I'll be staying next week at the Loews Ventana in Tucson. Since i have limited time and I want to relax, what is a must see in Tucson area (I love scenery and hike trails

As I grew up in Tucson and return often here are my must sees for hiking and scenery:
Sabino Canyon-not to far from Ventana on the east side, closed to cars and beautiful Catalina foothill location.
Arizona Sonora Desert Museum/Saghuaro
National Monument-over on the westside and the 'musuem' is like no other!
The Saghuaro cactus only grows in the Sonoran desert here and in parts of Northern NM-the drive out is beautiful!
R5

Just a note on Sabino Canyon. Mountain lions have been noticed in the park during the day (the cougars are generally only out at night) and have been reported getting close to the main road and not backing down when confronted. Actually, the Coronado Forrest Rangers are considering closing the park until they can track the lions. Neighborhoods around the park are having problems also. The Arizona Daily Star 3/02/04 has a report on this. I haven't checked, but their website might have something on this also. www.astarnet.com I have lived here all my life, and know the canyon well, this rare for them to want to close the park.

Madi, you have several answers to this same question under your other post; instead of reposting, find your old post, please. The easiest way to do it is to click on your screen name in the upper left hand corner of the Travel Talk page--all your posts will be listed.

Mountain lions notwithstanding, put Sabino Canyon at the top of the list. I'll ahve to assume that authorities wouldn't allowed people in there if it was unsafe.

AZGRL,
I live in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. There are all sorts of published guides for this area. Even so, if you came to visit I could take you to uncrowded waterfalls, little known hillsides abloom with wildflowers, special places to see the best of our local birds, etc. None of these personal favorites would be found in any guide book. But they're all great places.

I'll bet you know of such places around Tucson. Would you care to share? I've been to all of the wonderful detinations mentioned earlier. Now I would like to see some less popular spots. If you would like to respond in a less public way, my email is: [email protected].

I hope to hear from you.
Happy trails!

Why did you pick that particular hotel? We're trying to decide on a hotel in the area and any info. is welcome. Thanks.

Reddington Pass (check the spelling) off of Tanque Verde road is a nice hike, with waterfalls. It's not a state park, so I don't think it would be in guide books. Get on Tanque Verde Road and head east. Road will turn into a dirt road. Follow it and you'll see cars parked along the side. There is also Madera Canyon, near Green Valley. By the way, I heard on the news that Sabino Canyon's water is finally starting to turn clear (we had a major fire in the mountains) However, it will be quite sometime before it will ever be back to the way it should be. The park rangers are stii debating whether to close the park. I think people are willing to take the risk because the canyon is so beautiful, even with the blackwater.

I forgot to mention that I happen to love the Ventana Canyon Resort. Even though I live in Tucson, when I need to just get away to relax I often stay at Ventana. All the resorts have something different, I just feel comfortable at Ventana.

I agree with azgirl, Loews Ventana is a great resort. Great bathtubs!
Reddington Pass is a wonderful area to hike. Be prepared to see nude hikers, however.
When you go up Reddington Pass there are three areas to hike in - the lower, middle and upper areas. You'll see cars parked all around these different access points. My favorite is the middle; you hike down to water and then can hike along the water to different waterfalls and pools of water. My dogs love this area! With all of the moisture we have had lately the falls should be nice!
It's also worth a trip to Kartchner Caverns - really awesome. Call ahead to reserve a spot, though.