1000 Things To-Do

Ask any Tucsonan how they feel about the arrival of October and cooler temperatures and they will undoubtedly answer with a tremendous sigh of relief. Summer has been a long, hot haul for those of us living in the Old Pueblo and the month of October always signals relief from triple-digit heat. Now that day-time temperatures are dipping into the 80s, it is time for us to come out of our reverse-seasonal hibernation! What better way to celebrate the desert’s version of fall than to visit some of Tucson’s amazing outdoor attractions while enjoying our gorgeous weather? If you are looking for some ideas about where to go and what to do, consider these attractions:

Tumamoc Hill – A Treasure in the Desert: Looking for an urban hiking excursion with great city views? Check out Tumamoc Hill, located just west of downtown Tucson, and enjoy a short evening hike, perfect for catching a spectacular Tucson sunset. The hike is 3.1 miles in length and takes about an hour to complete at a moderate pace. It is also well paved and wide, which means that strollers can be taken up and down the mountain without difficulty.

The Serenity of Silverbell Lake: Did you know that there is a man-made lake in Tucson where you can go fishing? Silverbell Lake is an oft-overlooked gem on the west side of town off Silverbell. Tucked off the road, in what is officially Christopher Columbus Park, it is a lake complete with boats and people fishing. So grab your fishing poles, pack a picnic, and head for the lake!

Wildflowers in Tohono Chul Park: You don’t have to travel far or forge an unbeaten path in order to enjoy some desert flora and fauna. You can head to Tohono Chul Park, which is about a ten or fifteen minute drive from central Tucson. Wander the concrete paths through this desert botanical garden, take in the wildflowers, visit the gift shop, and enjoy refreshments in the Tea Room.

Saguaro National Park: Need to get out of the city for bit and hear the sound of desert rock crunching beneath your boots? Then don your sunscreen and hat, bring ample water, and set out for hike in the scenic landscape of the Tucson Mountain District of this national park. The visitor’s center can provide you with information about the area, as well as recommendations about which walking or driving tour to take.

Hiking Sabino Canyon: All deserts have an oasis and Sabino Canyon is certainly one of Tucson’s. Why not set out for a desert nature hike that also features cool canyon pools? The paved road in Sabino Canyon allows for easy walking, cycling, or tours by tram. With many hiking trails and tram destinations to choose from, you can make a day or an afternoon of your adventure in this Tucson landmark!

Fortunately for Tucsonans, our fall is much like a second spring when the city and its inhabitants come back to life after a grueling summer. It is a perfect time of year to take advantage of the cooler weather and experience some of the unique outdoor attractions that Tucson has to offer.

Editor’s Note - Thank you to our Tucson Editor, Amy, for the content of this Monday City Spotlight.