Come experience Tucson nature with your family

From the understated beauty of the Sonoran Desert to the sheer wonder of the five mountain ranges that surround it, Tucson nature allows visitors to fully enjoy everything it has to offer.  As such, the hiking trails there will keep you active indefinitely while you uncover everything the great Tucson nature has to offer.

From the hiking trails throughout the Tucson area to Sabino Canyon, which shows off Tucson nature in its full glory, experience Tucson nature with your entire family. Therefore, continue reading to learn the best places to go with your family in Tucson, Arizona.

Hiking trails revealing Tucson nature at its best

Before embarking on your trail exploration, take in the Tucson nature scenery from the Kitt Peak National Observatory.  This place is an astronomical observatory site that is over 2000 meters high in the Quinlan Mountains. Then, take a trolley tour of the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area.

Next, wander through the peaceful gardens and trails of Tohono Chul or Tucson Botanical Gardens.  After that, cool off in the underground caverns of Colossal Cave Mountain Park or Kartchner Caverns State Park.  Finally, go camping, explore the hiking trails, and see the giant saguaro cactus in Saguaro National Park.  Just don’t try to see all of it in one weekend!

Sabino Canyon: Convenient Tucson nature location

Located at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains at 5700 N. Sabino Canyon, Sabino Canyon sits right on the northeastern edge of Tucson. The parking lot and entrance to the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area provides easy-access to it all. This is also Tucson nature at its best!

For your convenience, There are 12 restrooms and many drinking-water fountains throughout the canyon. Also, the Visitor’s Center also has a Family Restroom with a changing table.

Tram routes provide access to the visitor center. If riding the tram diminishes your sense of adventure, you’ll find miles of hiking trails that wander throughout the area. They will lead you deep into the Santa Catalina backcountry.

Please note that pets are not allowed in the recreation area. But of course, service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act are authorized to be there.

THE GOULD MINE LOOP

This amazing trail winds through the Tucson Mountains in Saguaro National Park West in the King Canyon area. As its name suggests, you’ll stroll past some old mines. And in springtime, the canyon borders are blanketed in bright-orange poppies.

This low-elevation trail is best hiked during the cooler months. There, gaze at the petroglyphs that are tucked into the rock walls along the sandy wash. That makes King Canyon the best place to experience the Sonoran Desert in all of its biological and cultural diversity.