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Day Tours in Arizona
New to the area? Looking for an enjoyable learning experience exploring special, out-of-the-way places? Knowledgeable, skilled guides lead our tours and hikes in small groups, allowing maximum interaction with the guide and the other tour or hike members. Transportation is provided via 12-passenger van on most tours. Unless otherwise indicated, our tours leave from Tucson, Community Campus (CC), 401 North Bonita Ave., Tucson, Northwest Campus (NWC), 7600 N. Shannon Rd., and the Community Performing Arts and Learning Center, 1250 West Continental Rd., Green Valley. All tour itineraries are subject to change.
ST102 - Tucson Public Art: So Many Choices, So Little Time
Join us as we explore a sampling of the region's public art offerings. Admittedly, some people love them, other don't! But from the Diamondback Bridge, to Earp Brothers, to the wide range of tile work gracing our river parks, each has a tale to tell, to help bring Tucson's history and culture to life. We'll have lunch along the way at a popular Tucson restaurant. Lunch is included in the tour fee.
Philip McArthur, M.Ed. Tucson, CC: 9am-4:30pm Green Valley: 8:30am-5pm
ST103 - Tucson's Historic Gathering Places: A Walking Tour
Capture the flavor of Tucson in the 1900's as we tour historic meeting places. We'll visit the newly-restored Jewish Heritage Center, formerly known as the Stone Avenue Temple. We'll travel on to the 1915 Scottish Rite Temple, where we'll experience the 'Red Room' theater and view the special collection of costumes, wigs and stage backdrops. We'll stop for lunch and have a glimpse of one of Tucson's top contemporary art galleries. And then we'll end our day with a tour of the newly renovated Fox Theatre. Involves stop-and-go walking about 1 mile. Fee includes transportation, lunch and experienced guide.
Philip McArthur, M.Ed. Tucson, CC: 8:30am-4pm No current dates are available for this tour
ST109 - A Celebration of Folk Art
Discover the vibrant folk art treasures of Mexico! Learn about the master artisans who create it, and see why it has captured the imaginations of people worldwide. Begin your journey at CRIZMAC with an orientation to Mexican folk art. Then, it's on to the Arizona State Museum and the Palice Pavilion at Tucson Museum of Art for a viewing of their fine collections, followed by lunch downtown (not included in fee). In the afternoon, you'll further expand your knowledge with visits to key Tucson folk art venues. Fee includes admissions. Educators receive a certificate for professional development credit from CRIZMAC. Offered in affiliation with CRIZMAC.
Stevie Mack, M.F.A and Kathleen Williams, M.A., writer and consultant for CRIZMAC Art and Cultural Education Materials, Inc. Location: CRIZMAC, 1642 N. Alvernon Way No current dates are available for this tour
ST119B - Kitt Peak: View the Night Sky
Join us for a tour and introduction to stargazing at Kitt Peak National Observatory. You'll learn to explore the constellations with star charts and binoculars. Then, you'll observe deep-sky wonders using one of the site telescopes. Tour includes a light meal and transportation. Plan for about 4 blocks of walking and several flights of stairs. At about 7000 foot, night-time mountain temperatures can drop significantly. Plan to dress warmly.
Gary Borax, experienced tour leader Tucson, CC: 3-10pm
ST129 - A Culinary Cross Section of Tucson
Join us for a fun-filled, first-hand look at several local Tucson culinary and food-related venues. We'll visit a tortillaria for some hands-on tortilla-making and lunch, a couple of specialty food producers and market purveyors, and the University's hydroponic vegetable greenhouses. We'll learn about each specialty from owners and staff, and enjoy some tasty samples. This is a fun way to learn what treats Tucson can offer you and your next visitors. Trip includes lunch and tastings.
Ali Iliff, B.A. Tucson, CC: 8:30am-5pm
ST135 - Space, Stars and Mars
Did you know that the University of Arizona is highly involved in many aspects of current space, stars and Mars research programs? Let's tour the planetary sciences/space labs and facilities with experts for an up-to-date look at the impressive projects on and near the campus. Our day includes the Lunar and Planetary Space Sciences/Imaging Lab, Optics Department, and the Sonnett Visitor Center, where real time images of Mars are beamed to computer screens. We'll also tour the Phoenix-Mars Scout Lander/NASA Mission Control Center and its meteorite collection. Lunch is on your own on the UofA campus.
