Chickery's Travels

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  • Home
  • Campground Reviews
    • The Best U.S. National Park Campgrounds
    • 28 Must-See State Park Campgrounds You Can’t Miss
    • Alternatives To National Park Campgrounds: Discover Hidden Gems Just Outside the Park Boundaries
    • Best Luxury RV Resorts For All RV Types
    • Best Waterfront Campgrounds For Every Budget
    • Alabama
      • Gunter Hill Campground (Montgomery, Alabama)
    • Arizona
      • Best Campgrounds in Arizona
      • Aspen Campground (Payson, Arizona)
      • LazyDays KOA (Tucson, Arizona)
      • Lost Dutchman State Park (Phoenix, AZ)
    • Arkansas
      • Catherine’s Landing (Hot Springs, Arkansas)
      • Downtown Riverside RV Park (Little Rock, Arkansas)
    • California
      • Best Campgrounds in California
      • Crescent City Redwoods KOA (Crescent City, California)
      • Sea Breeze RV Park (Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station)
    • Delaware
      • Cape Henlopen State Park (Lewes, Delaware)
    • Florida
      • Best Campgrounds in Florida
      • Blue Angel Naval Recreation Area (Pensacola, FL)
      • Jonathan Dickinson State Park (Southeast FL)
      • LazyDays RV Resort (Tampa, FL)
      • MacDill AFB FamCamp (Tampa, FL)
      • Military Camping in Key West
      • Patrick AFB FamCamp (Cocoa Beach, FL)
      • Rainbow Springs State Park & Campground (Ocala, FL)
      • Walt Disney World’s Fort Wilderness (Orlando, FL)
        • Halloween at Disney’s Fort Wilderness
        • Chickery’s Travels Podcast Episode 5: Fort Wilderness Campground Review
    • Maryland
      • Cherry Hill Park (College Park, Maryland)
    • Michigan
      • Port Huron KOA (Kimball, Michigan)
    • Nevada
      • Las Vegas RV Campgrounds: Nellis Air Force Base and Lake Mead RV Village
      • Boondocking Near Las Vegas
    • New Hampshire
      • Lincoln / Woodstock KOA (New Hampshire)
    • New York
      • Round Pond Recreation Area (West Point, NY)
    • North Carolina
      • Outer Banks West / Currituck Sound KOA (Coinjock, North Carolina)
    • Oklahoma
      • Oklahoma City East KOA (Choctaw, Oklahoma)
    • Texas
      • Best Campgrounds in Texas
      • Alsatian RV Resort (Castroville, Texas)
      • Maverick Ranch (Lajitas, Texas)
      • Texas Wine Country Jellystone (Fredericksburg, Texas)
    • Tennessee
      • Camp Margaritaville (Pigeon Forge, TN)
      • Crossville I-40 KOA (Crossville, TN)
      • Midway RV Park (Memphis, TN)
    • Virginia
      • Complete Guide to Camping at Shenandoah National Park
      • Fort Belvoir Travel Camp (Alexandria, VA)
      • Harrisonburg / Shenandoah Valley KOA (Broadway, Virginia)
      • Shenandoah Views Campground (Luray, Virginia)
      • Lynchburg / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA (Monroe, Virginia)
      • Shenandoah River State Park (Bentonville, Virginia)
    • Washington
      • Crescent Bar RV Resort (Quincy, Washington)
    • West Virginia
      • Harper’s Ferry KOA (Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia)
  • USA
    • Alaska
      • 5 Things You Can’t Miss On Your First Trip To Alaska
    • Arizona
      • Apache Trail: A Crazy, Scary, Beautiful Drive
      • Best of Tucson – 10 Unforgettable Activities
      • Lost Dutchman State Park (Phoenix, Arizona)
      • Phoenix Faves: Best Activities to Enjoy on Your Arizona Vacation
    • District of Columbia
      • Budget Friendly Fun in Washington D.C.
      • Favorite Hikes near Washington DC
      • Indoor Skydiving and TopGolf: Just Another Day of Family Fun!
    • Florida
