Gorgeous but we did not spend enough time there!

This really was not quite as scenic as I was thinking it would be. We drove from Phoenix and the most beautiful part was the stretch through the mountain canyon between Superior and Globe. This wasn’t really worth the trip. We had planned to continue on to Show Low but decided to cut our losses and head back.

So beautiful. We stopped here, on our way home. Didn't really expect to see such beauty. Ofcourse, you can't question God's creation, it's so beautiful.

Wow! We were avoiding the interstate and ended up here. It was such a beautiful drive - and a total surprise.

If you need to get out of the house for a leisurely drive, this is a pretty place to do it. Lots of lovely desert scenery with the river and mountain valley. There’s a big turnout north of the river called Becker Butte Lookout that I never noticed had a plaque until we stopped to snoop over the edge. There are smaller turnout or unofficial stopping spots to look around. There used to be a terrific little rest stop with a bathroom right at the river bridge, with lovely views under the bridge. Not sure why they closed the whole area and cut off the little walking path and parking lot. I’m hoping they reopen it at some point.

Beautiful view and you can take pictures the whole ride

The is a beautiful drive I was driving alone and almost wrecked many times trying to get pictures of it. Haha just kidding

What a very nice museum and the folks there, so, so pleasant. Right off the main road, easy access. We sure enjoyed the exabits and stories they told. The fellow at the front desk gave us free tickets to the 1910 jail in Globe so that was very kewl! Make sure you drop some money in the donation box when visiting!

If you're driving through Globe. I highly recommend stopping in. First off its free to enter they gladly accept donations but most of all, what a way to see into history. There is so much history packed into this little museum! The volunteers were friendly! The payphone even works and it's free as well! My kids enjoyed that the most learning how to use rotary dial and to actually be able to talk! Lots of good history to explore and learn! I have been twice already!

Very interesting mine town and even buying book about Globe to further read history. Sorry the woman who was showing us around too talkative and kept us moving. I came to enjoy not just listen to what she was interested in. If I wanted questions then it would have been better. Donation was a great way to ask. instead of admission.

Nice escape from the Phoenix heat! Our visit to Gila County Historical Museum was our final stop of our day in Globe. We were met at the front desk by two local characters who were quite entertaining! This historic building houses many rooms covering the history of this mining town. There were rooms with clothing worn and household items used in the day, assayers' tools, and other historic mining artifacts. Included was a glass display case with samples of the ore and rocks found in the area. Don't miss the Native American prehistoric pottery room! We wandered freely through the many rooms full of displays. When we were there (July 2022) they are holding a raffle for handmade quilts, art, and gift baskets. I highly recommend this interesting museum! Don't forget to ask for a free Apache Tear (obsidian) found locally! Admission is a suggested donation of $5. While you're in Globe, make a day of it! There are good restaurants among the old buildings in the historic district and multiple other historical museums to visit, including old courthouse (now Center for the Arts), the old County Sheriff's Office and Jail which is located behind the Arts center, and Besh-Ba-Gawah Archaeological Park/museum.

One of the best museums I have ever been to. I highly recommend that if you ever visit Globe AZ, you visit this museum.

Excellent museum that far exceeded my expectations. I was expecting it to be ho hum, but I spent almost an hour there, and I could have spent more if I wanted to further read everything. Once you come in, the room in the middle has an actual vintage phone, and the docent was so kind to show it to me. There was also some an old wagon along with some other old phones. To the right, there was an exhibit room on life back then and further ahead- a model stable to showcase Western times... and finally at the end - a model historical bedroom. Loved the presentation and it really felt immersive. Walking back to the middle room, you pass by a small side section on Native American pottery and lifestyle. Then, as you proceed to the left side of the building, there were several small rooms. Within them, I got to see old clothing, other vintage items, mine rescue equipment, etc. There was just so much to see and digest. Wow, I'm blown away! More people should definitely visit this museum!

Interesting information here. Read the plaques for more info. Enjoyed the visit.

This was an hour drive for us and it was worth it. Very clean facilities, had a few interactive things for the kids, and it was wonderful to study ancient civilizations. A wonderful time! Cost $5 but it was worth it!

This is a hidden gem on the Historic registry. Please visit and support. Not only beautiful but spiritual and by far one of my favorite places. Great gift shop as well and very reasonably priced. I can’t wait to go back!

I've been through Globe many times, but just learned about these ancient Salado ruins. They have lots of artifacts in a small museum and you can walk through the ruins. Fortunate it was declared a historic site before developers could bulldoze all of it. Part of the original site has already been covered by a park.

Thrilled that we were able to visit. Highly recommend. Amazing, Beautiful history.

Beautifully done depiction and restoration! And, the botanical garden replicating native varieties of food and plants grown was also lovely.

The Besh-Ba-Gowah Museum in Globe is a great little adventure for a sunny day and a reasonably priced way to step back in time. The museum provides a fascinating glimpse into the Salado culture, which thrived between 1225 and 1400 CE. The experience doesn’t take long but is packed with insight. Visitors start with a short video explaining the site’s history, then explore a collection of artifacts, pottery, and woven items before heading outside. The partially reconstructed ruins offer a unique perspective, with a walkable trail marked by informative signs that bring the past to life. And the botanical garden showcases native plants used by the Salado, adding another layer to the experience. Handicap accessible and pet-friendly, it’s a great stop for history lovers looking for an easy yet engaging outing. The site delivers an educational look at Arizona’s rich archaeological heritage. Adults are $5.00, Seniors (65+) $4.00, and Children (12 and under) are free. Hours: Daily 9am-4:30pm

Very interesting experience. Actually learned a lot about the early southwest. I had no idea they lived there so long ago. And the pottery work was next level. Was a really nice visit. Very cool.

I didn't take any photos but the bed was really comfortable. The room looked recently remodeled and had everything a person needed. Pretty nice. The cleanliness was clean but hidden places like baseboards and lamps were missed.

Not exactly a resort. Golf course is closed and so is the pool. Suite we stayed in was great! If gambling is the main priority for you, then staying here is a plus. We were here for an event taking place on the grounds. Traveled daily to Globe for places to eat and to get supplies. Service was below par. Stayed from Monday to Saturday. Didn’t realize we had to request room service in order to get it. Asked on Wednesday to have room service and they said it would be Thursday. Did not get room service on Thursday. Asked again on Thursday to have it cleaned Friday and nothing. Trash cans are small so trash is overflowing. Would not recommend staying here.

This location could be a crowning gem! I can't speak for the hotel. But the RV park guest are treated like second class citizens. Literally you beg to use the showers! The pool, has been broken for years. You learn that from everyone upfront. So, we called and asked how to access the showers, and they answered, "Hey just come on down to the gas station and we'll take care of you." So, I make my way down to the gas station. The guy at the counter, "Sure I can let you in, just go around back." 20 minutes later, -no one! I walked back inside and this guy dodges off to the back. I go back around and -crickets! So, it's busy in there, we give them the benefit of the doubt, I leave and come back 3 hours later.... A New face at the counter "Yeah, yeah I'll tell him. Just go around back." So, it's day light! If not, this go around back stuff would have been an issue. I did go back around, to find the same guy from before, "hey I forgot you, he explains" He opens the now unlock-able shower slash horror pit, that's got dead water-bugs, and broken urinals lined with police style caution tape. No lights in these dirty stalls and surrounding filth, every inch was dirty. My advice -Don't meet him around the back for a shower with unlock-able doors. Keep your money and stay somewhere else, all in one big voice, the staff scream we don't want you here! Oh, they only serve that brisket they advertise about (Thursday through Saturday.) Seems they should include that in their advertisement! And Don't ask for steak at the grill for breakfast, you'll get a nasty response.

We stayed in the hotel for two days. The room is updated, modern and very clean. The bed was like laying on a cloud of feathers. Nice hot fresh coffee in the morning. We dined in the restaurant twice, and the food was quality as well as the service.

Horrible workers very rude and disrespectful The whole time we were trying to enjoy our day the very unprofessional ladies in front were laughing and carrying on like they were all intoxicated why? Wheres the professionalism? Wheres the management? Why is this behavior allowed? Me and wife just left after an hour couldn’t take the circus of a staff

Was my first time attending. Went to the Senior National Finals Rodeo. Loved it. Comfy rooms. Clean too. Nice staff

Dirt has more flavor than this grill. the bread is like 240 grit sand paper and you can break a plate with the fries they serve. I don't recommend anything but the gambling and the hotel at best.

Best use of a Tuff Shed ever! Great look back at Americana of the last 100 years and some Superior AZ history as well. Drop $5 in the donation box - it's worth it!

This was a fun spontaneous stop! It's free and it's interesting.

For the novelty of World's Smallest Museum it's a good place to visit. The items they had were interesting.

Cute little place. Lots of random artifacts for such a small place. Everything from rocks, to local history, to old computers. We got a good laugh and added a picture to our adventure. I recommend stopping just for the sake of taking a peek. You then can say you have been to the World's Smallest Museum!!!

A waiter poured water on me

It was closed when we came. There are no times posted anywhere and we looked around outside only to have someone hiding inside yell at us to get away. Lol.

