Summary
Situated in southwest Arizona’s Pinal County, the town of Kearny derives its name from U.S. Army General Stephen Watts Kearny, who traversed the region in the 1840s while leading a troop of soldiers to California.
Home to fewer than 2,000 residents, Kearny is enveloped by expansive landscapes and breathtaking desert views. The town’s economy primarily revolves around the copper mining and smelting sector, predominantly facilitated by the mining corporation ASARCO.
From golf and birdwatching to rodeos and esteemed museums, Kearny offers a plethora of activities to occupy your time both within the town and its surroundings.
Presenting 14 compelling attractions in Kearny that are certainly worth exploring.
1. Kearny Pioneer Days
Taking place in Kearny’s appropriately named Pioneer Park, the annual Kearny Pioneer Days has been a fixture for 50 years, occurring in March when the desert climate is most favorable.
This event celebrates the town’s pioneer heritage and features a variety of rodeo-style activities, live music, and an abundance of food, much of which is locally sourced and served with a Southwestern flair.
Numerous activities cater to both adults and children, and the modest entrance fee is budget-friendly, particularly considering the extensive duration of the event.
2. Hubbard Park
Parks serve as excellent venues to stretch your legs, unwind, and familiarize yourself with your surroundings.
Conveniently positioned in the heart of Kearny, Hubbard Park features a playground, shaded trees, and picnic tables with ramadas gifted by ASARCO, the town’s predominant employer.
At either end of the park are the Kearny Public Library and Town Hall, both valuable resources for visitors, where friendly staff can provide recommendations for local attractions and events.
The park also includes a swimming pool and restrooms for visitor convenience.
3. Goldfield Ghost Town
Found in Apache Junction, between Phoenix and Kearny, Goldfield Ghost Town is an intriguing Arizona attraction that is not to be missed.
This site features historic buildings that evoke the essence of a bygone era, resembling a western movie set.
Visitors are welcome to explore the abandoned mine, and there is even a reptile exhibit, one of the largest of its kind in the state.
For train enthusiasts, a line operates around the town, offering a 20-minute journey with impressive views of the majestic Superstition Mountains.
4. Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness Area
Spanning nearly 20,000 acres, the Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness Area is located on the northwestern edge of the Galiuro Mountains, covering parts of Arizona’s Graham and Pinal Counties.
This canyon stretches nearly 12 miles and is encircled by mesas and steep cliffs.
Within the area, there is a nature conservancy on private land, known for its intact ecological integrity and wildlife, but access requires written authorization from the park office.
Situated about an hour northeast of Tucson, it is an excellent location for wildlife observation, with affordable campsites available.
5. Apache Trail Scenic Byway
Located along Route 88 between Apache Junction and Roosevelt Dam, Apache Trail National Scenic Byway encompasses just over 48 miles of stunning desert scenery.
This winding road traverses the Salt River Canyon, accompanied by breathtaking views of the Superstition Mountains, featuring significant elevation changes that offer numerous viewpoints for capturing exquisite photographs.
Additionally, travelers will pass Apache Lake, a perfect stop for those interested in fishing or simply enjoying the picturesque lake scenery.
6. Tube the Salt River
Tubing on the Salt River is an Arizona tradition that dates back to the inception of the inner tube.
The Salt River flows through rugged yet picturesque landscapes, much of which is located within Tonto National Forest near East Mesa, Arizona.
Visitors will be pleasantly surprised by the refreshing clarity of the water.
Participants can select the duration of their trip, and all excursions include transportation to and from the drop-off and pick-up areas.
While the pricing is economical, availability is seasonal. The river can become quite crowded during peak times, so plan ahead if possible.
7. Sabino Canyon
One of the most frequented destinations for outdoor pursuits such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding, Sabino Canyon is situated within the Coronado National Forest, just north of Tucson.
Sabino Creek runs through the canyon and features seasonal waterfalls; however, due to the dry climate, they do not flow year-round.
The canyon hosts a diversity of desert wildlife, including rattlesnakes, tarantulas, and mountain lions.
