Catalina State Park
This 5,500 acre high desert park at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains is home to a wide range of desert plants and wildlife. It’s a great place for camping, picnicking, and bird watching. In fact, more than 150 species of birds inhibit the park. There’s also an equestrian center, which provides a staging area for trail riders and trailer parking. Catalina State Park is a few miles north of Tucson’s city limits off State Route 77.
Cost: Free
Park Phone Number: (520) 628-5798

Sabino Canyon
Nestled in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountain range, Sabino Canyon hosts hordes of people every day who go there for a dose of peace and quiet. Between its huge canyon walls lie sparkling swimming holes and a diverse population of plants and wildlife. It’s definitely a nice retreat from the city on a hot day.
Cost: Free (Although tram rides are available for around $6 for adults and $2.50 for kids)
Visitor’s Center: (520) 749-2861

Tucson Mountain Park
Much of the Tucson Mountains is included in this park, which is home to saguaro and other desert plants. There are picnic areas, hiking and riding trails, and a campground. The park is about 8 miles west of the downtown district on Speedway Blvd. To get there, take Speedway Boulevard west of f of I-10, and continue through Gates Pass Road. This road is very curvy and not a good option for those who get carsick easily. An alternative route is south of downtown off Ajo Way going west from Mission Road. Turn right on Kinney Road, and from there you will have a smooth ride.
Cost: Free
Park Phone Number: (520) 740-2690

Rillito River Park
The Rillito (pronounced ree-EAT-oh) River Park is a great place for running, jogging, bike riding, walking, in-line skating and even horseback riding. The park runs along the Rillito riverbed and is approximately 3 miles long. It’s a great place to enjoy the outdoors that’s right in town. Keep in mind that cyclists and in-line skaters may only use the north bank, while horseback riders may only use the south bank. Walkers and joggers may use either. Also, the riverbed is a great place to let dogs run freely, as there are tall cement walls on either side. The park is located from Campbell Avenue to Flowing Wells Road.
Cost: Free

Santa Cruz River Park
This park runs from Grant Road south through the urban area around Congress Street and ends at Irvington Road. There are playgrounds, ramadas, picnic tables, water fountains and restrooms throughout the park. Also, there is a great exercise course near Congress Street to get a workout in. This park is home to Tucson’s largest tree – a eucalyptus that is 4 feet in diameter. Open from sunrise to sunset.
Cost: Free

Barrio Historico
The Barrio Historic District, just south of Cushing Street and the Tucson Convention Center, dates from the mid 1850s. It contains the largest and best collection of old adobes in the West. It is also home to the Cushing Street Bar and Restaurant, named for Army hero Howard Cushing. The building combines the original Joseph Ferrin home and country store, built in the 1880s. El Tiradito, or commonly known as the Wishing Shrine I at the corner of Simpson and Main Streets and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Cost: Free

Campbell Road
If you want to give your guests a bird’s eye view of the city, take a drive up Campbell heading north. If you follow the road to the end, you are in store for a wonderful view of Tucson from the foothills. It’s a great photo spot, and there are daytime parking spots if you want to get out and enjoy the view. It’s also quite a spectacular view at night.
Cost: Free

Tohono Chul Park
Tohono Chul Park is a 49-acre desert preserve located in the midst of an ever-growing urban area in northwest Tucson. Take a walk down the winding nature trail through the various gardens, tour through the Exhibit Hall in a renovated historic home, enjoy breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea in the Tea Room and shop in the Greenhouse and Museum Shops.
Cost: $2.00 Donation
Phone: (520) 742-6455

Saguaro National Park
This is a great place for scenic drives, bird watching, photography, hiking, and participating in guided walks. There are visitor centers that are staffed and offer slide shows, museums, cactus gardens, and a sales outlet.
Cost: $4.00 admission fee per car
Visitor Center/Information: (520) 733-5153

Tucson Botanical Gardens
Take a walk in the garden, right smack dab in the middle of Tucson. Here you can take guided and self-tours of the gardens and enjoy the picnic area, gift shop and library. There is even a nursery that specializes in low-water-use plants and holds Spring and Fall Plant Sales.
Cost: Admission for non-members is $4 for adults, $3 for seniors (62 and over) and $1 for children 6 to 11. Children 5 and under and TBG members are free.
Hours are: 8:30 A.M.-4:30 P.M.
Phone: (520) 326-9686