Ali Iliff, B.A. Tucson, CC: 8:30am-5pm
ST138 - Historic Hotels of Tucson
Tucson has some truly special historic hotels, from the Royal Elizabeth Bed and Breakfast and the Congress Hotel downtown, to the gracious Lodge on the Desert and the Spanish colonial Hacienda Del Sol. Oh, if only the walls could talk! Join us as we explore Tucson's past: its people, its architecture and more. We'll hear tales of the hotels - and the people who stayed there, and take time for lunch along the way. Fee includes lunch.
Philip McArthur, M.Ed. Tucson, CC: 9:15am-4:15pm Green Valley: 8:30am-5pm
ST146 - Ventana Cave and Tohono O'odham Nation: Archaeology and Culture
Tour includes a stop at the Tohono O'odham Nation government complex in Sells, followed by visits to the Ventana Cave archaeological site and rock art, Tohono O'odham villages in the Santa Rosa, Kaka (Gehakah) and Quijotoa valleys, and the Wiwpul Du `ag Arts Trading Post. Bring your own picnic lunch and water.
Allen Dart, M.A., registered professional archaeologist Tucson, CC: 8am-6pm No current dates are available for this tour
ST147 - Casa Grande Ruins and Middle Gila Valley: Archaeology and History
Tour includes a backcountry tour of archaeological features at the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument in Coolidge plus visits to the Grewe site (early Hohokam village), Adamsville Ruin (late Hohokam village with platform mound and ballcourt), historic Adamsville Cemetery, historic O'odham village on the Gila River, and Pinal County Historical Society Museum in Florence. Bring your own picnic lunch and water.
Allen Dart, M.A., registered professional archaeologist Tucson, CC: 8am-5:30pm Tucson, NWC: 8:30am-5pm No current dates are available for this tour
ST181 - Tubac: An Insider's View of Cooking and the Arts' Community
Join us for an introduction to the delightful Tubac Culinary School where their motto is "Life is meant to be lived to its fullest". We'll have a cooking class, followed by lunch. We'll also have an 'insider's visit to a selection of local artisans'. Fee includes cooking class, lunch and transportation.
Ali Iliff, B.A. Tucson, CC: 9:30am-5:30pm Green Valley: 10am-5pm
ST185 - People and Plants of the Southwest
We'll visit the Boyce Thompson Arboretum where we'll learn about the special plants such as creosote, jojoba and other desert flora that continue to nourish, heal and clothe people of the Sonoran Desert. We'll stop in Globe for lunch at a Mexican restaurant (not included in fee). After lunch, we'll visit the Besh-Ba-Gowah Archaeological Park in Globe, where we'll walk through a 700 year-old Salado culture pueblo. Circa 1150 to 1450 AD, Besh-Ba-Gowah has one of the largest single site archaeological collections in the southwest. We'll return to Tucson via Winkelman and Mammoth. Bring water and wear comfortable walking shoes.
Anna Helena Kummerli, experienced tour leader Tucson, CC: 7:30am-6:30pm Tucson, NWC: 8am-6pm
ST186 - Travel the "Real" Apache Trail
We'll travel north through Florence and tour the Goldfield Ghost Town. Then, we'll hear the story of the poor lost Dutchman State Park. We'll stop for photos at the beautiful Canyon Lake before going on to Tortilla Flat for prickly pear ice cream, if you like. Then it's up the road to Roosevelt Lake where we'll have a picnic lunch. Then, we'll visit Tonto National Monument. Here, we'll have an optional short, but steep walk to visit the cliff dwellings. We'll return to Tucson via Globe and Winkelman. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Bring water and lunch.
