Looking for things to do in Tucson and Southern Arizona? Come back to this page anytime; Adventures in the Home menu Bar. Below is a categorized list of some of the Adventures in Tucson and Southern Arizona that we’d like to recommend. What would you like to do?
Search the page for your favorite type of adventure.
Biking
No one does biking better than Southern Arizona, whether it is Mountain Biking, Touring or Motorcycles. Join the Tour de Tucson, bike to Arivaca, take your Motorcycle to Apache Country. Browse the titles below for more ideas.
- Hiking the Tucson Mountains
- South Mountain Park: A Book Review
- The Loop: The Best Walk Along the River?
- Cycling To Arivaca & Sasabe
- Bicycle Path: The Loop in Tucson
- Cycling Oro Valley Is Incredible!
- Hiking Sweetwater Preserve
- Hohokam Ruins In Catalina State Park
- Things To Do In Graham Country: Roper Lake, Dankworth Ponds, & Discovery Park
- Best Bicycle Trails
- Parker Canyon Lake
- Mountain Biking Around Tucson
- El Tour de Tucson
- Coronado National Forest Recreation
- Rent a Hog
- Ride a Bicycle
- Rent a Bicycle
Birding

Elegant Trogon by Marcel Holyoak
Southern Arizona is a birder’s paradise. From the Sandhill Cranes, the coveted Elegant Trogan, and the Green Kingfisher, birders flock to one of our many wildlife areas. Some areas boast over 200 varieties of birds.
- Birds of the Sonoran Landscape
- How Paton’s Birder Haven Became World-Famous
- Pena Blanca Lake by Sally Reichardt: A Photo Essay
- Best Places to See Hummingbirds in Southern Arizona
- Where Does The Santa Cruz River Start & End?
- Garden Canyon Travertine
- Ajo, AZ: A Small Town With A Big Back Yard
- Bird Walks: Sierra Vista Environmental Park
- Plants of the San Pedro River
- The Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo
- Arthropods of Southern Arizona
- Hiking Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge: BANWR
- At Home with the Screech Owl Family
- A Day In Santa Cruz County
- Northern or Guilded Flicker, Ladderback or Gila Woodpecker?
- A Sweetwater Wetlands Tour with the Audubon Society
- Beyond Tucson: Things to do In Southeast Arizona
- Las Lagunas de Anza Wetlands: A Nogales Treasure
- A Buzzard is NOT a Vulture
- Sweet Birding At Tucson’s Sweetwater Wetlands
- From Paradise Az to the Wonderland of Rocks: A 3-Day Road Trip!
- Should Desert Dove Be On Our List Of Tucson’s Best B&B’s?
- A Cooper’s Hawk Pays A Visit
- The Elegant Trogan in Southern Arizona
- DD Gamble Guest Lodge: A Cochise County Lodging Review!
- Summer on the San Pedro River
- Bird Watching Festivals and Websites around Tucson
- Carr House Season Presentation Series
- Our River of Life: San Pedro River Video
- Kent Springs Cabin in Madera Canyon is a Birders Find
- Mt Lemmon Cabin for Rent
- Portal Cabin Rentals
- Carr House is Open Seasonally; April – October
- Bird Walks at the Environmental Operations Park
- Green Kingfisher Sighting on the San Pedro River
- Birds of the San Pedro River Region
- Turkey in the Wild
- Down By The River B&B: A Review!
- Aravaipa Canyon East: A Pictorial
- Agua Caliente Park: A Desert Oasis In Tucson
- A Day At The San Pedro River
- Carr Canyon: A Delightful Day Trip in the Huachucas
- Around BANWR – Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge
- Patagonia Lake State Park
- Muleshoe Ranch Preserve: Great Southern Arizona Bird Watching
- Things To Do In Graham Country: Roper Lake, Dankworth Ponds, & Discovery Park
- New Video: Mom Hummingbird Feeding Chicks At Desert Museum
- Free Flight Program at the Desert Museum
- Get your Southern Arizona Audubon Fields Trips here!
- The Village of Arivaca, The Ghost Town Of Ruby, & Sweet Peas Cafe’!