We had burgers and Fry's, both very good. The Fry's were nice and crisp with great flavor. The burgers were also tasty. Our servers were friendly. The exterior area could be neatened up a bit, but I wouldn't let that prevent us from stopping in again.

I’ve lived in Arizona for almost 20 years and this was my first visit. It’s a beautiful park and I can’t believe I waited so long. Many areas to see, so many that you probably won’t be able to see them all in a single visit. I definitely recommend walking the large loop trail through the canyon as that’s the most scenic area. The trails are all very well maintained and pretty easy to walk. If the weather is cool enough, just about anyone can handle them. I would plan on spending about three hours to see all of the best areas. If it were closer I would certainly consider getting an annual pass.

This is one of those must see places. It’s more like a nature hike than a straight botanical garden so bring good walking or hiking shoes and some water. Well behaved dogs are welcome too. Great views and some AZ history along the way. If you are lucky you might see some Coati’s who live on property.

My favorite botanical garden in the state! Its always such a pleasant experience and the grounds are immaculate. Become a member to save $$. There's a lot to see. Ive been many times and always find something new. Easy trails to hike and follow, nice facilities and gift shop. The park employees are always gracious and very helpful. Definitely worth the drive.

This was my first time here and I was so impressed I will be purchasing a yearly membership the next time I go, which hopefully will be soon. It's great for a half day hike, we only did a part of it and found so many interesting things. I posted pictures on Google earlier. Had an amazing day with my friends and I highly recommend visiting this place. They also have plants for sale and a reasonably priced gift shop!

We went to Boyce Thompson Arboretum over the weekend. It is located in Superior, Arizona which is about an hour away from us. We live in the East Valley. You can bring your dogs to explore with you. Reminder to bring your own poop bags, water and a secure leash. We enjoyed the hiking trails along with the gardens with different region themes such as South America, and a garden with plants that attract butterflies and humming birds. They offer shaded areas and seating through out which helped us take breaks and enjoy the views. It is truly an experience that provides many opportunities to stop and take in beautiful landscape and photos. We plan on coming back since there is more left to explore. The admission to enter is $24.95 for adults and youth (13-17) $10 for children (5-12), and free for members and children under 5 yrs old.

Highly recommend a visit. The drive is lovely and parking is easy. We intend to visit often so the dual membership made sense. Check in with or purchase tickets @ front desk/ cashier. If you have membership then use telephone number. Collect/photo a map. We arrived at 4:30pm and went to Ayers Lake to catch the golden hour and take photos. Gorgeous gardens and reflections from the small lake. This trail closes for the night exhibit. We loved to chase the almost full moon photo shoots in this visit. The night flight exhibit was delightful with sculptures lit from beneath. The trail is lit and easy to follow. Assorted healthy plants are available to purchase as you walk in and its well priced. Nice gift store and friendly staff. Bring bug spray for sure, hat if its a day hike. Hot chocolate in a flask and something to snack on at night if desired. Comfy shoes. It started to get cold as the evening progressed. Enjoy!

I am amazed that this arboretum has every facility and exhibit to connect with nature and fully enjoy the environment. It has beautiful views from the Ayer lake and the suspension bridge is beautifully designed. This was my second time and my children ages 5 and 8 were able to do the entire arboretum loop (given many rest stops and snack breaks) Make sure to pack snacks and a big water bottle. There are refilling stations along the way. We saw some adorable coatimundi hanging around Scavenger House this trip and were amazed how long they hung around! Highly recommend this place as a day trip from Phoenix. About 80 min drive from Scottsdale to the arboretum. There is also a great children’s garden activity area best for toddlers age.

Beautiful area. Nice hiking with 2 public outhouses, multiple creek crossings easy with hiking boots on.

this is the best hiking and camping experience i've ever had. whatever footwear you use is probably going to get destroyed from walking miles in the creek, but whatever. it's a very interesting spot due to a unique intersection of ecosystems. i think there's water here year round. i think camping overnight as many nights as you can makes sense here because there are a lot of cool day hikes you can do that are offshoots of the main creek/canyon area. horse head and booger are super cool.

There are few places in Arizona that require an ADVANCE PERMIT that can only be purchased online just for DAY USE and this is one of them. Not only do they require an advance permit on rec.gov, they require you to print it out and present it to the ranger and also display the printed parking ticket on your vehicle . So if you show up without a permit and think you can purchase one real quick online and show it to the ranger, think again. And even in the off-season, the rangers are sitting there at the trailhead asking to see permits. Sad to see so much red tape just to enjoy what God freely gave us. Other mentions that might be useful: 1.) they do not allow pets (yes the rangers will ask you to leave) 2.) there is a 12 mile drive on a dirt/rocky road before you reach the trailhead 3.) there is no cell service at or near the trailhead

The Aravaipa Canyon is a lot of fun. I've hiked it several times over the years - although I have never hiked all the way through. I've always started at one end, and hiked in half way and returned back to the same trailhead. One year the water was very high (see the photos), and we had to carry our gear on our heads. There is plenty of lush trees and plants, and is really a nice paradise. Enjoy!

Beautiful area, I hope it remains unknown to the masses. Its Southeastern AZ best kept secret.

Aravaipa is amazing - FROM THE EAST ENTRANCE. It's lush and full of wildlife in the summer and fall. Fun little drive in for the first couple miles and then hiking beyond. The trails are soft and easy hiking. It's worth the drive from Phoenix - it doesnt feel like you're in AZ anymore. Unfortunately, we tried to cut corners this year and drive to the west entrance. Oof. Way different. Dry, dusty desert and you must hike over a mile to get to the greenery. Very different from the east entrance. We will be back, but only to the East side.

It also looks beautiful in winter! Just be careful, there are a lot of broken rocks and ice on the mountain。

This monastery is so beautiful and spiritual we felt like we were in Greece. We did not know what to expect but were amazed with the entire self tour. Absolutely breathtaking chapels and grounds. My husband and I met with the priest that married us 36 years ago so it made our visit even more special. We also ate lunch with the monks and residents, so awesome. Come dressed according to the website requirements. Everyone should visit once in their lifetime.

For this place, everyone goes for the road for some reason, but I will share what I did like is a fact that it is so peaceful and quiet there and you certainly do feel some energy if you’ve ever been I would suggest to read up on the elder that formed that place pretty interesting story I strongly recommend you to go religious or not. You never know I am certainly glad I visited and I will be back. Also, please note they have a limited supplies there for the monks so as a nice gesture, I would make two suggestions one is easier to call and ask what they need and bring as you can or visit and ask and come back

A peaceful and deeply spiritual place surrounded by stunning desert gardens and traditional Byzantine architecture. The monastery offers a unique glimpse into Orthodox monastic life, with serene walking paths, chapels, and friendly monks who welcome visitors with warmth. Modest dress is required, and it’s best to visit with a quiet, respectful spirit. A hidden gem in the Arizona desert.

Visiting St. Anthony’s Greek Orthodox Monastery in Florence, Arizona was an absolutely unforgettable pilgrimage. From the moment I arrived, I felt as though I had been transported to Mount Athos itself — the peaceful atmosphere, the reverent silence, and the deep sense of holiness that fills every corner of the monastery grounds. The monks’ hospitality was heartwarming. Every visitor is welcomed with genuine love and care, and you can truly feel the presence of God in the way they serve and interact with everyone. The services were beautiful and profoundly moving — filled with Byzantine chant, incense, and prayer that touch the soul. The food was simple yet delicious, prepared with care and love. Each meal reflected the monastic way of life — humble, healthy, and nourishing, both physically and spiritually. Walking through the monastery gardens, chapels, and courtyards, surrounded by palm trees, fountains, and the stunning desert landscape, I felt completely at peace. It’s a place where time seems to slow down, allowing you to reconnect with God and yourself. I left renewed, inspired, and grateful, carrying with me a deep sense of spiritual refreshment. Whether you are Orthodox or simply seeking a place of stillness and beauty, a pilgrimage to St. Anthony’s Monastery is truly a life-changing experience.

We saw this passing by one day and i put it on my “Must visit” list! Today we took family to go check it out and No regrets! They do have a dress code, women long sleeve shirts and long skirts with head dress thing (not sure exactly what they are called. BUT they do offer shirts, skirts and head dresses there to borrow to wear during your visit which was very awesome! So beautiful the churches and the history and facts! I do wish the map was a little more updated and easier to read. There was also allot of construction and loud noises going on which took some of the peacefulness away from visit its self. I do understand they are building but maybe laying off construction during saturday Sunday with most visitors would be nice if we came again! Very sweet people and worth the visit! It is free parking and free entry! :)

The first stop for our journey in AZ and to ask for a blessing. A few of us inquires, catechism and also baptized came as day visitors and not pilgrims. Enjoyed learning how the water was found and the monestary was built. The grounds feel astonishing and at peace. Would have loved to stay as pilgrims for a time.

Blessed place, blessed to be able to get to this Monastery. Full of Greece everywhere and all there are ready to provide you with information and love! Εξαιρετικό μέρος!!!

