours
• no pets, except assist dogs
• no littering

Kartchner Caverns State Park – Benson, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Tubac

Originally founded by the Jesuits in 1687 to 1711 to "Christianize and control" Native Americans.  In the 1730′s Spanish Colonists began irrigating and farming the lands along the river and raising cattle, sheep and goats on the northern frontier of Spain’s New World empire. Of course this stirred many grievances which were passed on to Luis of Saric, a Pima chief which led a bloody revolt lat in 1751, destroying the small settlement.  Following a major battle, and subsequent surrender of the Pimans, the settlement was restarted in 1752.  In 1776 the garrison from Tubac was moved to Tucson and the unprotected settlers in Tubac abandoned their homes.

When the presidio was reactivated in 1787 it flourished until 1848.  That year a fierce Apache assault caused great loss of life and Tubac was again abandoned.  It became a virtual ghost town.

In 1853 Tubac was part of the Gadsden Purchase and was soon being resettled and developed by Eastern entrepreneurs as well as by former landowners.  Charles D. Poston was instrumental in forming the Sonora Exploring and Mining Company.  His company acquired a press in 1859 which printed Arizona‘s first newspaper.

In 1860 Tubac was the largest town in Arizona.  The American Civil War, however, drained the region of troops, leaving it unprotected from Apaches, and Tubac was again deserted.  Although the region was resettled after the war, silver strikes in the Tombstone area and the routing of the railroad through Tucson drew development interests away from Tubac, and the town never regained its earlier importance.

In 1976 an underground archaeological display was finished and visitors can now view portions of the original foundation, walls and plaza floor of the 1752 Commandant’s quarters, as well as artifacts representing the various periods of Tubac’s unique history.

Tumacacori, Guevavi and Calabazas are three Spanish colonial mission ruins in southern Arizona.  The visitor center for the three is on Tucmacacori.  These missions are among more than twenty established in the Pimeria Alta by Father Kino and other Jesuits, and later expanded upon by Franciscan missionaries.

Los Santos Angeles de Guevavi was also established in January 1691.  It can be visited only as part of a reserved ranger guided tour during the fall and winter months.

San Cayetano de Calabazas was established i November 1756.  It can be visited only as part of a reserved ranger guided tour during the fall and winter months.

The church is not being restored in order to allow visitors to look into history and see the work that the O’odham Indians did 200 years ago.  Nearly everything with the exception of the roof and the floor of the church is original.  Of course, as part of the historic preservation of the structure, new lime plaster is put on the exterior walls as needed and the dome and sacristy roof are white washed to prevent moisture from deteriorating the adobe blocks.

Mass is held yearly on the first Sunday of December at the Tumacacori Mission.  It is held in front of the church due to the large number of people in attendance.  An historic mass is held in the church once each year in October in conjunction with Anza Days at

Tubac Presidio State Historic Park

.

Location: The park is located 45 miles south of Tucson on I-19.

Hours: Open Daily 8 – 5 Closed Christmas Day

Elevation: 2,500 ft.

Park Facilities: Old School House and Otero Community Hall both on the National Register of Historic Places; Museum, underground archaeology display and picnic area; Anza Trailhead.

Phone: 520-398-2252

Admission: State Park Rates

Tubac Presidio State Historic Park – Tubac, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Arizona

This museum is the oldest – - and largest – - anthropology museum in the Southwest and established in 1893 has given it a long history of collecting valuable pieces from the region.  It is affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution.  It is the largest non-federal archaeological repository in the country and is the state’s official archaeological repository.

The museum houses the only museum conservation laboratory in the state.

The museum holds the world’s largest whole-vessel collection of Southwest Indian pottery with 20,000 specimens.  It has over 150,000 catalogued archaeological and ethnographic artifacts, a quarter of a million photographic negatives and original prints, and 70,000 volumes including many rare and hard to find titles.

The top Navajo textile collection in the nation is at the museum.  Some of the earliest and most rare examples of this type of weaving, including one of the largest Navajo rugs ever woven is at the museum.

They are proud to have one of the largest collections of Casas Grandes pottery in any museum outside of Mexico and also one of the largest collections of Seri material in the US.

Are you a fan of Mexican folk masks from the renowned Cordry Collection?  If so you will be honored to see the more than 500 housed at the museum.

Would you like information on the history of the Hopi during the Spanish and Mexican periods (1540 – 1848)?  If so, the museum has coiled a documentary of this time period.

The museum continues to work on projects such as the excavation of ancestral Hopi villages at Homolovi Ruins State Park and on Hohokam life at a major settlement north of Tucson.

The finest Native American artists in the region are brought into the campus for the annual Southwest Indian Art Fair with over 200 artists participating.

Arizona State Museum presents a full calendar of exciting programs and events which they would like to offer to the people of the area to participate with and learn about this exciting slice of history.

Admission: $3 per person is the suggested donation

Library Hours: Monday to Friday 9:30 – 4:30.  Closed state and national holidays.