Reid Park Zoo/Reid Park
Reid Park Zoo, spanning 17 acres and home to over 500 exotic animals, is involved in captive breeding programs for several threatened and endangered species, including: small clawed otter, Siberian tiger, white rhinoceros, Grevy’s zebra, lion tailed macaque, Bali mynah, ruffed lemur and others. The Zoo also provides a snack bar and gift shop. Reid Park, Tucson’s premier park, houses picnic ramadas, swimming pools, tennis courts, horseshoe pits, the community bandshell, a formal rose garden, two 18 hole golf courses, and of course, the Reid Park Zoo.
Cost (Reid Park Zoo): 15 years and up $4.00; 5-14 years $0.75; 62 years and up $3.00; Under 5 years FREE
24-Hour Recorded Information Line: (520) 791-4022

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a world-renowned zoo, natural history museum and botanical garden, all in one place. As you wander the desert paths, you’ll encounter Gila monsters, hummingbirds, boojums and more. There’s even a mineral museum here. If your guests have a wide variety of interests, this is an excellent place to take them. Be sure to allow yourself at least three hours to explore the museum, as there are so many sights to take in
Cost: Adults (age 13 & older) $9.95 ($8.95 May through October); Children (ages 6-12) $1.75; Children (under 6) Free Admission
Phone: (520) 883-1380

Go Fishing
Did you know there are urban fishing lakes in Tucson? That’s right, these lakes are regularly stocked with trout from November through early March and catfish from late March through October. The trout average a third of a pound, while the catfish are about 11/2 pounds. Tucson’s Kennedy (La Cholla Boulevard and Mission Road), Silverbell (Camino del Cerro and Grant Roads) and Lakeside (northwest corner of Stella Road and Sarnoff Drive) lakes are all open for urban fishing
Cost: $12 urban fishing license; $8 day license; Kids under 14 are free
More Details: (520) 791-4873

Old Tucson Studios
While a little more expensive then other activities, a visit to this Wild West town is sure to entertain your guests. It started out in 1939 as an elaborate set for Arizona and eventually turned into a frontier town replica open to the public. It’s still used for television and movies, and who knows, maybe you will catch a movie in the making. Activities include: gunfights, stagecoach rides, saloon shows, gold panning, amusement rides, petting farms, magic shows, restaurants and gift shops.
Cost: $14.95 adults; $9.45 children (4-11); 3 and under free (Note: find discount coupons at Tucson Convention Center and Visitors Bureau, some grocery stores and banks)
Phone: (520) 883-0100

Nestled in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountain range, Sabino Canyon hosts hordes of people every day who go there for a dose of peace and quiet. Between its huge canyon walls lie sparkling swimming holes and a diverse population of plants and wildlife. It’s definitely a nice retreat from the city on a hot summer day.

My first visit to Sabino Canyon took place in early May. Upon entering the parking lot at the visitor’s center, we began to wonder where this beautiful canyon we’d heard so much about was. It didn’t look like much around us — maybe just a few mountains and cactus. We managed to find a parking spot and headed towards the visitor’s center. From here there are trams that drive up and down the canyon for around $7, which isn’t too bad for the ride. We decided to take the tram up the 3.8 miles to the top of the canyon and work our way down from there.

After traveling about a mile into the canyon, we found the oasis we were looking for. There were lush plants lining the creek, and the water looked absolutely wonderful. Our tram weaved its way over many rustic bridges, and we finally got off the tram at the top of the canyon. From there we found a few narrow trails leading off into the wilderness, and we decided to try our luck with one. After ducking under numerous low trees and avoiding the threatening cacti, we found ourselves at the creek bed. To our delight, we discovered a huge, glimmering pool with massive boulders surrounding it. It was a great place to stop for lunch, and it was quite entertaining to watch a giant school of fish flopping about trying to attack the pieces of bread we threw to them.

On our way back down towards the visitor’s center, we noticed many interesting rock formations. To the right, you’ll see a picture I took of one we particularly liked. Along with the beautiful views, there are also many interesting people in the canyon! You’ll never know who you’ll run into while you hike the trails.

Sabino Canyon is a great retreat from the stress of daily life. It’s well worth the short trip and is a great place to get some exercise. But one important thing — don’t forget your sunscreen!

For more information call the visitor’s center at (520) 749-2861.

Traveling on Interstate 8 from Phoenix to San Diego, you must cross the Colorado River. Because your on the Interstate you will miss the view of the river and this beautiful old bridge.

