Underneath the electric blue sky of Southeastern Arizona, on the outskirts of one of the most southerly urban metropolises in the U.S., lies the vast desert beauty of the Sonoran desert. Tucson Mountain Park is a vibrant example of this unique beauty, and an absolute must-do if you are ever in this region.
Even in January, yellow brittlebrush is in full bloom alongside the saguaros and barrel cactus that dominate this region. Tucson Mountain Park is also home to prickly pear cactus, octotillo, and hundreds of other drought friendly flora. You may spot a coyote, a turtle, or an owl as you stroll through these astounding mountains.
The 20,000 acres contained in the park make it one of the largest natural resource areas owned and taken care of by a local government in the United States. The park is the pride of Tucson, and it's no wonder why. The scenic panoramas, the miles and miles of hiking and equestrian trails, the otherworldly campgrounds, and the endless beauty of the desert are certainly unique to few places in the world.
The vehicle trails that wind up and down through the mountains will eventually lead you to Old Tucson Studios, an Old West recreation town used for filming movies that does double duty as a theme park.
For over 75 years, they have been making movies at these studios, including a"Tombstone", "Three Amigos", and "The Last Hard Men".