- Birds of Southern Arizona – John Ashley Photography
- Parker Canyon Lake
- Madera Kubo Cabins – Madera Canyon
- Tohono Chul Botanical Park and Garden Bistro
- Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum – The Harris Hawk
- Sabino Canyon Interview
- Ramsey Canyon: Hummingbirds and other Critters
- Coronado National Forest Recreation
- Ramsey Canyon Preserve
- Madera Canyon
- Cochise Stronghold Natural Apache Fortress
- Sabino Canyon Attractions
Camping, RVs and Cabins
There is a wonderland of camping experiences at your beck and call. The Coronado National Forest dominates the surroundings, Arizona State Parks following, and some choice camping and RV venues. Be sure to check out the State Park cabin rentals as we believe them to be a real steal.
We hate to give our special finds away, but that is our job. In the summer, instead of heading to Mt. Lemmon, head up to Mt. Graham or Carr Canyon. Be sure to prepare, high clearance car, water, they are not your average campsites. Find the articles below.
- Our Recommended Southern Arizona Campgrounds
- Pena Blanca Lake by Sally Reichardt: A Photo Essay
- Kentucky Camp AZ: A Ghost Town With Accommodations!
- Cochise Stronghold Campground: A Superb Setting!
- Ajo, AZ: A Small Town With A Big Back Yard
- Visit Colossal Cave Mountain Park
- Lyman State Park Camping Cabins
- Yuma, AZ: Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area
- A Video Introduction to Parker Canyon Lake
- Triangle T Guest Ranch: An Old West Adventure
- Reef Townsite: A Summer Picnic at Carr Canyon
- Lakes to Visit this Summer in Southern Arizona
- Mt Lemmon Cabin for Rent
- Portal Cabin Rentals
- Parker Canyon Lake: A Day Trip From Tucson
- Mt. Graham: A Cool Summer Getaway
- Tucson To Oracle State Park Via Redington Pass
- Patagonia Lake State Park
- Hohokam Ruins In Catalina State Park
- Frugal RVing
- 3 Great Southern Arizona Getaways & 3 Staycation Ideas For Tucson Locals
- Things To Do In Graham Country: Roper Lake, Dankworth Ponds, & Discovery Park
- Road Trip – Day 3- Morning; Clifton, Morenci’, Black Hills Country Byway & the Salsa Trail
- State Parks RV Maps
- Camping and RV’s in Arizona State Parks
- Cabins at Roper Lake
- La Posta Quemada Ranch at Colossal Cave Mountain Park
- Coronado National Forest Cabin Rentals
- Parker Canyon Lake
- Saguaro National Park West – Bajada Loop Drive
- Hiking Mt. Lemmon – The Butterfly Trail
- Mt. Lemmon Camping
- Coronado National Forest Recreation
- Madera Canyon
- Cochise Stronghold Natural Apache Fortress
Caves and Caverns

Colossal Cave offers Several Different Tours From Easy To Challenging.
Caves and Caverns for all skill levels. Take a guided tour at Colossal Cave Mountain Park or head out on your own at some of the other caves around Tucson, if you know what you are doing.
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Fishing
Believe it or not we have fish, many lakes are amply stocked. Check the schedules at Arizona Game & Fish for your favorite fishing pond.
- Our Recommended Southern Arizona Campgrounds
- Pena Blanca Lake by Sally Reichardt: A Photo Essay
- Summer on the Mountains; Our Sky Islands. Stay Cool!
- A Video Introduction to Parker Canyon Lake
- Do You Take Your Boat Out on the Water?
- Lakes to Visit this Summer in Southern Arizona
- Mt Lemmon Cabin for Rent
- Parker Canyon Lake: A Day Trip From Tucson
- Mt. Graham: A Cool Summer Getaway
- Patagonia Lake State Park
Golf
Can’t beat the weather for golf. Whether it is cheap golf you are looking for or a resort course, we got em. For discount golf at any of our courses, try Golf Now!
Guided Tours
Want someone special to show you the area? Here are a few that might interest you.
- Tucson Day Trips: South To Tubac and the Missions on I-19
- There’s A New Mineral Museum in Tucson & It’s Great!
- Wickenburg & Vulture City: A Visit
- Bird Walks: Sierra Vista Environmental Park
- Castle Dome City: A Mini-Road Trip From Yuma, AZ
- Our Tucson History & Libation Walking Tour Offers Wine & Food Tastings From Spanish Era
- A Tour of Biosphere 2
- A Sweetwater Wetlands Tour with the Audubon Society
- Tour Pearce AZ: A (Sometimes Lively) Ghost Town!
- Self-Guided Tucson History & Dining Tour: A Walkabout The Old Pueblo
Hiking
With our Sky Islands, there is plenty of opportunity to hike in any season. From short hikes, to day hikes, to the Arizona Trail, all skill levels. Southern Arizona’s got it. And you can’t beat the scenery.
