Tucson in June. What to Do?
 

Mr. Pickle has to work a couple of days at a handbell festival in Tucson in mid-June. He'd like our 14yo son and I to accompany him.

Besides staying somewhere with a pool, what can we do with our time? I have the most recent Fodor's Arizona guide, but haven't had much time to look through it yet.

Lee Ann - yes, I know it's a dry heat, but still...

We were there in July 06:

Mt. Lemmon http://emol.org/tour/

here's my trip report

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...ong-report.cfm

This is invaluable http://www.mikepintucson.blogspot.com/

He covers everything you could possible need to know.

Mike was a super resource; I think he is no longer on fodors - shame. Glad you have his blog.

Thanks for the links, Deb!

traveller69, thanks for mentioning Mike. I was thinking of going over to TTG and asking him.

We're flexible as to activities, but I really don't care for hot weather, so we'll see how it goes. We may try to get to the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum early one morning.

Lee Ann

Lee Ann,
You MUST be at the museum when it opens, or it will be too hot for you and the animals will dissappear from view as they seek shade and go to sleep for the day. Mt Lemmon was a delightfully cool oasis, I couldn't believe it was so much cooler up there.

That's what I was thinking, Deb. Mt. Lemmon sounds good, though I'm not sure if I want to drive the company's 15-passenger van up there!

Lee Ann

Have you decided on a hotel? We were looking for a smaller type resort and mike recommended the westward look resort. This was in july 07 but we really loved it. I've had too many conferences in the AZ mammoth mega resorts - like the scottsdale princess and phoenician - and wanted something a bit more low key. This one was in good proximity of our activities, had a nice trail around the property, good breakfasts, pool, spa, tons of hummingbirds.

http://www.westwardlook.com/

The sonara desert museum was really fun but do try to go as early as possible. When we were there, they were offering a few evening hours each week so you might see if they still are.
As we were leaving around 11 am, some animals were already blending into the desert gardens asleep, a bit tougher to spot. Saquaro nat'l park is simply amazing, and both sides are must-sees. You can just drive through them if its too hot.
For us its often a matter of doing it then, or not at all. And really, it's never bad; it's 'dry' heat :)

Do you want restaurant reccos? Will have to look them up but recall an inexpensive lunch at Molina's Midway mexican restaurant, one of 3 in tucson.

You may find the heat in June is less dry than expected. Generally the monsoons start Junish-July.

At any rate, besides the wonderful Mt. Lemmon, you might want to head south a bit to Madera Canyon (near Green Valley). Also much cooler than the city, with nice hiking and biking.

The Botanical Garden is very nice. Your son might be interested in visiting Biosphere 2 (about 25 miles north of the city).

Any idea yet where you'll be staying?

The conference is being held at the El Conquistador Golf and Tennis Resort, so I'm guessing we may stay there. I'm off to check out the links y'all gave me. Thanks!

Lee Ann

I'll be there at the end of this month so I'm eager to read the responses here. We'll be in Green Valley.

I love the Desert Museum. If you can catch the hawk show, it is worth seeing. We've also hiked in Madera Canyon and enjoyed that. Some of the trails are very challenging so choose ones to match your abilities.

I think we'll visit Kartchner Caverns and Sabino during this visit. I'll try to post a trip report.

Birdie!

You may still find water running in Sabino. We've been getting hammered with rain this spring (not complaining) and there is a TON of snow in the Catalinas.

lennyba!!

We hiked up to snow on a Madera trail two years ago. It was hot so we were a little surprised.

Do you have a preference for one of the Kartchner tours?

I am sooo looking forward to this trip.

I think I liked the Big Room tour a little better, but they are both well worth it. I hope you have a great trip! Let me know if you need hiking ideas.

Thanks, lennyba. I'll do a little more planning and then I'll let you know.

That sounds like fun, skytrixaz. Thanks!

Lee Ann

We are visiting that area in a couple of weeks, I'll post a trip report but Karchner Caves has been highly recommended.

Sorry, spelled it wrong & the link was on my other computer - http://azstateparks.com/Parks/KACA/index.html

Lee Ann,

I'm glad someone provided my link. I haven't been on Fodor's recently, so missed this thread.

Definitely get to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum when it opens at 7:30AM. After that, head east for the drive up Mt. Lemmon, where it will be 30 degrees cooler than in town. Have lunch on the patio at the Iron Door Restaurant and maybe take the ski lift up to the top of the mountain. Spend the rest of the hot afternoon by the pool.

On another day, early, drive the 9-mile loop road around Saguaro National Park East, stopping at the many pullouts to read the storyboards about the Sonoran desert. After that, head down to Kartchner Caverns for the Rotunda/Throne Room tour. It is a pleasant 68 degrees inside, so a very nice Summer activity.

I would like to add -- IMO, Kartchner Caverns is a definite must-see. Of the two tours, I prefer the Rotunda/Throne Room tour. In any event, the Big Room tour is closed from mid-October to mid-April.