Street Address: 1013 E. University Blvd., Tucson, Arizona 85721

Directions to the museum: Arizona State Museum is located in two historic buildings on the U of A campus. Just east of the main gate at University Blvd. and Park Ave.

Phone: Main: 520-621-6302 Library: 520-621-4695

Arizona State Museum – Tucson, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

Kitt

This observatory is part of the National Optical Astronomy Observatory and supports the most diverse collection of astronomical observatories on Earth for nighttime optical and infrared astronomy and daytime study of the sun.

Arizona‘s night skies are the best in the continental United States for viewing and research because of the low humidity, lack of air turbulence, warm temperatures and controlled urban light pollution.

The University of Arizona holds astronomy camps for teens, adults and educators at their observatories on Mount Lemmon outside of Tucson, those classes (camps) and a trip to the planetarium/observatory at the University of Arizona’s Flandrau Science Center in Tucson may be a good primer before heading to Kitt Peak.  You will get a lot more out of your visit after learning from these two stops.

The Kitt Peak National Observatory is home to twenty-four optical and two radio telescopes representing eight astronomical research institutions.

The Visitor Center is open to the public daily from 9 – 3:45 except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years day.  Guided tours are offered daily at 10 am, 11:30 am and 1:30 pm and group tours are available by appointment.  You can stargaze at Kitt Peak with their Nightly Observing Programs.  You will observe everything from planets to distant galaxies using the 20" Ritchey-Chretien, the 16" Ritchey-Chretien and their 16t" Meade Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes.  This program is offered to a small group of participants every night of the week (closed from July 15 to September 1 for monsoon season.)

Call 520-318-8726 for reservations.  Since this program is so popular it is suggested that you call for reservations 2 to 4 weeks prior to your visit.

Rate Information: Adults $41; Seniors (62 and over) $36; Students (elementary to college) $36; Military (with current ID) $36.

Nightly Observing Program Information

Please arrive 60 to 75 minutes before sunset and check into the Visitor Center (exact time will be given when your reservations are made).  Explore the displays and exhibits and then you’ll be served a light meal and experience an introduction to astronomy and the National Observatory.  At that time you will head to the overlook point and observe the sun setting over the Tohono O’odham Reservation.

There will be a brief talk about the distances between objects in our universe, you will learn how to use a planisphere to find stars and constellations in the sky.  You will then be given a pair of binoculars to use before stepping outside and identifying constellations, stars and many other interesting objects.

Finally you will gather in one of the Visitor Centers domes to observe the heavens in all their glory through one of the reflecting telescopes.  You will se highlights of the particular time of year like planets, multiple star systems, planetary nebulae, star clusters and galaxies.  Your will learn about these object as you view them and find out what a light year really mans.  You will have a QA session all during the  adventure so ask questions when you have them.

The program runs for 3 to 3.5 hours after sunset.  It is something you will remember for a lifetime!

Directions: From Tucson, find Ajo Way (Hwy 86) and head west.  Pass Ryan Airfield and Three Points.  About 40 Miles from Tucson turn left onto Hwy 386 (signs will say Kitt Peak).

Drive 12 miles up the mountain, until you see a "giant concrete donut" with a mural painted on it.  Turn left and park.

The grounds are closed after 4 pm so walk straight to the Visitor Center.

It often gets cold on the mountain, so bring warm clothing, seriously, you will need them.

Kitt Peak National Observatory – Tucson, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism

The Copper Queen Mine is now available for tours lead by tour guides that are retired Phelps Dodge employees.  They will lead the group down 1,500 feet into the mine and tell the stories of the mining days, the techniques they used, the dangers and drama they faced every day.

The mines closed in Bisbee in 1975.  Prior to its closing the mining industry had been in Bisbee for almost 100 years.  At the time of closing the mines had produced nearly 8,032,352,000 pounds of copper, 2,871,786 ounces of gold, 77,162,986 ounces of silver, 304,627,600 lbs of led and 371,945,900 lbs of zinc!

The tour will take you deep into the old workings of the mine where great tonnages of extremely rich copper ore was mined in the early days.  It was one of the greatest treasure troves of copper ever discovered; right here in the Queen mine.

The Bisbee mines (of which the Queen Mine is one) include more than 2,500 miles of tunnels!

Bisbee is located approximately 90 miles southeast of Tucson.

Directions from Tucson: Interstate 10 East to Exit 303, Highway 80 – Benson, Tombstone, Bisbee.  Highway 80 East approximately 49 miles to Bisbee.  After the tunnel, take the 2nd exit – Historic Bisbee exit.  Exit right.  The Queen Mine Tour driveway entrance is 50 feet straight ahead.  Parking ins available at the tour site.

Tour times: 9 am, 10:30 am, Noon, 2 pm, 3:30 pm.

Cost: $12 + tax for adults; $5 + tax for ages 4-15 and Children under 4 are free.

Phone: for reservations and group rates call: 1-866-432-2071 or 520-432-2071.

It is a constant 41 degrees F in the mine so you may want to take a jacket.

Copper Queen Mine – Bisbee, Arizona is a post from: Arizona Tourism