Beat the Heat, Naturally
Explore the natural world in cool caves, alpine heights, and mid-summer nights.
Jump to: Underground | Up High | At Night
Underground
Colossal Cave
Just east of Tucson, Colossal Cave Mountain Park provides a great opportunity to escape the summer sun. Inside the cave, the temperature is a refreshing 70 degrees. Take a tour to see stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, boxwork, and helictites. Learn about the cave inhabitants, regional geology, and hear tales of a Wild West treasure still said to be hidden in the cave. If you're feeling really strong, you can make reservations for a Wild Cave Tour. You and your guides will follow the footsteps of early explorers through unlit, unmarked, and rarely seen passageways that extend a quarter mile into the depths of the earth. Hard hats and lights are provided; participants must be 18 or older, physically fit, agile, and able to scale obstacles. Rates per person are $55 for the intermediate tour and $75 for the advanced tour. Reservations are required. Phone: (520) 647-7275.
Kartchner Caverns
Southern Arizona is home to spectacular Kartchner Caverns. The brilliantly colored formations in this rare living cave are some of the best in the world, and even in summer, the average temperature inside the cave is a cool 68 degrees.
Up High
Mt. Lemmon
Take advantage of Tucson's close proximity to higher elevations, and enjoy the great outdoors all summer long. Outdoor enthusiasts can easily escape for a day of hiking through aspen groves or simply relaxing in the pine-scented mountain breeze. Mt. Lemmon is only 30 miles from Tucson and up to 30 degrees cooler in the summer. Phone: (520) 576-1321.
Mt. Lemmon - Highlights for Inquisitive Minds
Saturdays during the summer months, join in interactive investigations with scientists and artists from the University of Arizona and its partners for Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter Discover Days Explorations. Learn about Mt. Lemmon's exceptional sky island environment and explore the cool summit as you discover the fun and importance of science in our local environment. $8 adults, $5 children and students, DiscoveryDays T-shirt and snacks included. Group discounts are available. Call for reservations. Space is limited. Phone: (520) 626-8122.
Mt. Lemmon - Highlights for Music Lovers
LAVA Music presents Music on the Mountain every Sunday, May 30-Aug. 29 from 1-5pm. The outdoor concert is held in Summerhaven. Admission is free...just bring a lawn chair. No outside food or drinks please.
At Night
Kitt Peak Nightly Observing Program
High atop Kitt Peak sits the largest collection of optical research telescopes anywhere in the world. View everything from planets to distant galaxies using 20- and 16-inch Ritchey-Chrétien telescopes from RC Optical Systems and our 16-inch Meade Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope. This program is offered to a small group of participants every night of the week, but please note that the program is not available from July 15 to Sept. 1 due to monsoon rain. Call for reservations and information. Phone: (520) 318-8726.
Moonlight horseback rides at Colossal Cave Mountain Park Stables
Feel the cool evening breeze on your face as you explore Colossal Cave Mountain Park at night atop your trusty steed. Moonlight tours are offered every month on the evening of the full moon. Call Bandit Outfitters for details and reservations. Phone: (520) 647-3450.
Moonlight horseback rides at Pusch Ridge Stables
See the nightlife in Catalina State Park-deer, coyotes, javalina-as you ride through the park under the light of a full moon. Reservations are required. Call Pusch Ridge Stables for dates and reservations. Phone: (520) 825-1664.
Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter SkyNights
Learn the constellations, observe interesting atmospheric phenomena, and view the wonders of the cosmos from a high-quality astronomical site using the SkyCenter's outstanding 24-inch telescope. This five hour program starts in late afternoon and accommodates approximately 7-25 people. Cost: $48 per person (light dinner included). Call for reservations and information. Phone: (520) 626-8122.
Sabino Canyon Evening Ride
Hiking a trail, strolling paved paths or seated in a comfortable tram, folks at any fitness level can enjoy the oasis escape of Tucson's Sabino Canyon in the Coronado Forest. Cacti and trees intermingle between streambeds and stately rock outcroppings, home to javelina, white-tail deer and a host of smaller desert dwellers: darting roadrunners, gentle tarantulas, playful squirrels and more. During the months of April, May, June, September, October, and November you can explore Sabino Canyon under the light of a full moon. Moonlight tours are held three evenings per month. Contact Sabino Canyon Tours for dates and reservations. Phone: (520) 749-2327.