      • Best Walt Disney World Festivals For Adults
      • Blowing Rocks Preserve – Jupiter Island, Florida
      • Bok Tower Gardens
      • Daytona Beach – The World’s Most Famous Beach
      • Enjoy the Best of Sunny Sarasota
      • Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
      • Gasparilla – Tampa’s Pirate Invasion
      • 3 Days on the Nature Coast 
      • Get Back to Nature in Tampa Bay
      • Florida Freshwater Springs on the Nature Coast
      • Halloween at Disney’s Fort Wilderness
      • Kennedy Space Center – Cape Canaveral
      • Island Hopping at Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island State Parks
      • Must See Sights in St. Augustine, FL – America’s Oldest City
      • Rainbow Springs State Park & Campground (Dunnellon, Florida)
      • Take Me Out to the Ball Game – Spring Training in Tampa, FL
      • Tarpon Springs – The Gulf Coast Town with Greek Flavor
      • The 5 Best Beaches in the Tampa Bay Area
      • Top 5 Things to Do on Florida’s Space Coast
      • What Not to Do When Kayaking on the Weeki Wachee River
      • Why We Love Tampa
      • Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure
    • Georgia
      • Visiting Atlanta? Don’t Miss These Civil Rights Museums
    • Hawaii
      • Everything You Need to Know About Camping in a Jeep Wrangler in Hawaii
    • Illinois
      • One Day In The Windy City – Chicago Itinerary
    • Maine
      • Coastal Maine Road Trip
      • Discover the Beauty of Monhegan Island, Maine
      • Acadia National Park: Highlights You Can’t Miss
    • Nevada
      • Best Campgrounds in Nevada
      • Las Vegas RV Campgrounds: Nellis Air Force Base and Lake Mead RV Village
    • New Hampshire
      • Experience the Magic of New Hampshire’s White Mountains
    • North Carolina
      • Complete Guide to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
      • Uncover the Coastal Charm of North Carolina’s Outer Banks | A Guide for Visitors
    • Tennessee
      • Complete Guide to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
      • Burgess Falls: 3 For 1 Waterfall Special
      • National Civil Rights Museum – Memphis, TN
      • Window Cliffs, TN – I’m Not Afraid of Heights, But I am Afraid of Falling!
      • WWII History in Tennessee
    • Texas
      • Best Restaurants in Fredericksburg
      • Enjoy a Bird’s Eye View of Texas Hill Country
      • Explore Nature’s Untamed Beauty at Big Bend National Park
    • Utah
      • Discover the Best of Zion National Park
    • Virginia
      • Explore Great Falls Park, Virginia
  • RV Resources
    • 3 Simple Steps to Find the Best RV Campgrounds
    • 5 Years Full-Time RV: Lessons Learned & Biggest Regret
    • Boondocking – What We Learned From Our First Dry Camping Experience
    • Tips for Boondocking Success
    • Essential RV Gear
      • Essential RV Gear Guide
      • DIY RV Power & Solar Upgrade
      • RV Must Have: Tire Pressure Monitoring System
      • RV SnapPads Product Review
      • RVLOCK Keyless Entry Door Handle Installation and Review
      • Shop “RV Local” With TechnoRV
      • Top RV Gadgets & Accessories
      • WeBoost Cellular Booster Review
    • Maintenance
      • DIY RV Power & Solar Upgrade
      • DIY Power Upgrade – “Solar Ready” Arctic Fox Fifth Wheel
      • An Easy Way to Protect Your RV Water Heater
      • Easy DIY Project to Protect Your RV Water System
      • How to Reduce the Likelihood of Tire Blowouts on your RV
      • Odor Free RV Black Tank Tips
      • RV Condensation: What It Is, What It Does, and How To Stop It
      • RV Roofs – What You Need to Know
