Daytrippin’ through the Desert: 10 incredible places in Southern Arizona

Daytrip 6: Picacho Peak State Park

• Distance from Tucson: 45 min.
• Location: Exit 219 off of I-10 Picacho, AZ 85241
• Tip: Plan a picnic lunch – the setting is gorgeous!
• My experience hiking Picacho Peak

Although it sees little visitation compared to the more popular hiking hotspots, Picacho Peak is one of Southern Arizona’s hiking treasures. This gorgeous state park is located halfway in between Phoenix and Tucson, seeming popping up spontaneously amidst the surrounding nothingness. You really cannot miss picacho due to the dramatic statement it makes in a sea of flat surroundings. It really is an oasis in the middle of nowhere. The scenery here is really fabulous and the isolated surroundings really add to the desert enchantment. I like stopping here enroute to Phoenix as a nice break to get the blood flowing from sitting in the car.

Consider a refreshing nature walk along the Calloway trail. Nothing too difficult, so you can fully enjoy the exotic views of the Saguaro and other forms of desert cacti plant life without tiring out. Wonderful views of the mountains as well on this one! Picacho is a great place to get lost in nature and enjoy the serenity of the desert. If you are up for a real challenge, you can embark on the arduous climb up the Hunter Trail. Do not let the 2 mile distance fool you as this is one strenuous steep hike.

Picacho offers a scenic picnicking area so bring with a lunch to enjoy post-hike! There really is not a whole lot to do in the area (thus the basis of its’ appeal!), however, this is a great stop on the way to Phoenix/any other Southwestern destination.

Daytrip 7: Tubac

• Distance from Tucson: 45 min.
• Tip: Visit outside the summer season. It can easily top 105 here on a daily basis, which is much too uncomfortable, even for simply walking in between the shops.
• My Tubac Visitor guide

Tubac is a must-visit for anyone interesting in both history and art. In fact, the city’s slogan is “Where Art and History Meet.” Tubac Presidio, established in 1752, is the oldest European settlement in Arizona. Today, the city is known for its’ thriving arts scene.

First off, there are dozens of specialty shops here where you can shop for handcrafted items imported from Mexico. So many gorgeous pottery, jewelry, and arts and craft pieces. Literally you could spend all day browsing through these shops. Everything is so gorgeous and unique. Casa Maya de Mexico is one to check out for sure.

Second, the city is home to dozens of art galleries and a fantastic art museum. Tubac Center for the Arts is a great place to begin your adventure. K Newby Gallery and Sculpture Garden is the standout amongst the galleries so be sure to swing by. Seasonal art walks and a large art festival are just a few of the events to put on your to-do list. Additionally, The Tubac Festival of Arts, featuring over 200 artists from around the county, has been going strong for over 60 years.

Where to eat: Elvira’s is a pretty cool Southwestern restaurant known for its’ artsy glass blown ceiling. I would return just to enjoy the beautiful decor again. Try the Taquitos de Papa (Fried potato and cheese tacos!).

What to do along the way: Assuming you are coming from Tucson, you will come across Mission San Xavier del Bac, which is the oldest standing European structure in the state. Pretty cool place with amazing architecture, both inside and out. Self guided tours are available anytime mass/special event is not in session.

Daytrip 8: Catalina State Park

• Distance from Tucson: 20 min
• Location: 11570 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ 85737
• Admission: $7 per vehicle

Catalina State Park is located in Oro Valley, a beautiful suburb just north of Tucson. The dramatic Catalina mountains provide a stunning backdrop to this gorgeous desert town. Catalina State Park is the place to go if you are a hiker seeking the best views accessible via minimal effort. Several easy nature trails here take you past dozens of varieties of cacti species, including the most stately Saguaro.

What’s more – the mountain views here are the best in the region. Birdwatching and wildlife watching are also popular past times here. Don’t be surprised if you see a bobcat or javelina in the early morning hours. The best part of all is that this park is under visited, so you will more than likely get to enjoy this beauty all to yourself. Start out with a refreshing hike along the Nature trail, then move on to the Canyon Loop trail if you are up for a more intense (but still moderate) workout. I lived just across the street and this was my trail of choice when I needed a quick, but beautiful weekday morning workout!

