Nature and Ecology

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
2021 N. Kinney Rd., 883-1380
8:30 am-5pm Oct - Feb. 7:30 am - 6pm
Mar - Sep, Sat 7:30 am - 10 pm Jun - Oct
The premiere zoo/botanical garden/natural history museum fostering appreciation, knowledge and wise stewardship of the Sonoran Desert region. Be sure to see the Coatimundi!

Colossal Cave Mountain Park
Old Spanish Trail and Colossal Cave Rd., 647-7275
Summer 8 am - 6 pm , winter 9 am - 5 pm
Open an hour later on Sundays and holidays
Beautiful desert park, on the National Historic Register, showcasing crystal-filled Colossal Cave and historic La Posta Quemada Ranch. Cave tours, museums, picnicking. Western trail rides. Ask about the evening spelunking tours, complete with miner's hat - not for the faint of heart!

Tohono Chul Park
7366 N. Paseo del Norte, 575-8468
Home of the night-blooming Cereus. If you're lucky, you'll be here the one night a year it blooms (if conditions are right, of course). This 49-acre desert preserve features nature trails, bird-watching, demonstration gardens, children's garden, art exhibits, geology wall, greenhouse, tours, concerts, lectures, shops and restaurant. Donation requested.

Tucson Botanical Gardens2150 N. Alvernon Way, 326-9255
Mon - Sat 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
With luck, you can plan your visit to coincide with luminaria night (candles within paper bags). This gives a surreal experience to this urban oasis which features 15 specialty gardens including cactus, wildflowers, herbs. Native American crops. Nursery, gift shop, tours, classes.

Back to The Area Page to View Additional Attractions