Nature & Parks
Sabino Canyon Recreation Area
| Fed by the waters of Sabino Creek and sheltered by the canyon walls, the plants and animals that inhabit the canyon offer an interesting contrast to those found in the surrounding desert. Hours: Monday-Friday: 8am-4:30pm; Saturday & Sunday: 8:30am-4:30pm Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas Day | |
| Location: | 5700 N. Sabino Canyon Rd. |
| Phone: | (520) 749-8700 |
Saguaro National Park (East & West)
| Skirting the east and west boundaries of Tucson, these two national parks are home to the most recognizable cactus in the world – the saguaro. | |
| Location: | (East) 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail - (West) 2700 N. Kinney Rd. |
| Phone: | (520) 733-5153 East - (520) 733-5158 West |
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
| The Desert Museum is a world-renowned zoo, natural history museum and botanical garden all in one place! Experience the interpretive displays of living animals and plants native to the Sonoran Desert region. Hours: October-February: 8:30am-5pm; March-September: 7:30am-5pm | |
| Location: | 2021 N. Kinney Rd., in the Tucson |
| Phone: | (520) 883-2702 |
Colossal Cave Mountain Park
| Beautiful desert park, on the National Historic Register, showcasing crystal-filled Colossal Cave and historic La Posta Quemada Ranch. Cave tours, museum, picnicking, and Western trail rides. Summer Hours: March 16-September 15, Monday-Saturday: 8am-6pm, Sunday/Holidays: 8am-7pm | |
| Location: | On Old Spanish Trail, 16 miles Southeast |
| Phone: | (520) 647-PARK (7275) |
Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley
| 30 miles from Tucson and 30 degrees cooler, this Sky Island boasts majestic pine, fir and aspen forests. At 9,154 feet, the sky ride offers panoramic views of forest, rocky cliffs, desert floor and distant mountain ranges. Hours: Friday-Monday. Days & hours vary with the season. Call in advance. | |
| Location: | 30 miles Northeast of Tucson on Catalina |
| Phone: | (520) 576-1400 |
Reid Park Zoo
| Travel from South American rain forests to African grasslands in one day. Reid Park Zoo houses over 500 exotic animals in naturalistic habitats. Hours: Monday-Sunday: 9am-4pm; Closed Christmas | |
| Location: | 22nd to Randolph Way, between Country |
| Phone: | (520) 791-4022 |
International Wildlife Museum
| A world-class natural history museum featuring over 400 different species of birds, mammals and insects from around the world, housed in a French Foreign Legion fortress. Interactive hands-on exhibits, movies, restaurant and gift shop. Hours: Monday-Friday: 9am-5pm; Saturday-Sunday: 9am-6pm | |
| Location: | On Speedway, 5 miles West of I-10 |
| Phone: | (520) 617-1439 |
Pima County Natural Resources, Parks & Recreation
| Pima County offers natural resource parks, as well as neighborhood parks and recreational centers. Park highlights include the Tucson Mountain Park and Roy P. Drachman Agua Caliente Regional Park. | |
| Location: | 3500 W. River Rd. |
| Phone: | (520) 877-6000 |
Tucson Botanical Gardens
| An urban oasis in the heart of Tucson. Tour 16 different gardens all in residential scale. Over 5,400 plants – a natural haven for birds and butterflies. Enjoy the architecture of a historic home. Elegant garden gift shop. Tours. Free on-site parking. Hours: Daily: 8:30am-4:30pm, Closed New Year’s Day, July 4th, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day | |
| Location: | 2150 N. Alvernon Way. |
| Phone: | (520) 326-9686 |
Tohono Chul Park
| Enjoy the serenity of trails and gardens, three galleries, tea room and shopping in the museum shops and greenhouse. Docent-led tours included with admission. Call for times. Hours: Daily: Trails & Tea Room: 8am-5pm; Exhibits & Shops: 9am-5pm | |
| Location: | 7366 N. Paseo del Norte |
| Phone: | (520) 742-6455 |
Catalina State Park
| Catalina State Park offers superb hiking trails through canyons and streams, camping under desert skies, picnicking, and bird watching. Hours: Park: 5am-10pm, Visitors Center: 8am-5pm. | |
| Location: | 11570 N. Oracle Rd. |
| Phone: | (520) 628-5798 |
Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve
| This site contains the first two miles of Sonoita Creek permanent flow and protects a magnificent riparian forest of rare plants, bird species, and native fish. Hours: April -Sept.: Wed.-Sunday: 6:30am-4pm; October-March: Wed.-Sunday: 7:30am-4pm | |
| Location: | 60 miles Southeast of Tucson near Patagonia |
| Phone: | (520) 394-2400 |
Kartchner Caverns State Park
| Visitors experience an underground delight at Kartchner Caverns State Park. Choose from two different cave tours. Explore the visitor’s center and exhibits, gift shop, and outdoor hiking trails. Hours: Daily: 7:30am-6pm, Closed Christmas Day. | |
| Location: | Exit 302 from I-10, 9 miles South on Hwy. 90 |
| Phone: | (520) 586-2283 |
Oracle State Park
| Oracle State Park is a 4,000-acre park containing various native plant communities, interesting geologic formations, hiking trails, and guided tours of the historic Kannally Ranch House. Hours: Daily: 7am-5pm. Guided Tours of Kannally Ranch House: Saturday, Sunday and holidays: 10am & 2pm | |
| Location: | 3820 Wildlife Dr |
| Phone: | (520) 896-2425 |
Picacho Peak State Park
| Visitors traveling along I-10 won’t miss Picacho Peak, as the prominent 1,500 ft. formation defines the skyline. Trails wind up the peak, and in the spring, may overlook a sea of wildflowers. Hours: Daily: 8am-10pm | |
| Location: | Exit 219 off I-10 W. of Tucson |
| Phone: | (520) 466-3183 |