Outdoor Adventures
Birds, Bikes, and Hikes, Oh My! 12 Tucson Favorites to Get You Outside
While many new visitors to the desert Southwest expect little more than rolling tumbleweeds and dry riverbeds (although we do have those), a quick look around Tucson reveals so much more. Towering lavender mountains, forests of colorful succulents, shady oases of water, and watercolor skies are familiar sights in Tucson. And while it’s extremely important to take all heat advisories seriously—no, really, do not go hiking in June—getting outside is one of the best ways to experience one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in North America. So, grab your sunscreen, biggest water bottle, and sense of wonder.
A Birder’s Paradise
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Nestled amidst the ancestral homelands of the Tohono O'odham and the Pasqua Yaqui is what many locals consider to be Tucson’s crown jewel—the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Home to more than 230 animal species and breathtaking views of the desert, the sprawling 98-acre campus is so much more than a zoo. Boasting butterfly gardens, four aviaries, an aquarium, free-flight raptor shows, and cave and mineral displays, it’s no wonder the museum welcomes nearly 400,000 guests every year. Birders can enjoy many species native to the region, including multiple hummingbird species, wetland birds, and the chance to see birds of prey such as Chihuahuan ravens, great horned owls, caracaras, red-tailed hawks, and Harris’s hawks.
2021 N Kinney Rd
Agua Caliente Park
Located right in the heart of Tucson, Agua Caliente is home to a wide variety of both native and migratory bird species. Considered one of the best birding locations in Tucson, this 101-acre park features a large pond and the perennial warm spring for which the park is named. So, grab your binoculars and get ready to look for ducks, cardinals, tanagers, sparrows, flycatchers, owls, hummingbirds, and many more species.
12325 E Roger Rd
Tohono Chul Sonoran Botanical Garden
Gifted to the community in 1985 by Richard and Jean Wilson, the 49-acre campus is home to 12 gardens, 3 museum shops, 3 galleries, and 2 nature trails. Birders are welcome to explore on their own or enjoy a docent-led tour. With educational programming, a children’s museum, and exceptional café, Tohono Chul park allows guests to enjoy the beauty of the Arizona desert without leaving town.
7366 N Paseo del Norte
Sweetwater Wetlands Park
While the primary function of the Sweetwater Wetlands is as a water recharge facility, it also serves as a literal oasis for desert wildlife, including more than 300 species of birds according to the Tucson Bird Alliance. The 60-acre park is open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset, allowing visitors to take self-guided tours provided by Tucson Water and Arizona Project WET.
2551 W Sweetwater Dr
Pedal Power
Sonoran Desert Mountain Bike Association
Looking for a comprehensive mountain biking resource in the greater Tucson area? Look no further than the Sonoran Desert Bike Association. This volunteer-driven, non-profit organization maintains trails and provides information for multiple trails such as Tucson Mountain Park, Fantasy Island, and Honeybee Canyon trails. The SDMBA is dedicated to the sport as a vehicle to encourage “low impact outdoor recreation, conservation, and mountain bicycling opportunities that are environmentally and socially responsible.” Check out their comprehensive website for info on individual trails.
Arizona Bicycle Association & The Loop
With El Tour de Tucson being one of the largest bicycling events in the country, it’s no surprise you’ll find a community of dedicated cyclists in Tucson. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, you’ll find a bike lane or path right for you. The Loop is one option. Developed by Pima Country, The Loop is a shared-use path with more than 100 miles available for use through Marana, Oro Valley, and South Tucson.
Bike Tucson Rentals
For more than a decade Bike Tucson Rentals has provided dependable service and high-quality bicycles to both visitors and seasoned riders. Bike Tucson Rentals offers premium bike brands, and two pickup locations on The Loop bike path. Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself or enjoy an afternoon ride with the family, Bike Tucson Rentals has something for you.
Take a Hike!
(But only if you tell someone your location, take plenty of water, and heed all heat advisories)
Catalina State Park
During our wildflower season.
Crouched at the base of the stunning Catalina Mountains, Catalina State Park boasts 5,500 acres of foothills perfect for hiking and horseback riding. With 11 combined-use trails winding through the Coronado National Forest, the park offers something for every level of experience as well as many popular camp sites. Located just minutes outside of metro Tucson, visitors will enjoy the best the desert has to offer while learning about the ecology and archeology of the park from interpretive signs along the way.
11570 N Oracle Rd
Wild Burro Trailhead
The gateway to the Tortolita Mountain Trail System, Wild Burro Trails is located just down the road from the Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain and has ample parking, a picnic ramada, and flushing toilets open to visitors. Boasting 10 trails stretching 29 miles, hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians alike can enjoy gorgeous desert vistas, petroglyphs, wildlife, and a rare concentration of crested saguaro cacti.
14810 N Secret Springs Dr
Sabino Canyon Recreation Area
For many Tucsonans, Sabino Canyon is a second home. The riparian corridor offers unique vegetation, cooler temperatures, rocky outcroppings, and frequently running water—a true gift in the desert. The canyon has been closed to private vehicles since 1978, but you can still visit via an open-air Sabino Canyon Crawler or the Bear Canyon shuttle. The 1-hour round-trip route for the Sabino Canyon Crawler has nine shuttle stops and a guided audio tour. The Bear Canyon route is a 30-minute round trip and has three stops. Times, pricing, and tickets are available online. With more than 30 miles of trails, plus a Visitor Center and bookstore, it’s the quintessential outdoor adventure in Tucson.
5700 N Sabino Canyon Rd
Sanctuary Cove
Looking for a shorter hike or just a quiet place to bask in the beauty of the desert? Head to Sanctuary Cove. Nestled at the base of Safford (locally known as Sombrero) Peak, the cove is open to the public 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset. Follow the 1.5 mile hiking loop, explore the meditative rock labyrinth and historic non-denominational chapel, or just stroll the grounds all while admiring breathtaking views of the desert.
8001 North Scenic Drive