Fantastic hiking trails, knowledgeable park staff, well maintained, and excellent views and temperatures

Night photography class with Park Ranger Michael. Came away happy with my pictures because of his help. Nice night out.

good easy trail for kids under 8 and elders, otherwise it’s boring in this winter season. The Nature trail that's close to the gift shop has just sands and withered plants. The wild life trail can’t see any wild life, seldom any other hikers on the road. There are so many side ways that’s misleading. We miss the Wild life trail and proceed to firebreak road at first until we saw 4 others coming down from a hill. There’s only 1 ranger works at the gift shop. No other rangers guide you on the way. We arrive about noon and the gift shop was closed till 2pm. There are some gold finch birds perching at the bird feeder in front of the Ranch house. The 100 year old house is well maintained with some nice household display. Outside the house is a bit windy. The park close at 5pm so we barely have time to finish 3 trails. The Geology trail has nothing much to see. The granite loop maybe more fun with the boulder views. If you bring small kids, don’t forget to ask the ranger for the activity pamphlet and later return for the cool yellow badge. People seem to call in to book the star party at night while we were at the gift shop. You pay parking at the gift shop not the front door.

This park is outstanding. It is easy to park, with clean bathroom facilities throughout the park. There are well planned and maintained trails as well as sites to explore such as the historic Kannally Ranch House. There are plenty of activities sponsored throughout the year for the public. Attended an incredibly informative geology tour with Tom Buckley, Oracle State Park geologist. He was key in development of the self-guided geology tour at the park. There is a map and information that can be downloaded on your phone as well as a paper brochure.

I came down here to take my family for a nice day trip. The park ranger at the front desk, J. Hanson was very kind and helpful. We enjoyed going down into the historic sitting rooms in the ranch house. He also suggested taking the short interpretive trail to see the trails and the old cattle corral area. It was very windy but the trail insulated us more from it. Make sure to bundle up! Highly recommend taking a trip down here. We had a very good time. Thank you!

Feb 5 2023: Took Nature Trail to Wildlife Corridor Trail to junction with Arizona Trail. Out and back was an easy 4 miles with wonderful views. Saw gray fox, white-tailed deer, and lots of birds. An enjoyable hike without many inclined

We went for their Dark Sky viewing and the concert beforehand. Many telescopes set up but even laying there looking at the stars was amazing. We could see all the stars in the little dipper, which I’m told is the sign of a dark dark sky. Highly recommend.

Nice to finally check this place out. I love plants and learning about them so I figured this place would be awesome for a friend date. We did enjoy seeing the plants. We saw a lot of plants I haven’t seen before. We did notice a lot of things were closed off or we couldn’t really see it. There are guided tour options and self guided tours with WiFi and your cell phone. We chose to have the self guided tour as I didn’t want to pay more than the $30 I paid for each ticket. I paid for two with military discount which still was $27/each. With it being an hour away I got there right after opening time around 9:30am. Perfect time to beat the kids who show up during lunch time for school field trips. So it was nice to enjoy it without it being loud and over crowded since a lot of spaces are tight. It was already a little warm in the biosphere as well. So plan for some toasty humid weather in there.

Loved it. What an amazing setup and how much there is to see and experience. We also did the behind the scenes tour of “ the lung” which I highly recommend. How much technologies went into the creation of this habitat that recreates what we take for granted here in our beautiful planet earth! Everyone should go and see to appreciate what we have !

This is mind blowing experience! And I mean it. If you are interested in science, space exploration, self sustaining ecosystems this is the place for you! If only you have a tiny engineering knowledge and a little sense of biology and ecosystems and interactions within them and between them this place will send your imagination to the moon! One of the most important places to visit in the USA in general. One of a kind research facility hosting enclosed ecosystems, cloned from the ones known from the Mother Earth. My family was absolutely stunned (wife and 12yo son). Fantastic personnel willing to answer every question, great idea with the app guide - yet it freezes pretty often requiring restart. I hesitated for the moment to visit that place, but I’m so glad I decided to go. And I have that great feeling that money spent there will serve a good cause keeping this unique place running. If you ever wondered how the human bases would look like on Mars, the Moon or other less friendly environments - this is the place to see and learn. Whoever were the people who designed it - I admire you. Thank you! What is my wish to make it even better? Take us to the LUNG, show us actually the hydroponic garden, take us to the power generation area. I will come back if this dream comes true!

This is my second visit to the Biosphere 2. My last visit was in the late nineties. There has been an amazing upgrade since then. It's so cool to hear about the interesting experiments happening in this unique space. The history lesson about the need for transparency in science is much appreciated. I loved being able to see the different biological zones and the human habitat from the first experiments in creating a sustainable ecosystem. (harder than it looks) From the innovative "lungs" to the LEO experimental slopes to the beautiful and clever architecture, I was impressed by the creative use of the facility. I did miss hearing the interviews with the original biospherians. I guess those videos are still somewhere on the internet. They talk about how they felt about the original experiment before, during and after. The app was very helpful. You need to download and install the app, and then download an additional 1gb of media before you get to the site. The WiFi is not reliable. But watching the videos on the app was a very good way to get a tour at your own pace.

A lot of good information pertaining to the ECO-System. Videos at each station were very informative. The Tower Tour, $12, will give you a 360⁰ view of the whole facility. Just be ready to climb 77 stairs... 😬 Canes and walkers not advised. A great way to spend the afternoon.

Finally, I got to see a place on my list for many years. I was thrilled to finally walk the grounds. Walking through the doors of the Biosphere2 one enters into a world with different environments developed to explore and create experiments to explore ways to help preserve our world. Learn how scientists lived there for two years while sealed into the building. An app on your phone helps you learn while you walk through the space. Really a unique experience, worth devouring to north of Tucson.

My previous visit, before the COVID-19 pandemic, left a lasting impression. Every corner offered a new discovery. I learned so much about the original Biosphere 2 project, the supporting research from the 1980s, the ongoing scientific work, the mechanics of the lungs and their role in maintaining closed environments, and the ocean zone. I even enjoyed a lovely lunch at the café. Before stepping inside, I knew very little about Biosphere 2. By the time I left, I was hooked—buying books, diving into its history, and bringing it up in every conversation for weeks. It was one of the most memorable and inspiring science experiences I’ve ever had. This time, however, I left feeling disappointed. While I understand the need to scale back live tours during the pandemic, the current visitor experience—especially at $27 per adult and $15 per child—felt underdeveloped. I am considering this based on similarly priced tourist experiences I've had such as the Omaha Zoo, the Brookfield Zoo, or large museums like the Field Museum in Chicago. The lack of signage and storytelling throughout the site made it difficult to understand what we were seeing. The app-based audio/video tour was not practical with young children in tow, and the directional arrows were confusing, which made us feel like we were missing key areas. In particular, I was surprised to find that the Technosphere and Lung areas now require an additional $12 on top of the $27. These spaces are original and essential to understanding how the Biosphere functioned as a closed system and why it was so revolutionary. Seeing the basement and the cement disk floating in the air was very important to my understanding of Biosphere 2. They are core to the story. Meanwhile, areas like the underwater ocean viewing section were closed entirely - I had been very excited to share that area with my children. This made the experience feel fragmented and less immersive than when I toured seven years earlier. Where I would be happy to pay more is for deeper, docent-led tours of the biomes—especially an extended rainforest experience. That area is so rich with life, and having an expert guide walk us through would unlock so much more value. On my previous visit, the live tours were a highlight. The people working there revealed small details I never would have noticed on my own—like the intricate systems in the intensive agriculture zone and the experiments underway in the labs. Overall, I believe the visitor experience would benefit tremendously from renewed focus on storytelling and accessibility—imagining the space from the perspective of a diverse range of learners and guests. Whether someone is a visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learner, a young child, a science enthusiast, or simply curious, they should be able to engage deeply without relying solely on an app. This place has the potential to stir wonder, spark big questions, and display scientific innovation at scale—but it needs the tools to tell that story well. Thank you for preserving and sharing this remarkable place. We hope it continues to inspire the next generation of thinkers, dreamers, and doers.

Had a fabulous time here! Everyone here did their best to make us feel comfortable and safe, there was plenty of water along the track, the area is gorgeous and the gals who helped facilitate our adventure were as pleasant and warm as could be. I'll go back and bring friends and family for sure!

This is a wonderful experience for everyone! Fly across five sections, ranging from 400 feet to the 1500 finale, in the cooler climes of the Coronado Forest outside of Oracle. At every turn, the safety of customers is number 1, and the place is great for a good lunch as well! The guides are simply awesome; my special thanks to Nora and Annabry - hope I spelled that right - for making my family's experience truly exhilarating. Well worth the money! We will be back!

Absolutely one of the best days I have had in a while. The staff was amazing, the grounds were well kept. We played cornhole and enjoyed the gift shopped while we waited. We did not eat but the food looked and smelled amazing! I think they even make thier own corn dog batter! Zipling was a blast and the 2 staff members that were with us made it even more fun! I would recommend it to anyone!

An amazing adventure just an hour outside of Tucson, absolutely worth the drive! Enjoy the stunning scenery on the way up the mountain and on the way down their 5 different ziplines, ranging from 400-1500ft! All the staff are supportive of those afraid of heights and will cheer you on the whole way down! Afterwards, stop by the Peppersauce kitchen and grab yourself some amazing grub! Nora and Annabree were absolutely amazing and by far the best guide ive had on any zipline adventures!