- Enchanting Enchanted Hills Hiking Trails
- Feliz Paseos Park: A Walk About
- Summer on the Mountains; Our Sky Islands. Stay Cool!
- Meet Dozer: New Dog in the Neighborhood
- A Hike Up Picacho Peak
- Hiking in the Tortolita Mountains
- Hiking the Tucson Mountains
- New Sabino Canyon Electric Shuttle
- South Mountain Park: A Book Review
- The Loop: The Best Walk Along the River?
- Tips for Surviving in the Arizona Desert
- Ajo, AZ: A Small Town With A Big Back Yard
- Hike to Picture Rocks Petroglyphs
- Arizona’s Scenic Roads & Hikes by Roger Naylor: A Book Report
- Hiking Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge: BANWR
- Hiking in the Arizona Heat
- Facts and Oddities about the Saguaro Cactus
- Wildflowers at Tucson’s Enchanted Hills
- A Day In Santa Cruz County
- Beyond Tucson: Things to do In Southeast Arizona
- Sanctuary Cove: A Place for Reflection
- Best Hiking in Tucson and Southern Arizona
- Painted Hills: An Easy Tucson Mountain Hike?
- Aravaipa Farms Country Inn: A Lodging Review!
- Three Dog Friendly Hikes In Tucson
- Easy Beautiful Family Hike – Marshall Gulch
- A Hike to Charleston Cemetery with the FSPR
- Wildflowers On The Mountain. A Riot of Colour!
- Hiking Brown Canyon at the Foot of Baboquivari
- From Paradise Az to the Wonderland of Rocks: A 3-Day Road Trip!
- A Trip to the Clanton Ranch
- A Video Introduction to Parker Canyon Lake
- Author Roger Naylor To Discuss Boots & Burgers: An Arizona Handbook for Hungry Hikers!
- Walk the Turquoise Trail
- Gila Cliff Dwellings In New Mexico: Worth the Trip?
- Should Desert Dove Be On Our List Of Tucson’s Best B&B’s?
- AllTrails.com: A Useful Resource
- Map of Saguaro National Park Trails
- Reef Townsite: A Summer Picnic at Carr Canyon
- Hiking Arizona: Boots & Burgers; A Review
- A Hike to the Ghost Town of Charleston Arizona Territory
- Hiking Sweetwater Preserve
- A Hike to Seven Falls in Tucson’s Scenic Sabino Canyon
- Hiking Tumamoc Hill in West Tucson; a Review
- An Adventure To Council Rocks Near Cochise Stronghold!
- DD Gamble Guest Lodge: A Cochise County Lodging Review!
- Patagonia: Gateway to the Arizona Trail
- Sabino Canyon: A Late Summer Pictorial!
- Summer on the San Pedro River
- Lakes to Visit this Summer in Southern Arizona
- Our River of Life: San Pedro River Video
- Kent Springs Cabin in Madera Canyon is a Birders Find
- Mt Lemmon Cabin for Rent
- Carr House is Open Seasonally; April – October
- Bird Walks at the Environmental Operations Park
- Saguaro National Park West: A Pictorial.
- Aravaipa Canyon East: A Pictorial
- Mt. Graham: A Cool Summer Getaway
- A Day At The San Pedro River
- In Search of Cliff Dwellings in Turkey Creek Canyon
- Aravaipa Canyon – West: A Day Trip From Tucson
- Hohokam Ruins In Catalina State Park
- Pusch Peak Hike
- Mt. Wasson Hiking Adventure
- La Posta Quemada Ranch at Colossal Cave Mountain Park
- Coronado National Forest Cabin Rentals
- Parker Canyon Lake
- Links to Southern Arizona Hiking Trails
- Finger Rock Trail – Tucson North
- Mt. Wasson Peak Trails – Tucson’s Westside
- Romero Canyon To Montrose Pools Trail
- Seven Falls Trail – Sabino Canyon
- Hiking Mt. Lemmon – The Butterfly Trail
- Coronado National Forest Recreation
- Catalina State Park Hikes
- Yetman Trail to the Bowen Ruins
- Ramsey Canyon Preserve
- Madera Canyon
- Saguaro National Park West
- Cochise Stronghold Natural Apache Fortress
- Take a Hike
Horseback Riding
An equestrian’s heaven, horses are allowed just about anywhere you can hike.