Anna Helena Kummerli, experienced tour leader Tucson, CC: 7:30am-6:30pm Green Valley: 6:45am-7pm
ST198 - Kentucky Camp and Boston Gulch
Once part of the Greaterville Mining District before the turn of the century, Kentucky Camp is being carefully restored by the Forest Service. We will visit Stetson's Dam built to store water for the hydraulic mining, and walk the ditch, and view the penstock and valves that delivered the valuable water to Kentucky Camp. After lunch at Kentucky Camp we will walk the area around Boston Gulch where the hydraulic mining took place, a beautiful pastoral walk in mostly shaded foothill oak-grassland. Involves walking about 3.5 miles round trip with a little uphill on the return. Bring water, lunch and snacks.
Staff Tucson, CC: 8am-5pm Green Valley: 8:30am-4:30pm No current dates are available for this tour
ST119C - Kitt Peak: Stars and Music
Join us for a fun evening of music and stargazing at Kitt Peak National Observatory. Bring a picnic basket and non- alcoholic beverages. At about 7000 feet, night time mountain temperatures can be chilly. Dress in layers.
Gary Borax, experienced tour leader and avid hiker Tucson, CC: 5-11pm | 64359 | Sat | 5/10 | $69 | | 64360 | Sat | 6/7 | $69 | | 70007 | Sat | 9/6 | $69 |
ST201B - Kartchner Caverns State Park: The Big Room
Join us as we tour the latest cave to open to the public! Tour involves walking approximately 1/3 mile in Caverns at an elevation 4000 feet. Includes stop at Singing Wind Bookshop. Fee includes entry fees and transportation. Stop for lunch at a fun Benson restaurant (not included in fee).
Staff Tucson, CC: 8am-5pm Green Valley: 8:30am-4:30pm
ST216A - Metro Phoenix: History and Culture
Visit the Arizona State Capitol Museum and tour the historic Rosson House. We'll have lunch in Heritage Square, and then it's on to the Heard Museum for a tour of this internationally-recognized collection of Native American artifacts. Fee includes admissions, lunch, transportation and guide.
Anna Helena Kummerli, experienced tour leader Tucson, CC: 7:30am-6pm Green Valley: 6:45am-6:30pm No current dates are available for this tour
ST216B - Phoenix: East Valley Art and Culture
Tour Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West, a National Historic Landmark. Then it's off to the Arizona Culinary Institute for a gourmet lunch at one of Scottsdale's fine culinary schools. And then a final stop at the Zelma Basha Salmeri Gallery of Western American and Native American Art. Fee includes lunch, transportation, entry fees and guide.
Staff Tucson, CC: 7:30am-5:30pm Green Valley: 6:45am-6pm
ST219 - Whipple Observatory
After a short video presentation, at the observatory's Amado office, we'll take a bus up the winding mountain road to 8550 foot Mt. Hopkins to see the Multiple-Mirror Telescope and other astronomical instruments. About 3 blocks of walking. Bring lunch, water and coat or jacket. Admission included.
Gary Borax, experienced tour leader Tucson, CC: 7:30am-5pm Green Valley: 8am-4:30pm
ST222 - Historic Bisbee
Join us for a visit to the town that was once known as the "Queen of the Copper Camps" and is now an artist colony, retirement community and tourist center. We'll tour the historic town center, and visit the Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum. We'll have lunch in Bisbee at the majestic Copper Queen Hotel. After lunch, we'll take the underground tour of the Queen Mine; walking about 15 blocks at an elevation of 5300 ft. Bring water, a coat or jacket, and wear closed-toe walking shoes. Fee includes guide, transportation and entry/tour fees (meals not included).
Staff Tucson, CC: 7am-6:30pm Green Valley: 7:30am-6pm No current dates are available for this tour
ST239 - Ironwood Forest National Monument
Created in 2000 by President Bill Clinton, the Ironwood Forest National Monument is comprised of 129,000 acres of ironwood and mesquite groves, pristine desert, bighorn sheep, the occasional elephant tree, and the Ragged Top and Silverbell Mountains. We'll hike up to 3 miles among the cactus on the desert floor. You can hike up as much or as little as you wish. Bring lunch plus water and snacks, wear a hat and hiking boots, and don't forget your camera. Fee includes guide and transportation.
