Tucson in June. What to Do?
Mar 6th, 2010, 04:40 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 11,525
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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...
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...
Mar 6th, 2010, 04:58 PM
#2
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 27,868
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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
Mt. Lemmon http://emol.org/tour/
here's my trip report
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...ong-report.cfm
Mar 6th, 2010, 05:46 PM
#3
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 2,087
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
This is invaluable http://www.mikepintucson.blogspot.com/
He covers everything you could possible need to know.
He covers everything you could possible need to know.
Mar 7th, 2010, 09:20 PM
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 11,525
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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
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
Mar 8th, 2010, 05:02 AM
#6
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 27,868
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
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.
Mar 8th, 2010, 04:50 PM
#8
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,739
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
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.
Mar 8th, 2010, 05:52 PM
#9
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 6,418
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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?
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?
Mar 10th, 2010, 03:46 PM
#11
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.
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.
Mar 12th, 2010, 04:47 AM
#13
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.
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.
Mar 16th, 2010, 11:27 AM
#18
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 4,935
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sorry, spelled it wrong & the link was on my other computer - http://azstateparks.com/Parks/KACA/index.html
Mar 16th, 2010, 11:33 AM
#19
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,020
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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'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.
Mar 16th, 2010, 11:44 AM
#20
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,020
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
