Tuscon Official Destination Guide - Fall/Winter 2008 - (Page 61)

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE & NATURE OUTDOOR RECREATION Photography clockwise: Sabino Canyon by Lorraine DarConte Mount Lemmon by Jeff Bonner FINGER ROCK TRAIL North-central Tucson at the north end of Alvernon Way. A highly visible landmark in the Santa Catalina Mountains, Finger Rock is extremely steep—climbing from 3,000 to more than 7,000 feet. The wildlife is diverse, and the city views spectacular. The 10-mile round trip is for intermediate to advanced hikers. 2* O-19 TUCSON’S URBAN HIKES Here’s a sample of the several splendid short trails along the dry riverbeds near the city. Rillito River Park Trail This trail winds through the city beside the Rillito riverbed. The asphalt trail on the north side of the river is a favorite for walkers, joggers, skaters, and cyclists. Parking sites and trail access points are available at major cross streets on park route. Visit www.pima.gov/nrpr for a map. A fun, easy hike for all ages. 6@ J-15 Santa Cruz River Park Trail This mostly flat route follows the banks of the normally dry Santa Cruz River, west of Interstates 10 and 19. Paths on both sides of the river from Grant Road to 29th Street, and from Ajo Way to Irvington Road. To reach the trail, simply follow any major downtown street west to the river. 6( K-11 If outdoor recreation is what you’re looking for, Southern Arizona is a dream come true. The variety of terrain and climate zones occurring here provides many opportunities for adventure. Always travel with a mobile phone and water, even in winter, and leave your travel plans with a friend. Map codes and coordinates correspond to Tucson City Map unless otherwise noted. CYCLING & MOUNTAIN BIKING Tucson has been ranked by Bicycling magazine as one of the nation’s top bicycle-friendly cities for our well-paved and marked lanes on major streets, as well as many scenic mountain-biking trails. MATT HAGE HIKING Don’t leave Tucson without visiting one of the beautiful parklands surrounding the city. You’ll find trails, ranging from leisurely strolls to challenging treks, that can take you from desert floor to pine-topped mountain peaks. SABINO CANYON RECREATION AREA 749-2861, 5900 N. Sabino Canyon Rd., east Tucson. $5 parking fee. Tram $8/adult, $3/child 3–12. Open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Some areas under reconstruction due to flooding. Allow 2–4 hours. MT. LEMMON 749-8700, north on Catalina Highway, one hour to the summit. $5/vehicle. A short drive will take you thousands of feet above Tucson, where the temperature averages about 20 degrees cooler. Stop at the Palisade Visitor Center at milepost 19.8 for a trail map. During the winter, check road conditions by calling the Pima County Sheriff’s Department Road Conditions Hotline, 547-7510. y 4* SO. AZ MAP PIMA CANYON TRAIL In north Tucson. The trailhead is at the east end of Magee Rd., just past Christie Dr. (the extension of 1st Ave.). Mountain biking MISSION SAN XAVIER DEL BAC 294-2624, off I-19 at exit 92. Free. 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Allow 2–3 hours. Sabino Canyon offers spectacular views, a variety of wildlife, and dozens of marked trails that range from easy to advanced. Favorites include the Telephone Line Trail and Bear Canyon. 6$ T-17 WWW.VISITTUCSON.ORG This is an exceptional hike for wildlife and scenery. Pima Canyon is a bighorn sheep preserve. Steep climbs and rugged trails are for intermediate and advanced hikers. 5* M-20 Begin your tour at Congress Street and Grande Avenue, west of I-10. Grande Avenue becomes Mission Road as you travel south. The bike lane ends south of Drexel Road but the road remains well paved into the San Xavier Indian Reservation. Intermediate, 1-hour ride. 4^ J-3 TUCSON OFFICIAL DESTINATION GUIDE 61 http://www.pima.gov/nrpr http://www.visittucson.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Tuscon Official Destination Guide - Fall/Winter 2008

Tuscon Official Destination Guide - Fall/Winter 2008 Contents Welcome to Tucson Maps & Transportation Accommodations Culinary Heritage & Culture Outdoor Adventure & Nature Golf Attractions & the Arts Shopping Newcomers & Services Index

Tuscon Official Destination Guide - Fall/Winter 2008

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