Tucson Mountains is a small mountain range west of Tucson, Arizona. There are four mountain ranges that surround Tucson; the Tucson Mountains, the Catalina Mountains, the Rincon Mountains, and the Santa Rita Mountains. Even though each mountain range is unique and outstanding, we gravitate towards the Tucson Mountains because of the density of saguaros, hiking trails, wildlife, Tucson Mountain Park, Saguaro National Park West and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. From Cave Creek, Arizona it was about a 2 hour drive to Tucson.
Tucson Mountains, Arizona
Wasson Peak is the tallest in the Tucson Mountains at 4,687 feet, but we didn’t get a picture of it. In terms of weather, this was an ideal time to come to Tucson. The nights were cool and days were in the 70s. Perfect weather for exploring the Tucson area and for hiking. The only problem is that very little was flowering. For the best wildflowers and cactus blooms, March through May is a great time to come.
Western Way RV Resort
This is our fourth stay. They had 50-amp electric, good water pressure, sewer and pay for use internet.
They have new owners. Even though rates went up, they did some remodeling, including the gym and pool area, which really helped. We would love to see less park models, updated park models, more space between sites, and vegetation for privacy between sites…but that will never happen.
Many evenings there were spectacular sunsets just a few steps away from the Airstream.
Tucson Mountains Park
The area is loaded with hiking trails. There is also Gilbert Ray Campground, a gun range, archery range, and an old movie set that has been closed down since COVID.
Sunsets were incredible. Even if the sky was completely overcast, it somehow cleared and opened up to let the color in at the last minute.
Crested saguaros are rare. It isn’t known what causes them, but lightning and freezing at the top of the cactus are speculated to cause the mutated growth.
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Established in 1952, the Desert Museum is a Tucson favorite. Michael has been coming since the early 80s and has been a member almost every year. The Desert Museum offers so much. Their attractions include an aviary, hummingbird house, butterfly gardens, cactus gardens, a zoo, aquariums, botanical gardens, art museum, restaurants, and a raptor flight show. Always something to photograph.
The best part is that it is just peaceful and beautiful especially if you arrive early before the crowds show up. It’s nice to sometimes just sit, have a cup of coffee and watch the birds and butterflies, or walk the grounds to see what new is blooming, what animals are out, or talk to the volunteers.
Desert globemallow.
Everyday the staff exhibits rescued birds.
There is a museum that displays local artwork and there is artwork displayed on the grounds.
Saguaro National Park-West
One of our favorites. It has become progressively busier over the years. Now there is almost always at least one car at each trailhead parking lot. But it is still rare to run into anyone while hiking the washes.
There were a few saguaro cactus blooming. They usually bloom May to June, but can anytime of the year. During peak blooms, there are numerous pollinators including; doves, thrashers, insects and bats. This time of the year it was rare to see a bird on the blooms.
Since very little was in bloom, there weren’t many insects, so hiking was very enjoyable. We didn’t see any rattlesnakes, probably because night temperatures were in the 30-40s and day temperature were in the 60-70s.
