The Best Sight in Tucson, Arizona

Background Illustration for Sights

Central Tucson—which has most of the shops, restaurants, and businesses—is roughly bounded by Craycroft Road to the east, Oracle Road to the west, River Road to the north, and 22nd Street to the south. The older Downtown section, east of Interstate 10 off the Broadway-Congress exit, is smaller and easy to navigate on foot. Downtown streets don't run on any sort of grid, however, and many are one way, so it's best to get a good, detailed map. The city's Westside area is the vast region west of Interstates 10 and 19, which includes the western section of Saguaro National Park and the San Xavier Indian Reservation.

Madera Canyon

With approximately 200 miles of scenic trails, the recreation area of Madera Canyon—which includes Mount Wrightson, the highest peak in Southern Arizona, at 9,453 feet—is a haven for hikers and birders. Trails vary from a steep trek up Mount Baldy to a paved, wheelchair-accessible path along the creek. Birders flock here year-round; about 400 avian species have been spotted in the area.

There are picnic tables and ramadas near the parking areas, and camping is available. The Santa Rita Lodge, with charming cabins, has numerous bird feeders and a gift shop. Friends of Madera Canyon operate an information station here on the weekends.

Canyon
Madera Canyon Rd., Madera Canyon, AZ, 85614, USA
520-281–2296-Nogales Ranger District office
www.fs.usda.gov/coronado
Sight Details
$8

Something incorrect in this review?