Trail markers are visible throughout the area, with optimal opportunities for wildlife sightings occurring in the early morning and late evening.
Before heading out, stop by the visitor center for helpful hiking suggestions.
8. Arizona Sonora Desert Museum
One of Arizona’s distinguished museums and botanical gardens, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum was established in the 1950s and encompasses exhibits on natural history, botany, and the arts.
The facility spans over 90 acres, with accessible pathways guiding visitors to various attractions.
Its strategic location just west of Tucson and reasonable admission prices make it one of southern Arizona’s key attractions, featuring hundreds of animal species alongside thousands of plant varieties.
The museum operates daily, excluding major holidays, and attracts nearly half a million visitors each year.
9. Tohono Chul Park
Situated northwest of Tucson, Tohono Chul Park originated in the 1960s when a local couple began acquiring desert land with aspirations of creating a distinctive park.
The park now spans nearly 40 acres, including an old ranch house that has been converted into a bistro and tea room.
Visitors can enjoy diverse gardens, art installations, and a retail nursery filled with various desert plants and cacti.
Numerous interactive activities are available for children, alongside guided tours for adult groups and educational institutions.
Guests frequently praise the bistro, making it an excellent place to enjoy lunch or a refreshing afternoon coffee.
10. Heirloom Farmers Market
Farmers markets provide an opportunity to discover unique, locally-produced food items and products, thus supporting local families and businesses.
Heirloom Farmers Market in Oro Valley has thrived for nearly 15 years and serves as both a shopping venue and a social gathering.
The market operates year-round, offering a variety of seasonal produce and uniquely Arizona items, such as cactus jelly, tequila-infused products, scorpion-flavored lollipops, and wild honey.
It is also renowned for its exceptional chocolate and baked goods.
11. Catalina State Park
A single day pass to Catalina State Park grants access to a range of activities for hikers, rock enthusiasts, and budding archaeologists.
The park is filled with hiking trails and stunning landscapes, while the Romero Ruins provide a fascinating glimpse into the lives of Native Americans who inhabited this challenging environment millennia before official settlement.
Stop by the visitor center for a complimentary trail map before embarking on your journey, and be mindful that Arizona’s climate can be extreme, necessitating ample water, sturdy footwear, and suitable headwear.
12. Mount Lemmon
Owing to its elevation, the climate at Mount Lemmon is significantly more temperate than that of Tucson, which often resembles a pizza oven for much of the year.
Situated within the Santa Catalina Mountains near the Coronado National Forest, Mount Lemmon boasts some of Arizona’s most breathtaking vistas, many of which can be effortlessly appreciated from the scenic Sky Island Parkway that ascends nearly 6,000 feet.
This destination is especially sought after during the sweltering Arizona summer months, and it unexpectedly hosts a variety of winter sports due to its cooler and snowy conditions.
13. Saguaro National Park
While Arizona boasts numerous state and national parks, Saguaro National Park, located near Tucson and Marana, is remarkable for housing one of the most concentrated populations of Saguaro cacti in the Southwest.
These cacti can reach heights of 50 feet, live for several centuries, and weigh several tons.
Regarded as the venerable giants of the desert, they produce exceptionally large and beautiful white flowers in the spring, which are popular among Arizona artists.
Guided tours are available if arranged in advance, or guests are welcome to explore the park independently.
Dress appropriately for the conditions and ensure adequate hydration during your visit.
14. Disruptive Paintballing
If you find yourself seeking a break from museums, cacti, and historic sites, engaging in an adrenaline-pumping paintballing experience may be the perfect alternative.
Established in 2004, Disruptive Paintball is a family-owned enterprise that has provided entertainment to countless visitors, appealing to both novices and experienced players alike.
For those new to the activity, well-trained staff are available to supply necessary equipment and offer a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of paintball before you embark on your adventure.
The increasing popularity of paintball in recent years may become evident after a day at Disruptive, as it undoubtedly offers a unique and exhilarating experience.