Really fun afternoon with the family! Got up to some pretty decent speeds... the gear is all really well taken care of and the water at each zipline station was great. Partner had fun with the finale swing finish and the french fries from the kitchen were pretty tasty 😊

We had a great time at Arizona Zipline Adventures! Five zip lines that got progressively faster with the last one a 1,500’ race to the base. Emma and Nora were fantastic guides ensuring our safety and providing information about the surrounding area. We went on a Saturday in late October and the weather was perfect. Plan on about 2 1/2 hours total and some light hiking on trails and climbing steps on the last tower. Fun place to visit with adventurous out of town guests.

We had the best time! The staff was super friendly, the food was amazing and the sunset zipline was perfect!! It was a perfect date night with my husband!

I’ve been visiting Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch since the early 2000s, and it’s always such a fun experience! It’s a little hokey — but in the best way possible. The animals are unique and not ones you’d normally get to see up close, and there’s great signage that makes feeding them easy and safe. I also appreciate how many handwashing stations they have throughout. The staff are friendly, the atmosphere is lighthearted, and it’s just a fun stop every time. We always enjoy our visits and will probably keep coming back for years to come!

We’ve been to the ostrich farm a few times now (I have a teenager and a toddler) and both of them always have such a great time. I recently took my parents while they were visiting and they enjoyed it just as much. The best part for us is always feeding the animals, especially the birds and the stingrays! It’s one of those places that’s fun every time you go, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy no matter the age. The staff is friendly, the animals seem well cared for, and it’s just an easy, feel-good outing. Definitely recommend for families or anyone looking for something a little different to do near Tucson!

My husband and I came here for the first time today and had such a fun experience feeding all the animals! It was $12 each for the cups of food and to get inside the farm area. We got to feed donkeys, deer, ostriches, goats, bunnies, chickens, birds, a tortoise, and ducks. Overall we probably spent an hour here and got to take our time feeding each animal. All the animals were so cute and very gentle taking the food from our hands. We’re definitely coming back with our kids next time.

Had an absolute blast today with my son. We had a lot of laughs at the Goats. So many interesting animals to feed. The tour is a must do. Shanda was the best tour guide. She was funny, charismatic, and very knowledgeable. Cant wait to go back.

On our way to Tucson we saw the ranch from the highway so my friends and I decided to check it out when we were free. It was an enjoyable experience especially getting to see the ostriches and learning more about them. The monster truck ride was very fun, our guide was very knowledgeable and funny. It was nice to feed the different animals and have those pretty birds sit on your head/shoulder while feeding them. Would definitely recommend this place to anyone.

There is no way you can rate this lower than a 5 star experience. The animals are all so sweet. So happy we went. Worth the drive. Also you have to try the Ostrich sliders. They also sell ostrich eggs (which sell out fast). Very cool experience. We went when they opened and had the place to ourselves.

It was amazing! I took my 88 year old mother who had lived in Tuscon for 20 years and never been there. It started with the cashier seeing my mom’s walker and offering her an electric scooter free of charge because ‘it’s a lot of walking.’ She knew it would be so much more enjoyable for her if she was comfortable and able to get around to all the exhibits. From the donkeys to the lorikeets, she had an absolute ball. Her smile says it all. The highlight for her was the stingray touch and feed tank. She had always wanted to see stingrays up close and this facility guarantees a great experience for the guests and the rays. The entire place is spotless and the staff is so friendly and helpful. I can’t wait to go back with the rest of my family.

I’ve been visiting Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch since the early 2000s, and it’s always such a fun experience! It’s a little hokey — but in the best way possible. The animals are unique and not ones you’d normally get to see up close, and there’s great signage that makes feeding them easy and safe. I also appreciate how many handwashing stations they have throughout. The staff are friendly, the atmosphere is lighthearted, and it’s just a fun stop every time. We always enjoy our visits and will probably keep coming back for years to come!

We’ve been to the ostrich farm a few times now (I have a teenager and a toddler) and both of them always have such a great time. I recently took my parents while they were visiting and they enjoyed it just as much. The best part for us is always feeding the animals, especially the birds and the stingrays! It’s one of those places that’s fun every time you go, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy no matter the age. The staff is friendly, the animals seem well cared for, and it’s just an easy, feel-good outing. Definitely recommend for families or anyone looking for something a little different to do near Tucson!

My husband and I came here for the first time today and had such a fun experience feeding all the animals! It was $12 each for the cups of food and to get inside the farm area. We got to feed donkeys, deer, ostriches, goats, bunnies, chickens, birds, a tortoise, and ducks. Overall we probably spent an hour here and got to take our time feeding each animal. All the animals were so cute and very gentle taking the food from our hands. We’re definitely coming back with our kids next time.

Had an absolute blast today with my son. We had a lot of laughs at the Goats. So many interesting animals to feed. The tour is a must do. Shanda was the best tour guide. She was funny, charismatic, and very knowledgeable. Cant wait to go back.

On our way to Tucson we saw the ranch from the highway so my friends and I decided to check it out when we were free. It was an enjoyable experience especially getting to see the ostriches and learning more about them. The monster truck ride was very fun, our guide was very knowledgeable and funny. It was nice to feed the different animals and have those pretty birds sit on your head/shoulder while feeding them. Would definitely recommend this place to anyone.

There is no way you can rate this lower than a 5 star experience. The animals are all so sweet. So happy we went. Worth the drive. Also you have to try the Ostrich sliders. They also sell ostrich eggs (which sell out fast). Very cool experience. We went when they opened and had the place to ourselves.

It was amazing! I took my 88 year old mother who had lived in Tuscon for 20 years and never been there. It started with the cashier seeing my mom’s walker and offering her an electric scooter free of charge because ‘it’s a lot of walking.’ She knew it would be so much more enjoyable for her if she was comfortable and able to get around to all the exhibits. From the donkeys to the lorikeets, she had an absolute ball. Her smile says it all. The highlight for her was the stingray touch and feed tank. She had always wanted to see stingrays up close and this facility guarantees a great experience for the guests and the rays. The entire place is spotless and the staff is so friendly and helpful. I can’t wait to go back with the rest of my family.

The views were spectacular at the top! The scenic drive up is amazing as well. Truly enjoyed visiting Mt Lemmon.

Absolutely stunning views. The entire drive was so so amazing 👏 I'm so happy I got to be the passenger for this breathtaking trip. Going through the mountain road was intense and wonderful. The experience was something I will never ever forget! The drive was absolutely worth the time and the trip up the mountain. The higher we went, the more exciting it got. The little towns along the way are so spectacular and the vista pull offs are just fabulous!!! Everyone is so nice that I met along the way and I just can't get over how awesome the whole trip was it was a delicious dessert for my eyes and I want more so I will definitely be going back for that trip again very soon.

Easy Drive from Tucson. The air is fresh the scenery better then a movie. Thank you Jesus moments. Take the drive stop at the turn offs and stretch. Deep Breaths 💫

One of the most beautiful places to hike ! Summerhaven is the so much fun to shop and eat . Highly recommend.

Amazing amazing amazing amazing. Do not rob yourself by not going to Mt. Lemmon if you are anywhere near the area. Do yourself a favor and download the Mount Lemmon app from the University of Arizona that uses great local music and education to guide you step-by-step on the drive up the mountain to make sure you don’t miss any of the amazing highlights!

It was such a nice drive. We went early in the morning so at summerĥaven nothing was open. But it was still worth the drive

Beautiful drive up and back out of Tucson. Stop at the Sawmill Grill in Summerhaven for lunch and then drive to the peak if the gate is open.

Tl:dr - This is a great place to stay for a long weekend, I don't recommend anything longer. Overall, the hotel is nice, but it's not luxurious. The bed isn't great and after 3-4 nights, I was tossing and turning. The food is meh at best. Core is great, but you can't eat every meal there. The 3 other restaurants are totally boring and forgettable. I also felt like they nickle and dimed you - $40 for s'mores (that's the total with taxes!) when you already pay a $60 resort fee!?! I did love the location and the hiking right outside the hotel is unbeatable. The gym is decent and they offer group fitness classes daily. (I did a yoga class that was not very good.) The multiple pools are fabulous as well.

Beautiful scenery on the way here. The staff were mostly young kids in their 20s but courteous and professional. Room was spacious with a beautiful mountain view. Bed was comfy for 2 nights I stayed. There was a small mix-up on the welcome card, which was quickly corrected. I learned a lot and had fun looking for scorpions on the night hike — a must-do experience. Turndown service was wonderful as usual. I left feeling peaceful and happy after my stay. Ritz Dove Mountain is great for families, couples and solo visitors. I’m already planning to return and highly recommend this place.

I can’t say enough great things about this property. I’ve stayed at almost every Ritz Carlton property there is and even though this location doesn’t have a Conceirge lounge they more than make up for it in other ways. The food we had was superb, the service was a 10 out of 10, not only from the staff who checked us in, but the spa services, room staff, pool staff and any employee we came across. The resort does an excellent job in bringing a sophisticated warmth to the desert and incorporating the natural surroundings into your overall experience. We did star gazing, saw a tortoise, wild pigs native to the area, learned about different birds native to AZ, listened to live music, and they grow oranges, and lemons on their property. If you are looking to escape the day to day hustle then this is the resort for you. It’s nestled in the AZ mountains with breathtaking views and has a since of peace that can help you relax and recharge. If you haven’t been I highly recommend going.

