Explore the Allure of Tucson, Arizona

Arizona is hot. However, Tucson is literally (and figuratively) 10 degrees cooler than the capital of Phoenix. Although best visited in shoulder seasons or winter to avoid 100-plus-degree temperatures, Tucson is a remarkable location for hiking among the giant green saguaro cacti, dude ranching, breathtaking sunsets, and mountain biking. Here’s why you should consider Tucson as your next travel destination:

Scope out the Saguaro

Believe it or not, in some circles, Saguaro National Park (pronounced “suh-wah-roe”) has taken the top ranking in lists of the best national parks. Although the towering green cacti might at first seem lifeless and boring, you’ll quickly change your mind while navigating through these very much alive and guardian-like plants, which can tower up to 50 feet tall and live for more than 200 years. To fully appreciate these desert sentinels, you must walk among them; driving will not suffice. Consequently, the best place to do that is on the west side of the park, where the Saguaro cluster in greater numbers. You can’t go wrong with the short but stunning Valley Overlook Trail during sunrise or sunset. While you’re there, be sure to drive to nearby Gates Pass Road for stunning views of the Saguaro-filled Tucson Mountains.

Dude Ranches and Desert

Tucson is a hub for dude ranches, which recreate the romantic idealization of Western tradition and history. Provided you don’t mind being labeled a tourist, you’ll have a wonderful time staying at or simply day-tripping to one. At Tanque Verde Guest Ranch, for example, you can immerse yourself in the American West with its purposely antique rooms while indulging in horseback riding, cowboy cookouts, and delightful hoedowns. Meanwhile, the desert fight for survival is on full display at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, which is a 98-acre outdoor zoo, indoor aquarium, botanical garden, and natural history museum near the west entrance of Saguaro National Park. With two miles of designated trails, shade cover, and ice cream on site, it’s an enlightening way to soak in both Arizona and Tucson history.

Salsas and Sunsets

A mere 70 miles from the Mexican border, Tucson is heavily influenced by genuine Mexican cuisine infused with a twist of American flavors. At Boca Tacos, for example, you’ll receive half a dozen salsas with your order, allowing you to sample a wide variety of flavors in an inviting al fresco setting. Of course, there’s plenty of Tex-Mex and traditional American foods in the area as well. Therefore, Tucson is an exceptional destination for Southwestern cuisine. And you know those postcard photos of silhouetted cacti and palms in the foreground of a radiant pink-orange sky? That’s everyday life here. Simply put, the sunsets are incredible—right on par with the epic sunsets of South Africa. Only here, it comes with all the iconic elements of the old American West.

Biking and Boneyards

Whether you’re in the surrounding mountains or the valleys of Tucson proper, the Sonoran Desert is a surprisingly great place for off-road biking. With more than 700 miles of designated trails, the terrain is as plentiful as the captivating cacti. However, avoid those spiny plant enemies at all costs—they can be quite painful if you miss a turn. Like hiking, single-tracking through them is an exhilarating experience. Furthermore, for an insight into Tucson’s other famous transportation, seek out the largest collective of aircraft graveyards in the world. Although the government boneyards are closed to the public, you can still get an impressive and up-close view of the aircraft at the Pima Air & Space Museum. Additionally, driving the southern streets of Tucson provides an unimaginable experience—like something straight from a dystopian novel.

Tucson: Get Away From It All

Like any good desert or Palm Springs-like resort, Sabino Canyon (on the northeast side of the city) is home to wonderful oases for sun, spas, pools, and relaxation. At Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, for example, you’ll be impressed by its on-site amenities, golf, and views of greater Tucson. And when you want to escape the scorching heat, it’s a remarkable 30 degrees cooler at Mount Lemmon. You can even ski at America’s southernmost mountain resort in the winter. At over 9,000 feet, Mount Lemmon enjoys over 200 inches of annual snowfall and is just over an hour’s drive from downtown Tucson. In summer, it is the perfect place to hike, camp, and stargaze, receiving high recommendations from both tourists and locals alike.

Pro Tip: Tucson is a sprawling city with slow-speed roads and highways. In other words, if you’re traveling 10 miles by car, it will typically take you twice as many minutes (20) to arrive.