    • Living in an RV
      • 9 Lessons From 2 1/2 Years on the Road
      • Dealing with my Biggest Full-Time Travel Struggle, Missing Family While Traveling
      • Downsizing: 3 Areas That Make The Biggest Impact
      • Full-Time RV: 2019 Year in Review
      • Full-Time RV: 2018 Year in Review
      • Full-Time RV Travel – 2017 Year In Review
      • How Full-Time RVers Celebrate the Holidays
      • Get Ready for Full-Time RV Travel
      • Internet Solutions for RV Travelers
      • The Ultimate Guide to Embracing the Full-Time RV Lifestyle
      • Living in a Tiny, Traveling Home
      • Making Friends (and reconnecting with old friends) While Traveling Full-Time
      • Pros & Cons of Full-Time RV Travel
      • RV Organization & Storage Ideas
      • Short-Term RV Storage: Leaving The RV Behind
      • Top 3 Lessons Learned & Biggest Regret: 3 Years Full-Time RV Living
      • What We Wish We Knew Before Full-Time RVing – Stories from the Road
      • What You Need To Know Before Selling Everything And Moving To An RV
      • Why We Are Traveling Full-Time In Our RV
    • Must Read Books Before Becoming A Full-time RVer
    • RV Organization & Storage Ideas
    • RV Remodel
      • Planning an RV Remodel
      • RV Kitchen Cooking Videos
      • Painting Your RV Interior
      • Update the RV Kitchen – Backsplashes & More
      • Updating Your RV Window Treatments
      • RV Bedroom Makeover
      • RV Remodel Costs with Before & After Photos
      • Vintage Camper Renovation
    • RV Holiday Tour – Decorating Our Small Space
    • RV Hurricane Evacuation
    • RV Misery Can Be Overcome By The Generosity Of Others
    • How Book Readers Can Space and Weight in the RV
    • Slow Travel
    • Small Kitchen Cooking
      • Eating Healthy on Travel Days
    • Staying Healthy
      • Traveling with Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, and Other Chronic Pain Conditions
    • Trip Planning
    • Traveling with Pets
      • RVing with Your Cat
      • Traveling with Restricted Breed Dogs
    • Why I Prefer RV Travel Over Flying
    • Your Guide To Planning The Best Family Vacation This Summer
  • Travel Finance
    • 5 Tips to Save on RV Travel
    • 5 Ways to Fund Full-Time Travel
    • Creative Ways To Save Money On Your Next Vacation
    • Full-Time RV Expenses
      • Annual Full-Time RV Expenses – The Big Three
    • Five Credit Card Strategies To Improve Travel
    • How Much Do Campgrounds Cost?
    • How Much Does it Cost to RV Full-Time?
    • How to Camp for Free
    • How to Start a Profitable Blog
    • How to Save Money on RV Fuel Costs
    • How to Save on Food While Camping
    • How We Earn A Living While Traveling Full-Time (And How You Can Too)
    • How We Paid $139,000 of Debt in 2 Years While Full-Time RVing
    • Learn How to Finance Your Dreams
    • The Top 7 Ways to Save Money While Traveling Full-Time
    • RV Purchasing
      • RV Purchasing: Understanding RV Types
      • Benefits of Renting an RV: Try Before You Buy
      • Should I Buy A New or Used RV?
      • The Costs of RV Ownership
      • The True Cost of Financing an RV
      • Attend An RV Show – Even If You Already Own An RV | Exciting Reasons Why
    • Save Money Using the Public Library (On More Than Just Books)
  • Military Travel
    • Guide To Using Military Campgrounds
    • Health Care for Retired Military Full-Time RVers
    • Why Military Retirees Should Fly Space-A
  • About Us
    • RV Shows We’re Attending
    • Contact Us
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5:02 pm by Julie Chickery Leave a Comment