We came to the resort to spend a day enjoying the Spa. We were very impressed from the beginning with our wonderful treatment by Janelle at the Reception Desk. Our pleasant time continued as we met Jonathan at the Spa, who ensured our entire day was a relaxing and pampered experience. The Spa itself and associated facilities were immaculate. We also recommend our manicurist, Rachel, and our masseuse, Briana (who my Wife said gave the best massage she ever had), to anyone looking for a premium treatment. Can't wait to come back!

We had a wonderful stay. The property is obviously beautiful, but what impressed me the most was the amazing staff! Every last person we interacted with was so professional and friendly. The food, spa services, and pools were also exceptional, and we had fun meeting their giant tortoise and catching a couple of shows on the property. I have one area for improvement. The beds, while perfectly comfortable, are dangerous! 3 members from our party smashed a shin on the corner of the bed frame. It’s a poor design. Either that, or we’re just a clumsy family lol. Seriously, thank you for everything. Our vacation was incredible, from start to finish.

This has to be one of the best resorts we have ever stayed in! The service was impressive, the housekeeping staff were friendly and paid such attention to detail (down to wrapping my phone charger and leaving a note wishing me a great day). The food served at our event was top notch, the golf course was spectacular (technically not a part of the RC but part of our experience) and the javelina were a bonus! We hope to return soon!

Every member of the staff at the hotel was amazing from the front desk to the servers at the Turquesa grill. The food was amazing from the To Go, room service, and the grill. The location is beautiful as well. If I had one hope for improvement it would be the bed. That could have been more comfortable, but the food, service, and atmosphere were impeccable.

We came on a whim the day before heading home. My husband and I had been dying to hike. Catalina State park was close so we headed over to check out the Alamo Canyon Loop Trail. I was a bit taken aback at the $20 entrance fee for the two of us in the car, but we decided to pay and check out what the area had to offer. Looking over the pamphlet the ranger gave us I saw they had some ruins off one of the trails which is awesome as well as picnic areas and more, Views from the parking lot are amazing so I knew once the hike started it would be even better. From the looks of it a fire must’ve swept through years ago because there was a lot of burnt brush. The Alamo trail starts across from a good size parking area and is easy to follow for most of the loop. It is pretty steep in some areas and a lot of lose rock so if you don’t handle that well it’s not recommended without walking sticks and boots. While there can’t any water during our hike it does show possible falls and water in the wash at different times of year or after a good rain. There was no shade most of the trail so go early and bring lots of water. While the hike is less than four miles it is a good workout. Mountain View’s were beautiful and some of the saguaro cacti were very old. Wish we had more time to explore. My husband who loves to hike said it was one of his favorite trails he’s done.

One of the nicer parks in AZ. Has nice big spots, plenty of privacy if you like to cut loose a little. It’s close to food and shopping. Beautiful trails to hike. Plenty of open space for your pets. Biking or walking your choice. Bathrooms are nice and clean. And wildlife walking through your campsite. Shame they had to raise the rate to 50 a night , not really worth it with no on site sewer or pool or anything to do like the parks that charge the higher price.

This is a really nice park . It’s close to lots of hiking and biking trails there are lots of trees. The spots are large with plenty of privacy. The bathrooms are nice and clean. There is a shopping center with Walmart, movie theater and restaurants right across the street. And Tucson only a few minutes down the road. There is wildlife wondering through your campsite and plenty of room if you have pets.

Friendly staff met us at the ranger station and provided guidances on the the various trails and difficulty levels. We did the Canyon Loop easy enough after the initial climb out of the river bed. Great visit. Noted a lot of cyclists make their way to the park.

My favorite hike in Arizona, so far. Our last and final day means it’s our last hike and I think Emily was saving my favorite for last, unbeknownst to her and I. Her parents live 10 minutes from the park and we paid the $20 to get in, drove to the very end and started hiking. Side note: The pass you buy is good for the whole day so you can come and go as many times as you please during the day marked on the pass. Catalina State Park took my breath away at every turn, twist and new path. I think it’s because it was a fairly easy hike, in my opinion, and I actually got to admire the scenery while walking. It does get frustrating to go out hiking and you spend 75% of your time looking at your feet so you don’t roll an ankle. The sights, the scenery, the endless saguaro, the little lizards we saw scampering across rocks all made this place an amazing place to spend the morning. If you are in the area and love to hike, this place is one to put at the top of your list. Hiking stats: -Trek: Duo -Time: 1.5 hours -Distance: 3.21 miles

Beautiful desert hiking area. There are quite a few trails to hike. I just had a few hours so I hiked a 7 mile loop trail. You can see my video on YouTube @Tim’s Outdoor Adventures

The most quiet and comfortable place to visit. Beautiful mountains above a desert landscape. Our animals loved it!

Beautiful place with lots of access to the desert landscape. Nice trails with water features when there is some to be had. These pictures are from above at the thimble peak looking back at Sabino Canyon below, Bear canyon and Blacketts Ridge. Three killer hiking areas of Sabino Canyon recreation area.

A very easy stroll through the beautiful Tucson desert! Saguaro as far as the eye can see, and some great wildlife sightings! The side trails take you to some nice little splash pools during the right time of year. I just ran into a family of 10 Coatimundi playing yesterday. Really cool experience.

My husband and I came out here this morning for an early hike before it got too hot. The weather was absolutely perfect for a hike. The entire hike we did was easy (for us). Some people were on the main trail with strollers and kids. We ventured off on some of the side trails to see the water and if we could see any wild life. We did see two deers right off the side of the trail which was so cute. We had a really enjoyable time and definitely want to bring our kids next time we come here.

Such a beautiful visit through the canyon. So much to see from the sagurao to the beautiful bolders and everything in between. Highly recommend taking the tram tour, very informative ❤️🌵🌄

This is a great place to escape the hectic pace of Tucson. It's peaceful and quiet, and I love the scenery. The people are super friendly, you get to see amazing wildlife, and the sunsets offer great, cooler view. There's a lot of trail to hike and run!

Sabino Canyon has a great paved road that gives you two choices. 1. Do the hike on foot where, if your more energetic there's trail's off road or you can just stay on the run way and enjoy the sites which has seating to take your break and enjoy the powerful environment and rest. 2. For a bit of money you can you can tell the youngsters I'll see you at the top when you make it. This recreation area offers more than just hiking and being in shape, check out there web page for more info. My wife and I love the walk! Met and spoke to New friends is a high.

Continues to be the premiere trail hub for three significant trailheads leading into the Santa Catalina mountains. Great place for both casual day walks to 13-15 mile hikes. Take plenty of water and snacks and don't leave your trash behind.

Chillin' at Chul was great! There was free admission, good food and drinks and live music. It was much cooler in the gardens than down in the city and we had a great time exploring and just chatting on the porch swings. Bring bug spray or wear long sleeves. The mosquitoes bit us a lot.

This is one of the first places I take someone who comes in from out of town to visit. “Chillin at Chul” is a beautiful way to spend a Friday or Saturday evening. The music, people, and environment are always great. Lots of little trails and a whole back garden for kids to explore and play around in. “Guitars Under the Stars” is another great event that’s held in the garden bistro and definitely worth checking out. Great food and service. Indoor and outdoor seating for big and small groups. We’ve also attended the seasonal movie showings that Tohono Chul hosts around the holidays. Very fun. Worth checking out, especially if you have children.

Beautiful gardens with all sorts of tranquil and lovely nooks and places to sit. I visited in late October, and it is wonderful now, but I would love to come back in spring when the cacti are blooming- although I saw my first ever October-blooming cactus here, and there are quite a few other flowers blooming. There are some beautiful sculptures throughout the gardens, and wonderful artwork in the museum.

This place is a botanical garden, with a few small shops aside. The gardens are beautiful and there are a couple nice trails that you can take for a peaceful walk in the desert. The entrance fee is $20, which is too high if you are just looking for a peaceful walk on a nature trail. I was there for a docent led tour called Plants and Poetry, and it was a good price for a 1 hour activity. The tour combined art and science in a charming way, as we met each desert plant as an individual in a community of specialized desert flora.

Bistro: A visit to the Bistro, before or after the gardens is up to you but you don’t want to pass it up. A fine menu with a variety options, we tried the Vegan Blue Corn Tamales and Prickly Pear Chicken Salad Croissant; both were very fresh and tasty. Gardens: Well played out and accessible.

First time visiting & didn't get to explore the entirety of the property. Entrance grants access to the children's museum as well. Stroller friendly-ish... paths can get a little rough but are wide enough to navigate. Early morning or late afternoon/evening is highly recommended, unless you love the heat. Lots of wildlife: birds, bugs, lizards on the main paths. Plants for sale, art for sale, water & vending machines available as well as on site restaurant. Plenty of seating areas with pretty views and art exhibitions. We were gifted this entrance fee but need to go again and finish exploring everything we didnt get to see!

