Southeastern
Regional Recreation
Colossal
Cave Mountain Park - Popular outlaw hideaway, located on the
Old Spanish Trail. Historical Lore has a gang of bank robbers hiding their
loot somewhere within this cave. Listed on the National Historic
Places the cave is filled with crystals and has tours. This is not a
living cave. Located 22 miles east of Tucson, very scenic
drive. For hours and general information call: (520) 647-7275
Mount Lemmon - A
9,157-foot peak in the Santa Catalina Mountains, has the nation's
southernmost ski area, Mount Lemmon Ski Valley (520-885-1181). Chairlift
rides give visitors year-round scenic views. Campgrounds, hiking trails,
pine forests, and shopping/dining at the Summerhaven Village.
Santa Catalina Ranger District: (520) 749-8700
Sabino Canyon -
Located in the Santa Catalina Mountains, the canyon has a visitors center,
and is accessible only by walking, riding bicycles or riding the
tram. To get there go to Sabino Canyon Road, north of Sunrise. For
general info call: Santa Catalina Ranger District" (520)
749-8700.
Tours (520) 749-2861 or (520) 749-2327
Saguaro National Park
- The park preserves saguaro cactus and other desert vegetation, occupies
regions east and west of Tucson. The exotic saguaro, which may live up to
200 years and grow to a height of 40 feet, can thrive for as long as five
years without water. Its unique blossom is Arizona's state flower. There
are hiking trails, visitor centers, and scenic drives.
Saguaro National Monument (East): 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail
(520) 733-5153
Saguaro National Monument (West): 2700 N. Kinney Road (520) 733-5158
Tucson
Mountain Park - Made up of 20,000 acres, this Sonoran desert
natural preserve is located a few miles west of Tucson. Hiking, horseback
riding, bicycling, picnicking, and camping at Gilbert Ray
Campground. The campground has 30 amp electric for RV's, and
community water faucets at common areas. Dump station and potable water
available for RV's. Generator use is prohibited. 8 miles west of Tucson on
Speedway Boulevard and Kinney Road. Nearby to the Arizona-Sonoran Desert
Museum.
Info: 520-877-6000
Arizona
State Parks
Catalina State Park
- Located at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains, this desert park
features many varieties of plants and animals, and is popular with
bird-watchers. Picnicking and camping areas and trails for hiking,
bicycling, and horseback riding are on-site, and the ruins of an ancient
Hohokam village lie near the park's entrance. 9 miles north of Tucson on
Highway 77. Info: (520) 628-5798
Kartchner Caverns State
Park - Arizona's newest tourist attraction, this park protects a
massive limestone cave with miles of passages and spectacular mineral
deposits. Found in 1974 and kept secret until the preservation of the
caves could be maintained this amazing "live" cave is a truly
unique experience. Tours of the park and Discovery Center do not require
reservations, but reservations are necessary for cave tours. Located
on Highway 90 off of I-10.
Cave reservations: (520) 586-2283 Park Information:
(520) 586-4100
Patagonia Lake State
Park - A popular park for fishing and camping. There are hiking
trails, a beach, boat rentals, boat ramps, and picnic sites. Saturday
morning pontoon birding tours are offered by reservation from the Sonoita
Creek Natural Area Visitor Center. Off of Highway 82, 16 miles
northeast of Nogales.
Information: (520) 287-6965 Boat rental: (520) 287-6063
Picacho State Park
- Picacho Peak reaches a height of 3,374 feet and features dense stands of
saguaro cactus. The most significant Civil War battle sought in the
Arizona Territory took place here. Hiking trails, a self-guided nature
walk, group-use areas, RV hookups, and campgrounds are available. Located
between Tucson and Casa Grande off of I-10.
Tombstone Courthouse
State Historic Park - Built in 1882, the courthouse is part of the
Arizona state park system and features exhibits about the history of
Tombstone and southeast Arizona. Some of the Arizona Territory's
most notorious criminals were tried here. Located in Tombstone,
AZ.
Information: (520) 457-3311
Tubac Presidio State
Historic Park - Founded by the Spanish in 1752, the Presidio is
the oldest European settlement in Arizona. The park features a large
museum with artifacts dating from the late 1600's to the early 1900s.