Best of Tucson – 10 Unforgettable Activities

To truly experience Tucson, you have to take advantage of all that this city has to offer. From rugged desert hikes to historic landmarks and unique cultural attractions, there is plenty to see and explore here. For tourists on the hunt for outdoor adventure and southwestern culture set among sunny skies, we’ve compiled a list of the top activities in Tucson that you can’t miss.

Table of Contents
  • Saguaro National Park
  • Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
  • Old Tucson
  • Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway
  • Catalina State Park
  • Tucson Loop Bike Path
  • San Xavier del Bac
  • Pima Air and Space Musuem
  • Where to Stay
  • Plan Your Trip Today

Saguaro National Park

Saguaro cacti in Tucson Mountain District of Saguaro National Park

If you are visiting Tucson, don’t pass up the chance to visit Saguaro National Park. The breathtaking Saguaro National Park, home to the iconic saguaro cactus, offers some incredible scenic drives, nature walks, and hikes with stunning views of the desert landscapes and wildlife.

The layout of the park is unlike any that we’ve visited because it has two distinct districts (east and west) that are divided by the city. If you only have time to visit one part of the park, we recommend Saguaro National Park West which boasts the highest concentration of Saguaro cacti in the world. The Saguaro towers up to 50 feet tall and can live for over two centuries.

After a stop at the visitor’s center, the scenic Bajada Loop Drive is the best way to start your exploration of the park. It is an unpaved, graded dirt road that offers scenic pullouts and hiking trailheads in a 6-mile loop. Some of the best trails for an overview of the park include:

  • Valley View Overlook Trail – At just under 1 mile this easy trek offers a beautiful panoramic view from a small rise over the desert.
  • Wild Dog Trail – Beginning at the same parking area as Valley View Overlook, this easy hike is just under two miles and is a great add-on if you want to spend a little more time winding through the desert landscape. As you progress along the path, you will encounter several interesting rock formations.
  • Signal Hill Trail – This is another great out-and-back nature walk that comes in at just .3 miles. It’s a great opportunity to stretch your legs and walk through a sea of Saguaro and to see some petroglyphs.
  • Cactus Wren Trail – Beginning at the same parking area as the Signal Hill Trail, this is a great add-on that would result in a total of a 3.9-mile loop. Along the way, hikers can expect to see several species of birds, including the namesake cactus wren. The trail is fairly easy, but the west half of the loop gets pretty sandy which can provide a bit more of a challenge.

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

A photo of a desert landscape with prickly pear and saguaro cactus. A great-horned owl sits on a low branch while Sean Chickery snaps a photo of it.

Nature enthusiasts and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of desert ecosystems will find plenty to explore and learn at this world-renowned museum. With over 85 acres of Sonoran desert habitat and trails, the museum showcases the region’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. Part-zoo, part-desert botanical garden, the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum has a range of interactive exhibits and live shows that showcase the essence of the desert’s ecosystem and its inhabitants. Our favorite live show is the Raptor Free Flight program, where you can see hawks, eagles, and falcons soaring overhead.

The Desert Loop Trail at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a 1/2-mile walking trail that winds its way through the museum’s outdoor exhibits. The trail offers visitors a chance to view and learn about the flora and fauna of the Sonoran Desert. The trail is well-marked, and several interpretive signs along the way provide information about the plants and animals found in the area. Along the trail, you’ll encounter a wide variety of cacti, desert trees, and other vegetation. You’ll also get a chance to observe animals such as coyotes, javelinas, and tortoises.

If you’re interested in geology and the history of the Southwest, the Earth Sciences Center is not to be missed. Here, you can see stunning mineral specimens, learn about the geological processes that formed the Sonoran Desert, and explore the museum’s extensive collection of fossils.

The museum is also home to a world-class art gallery that showcases the work of regional artists. With rotating exhibitions that change throughout the year, there’s always something new to discover. From photography to sculpture to painting, the diverse collection of art at the museum reflects the beauty and diversity of the Sonoran Desert.

Old Tucson

Stage coach in front of a building in Old Tucson

Old Tucson has been a popular spot for tourists for more than 80 years, offering a glimpse into the olden days of the West. With a wide variety of attractions, shows, and activities, Old Tucson is a fun-filled theme park for all ages. This article highlights what to see and do at Old Tucson.

It’s been a filming location for many Western movies and TV shows like Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, Tombstone, The Three Amigos, and many others. Today you can take a walking tour of the Movie Set Museum to learn about the history of the movie industry and see original sets, costumes, and props used in famous Western movies.

Old Tucson also offers several live shows that recreate the Wild West era including gunfights, stunt shows, and musical performances. Don’t miss the High Noon shootout and the Can Can show, which are some of the most popular shows in the park.

Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway

View of evergreen trees and Tucson from Mount Lemmon

With its picturesque hairpin turns and stunning mountain views, the Mt. Lemmon or Sky Island Scenic Byway makes for an unforgettable 24-mile drive (each way). Beginning in the northeastern part of the city, this paved road will take you from the Sonoran Desert to the forested summit of the Santa Catalina Mountains.