A beautiful spot for a walk or wedding! Amazing gardens with plenty to explore. I photographed a wedding here in 2025 and it was so nice to have a private area to have the ceremony, cake cutting, and dances.

More than I expected and I knew it'd be great! Beautiful art and lots to see. The buildings are fascinating and a work of art too.

What an absolute gem! The beautiful setting, interesting architecture and wonderful art of many mediums! Well worth the only $10 fee. Ample parking, convenient access, lovely landscaped grounds with picnic tables. Great layout of art. Nice video about DeGrazia. Nice gift shop! This is a quintessential Tucson stop! So glad I got this checked of my bucket list. I will go again! You will not be disappointed!

DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun is a must see attraction. Make sure you watch the video explaining DeGrazia's work. The grounds are beautiful too and there was an artist, Francisco Norzagary, on site showing his own work, so we enjoyed talking to him and seeing his beautiful work and hearing his story. We enjoyed seeing the displayed art, all spectacular works of DeGrazia. Make sure to check out the gift shop too!

What a unique and fascinating place! The art work is certainly worth the price of admission but it’s only part of the story. The entire 10-acre property gives a glimpse into the life and vision of a man who loved the Arizona desert and the people who called it home. Very glad we visited!

Just WOW...a hidden gem of a place, the art is cool, the site is even cooler, totally worth a look, a man's dream, art, and a culture of southern AZ.. You'll be glad you went

When I first parked, I had my doubts; seemingly drab, but boy, was I wrong! Upon entering, I was met with an explosion of colors, textures, and designs, and, of course, their resident mascot, "Shane." An amazingly friendly and gentle German Shepard! Make sure you grab a free pamphlet that goes into detail about its rich history. It also has a map to guide you through the area. Just a heads-up, I believe the area is handicapped accessible, but several small steps exist. Young children are allowed, but I recommend close supervision, especially in the gift shop and open-air desert gardens.

This is a global treasure - can't believe I didn't have to fly to Paris to experience this amazing artist in Tucson! This is a must see, an amazing experience -

There has been a lot work done on this park to recover from the fire and do other upgrades. Lovely place to visit, with shade and grass. Quiet. Good birding depending on the season. Nice trails. The water was green but that will eventually repair itself. The old ranch house is interesting and educational, and at the moment has the Philabaum art exhibit. Great volunteer staff!

Absolutely amazing! We went inthe middle of the week and there were maybe 5 or 6 other cars there. Picnic tables and grills are generously scattered throughout the park for picnics or cook outs, but make sure you bring plenty of water or sport drinks!

This park is an oasis in the desert. It's wild life, water attractions, and shade providing palm trees are a welcome sight to any visitor. The park is well maintained, and there are informational placards on the origin of the site and wild life that frequent the area. There are tables for a picnic, benches to sit and take in the varying views, and an asphalt loop that encompasses the parks features. The nature and bird walk allows an adventurous stroll through cacti and local flora.

Very beautiful! Quiet and peaceful with so much to see. Great trails to walk with a beautiful surprise around each turn. Definitely recommend to visit ❤️🌵🌄

A wonderful place. Please respect the animals and the land by NOT FEEDING the turtles and fish!!! Educational and extremely relaxing. I only wish they could save the large cactus that fall over... Definitely recommend💜

One of my favorite parks! Is gorgeous setting, plenty of benches to be able to sit and enjoy. Is dog ON leash friendly. Has plenty of turtles that will come look at you if you stand on the little bridge as well. Ducks are around if you come to the park closer to dusk. Added bonus is the fact its a historical site!

I was pleasantly surprised to see how beautiful it is these days. What a wonderful spot to walk picnic watch the ducks and turtles and just enjoy local nature

We visited this place and due to Gov shutdown the visitor Centre was closed and no one was there to guide. There was a machine to buy tickets. Surrounded the visitor center there were some trails and you can go and enjoy the cactuses beauty

Beautiful area with amazing vistas, cactus, and a great scenic drive. It was almost 100 so we did not take advantage of the many hikes available.

We had an amazing time. The employees were very knowledgeable and excited to share, The visitor Center itself has a lot of interesting details and history about the national park. The shopping was unique and have some local Artistry as well as products.

This is a great Visitors Center. There is a wonderful video about the Sonoran Desert that is a must see. The rangers have maps for hiking trails and other events. They have a well stocked gift shop, bathrooms and water fountains. There is a nice walking trail out front that takes you around some lovely old saguaros and other cacti. We took a moderate trail to see the old petroglyphs which was fun and interesting.

Nice place for rest, picnic, info and gifts. No ticket check point on the west side.

We loved it at the visitor center. Loved the park. The saguaro’s. All of it. Nice clean place.

Very interesting. The volunteer attendant was very knowledgeable and gave us some great tips

Very friendly staff. Mike was very helpful in explaining the available activities, scenic lookouts, and trails to us. The visitor center has a small gift shop and a nature display. The restrooms outside the building are nice and clean. The loop drive took us through landscapes and scenery we had never seen before.

The employees were very helpful and answered all our questions. The 20 minute movie about the Sonoran desert was very interesting. The 8 mile drive to view all the Saguaro cacti was very good.

The staff inside were very knowledgeable about their park and walked us through their park map. They helped us decide what to do with the time we had, and it was over all a great experience! Lots of gift shop items, a bathroom and cool AC!

saguaro national Park is a great place to visit and has a nice bike loop and plenty of trails

Nice stop (Rest Stop) a lot the road; enjoy the images! The roadrunner is made of recycled materials/scrap, 20 ft tall.

Large 8 mile circle a one way most of it. Not near as busy as the West saguaro national Park in the Tucson mountains. The road is paved on the 8 Mile loop with more hiking options along the way. Lots of places to pull out. RVs not recommended there are not large parking spots. You have to obtain a national Park day pass or greater to enter. There is a guard shack with a ranger in it. Enjoy!

Great park, was not very busy, amazing weather. Loved seeing all the flowers. Beautiful location, very quiet and peaceful.

10/10 experience every time we go here! The people working and volunteering are sooo kind and knowledgeable and just all around wonderful. The entire experience is the best and easily one of our favorite places! Plenty of areas indoor to look around and cool off. Lots of engaging and fun things for kids! So much to learn and see!

Fantastic place! There are enough animals, fish, amphibians, etc. on display to qualify as a desert zoo, but there is also plenty of plants, cacti, walking, and general desert information that it makes for a good museum too. Even with the shaded spots and indoor exhibits, my mom got overheated, so she and my dad went back to the coffee shop. They told my wife and I to continue on, so we went through some more exhibits and enjoyed them before heading back. The desert has so much beauty and diversity, and yet most people (including myself in the past) only think of it as sand, dirt, shrubs and cacti. This is a great place to visit!

Our family loves to come here. This is a wonderful place to learn new things and get some exercise. We think it’s best to come here in the cooler parts of the year (November- April). We have come during the warm seasons though and have enjoyed the Pack Rat Playhouse to escape the sun! Highly recommend with family. They have shows daily where the staff teach about a few different critters. The audience can ask questions about each animal. Bring water and snacks!

absolutely incredible!! this place never fails to amaze me as an arizona native! i adore all of the information on the desert around us and all the fun little creatures that i learned more about. if you live near Tucson, you need to check this place out. it’s situated right next to part of the Saguaro National Park, so you get a stunning view of all of the cacti plus the mountains. 10/10 experience

Went to the desert museum and spent over 4 hours there. Amazing, immersive experience! Make sure to bring along a water bottle to stay hydrated in the heat. I recommend getting there as early as possible to beat that heat. From the cactus to the pollinators to the animals, such a cool place. We stopped for lunch at the grill and there was plenty of options to eat and rehydrate. Everyone should check this place out. A must-do in Tucson!

Lovely time 🌞 definitely wear a hat and comfy shoes 👍 they have water fountains throughout so if you bring a water bottle you can fill it :) they have both indoor and outdoor exhibits. The gem and mineral is my favorite for indoor, and Strawberry the bear is my favorite for the outdoor 🐻♥️♥️ but the cave is super cool and all the animals are really cool too, it's honestly like a mini zoo. 🦌🐿🦦🦨🐾🦉🦎🐍🦕🐡🦋🪲🦂🌵

I revisited recently after finding it to be a very striking space 9 years ago. I had mixed feelings about the experience this time around, and appreciate certain variables listed here may not always be present. Pros: It's great to have access to convenience facilities on the edge of this absolutely amazing landscape. The butterfly garden was amazing. We got to see a kestrel at the entrance. The reptile room is very cool. The fossil area is good for a sensory experience and conversation about the history of the area. Not so great: A lot of the enclosures are kind of grimy and clearly showing their age, making it difficult to make out a creature inside, if there are any. The hummingbird aviary was quite the disappointment, as that was my favorite experience last time, with numerous birds in the space. We only saw two birds this visit, whether others were hiding or there's really only two birds in there similar to the other aviary where there was a duck and a handful of mourning doves. There were some loud conversations happening so perhaps they were in hiding. We did visit the new-to-us Packrat Playhouse, as we have two young kids. There's guidelines for participants clearly displayed, the first being no running. The space is not safe for running because it's darker and there's enough things within the space that it's difficult to move freely without contacting another person if you're not watching out. I appreciate that it's a good cool space for kids to chill out, but there were multiple school groups and what was apparently one museum staff member/volunteer present and they seemed fully indifferent to proceedings, which included high speed games of chase/tag, and kids who towered over mine almost running over them. Having a timeframe where the space is open only to kids younger than 7 or cordoning off areas for younger kids (as the toddler zone was visited by everyone), and/or staff actually asking supervising adults to uphold the safety rules, would go far in making this a much more pleasant experience. Otherwise, it's a gorgeous space, but consider visiting a local botanical garden instead, as that's what this generally feels like at this point. You'll get the terrain/environment and maybe some wildlife in a more ideal free roaming capacity, but at a much more affordable price - certainly less than $25/kid (unless you're at the one in Phoenix 😆). The cost is steep for what it is at this time, and what we expected based on past experience.