Other highlights include the commandant's quarters (an underground
archaeological exhibit), Old Tubac Schoolhouse, and living-history
demonstrations on Sundays, October-March. The northern trailhead for the
Juan Bautista de Anza State/National Historic Trail is in this historic
park. Located off of I-19, near Tubac, 45 miles south of
Tucson. Information: (520) 398-2252
Arizona
National Parks
Casa Grande Ruins
National Monument - This site preserves Hohokam ruins, including
four-story Casa Grande, or "Big House" built around 1350 A.D.
Information, lectures, and displays of Hohokom artifacts are offered at
the visitor center. Guided tours are available, and picnic areas are
on-site.
1100 Ruins Dr., Coolidge Information: (520) 723-3172
Chiricahua National
Monument - This area of sculpted volvanic rock once was the
hideout of Cochise and the Chiricahua Apaches. Attractions include a
pioneer homestead, the Faraway Ranch, a Buffalo Soldier encampment, hiking
trails, campgrounds, and a visitor center. 36 miles southeast of
Willcox.
Information: (520) 824-3560
Coronado National
Monument - The memorial, recognizing the 1540 exploration of the
Southwest by the Spanish explorer Coronado, includes seven miles of hiking
trails, picnic areas, and a scenic drive to Motezuma Pass. The visitor
center parking lot, a museum, a picnic area, and the parking lot and rest
rooms at Montezuma Pass are accessible to people with disabilities.
Located Southeast of Sierra Vista, past Hereford. Information: (520)
366-5515
Fort
Bowie National Historic Site - Visitors may take a 1.5-mile
foot trail to the ruins of two forts built in the 1860's. A visitor center
offers historical exhibits, a book shop, and picnic areas are available.
Located 13 miles south of Bowie. Information: (520) 847-2500
Grand Canyon National
Park - The 277-mile long canyon is a world-renowned
living-history and wildlife area with spectacular desert, forest, and
river scenery. The canyon's South Rim is open year-round, and the North
Rim is open mid-May through October, weather permitting. Campsites,
lodging, and an IMAX theater are available. Information: (520)
638-7888
South entrance is located at Highways 180 and 64, 80 miles northwest of
Flagstaff.
East entrance is located at highway 64 via Cameron and Highway 89.
Organ
Pipe Cactus National Monument - Named for the rare organ pipe
cactus species found primarily in the Sonoran Desert. Unpaved roads
provide scenic views, and ranger-guided activities are offered during the
winter. The visitor center and its museum are open year-round except
during the Christmas holiday. Camping is available. Located on
Highway 85, 35 miles south of Ajo. Information: (520) 387-6849
Tonto
National Monument - Prehistoric cliff dwellings are preserved
that were occupied by the Salado from 100 to 1400 A.D. A half-mile
trail climbs 350 feet to the Lower Cliff Dwelling. There is a visitor
center and museum, open year-round except Christmas Day. Located
southwest of Globe off of highway 88.
Information: (928) 467-2241
Tumacacori National
Historical Park - Ruins of three Spanish colonial missions are
preserved at this historical park. San Jose de Tumacacori, Los Santos
Angeles de Guevavi, and San Cayetano de Calabazas. Established near the
turn of the 18th century by Jesuit missionaries, the missions were turned
over to the Franciscans in 1768. The site features a visitor center, a
museum, and a patio garden. Located 48 miles south of Tucson, off 1-19,
Exit 29. Information: (520) 398-2341
Arizona
Outdoors
Bureau
of Land Management - More than 800,000 acres of multiuse
federal lands in southern Arizona, from the international border with
Mexico to the Gila River are managed by this entity. For information
on the following areas contact the Tucson Field Office, 12661 E.
Broadway. Information: (520) 258-7200
-
Ironwood Forest National
Monument
-
San Pedro Riparian
National Conservation Area
-
Las Cienegas National
Conservation Area
-
Muleshoe Ranch in conjunction
with the Nature Conservancy
Recreational activities
include hiking, biking, nature study, camping, and off-highway vehicle
exploration on existing roads. Brochures and maps are available.