Staff Tucson, CC: 8am-5pm Tucson, NWC: 8:30am-4:30pm No current dates are available for this tour
ST240K - Exploring the Copper Creek Mining District: Galiuro Mountains
In the early 1900's, Copper Creek Canyon east of Mammoth, Arizona was the location of a dozen mines and the several hundred people who worked them and made up the community of Copper Creek. We’ll tour mine ruins, the ruins of the Copper Creek post office, cabins and cottage foundations, and the majestic stone-wall ruins of a large general store/school. We'll also see Copper Creek itself, cliff formations, sprawling canyons and get a close-up view of the impressive Sombrero Butte. Bring lunch and water. Fee includes guide and transportation.
Tom Feldsien, M.A. Tucson, CC: 8am-5:30pm Tucson, NWC: 8:30am-5pm
ST243 - Southern Arizona Lakes Tour
Yes, there really are lakes in Southern Arizona! We'll visit Pena Blanca Lake, Patagonia Lake and Parker Canyon Lake. Cool water and beautiful scenery. Short nature and scenic walks at all three sites. Bring lunch and water for a picnic.
Staff Tucson, CC: 8am-6:30pm Green Valley: 8:30am-6pm No current dates are available for this tour
ST244 - Cerro Colorado and the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge
We will explore the back roads around the Cerro Colorado Mountains in search of mule deer, large jack rabbits, javalinas, golden eagles, and other wildlife. Then, it's on to the Wildlife Refuge in search of pronghorn antelope. Warning, this tour has many miles of Arizona back road driving. But, if you like wildlife, this tour is for you. Bring plenty of water, snacks, lunch, and wear a hat, sunglasses and binoculars.
Staff Tucson, CC: 7:30am-5pm Green Valley: 8am-4:30pm No current dates are available for this tour
ST254 - Cochise County Ghost Town Trail
We'll walk through history, learning about the colorful past and seeing the remaining present ghost towns from the 1800’s heydays of Cochise County. We'll drive east of Benson and southeast to the scenic settings of Dragoon Springs, Cochise, Pearce, Courtland and Gleeson. We'll also see one of the oldest homesteads in southeastern Arizona, in the shadow of Cochise Stronghold. This day will have lots of driving, some of it on gravel roads. Wear sturdy shoes or boots for walking on uneven terrain. Bring water and snacks. We’ll stop for lunch at a local eatery (not included in fee).
Ali Iliff, B.A. Tucson, CC: 7:30am-5:30pm No current dates are available for this tour
ST257 - Cascabel Backroad Odyssey
We'll travel down one of the most scenic back roads in Southern Arizona - Cascabel Road along the San Pedro River. Our first stop is a visit to the eclectic southwestern, Singing Wind Bookshop on a ranch near Benson. We'll follow this with a guided tour of Gammon's Gulch, an 1850's Tucson look-alike cow town built for use as a Western movie set. Then, on down the road to a donkey rescue and residence facility that houses orphaned and disabled donkeys. We finish the day driving the scenic Redington Pass Road back to Tucson. Bring a picnic lunch and water.
Staff Tucson, CC: 8am-6pm No current dates are available for this tour
ST258 - Slaughter Ranch and Douglas, Arizona
Join us for a visit to Slaughter Ranch, named for John Slaughter, a former Texas Ranger, cattle-king and county sheriff. The ranch - now known as Johnson Historical Museum of the Southwest - is on the National Register of Historic Places, and a tribute to turn-of-the-century ranch life. Then, we're on to the historic Gadsden Hotel in Douglas, Arizona for a tour and lunch (not included in fee). Fee includes admissions, transportation and guide.
Staff Tucson, CC: 7:30am-6pm Green Valley: 8am-5:30pm No current dates are available for this tour
ST261 - Muleshoe Ranch Ramble
Located in the Galiuro Mountain foothills, Muleshoe Ranch was once part of the infamous Sierra Bonita Cattle Ranch and then Hooker Hot Springs Resort. We'll drive a scenic back road to the Ranch from Benson and visit the library and gift shop. We will also do a moderate 3 to 4-mile loop nature hike on the Ranch to look for wildlife and birds. (Participants can hike as much or as little as they like.) Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a picnic lunch and water. Fee includes guide and transportation.