Gates Pass in Tucson is one of the most stunning spots to watch the sunset in the area. The views over the desert and mountains are absolutely breathtaking, especially as the sun dips below the horizon and bathes the landscape in golden and pink hues. It’s a popular place for a reason—expect to see plenty of other people, including several doing photo shoots or setting up tripods to capture the moment. That said, parking can be a challenge, particularly around sunset. The small lot fills up quickly, so arriving early is key if you want a good spot without stress. Bathrooms are available, but honestly, they’re pretty gross—bring hand sanitizer or plan to avoid them if you can. Despite the crowds and the lackluster facilities, Gates Pass is still an incredible place to watch the sunset, take in the desert scenery, and even enjoy a simple picnic. Just come prepared and patient—it’s worth it for the view.

Beautiful little mountain pass with a nice parking lot to get out and enjoy the view. There's also a hiking trail that starts here.

Stop here. Get out. Look around. There's a washroom nearby, which is helpful for this drive. We stopped here on our way to the Desert Museum and were so happy we did; the views here are incredible! If you're coming into Arizona to enjoy the landscape and saguaro scenery, it's here that you want to stop. Just look at the pictures! It's a beautiful place to stop, just be sure the timing of the sun is on your side.

A short drive off I-10 and the city center of Tucson, Gates Pass offers a leisure drive through quaint and quiet residential areas into one of the most scenic areas of the mountains and desert skyline. Try and visit on a clear day to take in all the scenic beauty. And best of all, this "Daycation" is free.

Gates Pass Scenic Lookout Point: A Panoramic Oasis in the Tucson Desert Winding your way up the scenic drive towards Gates Pass Scenic Lookout Point, anticipation builds with each turn. The moment you arrive, the desert unfolds before you in a breathtaking panorama. Rugged mountain peaks, sprawling valleys dotted with cacti, and the distant city skyline paint a picture of captivating beauty. The vastness of the landscape leaves you speechless. Whether bathed in the warm glow of sunrise or the fiery hues of sunset, the changing colors add another layer of magic to the scene. At night, the sky transforms into a canvas of stars, creating a moment of peaceful serenity. Beyond the breathtaking views, Gates Pass offers a variety of attractions. Hiking trails beckon you to explore the desert environment and immerse yourself in its intricate details. Interpretive displays provide fascinating insights into the area's history and geology, enriching your understanding of this special place. Picnic tables offer the perfect setting for a family outing or a romantic evening under the stars. Imagine sharing a meal with loved ones while the desert unfolds around you, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you're seeking adventure on the trails, knowledge from the displays, or simply a moment of quiet contemplation amidst the beauty, Gates Pass Scenic Lookout Point has something for everyone. It's a place where you can reconnect with nature, appreciate its wonders, and find peace amidst the vastness of the desert. With its stunning vistas, diverse trails, and educational opportunities, Gates Pass Scenic Lookout Point is a must-visit on your trip to Tucson. It's a desert oasis that promises an unforgettable experience.

My favorite drive in all of the Tucson area! The views from the top of the pass are amazing, and you will see more Saguaros than you can imagine. Highly recommend!

Skip the crowds at other sunrise-seeking tourist spots where people and cars are lined up along the highway. Head to Gates Pass instead. Trails, views and peace are your reward for driving up just a bit further. Highly recommended!

Old Tucson is the place many classic western movies were filmed. Old Tucson was a mixed bag of excitement and disappointment. The Old Tucson Website let us down by not making it apparent on its homepage the park is closed during the summer. No food, no rides, no games, no gunfights, and no entertainment during the summer months. The saving grace is a fabulous tour given by a wonderful guide for $20 per person. This gives you the history of this famous movie set. The photo opportunities without the crowds were nice. The website home page not saying tours only during the summer drops this review from a 5 star to a frustrated 4-star review.

What a wonderful surprise and gem of a place to visit ! (Buy the all inclusive wristband)Not wheelchair friendly but plenty of parking and the staff are very friendly& were great & in costume. The shows were amazing . especially make sure you plan to see the stunt show & Can Can, ride the train and Carousel! There was plenty to do all day for all ages! There were seven of us and we had lunch at Jake’s barbecue and it was absolutely delicious ~ better than any I’ve had at other restaurants. Already planning our next trip back.

It wasn't open to rides. We did the tour because that was the only choice. You learn about western movies. Our guide was great, he did a great John Wayne impersonation, he did not do a great Arnold Schwarzenegger impersonation. When it's super hot, you go from Shadow to Shadow while the guide explains what you're looking at. I recommend watching Tombstone before going to the tour.

Blessed to have this back. Tucson staple. Old Western Town. Check out Nightfall & Yuletide. Great spot to visit with friends and family

I really enjoyed my visit. The personal was always nice, welcoming and ready to help you. We didn’t get any tour because we like to wonder and take our time and no regrets. They had different shows throughout the day so we never got bored. We only spent there 2 hours due to our itinerary but you can easily stay there until they close. There’s a restaurant, a bar and lots of snacks available.

My family (from Minnesota) and our friend and her family (all from Ohio, randomly in town at the same time as us for a soccer tournament) thoroughly enjoyed our day at Old Tucson! With ages ranging from 2 to 60+, there was genuinely something for everyone. From things I read on Google and Reddit, I honestly went in with pretty low expectations, but any negative or neutral thing I read was disregarded shortly after our arrival. The cast members were excellent. They were engaging from the moment we walked in, they stayed in character all day long, and many of them, after meeting my daughter first thing in the morning, even remembered her name and greeted her throughout the day and as we left, making it extra special (and completely unheard of at larger theme parks - it was a weekday, so there’s a chance it also wasn’t as busy as it can get - for context, my daughter and I had a whole carousel ride to ourselves and plenty of empty seats on our train ride). One cast member even recommended a great place for our party of 11 to grab dinner (for which I’ll also be leaving a 5 star review). Our group had the most fun at the magic show, especially since 3 of us were asked to participate. I’ve seen a lot of magic shows in my day, and while this one doesn’t have the most awe-inspiring tricks, the performer was a natural comedian and really sold the tricks with exceptional narrative, banter, and quick wit. Same with the stunt show - these performers are effortless comedians and really excel at working the crowd - they may have been better at that than any similar show I’ve seen. We brought our almost 3 year old with a stroller and our friend uses a wheelchair - despite the bumps and dirt trails, most of the park felt accessible and getting around was smooth. My family will definitely be back here on some of our annual trips to visit my in-laws. As we were leaving, my daughter exclaimed, “I come back to cowboy town next year???”

We went during the Saguaro Night Market, entrance was free and there were various vendors and actors in costume. It was an amazing atmosphere seeing the sunset, a cowboy band playing in the saloon and the filmsets illuminated at night.

Had an amazing experience with All Around Trail Horses & Saguaro Stables! We did the 2-hour horseback ride through the national park, and it was absolutely worth every penny. The guide was super friendly, knowledgeable, and made the whole ride even more enjoyable with great conversation and interesting info about the area. The views were stunning—cactus-lined trails, desert landscapes, and sweeping mountain scenery all around. It felt like a true Arizona adventure. Highly recommend for anyone looking to explore the desert on horseback!

All Around Trail Horses did an outstanding job of taking care of our group of 35 high school students and 4 chaperones. The Wranglers—Tim, TC, Dusty, and Will matched each horse with each individual rider to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride. The scenery was great, the horses were tame, and the wranglers were helpful, patient, and friendly. I’ve ridden at other outfits and this was by far the best. Prior to booking, I shopped around. The others either wanted us to pay a lot more (for a shorter ride) or they couldn’t handle 39 riders. Nuja did a great job of arranging and coordinating all the details. I highly recommend them and hope to be back soon.

Life changing experience! My boyfriend and I booked a two hour sunset ride and it was absolutely perfect. Dusty was our guide and he was such a personable and knowledgeable guy, we felt so safe the entire time. Conversation was amazing he felt like family by the end of the day.

Me and girlfriend had an amazing afternoon with Will as our guide. This man has a personality like none other and really made the experience that much more enjoyable. The horses were very well behaved, maintained, and friendly. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a cute evening with a loved one and ask for Will as your guide and blue ribbon/ rayban as your steeds.

