For more information please contact:
Kimberly Schmitz, Director of Communications & Public Relations
Metropolitan Tucson Convention and Visitors Bureau
1-800-638-8350, ext.143 or 520-770-2143
TUCSON WILL TAKE YOU TO THE OUTDOOR LIMIT
Whether it's rock scrambling, gold panning, or cave-crawling you yearn for, Tucson can scratch that adventurous itch -- and more.
Bicycle Central
Tucson is ranked by Bicycling magazine as one of the top three North American cities for spinning your wheels. Not far beyond the well-paved pathways, scenic mountain biking trails abound; the rangers at Saguaro National Park and Coronado National Forest will help you find the best ones. Guided bike tours can also be arranged for everyone from beginners to extremists.
Hiking Hotbed
Tucson plays host to myriad hiking trails. Hiking clubs abound and cater to seasoned outdoor adventurers to senior citizen groups interested in leisurely strolls through the desert. The Santa Catalina and Southern Arizona’s Chiricahua mountains are sky islands, where unique vegetation and wildlife abound, and hiking trails offer spectacular views of the desert floor below. Specialty hikes include wildflower treks in the spring, sojourns for swimming in mountain rivers and ponds formed by snow runoff, hiking to Indian petroglyphs, and overnight treks from Sabino Canyon to the top of Mt. Lemmon.
Let's Get Down
Serious speleologists -- if you recognize the word, you probably are one -- can explore, Colossal Cave, just east of Tucson, one of the largest dry caverns in the world. This desert refuge has sheltered people for over a thousand years. It has been home, shrine, hideout, challenging workplace, exciting playground and tranquil retreat. Today the 2,000-acre park is on the National Historic Register and showcases crystal-filled Colossal Cave and historic La Posta Quemada Ranch, a working ranch for over 120 years. Visitors can take a cave tour, browse in the historical museum, relax in the wooded picnic areas, hike, saddle up for a trail ride, sluice for gemstones, enjoy a meal at fresh-air cafés and explore southwestern gift shops. At Kartchner Caverns State Park, a 21-foot “soda straw,” a 58-foot high column named Kubla Khan and translucent orange “bacon” are carefully watched over by about 2,000 bats. The stunning “living” wet cave is located 45 minutes southeast of Tucson, Arizona.
A Hot Prospect
It's no coincidence that the largest collection of gem, mineral and fossil shows in the world is held in Tucson every January and February. The shows attract tens of thousands of people from all over the world to buy, sell and trade precious gems, ancient fossils and simple rocks. There is something for everyone at the gem and mineral shows. Tucson is a yearound haven for rockhounds -- people who like to poke around in the dirt, hoping to find gold, garnets, or other booty from below.
How's This for a Cliff-Hanger?
Those who aspire to high positions will find paradise in Tucson. The city offers some of the best year-round technical rock-climbing in the United States. If you want to get the hang of the sport before trying it outdoors, there's a rock-climbing gym in town that can show you the ropes in a safe, non-threatening environment.
Home on the Range
Not quite sure what a dogie is, much less how to make one git along? No matter how much of a city slicker you are, you'll be able to fulfill your cowpoke fantasies here. Spend a day on horseback on a cattle drive or watch the action from a comfortable hay wagon. Longer pack trips, which might involve fixing fences and getting hollered at by the trail boss, can also be organized. Simply want to ride off into the sunset? Nothing could be easier to arrange at one of the town's public riding stables.
Free-Wheeling Fun
Another great way to explore the backcountry is by Jeep. If you don't have your own off-road vehicle, local outfitters will be happy to take you for a turn. Not only do they know the best routes, but they can fill you in on the fascinating desert flora and fauna you'll encounter along
the way.
Up, Up, and Away
Hot air balloon operators offer a bird's eye view of Tucson and a champagne toast afterwards. It's easy, too, to be up above the stunning vistas of the valley that helicopter tours afford. Those who only ascend so they can plummet -- with a parachute, of course -- should check out the sky diving center north of Tucson.
Skiing Above the Saguaro
Mount Lemmon, part of the impressive Santa Catalina range that forms Tucson's northern border, is host to the southernmost ski area in the continental United States. It is named after the first woman to climb it – Sara Lemmon. The one-hour drive up the mountain, which moves from dramatic stands of cactus to lush piñon pine forest, is a unique experience in itself.