Staff Tucson, CC: 7:30am-6pm Green Valley: 8am-5:30pm No current dates are available for this tour
ST265B - Florence Home Tour
Join us for the 2008 Historic Home Tour of Florence. Established in 1866 overlooking the Gila River, Florence is the fifth oldest town in Arizona. And yet, Main Street remains much as it was in the 1880's. With more than 120 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, Florence makes an impressive architectural impact. During the Annual Florence Historic Tour, visitors get a chance to see some of the town's finest historic gems. In addition to the home tour, we'll stop at the Tom Mix Memorial, visit the Pinal County Historical Museum, and McFarland State Historic Park. Tour involves about 3/4 mile stop-and-go walking. Bring water and wear comfortable walking shoes. We’ll stop for lunch (not included in fee). Fee includes admissions, transportation and guide.
Terri Contapay, M.A. Tucson, CC: 8am-5:30pm Green Valley: 7:15am-6:15pm No current dates are available for this tour
ST295 - The Ghosts of Fort Bowie
Come with Jack Lasseter back in time to Cochise's Chiricahua Apache War in Arizona with an all day trip to Apache Pass, Apache Springs and Fort Bowie National Historic Site. We will drive to Willcox, then south to Fort Bowie. We'll hear about the Sonoran Desert, Coronado and the Spanish entrada into Arizona, the history to Tucson, and the culture of the Chiricahua Apahce and of course, Cochise and his Chiricahua Apache War. At Fort Bowie there will be a 1 1/2 mile walk on a trail over rolling hills to the Fort, where we will eat lunch and hear of army life in remote Apache country. On our return trip we we'll hear about the Apache leaders Victorio Nana and Geronimo and the Butterfield Overland Stage. Wear comfortable walking shoes, plus bring a sack lunch and drinking water. You will feel the ghosts at Fort Bowie as we do.
Jack Lasseter, B.S., J.D., noted lecturer and experienced tour leader Tucson, CC: 8am-5:30pm No current dates are available for this tour
ST296 - The Butterfield Stage Station and Cochise's Stronghold
Go back in time to the 1800s with Jack Lasseter on an all day trip to visit the Dragoon station of the famous Butterfield Overland Stage Lines, and Cochise's Stronghold, the famous mountain fortress of the greatest Chiracahua Apache Chief. We will hear about the famous Butterfield Overland Mail, Apache culture, the life of Cochise, the story of his war with the Americans, his famous relationship with his American blood brother, Tom Jeffords, his peace treaty with General Howard and what happened to the Chiricahua Apache people. We'll eat lunch in Cochise's Stronghold. Wear comfortable walking shoes plus bring a sack lunch and drinking water. One cannot go to this special place without feeling the presence of that famous Apache chief who is entombed there.
Jack Lasseter, B.S., J.D., noted lecturer and experienced tour leader Tucson, CC: 8am-5:30pm No current dates are available for this tour
Backroads Adventures with John Dell
Join former Forest Ranger and veteran guide/naturalist John Dell on exploratory trips to some of the Southwest’s fascinating off-the-beaten path places. Benefit from John’s first-hand knowledge of the land, its secret remote places, and his love of outdoor adventure. Here is an opportunity to discover some of the rich heritage of our American Southwest. Bring lunch, water and wear good walking shoes on these excursions. Some adventures stop for dinner on the return (not included in the fee).
ST252Q - Flux Canyon and Harshaw Ghost Town
Another 4-wheel drive adventure into a rugged part of the Patagonia Mountains as it winds past the tailings, piles, and adits of the old Blue Eagle and World's Fair mines, both large producers in their time. We'll visit Harshaw, once a booming mining community of more than 2,000 people. This is a scenic drive through some of Arizona's prettiest backroads. Dinner on the return (not included in fee).
John Dell, B.A., retired forest ranger and naturalist Tucson, CC: 7am-8pm Green Valley: 7:30am-8:30pm No current dates are available for this tour
ST252K - Superstition Mountains Exploratory
This 4-wheel drive loop trip will take us into the eastern part of the Superstitions along the southern boundary of the Superstition Wilderness. We'll pass the Roger's Trough and Woodbury trailheads as we climb up into the higher elevations of a rich Sonoran desert landscape. Good viewpoints of Reavis Canyon, Picketpost Mountain and Superior. This is a steep and winding route in rugged country. Supper at a great Mexican restaurant in Florence on return via Pinal Pioneer Parkway (not included in fee).