At over 9,000 feet in elevation, Mount Lemmon is known as Babad Do’ag (or Frog Mountain) to
the Tohono O’odham, the Indigenous people of the area. On your drive up the mountain, you’ll encounter numerous scenic pull-outs, a visitor center, and trailheads to the over 250 miles of trails that weave across the Santa Catalina Mountain Range.

Due to the elevation, it provides a great way to beat the heat in Tucson. The temperature drops around 20 degrees from the base, so it is always a good idea to bring a jacket or sweater.

During the winter, you can ski or snowboard at Ski Valley on the summit. They operate their ski lift for scenic rides the rest of the year.

Catalina State Park

Mountain views and hikers in Catalina State Park

Another great option for nature lovers is Catalina State Park. It offers a plethora of outdoor activities, including hiking, birdwatching, camping, and more. Located on the northwestern side of the city, Catalina State Park boasts over 24 miles of hiking trails, accommodating hikers of all skill levels. Start with the easy 1-mile Catalina Nature Trail or the 1.3-mile Catalina Birding Trail that goes along the river part of the way.

For a more challenging hike with gorgeous mountain views, try the Romero Canyon Trail to the Romero Pools. This 6.1-mile out-and-back hike climbs 1,318 feet in elevation so make sure you have plenty of water on hand and are acclimated to desert hiking. Also, be aware that if you go during the fall months, you won’t see much water at the pools.

Tucson Loop Bike Path

Man cycling Tucson Loop Bike Path

Tucson Loop Bike Path is one of the best ways to explore the natural beauty of Tucson while staying active. This 131-mile multi-use trail traverses the beautiful Sonoran Desert and is perfect for cycling, running, and walking. Most of the trail is flat and easy to navigate, making it a perfect option for those looking to get outside and move their bodies. It also links many cultural sites around the city providing you with an alternative means of travel.

San Xavier del Bac

Front facade of San Xavier del Bac in Tucson

This beautiful architectural masterpiece is about 10 miles south of downtown Tucson. San Xavier del Bac, also known as the “White Dove of the Desert,” was a Spanish mission founded by Father Eusebio Kino in 1692 to convert the O’odham people. Today, visitors can explore the history of the mission by touring the church, which boasts stunning Baroque architecture, and its surrounding grounds, which include the historic cemetery.

San Xavier del Bac is home to one of the finest collections of Spanish Colonial art in the country. Adorning the walls and ceilings of the church are original frescoes, which were painted in the 1700s by Native American artist, Juan Bautista de Anza. These murals tell the history of the area and the founding of the mission. Additionally, the mission houses a museum, which displays a collection of religious and cultural artifacts.

Pima Air and Space Musuem

Military aircraft at the Pima Air and Space Museum in Tucson

As Air Force veterans, we visit every air and space museum we encounter on our travels. We really enjoyed Pima Air and Space Museum’s impressive collection of over 350 historical aircraft and spacecraft. We took the guided tram tour and then spent the rest of the time wandering around looking at a diverse range of aircraft, including military and vintage civilian planes. Some notable aircraft on display include the SR-71 Blackbird, a high-altitude reconnaissance plane that holds the record for the fastest air-breathing manned aircraft, and a Boeing B-29 Superfortress, a massive bomber plane that was used during World War II. There’s also a lunar module and a replica of the Wright Brothers’ first successful airplane.

Where to Stay

Hilton Tucson El Conquistador Resort with mountains in the background

Located in Tucson’s Oro Valley, the Hilton Tucson El Conquistador Resort has been recognized for its award-winning golf and tennis facilities. The resort has 3 golf courses, 31 lighted tennis courts, and 4 swimming pools. Featuring stunning views of the resort’s 500 acres and the surrounding Santa Catalina Mountains, this is the place to stay if you want to relax in luxury while visiting the area.

Two people having lunch in front of a Deluxe Cabin at the Tucson KOA.

Another great place to stay closer to the airport is the Tucson LazyDays KOA. It offers RV and tent sites, as well as deluxe southwest-inspired cabins so there is a place to stay for everyone. The campground also boasts a bar and grill, two swimming pools, and a fitness room.

