As we spring into 2023, the days start getting longer and thoughts of outdoor fun and adventure return. With over 300 days of sunshine, Tucson is perfect for lovers of outdoor adventure. Tucson is a city that has adventure in its DNA and there’s no better way to experience it than getting outside.
The terrain in Tucson lends itself to a variety of adventures that travellers can indulge in, from the beauty of Saguaro National Park to the rugged expanse of the Coronado National Forest and the region’s Sky Island mountain ranges, in southern Arizona. Travellers planning a trip in 2023 can choose from a wide selection of activities including biking, hiking, climbing and skydiving.
Tucson is known as a Hiker’s Haven as it is surrounded on both sides by the Saguaro National Park offering some of the most iconic treks in the region. There’s also Catalina State Park, Redington Pass and Mount Lemmon inviting hikers to strap on their boots and explore some of the world’s most rich and abundant desert and forest areas. Wild orange poppies bloom in spring and the golden aspen shine in fall. In the heat of summer, Mount Lemmon can be twenty degrees cooler than the desert floor. Whilst being in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, Tucson boasts of natural water resources. Hikers can dip their toes in Seven Falls Water Trail and Romero Pools, when they need a break from their long treks. For spectacular views head to the Freeman Homestead Nature Trail which is an easy one mile loop that features some breath-taking views of the valleys nearby mountains. Follow this link for hiking inspiration.
Tucson is a great playground for mountain bikers. It has some of the most diverse, technically challenging and breath-taking trails in the world, crafted with bikers in mind. The trails in Tucson cater to all kinds of riders; starting with Fantasy Island which is great for beginners, while Starr Pass Main Loop trail in Tucson Mountain Park is perfect for intermediate riders. Tucson’s crown jewel of mountain biking; Mt.Lemmon is ideal for advanced bikers offering multiple steep and technical trails taking riders from pines trees to saguaros in a matter of hours. With the perfect combination of challenging, scenic and enjoyable, the city is consistently ranked as one of the top biking destinations in the United States. Click here for biking trails and more.
Road Cyclists can enjoy the 137-mile long Chuck Huckleberry Loop which is often voted the best Recreational Trail in USA Today and is a relatively easy and car free trail. Intermediate riders can ride out to Gates Pass, west of Downtown, this route culminates at Saguaro National Park after a big climb and descent through the scenic Tucson Mountain Park. Experienced cyclists can challenge themselves on the Mt. Lemmon Highway which is the longest hill climb in Arizona and concludes at 8198 feet in a dense pine forest. For more on road biking routes follow this link.
The five mountain ranges around Tucson offer endless opportunities for rock climbers of every skill-level. The Santa Catalina Mountain Range is home to more than 50 peaks and the weather, scenery and diversity of terrain ensure that climbers flock to these ranges all year round. Mt. Lemmon has more than 2,700 climbing routes, ranging from single-pitch clip-ups to multi-pitch traditional routes. The forested regions referred to as sky islands are the most rewarding and scenic climbs in the area. Enjoying the 360-degree view at the top of the Cathedral Rock after a challenging climb makes it all the more worthwhile. Click here for rock climbing information.
Soar through the skies -The Sonoran Desert offering more than 330 days of sunshine, very little wind and vast areas of relatively flat land which make it the perfect destination to try skydiving. The world’s largest skydive centre ‘Skydive Arizona’ is located around an hour from Tucson and is also home to an indoor skydiving simulation facility. Closer to Tucson is the Skydive Marana, a 30-year-old school which offers first-timers a short 20-minute course followed by a tandem skydive with an instructor.
For information on outdoor adventure and more in Tucson, Arizona please visit https://www.visittucson.org/
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