A Weekend in Tucson, Arizona

Welcome to the southern Arizona dessert oasis to experience the soul of the Sonoran desert - where saguaro cacti exist as far as you can see and the sunsets look exactly like the state license plate. Tucson is the place to be to enjoy mountains, outdoor recreation and all that the desert can offer. Officially classified as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy and a year-round outdoor playground. Included in this guide is a 2 day itinerary for outdoor activities and enjoying the desert city to the max. We visited in October and the weather was perfect. Be advised that in the summer, hiking in the desert is dangerous and is only recommended early in the morning to avoid heat stroke and other heat related issues. Always carry water with you and know your limits. This guide will also include - How to Get There - Things to Do & See - Where to Stay - Places to Eat - Outdoor activities Be on the look out for scorpions and other desert critters as they are widely popular in this region. We discovered 2 scorpions during our visit.

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Welcome to Tucson, Arizona

How to Get Here

Tucson International Airport

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International airport that services Tucson with daily flights from multiple airlines

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Where to Stay

There are a large variety of hotels in the greater Tucson area. We opted to stay a bit more centrally between Mt. Lemmon, Saguaro National Park and the central downtown Tucson region.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tucson Mall, an IHG Hotel

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Standard hotel with an outdoor pool/spa, and grill for guests to use.

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Day 1 - Spend the day outdoors at Saguaro National Park West and Tucson Mountain Park

Start your day by beginning in Saguaro National Park. Depending on the time of year you visit, the heat will play a major factor into the hikes you select.

West Saguaro National Park

West Saguaro National Park

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Split into two sections - West & East, Saguaro NP has a good variety of trails for guests to check out.

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Red Hills Visitor Center

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Start your visit at Saguaro NP by stopping by the visitor center. Pick up park maps and chat with park rangers to best select your trails to best fit your hiking needs and capabilities. Check the heat index prior to departing and make sure you have plenty of water to avoid dehydration all year round.

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Bajada Loop Drive

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Scenic, one way loop drive through a main section of the park. High clearance or four-wheel drive is not needed to drive the loop even though it is a gravel road.

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King Canyon Trailhead

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2.8 miles with minimal elevation gain. Several rocky steps on this trail.

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Signal Hill Trailhead

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A short, relatively easy hike to see native hieroglyphics.

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Tucson Mountain Park

Tucson Mountain Park

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Free public access to this park space. Lots of hiking and tons of Saguaro cacti to enjoy. Perfect spot for sunset.

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Gates Pass Trailhead

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We spent most of our time in Tucson Mountain Park near this area. Easy parking and a few hikes start here. Excellent views.

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Located nearby Saguaro National Park and Tucson Mountain Park, it makes for the perfect addition to your outdoor adventures. Highly regarded and recommended as a top spot to visit.

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

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We didn't get the chance to experience this museum but heard wonderful things about it. It came highly recommended to us - so if the weather is too hot, this is a great spot to visit.

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Day 2 - Mount Lemmon & Downtown Tucson

Start the day by making the epic drive up to the summit of Mount Lemmon. The drive from the downtown Tucson area to the summit of Mt. Lemmon is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. This is a long and winding road, be sure to travel safely. There are a few iconic scenic pullouts that are worth the stop. The drive alone is worth it, but if you're looking for something additional to add, there are multiple hikes that depart from the summit area, along with it being a popular mountain biking and rock climbing area.

Mount Lemmon

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Summer and winter getaway situated on the top of the mountain.

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Mt Lemmon Ski Valley

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SIf you're looking for an outdoor space that is a bit shorter drive, head to Catalina State Park located in the Catalina foothills.

Catalina State Park

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Exploring Downtown Tucson

Located a bit further in the heart of Downtown Tucson, East Congress St. boasts tons of great spots to eat. They offer a walking food tour as well to get a small taste of all that they can offer. Split your time here exploring North 4th Ave. and East Congress Street.

East Congress Street

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North 4th Avenue

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About 5 blocks full of shopping - from cute clothing boutiques, to thrift stores, great spots to eat and bars, this is the perfect way to spend a few hours in the middle of the day.

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Magpies Gourmet Pizza 4th Ave.

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The Screamery (Congress Location)

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Cobra Arcade Bar Tucson

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Alternative Options - Indoor Activities - Family Friendly Fun

Tucson Museum Of Art

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Children's Museum Tucson

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Tucson Music Hall

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Tucson Arena

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Located downtown Tucson, this arena hosts all sorts of special events, concerts, shows, Disney on Ice and much more. Check out their schedule online to see what is coming to town.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nikki | Weekend Postcards

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Hi travelers! I am here to help you enjoy your weekend trips to the fullest to cities near, far, or even in your backyard. Currently:📍Michigan, U.S.A. Just Posted: Lakeland, FL & Explore Berlin, Germany with a Local Upcoming Trips: European Summer in Zablajk, Montenegro ---------- Michigander at heart but currently traveling the world one week at a time for work. When not on the road and living out of my suitcase, I am down to spend the day exploring the local city scene or out hiking in nature. I am an adventurous spirit and try to maximize my free time exploring the hidden corners of whatever city I am in. I've been traveling all over the U.S. and Europe for nine years and crave authentic experiences at local hot spots (and sometimes the touristy faves). As a young and avid traveler (16 Countries, 45 U.S. States, 24 U.S. National Parks & numerous cities) my goal is to help you reach your travel goals - no matter the destination. On Thatch, I create super detailed guides and itineraries to destinations that I've personally visited. These destinations have a little bit of everything that I love about travel (adventure, city life, great eats, beach days and more). I can also create custom guides and itineraries to wherever you may be dreaming of traveling to. Top bucket list items: Ride in a hot air balloon, visit all 50 U.S. states, and someday be on the Amazing Race with my sister. — Check out my free and paid thatch travel guides on my profile, or for a customized itinerary for any of the locations featured, shoot me a message so we can connect. Let's explore!

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