Plan Your Trip Today

Tucson has plenty of fun, exciting, and amazing attractions to explore for tourists from all over the globe. These are just a few of the things to do and places to see that are not to be missed. Whether you’re into nature, art, history, food, or outdoor adventure, or just want to experience the city’s vibe, take time to enjoy some of the top picks listed above. Remember, by the time your trip ends, you’ll discover why Tucson is one of the fastest-selling tourist destinations globally and why it’s on everyone’s bucket list.

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Collage of activities in Tucson including Saguaro NP, Old Tucson, and the Loop Bike Path

Filed Under: Arizona

7:30 am by Julie Chickery

LazyDays KOA (Tucson, Arizona)

If you’re looking to embark on an unforgettable campground experience, Tucson’s Best Campground – LazyDays KOA – is simply a must. Nestled in the stunning Arizona landscape, this exceptional campground boasts incredible sites, top-notch amenities, and a plethora of local attractions. Ready to dive into a vacation as unique as the desert itself? Let’s explore why LazyDays KOA is the ultimate destination for campers.

Table of Contents
  • Campsites
  • Cabins
  • Amenities
  • Local Area
  • Book Your Stay Now

Watch the short video review below or read on for more details.

Campsites

Visitors can choose from a variety of both back-in and pull-through RV sites, each designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding desert environment. These spacious sites provide ample room for your RV and offer full hookups, including 30/50-amp service, water, and sewer.

There are several different types of campsites to choose, but all have full hook ups.

Our friends were in a deluxe pull-through and had plenty of space for entertaining. They even had us over for Christmas Eve. The deluxe sites also had a hedge between you and your neighbor so you don’t have to see their sewer hose when you’re outside.

The campground also had several premium sites with large outdoor seating areas, outdoor kitchens, an upper-level deck, and private dog yards. 

There are several different types of campsites to choose, but all have full hook ups. Premium sites have deluxe outdoor seating, outdoor kitchens, or even private dog yards.

Although this was more resort-style than a rustic campground, they did have a nice tent area by one of the pools. They had a little shade and each one had a small outdoor kitchen. Each had a storage area and outdoor sink.

Cabins

Two people having lunch in front of a Deluxe Cabin at the Tucson KOA.

The campground also features cozy cabins with nice outdoor areas, where you can unwind after a long day of exploring. They come in a variety of sizes with the largest floorplan having a living/dining room, two bedrooms (one with a queen bed and one with two bunk beds), a full bathroom, and a kitchenette with a microwave, sink, and cooktop.

Amenities

When it comes to amenities, LazyDays KOA pulls out all the stops! A personal favorite was the two heated pools. There was one at the front of the park and one in the back. Both had hot tubs and adjacent to them were bath houses and laundry rooms. Next to the laundry room at the front of the park is a small fitness room.

The Tucson Lazy Days KOA has two heated swimming pools and hot tubs. There are numerous other indoor and outdoor activities as well.

As with all KOAs, the campground is dog-friendly, featuring Kamp K9, where your furry friend can exercise and socialize in a secure environment.

Other amenities included mini golf, playgrounds, picnic areas, and pickle ball to name a few. 

There was even a bar and restaurant that was open every day. They had socials there for the holidays too.

They even had a lot of outdoor community space with picnic tables and outdoor fire pits where you can have larger gatherings.

They Tucson Lazy Days KOA has a lot of outdoor community space with picnic tables and outdoor fire pits. We love meeting other RVers on the road and had several new friends over for happy hour.

The camp store was pretty big with snacks and souvenirs. I even bought a t-shirt there that said, “Tucson Lazy Days KOA is my Happy Place!“

Local Area

Although the weather was much colder than usual, we still managed to enjoy the local area. There was a lot of great hiking. We also visited some terrific museums. 

One of my favorite museums was the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, a 98-acre zoo, aquarium, botanical garden, natural history museum, and art gallery. The entire outdoor museum was fabulous, but the highlight was definitely the amazing raptor show that occurs twice (both different) a day.