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VISITATION
Over five million a year. Peak season runs from April through October; winter holiday week-ends are also crowded. Summers are extremely crowded.

LOCATION
Grand Canyon, AZ

ADDRESS
Grand Canyon National Park
P.O. Box 129
Grand Canyon, AZ 86023

TELEPHONE
All general park inquiries should be directed to (928) 638- 7888. For lodging reservations (in-park) & most other concession activities (including mule rides, Phantom Ranch, etc.) call (928) 638-2631 (same-day reservations) or (303) 297-2757 (advance reservations).

OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS
The South Rim is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The North Rim is closed from late October to mid-May.

CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING
The South Rim is 7000 feet above sea level, which means snow in winter and cool nights even in summer. Inner canyon hiking (below the rim) is another story, however: summer temperatures along the Colorado River at the canyon bottom can reach 120o F. The North Rim is 8000 feet above sea level and can receive snow throughout most of the year. Weather is particularly changeable in spring and fall; visitors should be prepared for a variety of climates.

DIRECTIONS
Grand Canyon Village (South Rim) is located 60 miles north of Interstate 40 at Williams via highway 64, and 80 miles northwest of Flagstaff via highway 180. Only ten miles from rim to rim as the crow flies, the North Rim is 215 miles (about 4 1/2 hours) from the South Rim by car. The North Rim is 44 miles south of Jacob Lake, AZ, via highway 67.

TRANSPORTATION
To Park: commercial air carriers serve Las Vegas, Phoenix, Flagstaff, and Grand Canyon Airport (in Tusayan, just south of the park). Bus service is available from Flagstaff and Williams via Nava-Hopi Bus Tours ((800) 892-8687). Historic steam train service is available from Williams (call 1(800) THE TRAIN). In Park: free shuttle service is available throughout Grand Canyon Village, along the West Rim Drive, and out to the South Kaibab Trailhead during peak season only (generally Memorial Day to September). At that time of the year the West Rim Drive and Yaki Point are closed to private vehicles. Shuttle service is also available (for a fee) to Tusayan. Taxis are available (on call) from Grand Canyon National Park Lodges, call (928) 638-2631 ext. 6563.

FEES, COSTS, RATES ENTRANCE FEES
Private vehicle – $20.00
Individual (pedestrians, bicycle, etc) – $10.00
Annual Grand Canyon pass – $40.00 (individual or vehicle)
Annual Golden Eagle pass – $50.00 (all U.S. recreation sites)

BACKCOUNTRY FEES
Permit Fee (per permit) – $20.00
Frequent Hiker (all permits annually) – $50.00
Nightly Impact Fee (per person) – $4.00

Fees for those arriving by commercial bus or tour vary. Persons holding a Golden Age Passport (available to U.S. citizens or residents 62 years of age or older for a one-time fee of $10.00) ,Golden Eagle Passport or Golden Access Passport are admitted without additional charge.

FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Visitor Center/Exhibits:
The main park visitor center (South Rim) is located just east of Grand Canyon Village, approximately six miles north of the south entrance station. Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (longer hours during peak season). Interpretive centers are also located at Yavapai Observation Station, Tusayan Museum, Desert View, and the North Rim (mid-May through late October only; located in the lobby of Grand Canyon Lodge).

Trails, Roads:
The inner canyon is accessed via the so-called “Corridor Trails”: The Bright Angel Trail and South Kaibab Trail from the South Rim, and the North Kaibab Trail from the North Rim. There are other less heavily traveled and more remote inner canyon trails, as well. All overnight travel below the rim requires a Backcountry Permit (see Permits, below). The Rim Trail on the South Rim offers vistas along the South Rim; a variety of rim trails are also available through the more heavily forested regions on the North Rim. All main park roads are paved. A large network of gravel roads exists in the Kaibab National Forest outside the park (on both rims).

Programs/Activities:
The park offers free ranger-led programs throughout the year, including a wide variety of walks, talks, and a nightly evening program (outdoors in summer, indoors during cooler weather). See also Special Events, below.