John Dell, B.A., retired forest ranger and naturalist Tucson, CC: 7am-8pm Tucson, NWC: 7:30am-8:30pm No current dates are available for this tour
ST252R - Historic Camp Rucker, Skeleton Canyon and the Geronimo Surrender Site
A beautiful exploratory trip through the foothills of the southern Chiricahua Mountains, over the historic Tex Canyon Trail into the vast San Bernardino Valley. Then it's on to Skeleton Canyon in the Peloncillo Mountains and the site where Geronimo surrendered to General Miles in 1886. We'll return via Portal, over the Chiricahua Mountains and Pinery Canyon, back to Willcox with a dinner stop on the way home (not included in fee).
John Dell, B.A., retired forest ranger and naturalist Tucson, CC: 7:30am-8:30pm Green Valley: 8am-8pm
ST252D - Black Hills Backcountry Byway
This is the old Safford to Clifton Road built in the early 1900's. Highly influenced by volcanic activity, the route traverses a scenic and vast landscape of rolling hills and distant mountains. The Black Hills represent the northern end of the volcanic Peloncillo Mountains near the New Mexico border, adjoining a northern extension of the Chihuahuan Desert. This byway crosses the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area. Dinner on the return (not included in fee).
John Dell, B.A., retired forest ranger and naturalist Tucson, CC: 7:30am-8:30pm Green Valley: 8am-8pm
ST252B - West Dragoon Front Country and Cochise Stronghold
A highly scenic drive over dirt roads alongside the lofty rock spires on the rugged western ramparts of the Dragoon Mountain Range, once the home of Cochise and the fierce Chiricahua Apaches. We'll explore Council Rock, where the Apaches planned their raids and their strategies to avoid the U.S. Calvary, along with the entire west stronghold complex. Dinner on the return (not included in fee).
John Dell, B.A., retired forest ranger and naturalist Tucson, CC: 7:30am-8:30pm Green Valley: 8am-8pm
ST252S - Castle Hot Springs, Hieroglyphic Mountains, Sonoran Desert
The warm thermal waters of Castle Hot Springs, north of Phoenix, were a popular attraction at the turn of the 20th century. An exciting backroad route winds its way through the rugged Hieroglyphic Mountains in some of Arizona's most scenic and photographic landscapes. We will emerge near Wickenburg and return home on backroads and byways that take us through the Vulture Mountains and Gila Bend, avoiding the Phoenix traffic complex entirely. Dinner on the return (not included in fee).
John Dell, B.A., retired forest ranger and naturalist Tucson, CC: 7:30am-8:30pm
ST252H - Oracle to Mount Lemmon Control Road
This used to be the only route to Summerhaven and Mount Lemmon in the early days. Recent forest fires and storm damage have led to a deterioration of parts of the road so that today some areas require 4-wheel drive. We'll traverse a route from Lower Sonoran to the Canadian Life Zone as we ascend this historic and scenic route on the backside of the Santa Catalina Mountains. We'll take a coffee and snack break at the Iron Door after we make the top (not included in fee).
John Dell, B.A., retired forest ranger and naturalist Tucson, CC: 8am-5pm
Santa CruzValley Heritage Tours: A Sampler
The Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area Act (HR1885) was introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressman Raul Grijalva and Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords on April 17, 2007. Join us as we explore the Santa Cruz Valley and learn more about its history, people and cultural traditions. HK186B - Springtime in the Sonoita Creek State Natural Area (M)
A moderate 8.5 mile hike through the heart of a 9,000 acre newly-created riparian natural area that leads to Patagonia State Park. The delightful route along the flowing creek should be beautiful in the springtime as the vegetation puts on its new growth. This is a special area of exceptional biodiversity. Transportation provided. Dinner on the return (not included in fee).