Where to eat: First Watch, a fantastic healthy breakfast chain, is located just down the street. Take a seat outside as the mountains views are stunning. Service is fantastic and the menu is fresh, healthy, and diverse. After breakfast grab a local cup of joe at Savaya coffee, conveniently located just across the road from Catalina.

What to do nearby: Shop for handcrafted imported Mexican and Southwestern style goods at the Happy Saguaro. Enjoy browsing through glass blown art, amazing pottery pieces, and so much more!

Daytrip 9: Tucson Mountain Park

• Distance from Tucson: 40 minutes
• Location: 8451 W McCain Loop, Tucson, AZ 85735

Tucson Mountain Park is a massive 20,000 acre space loaded with over 60 miles of trails to be enjoyed by hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers. Even if the thought of exercising in the heat sounds brutal, you can opt to enjoy the scenic drive and multitude of attractions. The drive is so gorgeous and rustic with more varieties of cacti than you could ever possibly imagine. Gates Pass overlook is a mesmerizing place to enjoy the tremendous cacti and mountain scenery.

The dazzling silhouette of a cactus at sunset is what draws many to this area. The brilliant medley of colors showcased in a desert sunset is something you will not forget. Gates Pass is one of numerous sunset hotspots in Tucson.

A number of interesting attractions also lie within the vicinity. Old Tucson, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, and the International Wildlife Museum can all be enjoyed along the same route.

One of the best trails in Tucson Mountain Park (and one of my personal favorites in Tucson) is the Bowen Hidden Canyon trail at the secluded JW Marriott at Starr Pass resort. This relatively easy 2 mile trail features some of the most stunning views you will ever come across. As a bonus, it’s quiet all the time due to the semi hidden location. It’s more common to see deer, bobcat, and javelina rather than people!

The Arizona-Sonora Museum is a combo wildlife habitat, aquarium, and botanical garden. This is a really interesting place for first time visitors to the Sonoran Desert as you will learn so much about the history of the area and the desert ecosystem. Several introductory trails will take you past the native plant life. And, you will have the opportunity to observe animals in a setting reminiscent of their natural environment.

Old Tucson was used as a set for many Western movies. Today, you can learn more about the movies filmed here, plus enjoy live shootouts and stunt shows, shop for Southwestern gifts, and take old time photos.

Daytrip 10: Sabino Canyon

• Distance from Tucson: 30 min
• Location: 5700 N Sabino Canyon Rd, Tucson, AZ 85750
• Admission: $8 per person ($15 extra for the tram)
• My guide to exploring Sabino Canyon

Sabino Canyon is widely considered to be one of the top natural wonders of Arizona. With towering mountains, a diverse variety of cacti, bountiful wildlife, and beautiful canyons, Sabino has to be near the top of your Southern Arizona bucket list. A 45 minute narrated tram ride up the 3.8 mile paved drive is the best way to start your visit. I’m so happy that they recently switched over to an electric tram. You will learn more about the plants and animals that call the canyon home and enjoy the outstanding views without putting in any effort.

If you are up for a challenge, considering walking the entirety of tram road. This is a workout, yes, however, the views are extraordinary and the sense of accomplishment is like no other. On the bright side, the return trek is all downhill. As the park opens an hour before the tram rides start, it’s best to get your walk started before the crowds and heat hit!

Sabino also offers a number of hiking trails including a very popular (and hard) trek to a waterfall (Seven Falls). You will take a specialty tram up to the trailhead before beginning your desert trek. Take lots of water and snacks and do not even consider this one during the horrendously hot and monsoon-y summer season. As an alternative, the park offers a number of nature trails suited for hikers of all abilities. Though easy in comparison , these trails offer no shortage of terrific views of the mountains and cacti.

Check out my top things to do in Tucson for more standout attractions to add to your vacation itinerary.