Lodging and camping facilities:
South and North Rims: All in-park lodging is available through Grand Canyon National Park Lodges; call (928) 638-2631 for same-day reservations or (303) 297-2757 for advance reservations.
Camping South Rim: Camping is available in the park at Mather Campground and at Desert View Campground. Mather Campground, located in Grand Canyon Village, is handled on a first-come, first-served basis (no reservations) from December 1 to March 31, the rest of the year reservations are accepted. Advance reservations for Mather Campground can be made through Biospherics by calling (800) 365-2267. International callers may dial (303) 722-1257. The TDD number for hearing impaired callers is (888) 530-9796. Reservations can also be made through a secure web site at http://reservations.nps.gov. Reservations can be made up to five months in advance beginning on the 5th of each month. Desert View Campground is located 25 miles east of Grand Canyon Village and is open mid-April (weather permitting) through mid-October. Desert View Campground is available on a first-come, first-served basis (no reservations). Camping with hook-ups is available in Grand Canyon Village at Trailer Village adjacent to Mather Campground; call (303) 297-2757 for reservations.
Camping North Rim: Camping is available in the park at the North Rim Campground, call Biospherics at (800) 365-2267 for reservations. International callers may dial (303) 722-1257. The TDD number for hearing impaired callers is (888) 530-9796. Reservations can also be made through a secure web site at http://reservations.nps.gov. The North Rim Campground is open from late May to late October. Camping with hookups is not available on the North Rim.

Food/supplies:
Groceries and supplies are available on the South Rim at Babbitt’s General Store (both in Grand Canyon Village and at Desert View). There is a small camper store on the North Rim, adjacent to the North Rim Campground.

Other Concessions/NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and Opportunities:
There are many. Mule trips and bus tours are available throughout the year. In addition to the main park visitor centers, historic Kolb Studio is open to the public for most of the year and features a variety of canyon-related exhibits. The park offers free ranger-led programs 12 months a year. There are six lodges in the park (including the historic El Tovar Hotel) and a wide variety of eating establishments (from cafeterias to formal dining at the El Tovar Hotel).

ACCESSIBILITY
Facilities vary a great deal. Write for a copy of the park’s free eight-page Accessibility Guide.

RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE
The canyon may be viewed from the rim at a number of overlooks along the East Rim Drive (26 miles from Grand Canyon Village to Desert View) and the West Rim Drive (nine miles from Grand Canyon Village to Hermits Rest; closed to private vehicles from Memorial Day through September, when it may be accessed by free park shuttles). Visitors may also hike along the rim on the Rim Trail or below the rim on a number of inner canyon trails. All hiking at Grand Canyon is strenuous, due to altitude (the South Rim is 7000 feet above sea level) and extreme temperatures (up to 120o F in the inner canyon). A trip from rim to river and back is a two-day trip for most; visitors may spend the night at Phantom Ranch (with advance reservations) or camp at Bright Angel Campground, adjacent to Phantom Ranch (with a Backcountry Permit). Phantom Ranch is also accessible by mule (a two-day trip). The park offers free programs throughout the year. The concessioner offers a variety of activities (mule trips, bus tours, etc.) throughout the year.

RESERVATIONS/PERMITS
Reservations for camping and lodging must be made in advance, particularly during peak season. Permits are required for all overnight hikes; permits must be obtained in person or by written request (phone reservations are not accepted). Write and request a copy of the park’s Backcountry Trip Planner for additional information on backpacking in the park. Permits are not required for day hikes.

BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS
Grand Canyon is heavily visited for most of the year and it is imperative to plan ahead for lodging, backcountry permits, or mule trips. Persons planning day visits only should arrive early in the day as parking is limited. Write the park in advance to request a Trip Planner (or Backcountry Trip Planner if you are planning to backpack).

SPECIAL EVENTS, PROGRAMS
Regularly scheduled special events at Grand Canyon include the Grand Canyon Chamber Music Festival each September, regularly scheduled theatrical productions in summer, art exhibits at Kolb Studio on the rim (April through October), and others. Check THE GUIDE upon arrival for details and schedules of current activities.

ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS
The town of Tusayan is just outside the south entrance station and offers additional opportunities for lodging, dining, and shopping. The Grand Canyon IMAX theater is located in Tusayan. Just south of Tusayan is Grand Canyon National Park Airport. Ten-X Campground (U.S. Forest Service) is also located just south of Tusayan.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Write Trip Planner, Grand Canyon National Park, P.O. Box 129, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023 or call (928) 638-7888.

Books, maps, and other educational materials may be obtained through the park’s cooperating association. Write Grand Canyon Association, P.O. Box 399, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023 or call (928) 638-2481.

GRAND CANYON FIELD INSTITUTE
Explore the natural and cultural history of the Grand Canyon region with a variety of outdoor educational opportunities, including seminars, backpacking trips and river trips. For information write Grand Canyon Field Institute, P.O. Box 399, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023 or call (928) 638-2485.