Coronado
National Forests - The Coronado National forest covers nearly
1.8 million acres, including 17 mountain ranges in southeastern Arizona
and southwestern New Mexico. Vegetation varies from cactus in the hot, dry
deserts near Tucson to conifers in the cool "sky island"
mountains that rise above 10,000 feet. Recreational opportunities include
skiing, camping, fishing, and hiking on more than 1,100 miles of trails.
The visitor center at the Tucson office is located at 300 W. Congress
Street, Tucson Information: (520) 670-4552
To reserve a campsite in
national forests, call the national reservations system at (877) 444-6777
or
TTY: (877) 833-6777
Travel Documents
- For tourists planning to spend less than 72 hours or travel no
farther than 12 miles (20K) from the border. All U.S. and Canadian
tourists crossing the border into Mexico by land must have proof of
citizenship in the form of a valid passport or a birth certificate
(must be a certified copy with raised seal from the issuing government
agency). A Tourist Permit is not required.
For tourists planning to
spend more than 72 hours or travel farther than 12 miles (20K) into
Mexico. All U.S. citizens/residents, including infants and children,
who travel into the interior of Mexico must, in addition to proof of
citizenship, obtain a Tourist Permit.
People younger than 18
entering Mexico require a notarized consent affidavit from their
parent(s) or legal guardian if traveling alone, with one parent, or in
someone else's custody.
Tourist Permit
It is advisable to obtain a Tourist Permit prior to leaving the United
States. The government-issued permit may be obtained upon presentation
of proof of citizenship from Mexican consulates or immigration offices
at official border crossings. Businessmen or students should obtain a
business or student visa from a Mexican consulate. The Tourist Permit
requires a tourist entry fee to be paid in order to have the permit
validated. The fee may be paid in order to have the permit validated.
The fee may be paid at a branch of any bank operating in Mexico (a
list of banks is provided on the back of the permit). A validated (Fee
Paid stamped) Tourist Permit must be presented when returning to the
United States.
Shopping
US Currency is welcome in Mexico, but carrying large amounts
of cash is not recommended. All change given from US currency
will be given in Mexican currency. Many vendors throughout the country
accept checks and major credit cards, though a number of vendors do
not take checks. When using cash, tourists are advised to exchange
their dollars for pesos at an authorized institution.
US Customs
Upon returning to the United States, American
citizens/residents must declare citizenship as well as all purchases
brought across the border. Merchandise valued at up to $400 per person
is allowed duty-free. Only one liter of liquor and one carton of
cigarettes per adult are allowed duty-free. Any purchases of more that
$400 will be taxed.
Vehicle Information
Fuel - Unleaded and diesel fuels are available, but leaded gas
generally is not.
Insurance -
Tourists driving into Mexico should obtain Mexican automobile
insurance. Several companies near the border sell this insurance. Call
(800) 222-0158 for information.
Vehicle Import
Permits
Tourists planning to travel 12 miles (20K) beyond the border
must obtain a temporary vehicle importation permit and a promise to
return vehicle form. These documents are not required on the Baja
California peninsula or in the state of Sonora. In Sonora, a free
"Sonora Only" vehicle permit good for 180 days is available
at the immigration checkpoint booth on Mex. 15 south of Nogales. Proof
of citizenship, a Tourist Permit, and current vehicle registration
must be presented.
Regulations and fee change
frequently, so be sure to contact the US consulate before taking a
vehicle into the interior of Mexico. Vehicle owners/lessees should be
prepared to show the following documents (all bearing the
owner/lessee's name):
-
The appropriate
immigration form
-
A certificate of
title, vehicle registration, rental/leasing contract, or bill of
sale. An employee driving a company car must present a document
certifying that the employee works for the firm.
-
A valid driver's
license issued outside Mexico.
-
An international
credit card (VISA, MasterCard, or American Express).
-
Motorists should carry
the vehicle permit with them when they leave their vehicles
unattended in Mexico. Their temporary vehicle permit must be
canceled at Mexican customs upon reentry into the United States.
All information presented
about traveling in Mexico is subject to change. Please contact the US
Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs for warnings and
current regulations. Call (202) 647-5225 or (888) 407-4747, or check
this website.
Presented by Peggy Parks
of Recker Realty & Investments, Inc.