John Dell, B.A., retired forest ranger and naturalist Tucson, CC: 7am-8pm Green Valley: 7:30am-8:30pm No current dates are available for this tour
ST117 - Reptiles Among the Saguaros
Arizona is a herpetologist's dream with 51 species of snakes, 49 lizards, 6 turtles, 25 frogs and 1 salamander. This tour helps you experience the natural and geologic history of two life zones in the Santa Catalina Mountains, emphasizing the resident reptiles of each. While enjoying spectacular scenery of area parks, learn reptile identification, how snakes swallow animals larger than their heads, the advantages of having a forked tongue, and the significance of lizard pushups and tail wagging. Walks are moderate on established trails. Bring binoculars, water, lunch and snacks.
Edward Moll, Ph.D. Tucson, CC: 7:45am-5:45pm Tucson, NWC: 8:30am-5pm
ST119A - Kitt Peak: A Daytime View
Enjoy cool, clear air atop a 7000 foot mountain on the Tohono O'odham reservation. See one of the world's largest collection of astronomical instruments; tour the Mayall 4-meter telescope, the Museum (with good buys on Tohono O'odham basketry), the McMath Solar Telescope, and a 2-meter telescope. Includes about 4 blocks of walking and several flights of stairs. Bring sack lunch, water and a sweater or jacket.
Gary Borax, experienced tour leader Tucson, CC: 7:30am-5pm Green Valley: 8am-4:30pm No current dates are available for this tour
ST149 - Tucson-Marana Rock Art and Archaeology
Tour will visit the Picture Rocks petroglyphs site, Los Morteros Hohokam village with ballcourt and bedrock mortars, upland Hohokam village and agricultural features sites, and the historic Bojorquez and Aguirre Ranch ruins. Bring your own picnic lunch and water.
Allen Dart, M.A., registered professional archaeologist Tucson, CC: 8am-2:30pm Tucson, NWC: 8:20am-2pm No current dates are available for this tour
ST210 - Ruby and Arivaca: Towns of Arizona - Past and Present
Traveling over the scenic Atascosa Mountains, we'll visit the ghost town of Ruby (elevation: 4219 feet) with Tallia Cahoon who grew up there in the mining town's heyday. Hear the tales and history of the mine, the school house, the jail and more. Listen as the crumbling adobes come to life! Then it's on to Arivaca, where we'll learn about this small Arizona town. We'll visit the local cemetery, and hear the tales of Arivaca's ties to Ruby's mining days and meet some of the people of Arivaca present. About 20 miles of the roads are corrugated dirt roads - not dangerous, just a little rough. Walking up to 3/4 mile, sometimes over rocky terrain. Bring lunch and water; wear sturdy walking shoes or boots. Entry fee included.
Tallia Cahoon, co-author of Ruby, Arizona: Mining, Mayhem and Murder Tucson, CC: 8am-5pm Green Valley: 8:30am-4:30pm No current dates are available for this tour
ST224 - Birds, Vineyards and History
Explore the grasslands and experience the small, historic communities east of the Santa Rita Mountains. Taste the joys of Arizona wines at wineries in Elgin. Includes visits to the Paton Hummingbird Preserve and the Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve. Lunch is included in tour fee.
Anna Helena Kummerli, experienced tour leader Tucson, CC: 8am-4:30pm Green Valley: 8:30am-5pm No current dates are available for this tour
ST262 - San Rafael State Park and More
Join us as we visit the San Rafael Natural Conservation Area also known as Sharp's Ranch, scheduled to be a state park in coming years. We have a special opportunity to see where the ranch scenes in the 1955 movie Oklahoma were filmed. We'll also tour the main French Colonial brick ranch house which was built in 1900. This is one of the most beautiful areas in Arizona. With no utility poles and miles and miles of open grasslands, you really do feel like the "the wind comes sweepin' down the plain". We'll also visit the mining camps of "water wheel" - the Arizona/Mexican border crossing that was closed in 1978. Caution, this tour has many miles of Arizona backroad driving - but if you like history and you enjoy beautiful countryside, join us!
Staff Tucson, CC: 7:30am-6pm Green Valley: 8am-5:30pm No current dates are available for this tour
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