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, a 98-acre zoo, aquarium, botanical garden, natural history museum, and art gallery. The entire outdoor museum was fabulous, but the highlight was definitely the amazing raptor show that occurs twice (both different) a day.

We also visited Saguaro National Park. This park has two sections, east and west that are divided by the city of Tucson. Both are pretty spectacular and I couldn’t pick a favorite.

Saguaro National Park park has two sections, east and west that are divided by the city of Tucson.

One of our favorite (and most challenging hikes) was at Catalina State Park. It was the Canyon Trail to Romero Pools. Beautiful scenery, but we were sore for a few days afterward. We’d still recommend it.

Catalina State Park

Finally, a great way to take it easy and just enjoy some amazing scenery is to drive up to Mt Lemmon via the Sky Island Scenic Byway northeast of Tucson. You start driving through a sea of Saguaro and end up in the snow. They say it offers the biological equivalent of driving from the deserts of Mexico to the forests of Canada in a short stretch of 27 miles. 

a great way to take it easy and just enjoy some amazing scenery is to drive up to Mt Lemmon via the Sky Island Scenic Byway northeast of Tucson. You start driving through a sea of Saguaro and end up in the snow. They say it offers the biological equivalent of driving from the deserts of Mexico to the forests of Canada in a short stretch of 27 miles.

Book Your Stay Now

Whether you are looking for a snowbird getaway or a family vacation, you can’t go wrong with this amazing KOA resort! Click here to make reservations and don’t forget to sign up for the rewards program to get 10% off every KOA stay.

Interested in learning more about what KOAs have to offer? Click here to listen to Sean & Kenny’s interview with the President and CEO of the company.

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The Tucson Lazy Days KOA is a resort in every sense of the word! With deluxe sites, two pools, a restaurant and bar, plus much more you can't go wrong visiting this KOA for your next RV trip. There is a site for everyone whether you are camping in a motorhome, fifth wheel, or pop up camper. There are enough activities for the entire family to be happy campers.


Filed Under: Arizona, Campground Reviews

5:13 pm by Julie Chickery

Apache Trail: A Crazy, Scary, Beautiful Drive

Overview of Apache Trail Road

On our recent trip to the Phoenix/Mesa area, we decided we wanted to venture out of the city and enjoy some of the beautiful desert scenery. What started as a calm drive through a sea of Saguaro, became a white knuckle drive through one of the most amazing canyons via the historic Apache Trail, aka State Route 88.

About the Apache Trail

Don’t let my introduction scare you off. You can drive the first 25 miles easily and see incredible views of desert plants and trees, wildflowers in season, canyons, lake views, and geologic formations. Coming from Mesa, the first 25 miles are paved and quite safe. You can always turn around at that point if you don’t want to risk the unpaved portion.

The original narrow, rugged trail was converted to transport heavy equipment and supplies a distance of nearly 60 miles from the town of Mesa to the Theodore Roosevelt Dam site. Today the Apache Trail itself is just less than 50 miles. The northern 22 miles of it are unpaved. Because the road is well maintained and graded, 4-wheel drive is not a requirement for this drive. However, there are several switchbacks over sheer cliffs, so it is not for the faint of heart.

Map of the Apache Trail

Stops on the Apache Trail

We chose to take the full circular route, with stops for restrooms, lunch, and a scenic steamboat tour, and it pretty much took all day. Shortly after starting the drive in Apache Junction, we came upon Goldfield Ghost Town. It is a tourist attraction that revolves around a reconstructed 1890s town including gold-mine tours, Old West gunfights, a history museum & main street. We already had a full day planned, so we passed it by and put it on the list for next time.

Five miles past the ghost town, is the turnoff for Lost Dutchman State Park. This is a great place to spend a day (or more) on its own. There’s a visitor center, campground, mountain bike trail, and several hiking trails.

Continuing along the Apache Trail, we entered Tonto National Forest and began our ascent up through the desert valley on a paved, slightly bumpy winding road. After about 15 minutes, we rounded one of many bends in the road to see our first spectacular view of Canyon Lake.