My brother and I had a great time! Blake was our guide and he was fantastic. He kept everyone entertained and was super friendly. Can’t recommend it enough to anyone looking for something new, or to catch an amazing desert sunset in a unique way!

We’re a family of 5 with kids aged 7-11 and did the 2 hour trail ride. Everybody enjoyed the ride. The views were amazing, the guide was fantastic and the horses were great. As an added bonus we got to visit the foals when the ride was over.

Had a wonderful experience at this place (sunset ride)! My horse Tattle was super sweet and easy to ride. Our guides were also super friendly. 10/10 :)

First rate air museum, been to a few this is by far the best I have been too. Going back again for a thorough visit. They really have too many planes to see. Mainly from WWII and forward. Went on tour ride worth the extra price well explained.

This had been on my bucket list for a while, but when they acquired the Philippine Mars, it made it that much more a "need to go"! It is an all day, or two day visit if you are a real plane buff. We were fortunate that the day we visited, (1st day) the 390th Memorial Museum on site, had a special guest. Colonel Richard B. Bushing Ret. It was amazing the get to talk to someone that was such a part of shaping the world in our lifetime. He is 102 and very much still a firecracker. It is amazing to see the variety and volume of aircraft on display. Go early and wear good walking shoes.

This place is amazing. Make sure you give yourself enough time to see everything. Lots of it is outside too, so plan on going in the morning maybe to see the outside stuff. We gave ourselves 3 hours and it was not even close to enough time. Really amazing. We were really impressed and in some cases in awe of what we were seeing. I would recommend this place for anyone even remotely interested in planes or historic aircraft.

Interesting aviation museum covering mostly military aircraft spread over a large area. Summer opening hours are 0900-1500h, but by 1430h the outdoor exhibits are not open to visit. It's not easy to cover every exhibit in one day, and there's a lot of walking to do. A cap and plenty of water are recommended, as it can be brutally hot and there are few places to sit. One hangar contains a beautifully restored B-17G that is well worth the visit, as are several hangars containing well-restored aircraft, mainly from WW2. There is some equipment and other artifacts also on display that make for interesting reading. It's easy to get app-based cabs to and from the museum, and there is a covered waiting area at the entrance.

On a road trip from El Paso up to Page, AZ my son and I wanted to check this place out as we have never been. HOLY COW, what a place!!!! I had no idea that we would spend over 4 hours there, the amount of aircraft and exhibits is truly amazing. AND on top of it, we were lucky enough that a retired Colonel Richard Bushong that flew missions during WW2 through Vietnam was speaking with visitors, telling stories and signing his book. The people too that work at the museum were so informative, just adding to the overall experience.

It has really grown since the last time I was there. Huge variety of aircraft and most buildings are climate controlled. Most of the museum is out doors so bring your sun screen. The new B17 standalone museum with in a museum is open. Tons of staffing with good air conditioning. They will ask you for donations on top of the normal entrance fee but it is optional.

Beautiful displays with informative placards. Well layed out, spacious and clean. A classroom of aviation history with more information than you can take in in a day, but worth any amount of time that you have available. Outdoor static displays are numerous so wear your walking shoes or take the tram. As an aviation buff I can't recommend this more! Well done Pima Air & Space, you knocked it out of the park!

The tour guide was great. Corny jokes but he warned you ahead of time. They're invested in educating people of the damage that we can do to nature in caves as well as the rich history of the cave. The cave itself is impressive although you only get to see ~ half mile, the caves network is a known 37 miles. Awesome place to visit if you're in the area as the surrounding park is also great.

I booked the ladder tour at CCMP, and had an extraordinary experience! Our guide, Arik, was not only knowledgeable about the cave system, its histories, and its navigation, but was charming and hilarious as well. It takes a special set of skills to combine an educational activity with jokes and banter, and our time with our group in the cave system absolutely flew by. The tour itself was not overly physically demanding but still felt as if you accomplished something unique by the end. If you were debating between the ladder tour and the standard tour, I would wholeheartedly tell you to book the ladder tour. You get to do some minor climbing, you spend some time in true darkness, and you get a lot more value for the extra time spent in the caves. The entire staff were professional but passionate- you can tell everyone who works there care about the land they’re showing to the public. At no point did I feel unsafe or worried about their standards, and from start to finish felt like they truly wanted our entire group to have a wonderful time. After the tour I had a soft serve prickly pear ice cream at their cafe which was adjacent to their impressive gift shop and it might be the best ice cream I’ve ever had in my life. 10/10. If you’re visiting the Tucson area I cannot recommend this park and tour enough.

What a great experience! The staff at Colossal Cave Mountain Park were all incredibly friendly and helpful. I especially want to thank our tour guide, David. He did an amazing job sharing the history of the cave in a way that was both fun and educational. His passion and humor really made the tour memorable. We'll definitely be back!

Hands down, BEST experience at Colossal Cave Mountain Park today on the Ladder Tour. Our tour guide was Arik and he did an amazing job! He was super informative and told us so many fun facts about the cave and surrounding area. While the tour can be tight in some spots, I would HIGHLY recommend it! You get to explore parts of the cave not on the standard tour as well as experience complete darkness. It’s a great experience!

Adam was our tour guide and our family had a great time! We only wish we had visited sooner! Easy 50 minute tour with lots of neat tidbits, and the cave is cool (literally). We didn’t do anything else as we live right next door, but I’d recommend it to anyone stopping by.

Ladder tour is worth it! We did ladder tour with Arik, he was brilliant and the tour was brilliant, some tight squeezes but I’m a big guy and fitted through without getting stuck. I would definitely recommend the ladder tour over the normal tour any day was so different and fun.

Beautiful drive out there. It's a dry cave system. Temp is always 71 w no humidity. They have different difficulty tours. We took the basic. Guides are really good.

I visited San Xavier del Bac Mission today, just south of Tucson, and it hit me all over again why they call it the White Dove of the Desert. The mission rises out of the land with this quiet power, even now with scaffolding wrapped around the front while they work on the old façade. You can see where time, weather, and a few bad repair choices from the past have worn it down, and now there’s a careful crew out there trying to bring it back the right way. Even with the construction, or maybe because of it, the place feels alive and in motion instead of frozen in a postcard. Inside, the air is cool and still. Candles, color, carved figures, and old paintings all carry that mix of Catholic history and Tohono O’odham spirit. It feels like a living church, not just a museum, and you can sense how many prayers have soaked into those walls. Outside, the desert light hits the towers and scaffolding together, and it feels like you’re watching an elder being cared for. If you are anywhere near Tucson, it is worth stepping into that space, even while the work is going on. Maybe especially now, while you can see the effort it takes to keep something this old, this sacred, standing strong. Grateful Traveler’s Note 🌿

Incredible. The detail is stunning, takes you back in time. So peaceful. Museum portion is very informative. No tickets are needed but donations are helpful for preserving this amazing site and the community.

A very beautiful place to visit. Very calming and the history all around the grounds. The gift shop is so nice. Staff is friendly and outside vendors have yummy Popovers Indian Bread. We will be back soon.😊

San Xavier del Bac Mission truly lives up to its nickname, “The White Dove of the Desert.” This magnificent and spiritual Spanish Catholic mission, completed in 1797, is a stunning example of Baroque architecture and features breathtaking painted artwork throughout. The atmosphere inside the church is deeply moving. It was incredibly touching to see all the candles purchased for the sick, the dead, and for miracles. The fact that a candle, which costs just $8, will burn for an entire week is a beautiful gesture. The mission grounds are equally charming. We loved strolling through the courtyard with its beautiful fountain and browsing the quaint gift shop for unique Arizona trinkets. The food vendors outside were a great addition, offering delicious and authentic Mexican cuisine. This is a must-see for anyone in the Tucson area, whether you appreciate history, architecture, or are simply looking for a peaceful and spiritual place to visit.

Amazing and beautiful! The architecture was amazing, the museum and the church still continues to serve the Tohono O’odham community! Definitely check it out when in Tucson. Also, if they do have mass, please do not enter. And bring water as well!

San Xavier del Bac Mission, built in 1797, is a stunning example of Mexican Baroque architecture. The intricate carvings, vibrant frescoes, and preserved religious relics make it a deeply spiritual and historical site. Inside, the ornate altars and centuries-old artifacts reflect the rich Catholic heritage of the region. It's both a place of worship and a must-see tourist destination near Tucson. The peaceful desert setting adds to its beauty, and guided tours offer valuable insights into its cultural and architectural significance. A true gem of Arizona history and a remarkable experience.

TLDR: I am not Catholic, but have visited various cathedrals, churches and missions and this is one of the most interesting I’ve ever been to. “Founded by Padre Kino in 1692 and completed in 1797, San Xavier del Bac Mission is Arizona’s oldest European structure and a masterpiece of Spanish Colonial architecture.” - stolen from the website 😎. I’m always blown away by the artistry and commitment to detail ensconced in the decoration of religious places of worship, and the beauty of the San Xavier del Bac Mission is no exception. You really have to visit to take it all in. The staff is welcoming, and there is a gift shop where I picked up a handmade (I think) souvenir ornament and some DELICIOUS prickly pear gummy bears. Seriously, they were really good and I haven’t seen them anywhere since that visit.