Tucson - American Southwest - page 378

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Moments

Sunset on Signal Hill

A hike to Signal Hill, located off the Bajada Loop Drive in Saguaro National Park's
west unit and only a quarter-mile walk from the parking area, will reward you
with not only a grand sunset vista away from the crowds at Gates Pass, but also
the sight of dozens of petroglyphs.

District) and one on the west (Tucson Mountain District), preserve not only dense stands
of saguaros, but also the many other wild inhabitants of this part of the Sonoran Desert.
Both units have loop roads, nature trails, hiking trails, and picnic grounds.
The west unit of the park, because of its proximity to both the Arizona-Sonora Desert
Museum and Old Tucson Studios, is the more popular area to visit (and your best choice
if you're trying to do a lot in a short amount of time). This also happens to be where
you'll see the most impressive stands of saguaros. Be sure to take the scenic Bajada Loop
Drive, where you'll find good views and several hiking trails (the Hugh Morris Trail
involves a long, steep climb, but great views are the reward). To reach the west unit of the
park, follow Speedway Boulevard west from downtown Tucson (it becomes Gates Pass
Blvd.).
The east section of the park contains an older area of saguaro “forest” at the foot of
the Rincon Mountains. This section is popular with hikers because most of it has no
roads. It has a visitor center, a loop scenic drive, a picnic area, and a trail open to moun-
tain bikes (the paved loop drive is a great road-bike ride). To reach the east unit of the
park, take Speedway Boulevard east, then head south on Freeman Road to Old Spanish
Trail.
Rincon Mountain District visitor center: 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail. & 520/733-5153. Tucson Mountain
District visitor center: 2700 N. Kinney Rd. & 520/733-5158. www.nps.gov/sagu. Entry fee $10 per car,
$5 per hiker or biker. Daily 7am-sunset; visitor centers daily 9am-5pm; open to hikers 24 hr. a day. Visitor
centers closed Christmas.
Tohono Chul Park Although this park covers less than 50 acres, it provides an
excellent introduction to the plant and animal life of the desert. You'll see a forest of cholla
cactuses as well as a garden of small pincushion cactuses. From mid-February to April, the
wildflower displays here are gorgeous (if enough rain has fallen in the previous months).
The park also includes an ethnobotanical garden; a garden for children that encourages
them to touch, listen, and smell; a demonstration garden; natural areas; an exhibit house
for art displays; a tearoom that's great for breakfast, lunch, or afternoon tea; and two very
good gift shops. Park docents lead guided tours throughout the day. There are also bird
walks and many other special events throughout the cooler months of the year.
7366 N. Paseo del Norte (off Ina Rd., west of the intersection with Oracle Rd.). & 520/742-6455. www.
tohonochulpark.org. Admission $7 adults, $5 seniors, $3 students, $2 children ages 5-12. Grounds daily
8am-5pm (visitors may remain until sunset). Exhibit house daily 9am-5pm. Tearoom daily 8am-5pm.
Buildings closed New Year's Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Thanksgiving, and Christmas (free admission to
grounds on most of these days).

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Tucson Botanical Gardens Kids Set amid residential neighborhoods in midtown
Tucson, these gardens are an oasis of greenery and, though small, are well worth a visit if
you happen to be interested in desert plant life, landscaping, or gardening. On the 5 1 / 2 -
acre grounds, there are a dozen different gardens that not only have visual appeal, but