Lakes & Mountains around Tucson

Hike or bike the Santa Catalina Mountains to the North that are part of the Coronado National Forest. Mount Lemmon is at 9,147 feet and is the southernmost ski destination in the U.S. Numerous trails dot the mountains; on the Romero Pools Trail you will see deep pools and a swimming hole. Blackett’s Ridge Trail offers extensive panoramic views as well as an intense hike.

Travel east to the Rincon Mountain Wilderness area, where you can hike and visit the Colossal Cave Mountain Park, a stunning 2,400-acre desert park. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, if offers easy hiking trails.

Other mountain parks include:

Santa Rita Mountains
Tortolita Mountains
Arizona National Scenic Trail

Lake areas are nearby for fishing, especially within the city. Outside of the city, the state parks, such as Patagonia State Park, offer lakes for swimming and recreation.

Finding your ideal home among the vacation rentals will give you comfort and relaxation after a day spent outdoors or a morning golfing at one of the area’s superb golfing venues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the weather like in Tucson and when is the best time to visit?

Fall, winter, and spring are the most popular times to visit Tucson due to mild weather, outdoor activities, cultural festivals, and ideal conditions for hiking and sightseeing.

With 350+ days of sunshine annually, Tucson ranks as one of most radiant cities in the United States! As a result, there are fun events all year long, including sports and outdoor activities, even in mid-winter. Yes, it’s hot in the summer, but the nights are cooler, and like they say, “it’s a dry heat,” which means you’ll rarely break a sweat. Thanks to showers in late summer and early winter, it’s a different kind of desert — a lot greener than you might think.

What are the top things to do in Tucson?

Tucson’s top attractions come from the natural landscapes of the Sonoran Desert. Sabino Canyon, Catalina State Park, Saguaro National Parks East and West, Colossal Cave Mountain Park, the Tohono Chul Botanical Gardens, and Kartchner Caverns State Park are all well worth the visit and hiking opportunities.

You won’t want to miss the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, which houses a zoo, walk-in aviary, botanical garden, and natural history exhibits.

Does Casago have pet-friendly vacation rentals in Tucson?

Yes! We have some pet-friendly properties, contact us for more details. We want to be able to accommodate you as much as possible, and that’s why we’ll strive to offer you a pet-friendly vacation rental that will work for your pet.

What are the biggest main events in Tucson?

Did you know Tucson is recognized as one of the best cities in the world for events and festivals? Many of these center on Tucson’s eccentric character, gem shows, and rodeos. Don’t forget sporting events at the U of A, plus seasonal arts & cultural highlights.

Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase (Jan - Feb)
Tucson International Mariachi Festival (Spring)
All Souls Procession (early November)
Tucson Festival of Books (Spring)
Tucson Rodeo (Feb - March)
El Tour de Tucson (November)

Is it easy to do day-trips from Tucson?

Definitely! Tucson is a convenient home-base for day trips to: the Biosphere II in Oracle, the famous “Old West” boom town of Tombstone, Bisbee, Flagstaff, Mount Lemmon, Phoenix, and Nogales, Mexico.

How do I get around downtown Tucson?

Tucson’s Sun Link Streetcar links the University of Arizona to the Mercado neighborhood by way of downtown Tucson and the popular Fourth Avenue dining, shopping, and entertainment district, following the main artery of Tucson’s Urban Core.