15 Places for Incredible Views in Tucson, Arizona
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6. Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway
Mt. Lemmon is one of several sky islands in the Southwest. This basically means a high altitude area surrounded by lower altitude areas of drastically different ecosystems. The 27 mile Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway is extremely picturesque. It’s so beautiful that time seems to fly by for me despite the distance.
As you begin your drive, you will notice lots of beautiful Saguaro cacti. As you climb in altitude, the scenery changes to beautiful green pines. It’s super popular with cyclists – honestly I don’t know how they make it up the steep climb! Hats off to them, they must be in amazing shape!
Check out how much the views change in just 30 miles!
There are numerous overlooks along the way to take in the scenery. And better yet, plenty of hiking trails if you want to explore the exotic plant life up close. Once you arrive at the base town of Summerhaven, you can enjoy lunch in the pines at the Iron Door restaurant. In the summer, I recommend a laidback scenic chairlift ride at the Mt. Lemmon ski resort. If you prefer to get more active, consider one of the scenic pine and aspen lined hiking trails.
Mt. Lemmon is a popular summer destination due to the drastically cooler climate. Summer temps typically average in the low 80’s (20 to 30 degrees cooler than “The Old Pueblo”). Every local knows that it is a great daytrip when you tire of the oppressive desert summer heat (especially if you don’t have time for a 4 hour drive up to Flagstaff).
7. Sabino Canyon
Sabino Canyon, a beautiful recreation area located within the Catalina mountains in the Coronado National Forest, is considered the crown jewel of Tucson. It comes at no surprise that tourists flock here most weekends. While there are a variety of hikes available, I recommend taking the tram ride. This is what this place is most known for and it’s a great way to learn more about the ecosystem, while taking in the views without breaking a sweat. The guides are great and they will even point out any wildlife along the way (we saw a snake and a coati on our last ride).
Fortunately, they recently replaced the old tram with a new emission-free electric shuttle. It’s so nice not smelling the strong fumes anymore and better for the environment. One thing I would love to do some time is take one of their guided night rides – this area is amazing for stargazing and you can even see some nocturnal creatures as well.
I recommend fitness buffs to walk tram road. It’s 3.5 miles each way or you can take the tram one way. I’ve done both and it’s really beautiful no matter which you choose (just avoid any long walks during the summer). You will be sharing the road with the tram unless you arrive before 9am.
If you are up for a big challenge, consider hiking the Seven Falls trail. This award winning trail featuring a rare desert waterfall is consistently ranked as one of the best hikes in Arizona.
8. Gates Pass overlook
Gates Pass, a picturesque overlook in Tucson Mountain Park, is widely known as the best place for sunset watching and stargazing. You will pass this gorgeous area on the way to numerous attractions including: the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Saguaro National Park, and Old Tucson.
This area consists of pure uninterrupted nature with 1000’s upon 1000’s of cacti in every direction. I find it so motivating to look out upon the uninterrupted desert especially when no one else is around.
The drive to get over here is quite beautiful and secluded as well. Combining the scenic drive, the overlook, and a visit to any of the above mentioned attractions is a perfect day out in this wonderful Southwestern city.
9. Agua Caliente Park
Agua Caliente is a really unique place to check out, especially if you are heading out to Mt. Lemmon for the day as a detour here helps break up the long drive. The name translates into “hot water,” and the 101 acre park is known for its’ warms spring and ponds, as well as the diverse mix of plant life which includes gorgeous palms. It’s worth a visit for the unique setting alone.
Packed into this small park are several nature trails, an art gallery, and a nature center. It’s a great place to hike, bird watch, enjoy a picnic, and simply spend an hour or 2 in a beautiful, and rare setting.
10. “A” Mountain
While driving south of downtown, you will notice the trademark “A” mountain standing out boldly amongst the surrounding flat terrain. There is no way you can miss it. The “A” was constructed in the early 1900’s by U of A students by use of basalt rock. The Sentinel Peak summit is 2897 feet, and accessible via a scenic drive up a winding road. Enjoying the viewpoint up here is a great way for non hikers to appreciate the desert vistas.
The views from atop are gorgeous, particularly at sunrise and sunset. If you feel like putting in a bit of extra effort, a short trail leads you to an upclose vista of the “A.” While the letter appears small from a distance, in reality it stands a whopping 160 feet!