Horseback Riding is Best in Southern Arizona
There is no better horseback riding experience than you will get in Southern Arizona. 300 days a year of sunshine almost guarantees good weather. Of course, in the summer you may have to start early, but that is the best time to ride anyway. Critters are numerous, and you have … Read More
The Loop: The Best Walk Along the River?
Several years ago while Jim was in rehab at the tony Hacienda at the River for a bit, I decided to get back to my routine of walking in the early morning. It was still quite cool in the morning when I stepped out onto The Loop between Campbell and … Read More
Visit Colossal Cave Mountain Park
Colossal Cave Mountain Park is one of our favorite Southern Arizona attractions. Its natural surroundings make the park special. Colossal Cave Mountain Park is a great place to spend the day with the kids, and it’s only 25 miles from Downtown Tucson. Activities include cave tours, cave exploring, horseback riding, … Read More
Dude Ranching in Arizona: A Review
Dude Ranching in America is one of Arcadia Publishing’s Images of America series. The author is Russell True from the White Stallion Ranch near Tucson, Arizona. Covering the Era of Dude Ranching as a destination, there are historic photographs of 50 or more Dude Ranches in Arizona, focusing on Wickenburg, … Read More
Double R Guest Ranch: A Place for Horseback Riding Enthusiasts
If you are looking for the perfect Horseback Riding experience that takes you away from it all, out to the country, you will find it at the Double R Guest Ranch. This is the Old West, largely untouched since the days of Cochise and Geronimo. Ron Sirota called me one … Read More
Rancho de la Osa: A Guest Ranch Extraordinaire!
About half way through 2018, I asked Ms. Karen what she wanted to do for her August birthday. She said she wanted to go to Rancho de la Osa, the “Ranch of the She-Bear”. She also suggested we invite Ms. Rosemary who is a horse woman and would enjoy the … Read More
Is Tombstone Monument Guest Ranch The Best Place To Stay In Tombstone?
An hour and 15 minute drive southeast from Tucson can land you in the most famous town of the Old West: Tombstone, Arizona. We have visited Tombstone so many times that we know better than to not expect the unexpected. Tombstone has more gunfights in its streets than Chicago. The … Read More
Recommended Tucson Dude Ranches: White Stallion & Tanque Verde!
In the 1930’s through the 1950’s, Tucson boasted more than a hundred guest ranches (aka Dude Ranches). Only a handful remain, two of which we recommend highly: Tanque Verde Guest Ranch and White Stallion Guest Ranch. Tanque Verde (green tank or green pool) is located on the far east side … Read More
Triangle T Guest Ranch: An Old West Adventure
On a sunny Sunday afternoon in late November 2015, Ms. Karen & I headed east from Tucson an hour to get our guided tour of Triangle T Guest Ranch. We had enjoyed lunch in the Rock Saloon at the Ranch a few weeks before when we were on our way … Read More
Hiking Sweetwater Preserve
Sweetwater Preserve is mountain bike, horse, hiker and dog friendly. On the weekends all of the above come out to play. It is one of Pima County’s newest acquisitions, a 700+ acre preserve located on the East side of the Tucson Mountains. Be prepared to share. It is a popular for … Read More
Family Fun
Looking for something special to do with the kids? Look no further.
- Children’s & Family Museums in Tucson & Southern Arizona
- Great Plans for the Reid Park Zoo
- Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch: Not Just for Kids!
- Tucson Summer Camps and Classes 2023
- More Things To Do With Kids In & Near Tucson
- Christmas Holiday Season Tucson & Southern Arizona
- Funny Foot Farm or the Beastie that Ate My Toe
- A Puppet Show For Grownups in Tucson!
- Making Lemonade with the Mini Museum
- Free and Other Things to do this Summer with Kids in Tucson
Road Trips

Cliffs Above Road From Portal To Chiricahua National Monument
Scenic road trips are our favorite past time. Here we share some of our favorite adventures with you.
- The Restoration of Camp Naco
- A Day at Aztec National Monument
- Miles To Go: A Book Review
- El Rancho Hotel & A Quick Trip to Mesa Verde
- A Trip to the Aztec Ruins, NM & La Posada, Winslow AZ.
- A Trip to Remember 2023: Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah?
- A Visit To The Four Corners Monument
- There’s a New Vineyard and Tasting Room in Sonoita / Elgin
- How Paton’s Birder Haven Became World-Famous
- Tucson Day Trips: South To Tubac and the Missions on I-19
Picnics
And along those road trips we find some pretty decent picnic places.
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