View of Canyon Lake

There’s an interpretive overlook where we stopped to read about this man-made 990-acre reservoir lake. It is one of four that were formed on the Salt River upon construction of Roosevelt Dam at the northern end of the Apache Trail. If you have time, be sure to stop at the marina for lunch, then take the Dolly Steamboat nature cruise. We really enjoyed this 1.5-hour, 6-mile steamboat ride on the secluded inner waterways of this beautiful lake. While listening to the captain recount the legends and lore of the mysterious Superstition Mountains, we saw desert big-horn sheep and numerous birds.

View of Riverboat from the Apache Trail

After that wonderful diversion, we continued on the Apache Trail passing Tortilla Flat, the last surviving stagecoach stop along the Apache Trail. Today it has a restaurant, gift store, and small museum all in the “old west” theme. Directly across from the restaurant is a campground open from October through April each year. It and the other camping areas along the Apache Trail are great spots to take advantage of cooler temperatures while you enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, rock climbing, and scenic driving throughout the surrounding Tonto National Forest.

Unpaved Portion of the Apache Trail – White Knuckle Driving

At milepost 222 there is a parking lot with scenic views, walking paths, and restrooms. After this is the point, the most difficult part of the Apache Trail begins. The pavement ends and the remaining dirt road to Roosevelt Dam has plenty of hairpin turns and switch-backs with steep grades. If you are adventurous enough, keep going on this magnificent drive. There is some phenomenal scenery and stunning geological formations along the way! Here you can see where light-colored bands of lava flows have formed huge cliffs. However, the driver will need to keep his or her eyes on the road as the edge of the road drops several hundred to the bottom of the creek bed!

Dirt road portion of the Apache Trail

Sean is a great driver and was confident he could navigate the many switchbacks and tight curves we’d encounter on the 1,500-foot descent. I will admit to being pretty scared and hanging onto the door handle as if it would save my life during several of the narrow turns along sheer drop-offs with little to no safety barriers!

Luckily Sean is much calmer under pressure. He got us through it with no problems and we were rewarded with stunning views of beautiful Apache Lake as we drove along it towards Roosevelt Dam. Apache Lake is a man-made reservoir that is about 17 miles long. If you approach Apache Lake from the opposite direction you can pull a boat for fishing or water skiing.

Lake on Apache Trail drive

Roosevelt Dam – A Marvel of Engineering

At the head of Lake Roosevelt, you’ll find the 327-foot Roosevelt Dam. We stopped here for a good view of the dam, and to read about it on the interpretive displays.

Roosevelt Dam

The dam was originally built over a century ago and was the world’s highest masonry dam at 280 feet tall. It was built in a Greco-Roman style by stacking large stones upon each other. The original masonry blocks were encased in concrete during the reclamation project which raised the dam to its current height.

On the other side of the dam is the Roosevelt Lake Bridge, the longest two-lane, single-span, steel-arch bridge in North America. The bridge spans 1,080 feet across Roosevelt Lake providing two-way traffic.

Bridge at Roosevelt Dam

Prior to the completion of the bridge in October 1990, traffic drove over the top of the dam. The original dam-top roadway was designed to allow two Model-T Fords to pass abreast. The Visitor Center at Lake Roosevelt is a great place to stop and stretch your legs.  There are several large exhibits including plenty of history about the Roosevelt Dam and surrounding area, videos, and displays of local flora and fauna.

Another good spot to visit is Tonto National Monument, which has well-preserved cliff dwellings that were occupied by the Salado during the 13th, 14th, and early 15th centuries. Stop in at the visitor’s center first to see the interesting displays and talk to the very knowledgeable staff. Afterward, you can climb a steep but short paved path to see the structures. There is a docent at the dwellings and you can actually walk through the site instead of just looking from a distance. If you plan ahead, you can sign up for a guided hike to the upper cliff dwelling. The trail is about 3 miles roundtrip, but the guide stops to let folks catch their breath and talk about the Salado people who built the dwellings, the development of the park, the vegetation, and wildlife, and answer questions. Unfortunately, we arrived too late for this hike, but it is definitely on the list for our next visit!

Travel on the Apache Trail in the desert near Phoenix! You'll pass Tonto National Forest, ghost towns, lakes and the Roosevelt Dam. Stop for pictures at Tortilla Flats and several other scenic stops.

Filed Under: Arizona

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