Tuscon is one of the major cities that mark the Wild West frontiers of American history. Tourist attractions, even those that are off the beaten path, all revolve around the hot dusty history of cowboys, Indians and the ongoing rivalry between North and South. Even the city's largest 2010 event, The Tuscon Rodeo Parade and Museum focuses on the history of the cowboy and pioneer living.
Things to See and Do
Tuscon is the second largest city in Arizona apart from the capital, Phoenix. Once part of Mexico, it was founded in 1776, and the city's birthday is now celebrated with the August 20 annual La Fiesta de San Augustin. Visitors to this event, as well as any other in Tuscon, are almost guaranteed good weather. The city gets around 350 sunny days each year.
Major attractions in Tuscon are almost as plentiful as its big sister, Phoenix. The Old Tuscon Studios (210 S Kinney Rd) was the point of production of famous Western movies: Tombstone, The Three Amigos, Gunfight at the OK Corral, and almost everything that starred John Wayne. Sets of these and others are preserved, and guided tours are a fun – if slightly kitsch – peek into the making of these pieces of Americana.
Outdoor Attractions
The Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve (50 Salero Canyon Rd) is a nature park that offers visitors a glimpse into the original landscape of Tuscon. Along with old-growth forests and abundant wildlife, this is also the home of one of the few remaining desert wetlands, or cienegas, that house rare and endangered species that are unique to this part of the world.
Trail Dust Town is part amusement complex and part historical monument. Once the set of a movie, the town partially reproduces a typical Tuscon town of the frontier days, complete with authentic candy-making, weaving and character actors. It also has a few modern conveniences like a good, if slightly expensive, steak house restaurant. Located at 6541 E Tanque Verde Rd.
Events
The major Tuscon event for visitors of 2010 is the The Tuscon Rodeo Parade and Museum. Open until April 17, the Parade is, as the name suggests, devoted to displays, workshops and relics of the Rodeo tradition, including an exhibition of almost 130 hrose-drawn vehicles that were typical of the late nineteenth century in settled Tuscon. Entry prices range from $2 to $10 and can be accessed at the corner of 6th Ave and Rivington Rd, at the Tuscon Rodeo Grounds.
Off the Beaten Path
Getting off the beaten path in Tuscon means pulling on hiking boots and heading out of town. The Arizona landscape is perfect for long, rambling trails and the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is one of the most remote State Parks within reasonable distance of the city (it's about three hours drive south-west of Tuscon). There are camping grounds and water stops dotted around 'The Pipe' but be sure to carry plenty of your own water – and wear good shoes, as scorpions and snakes are pretty common.
A more accessible park is Chiricahua National Monument, which offers an eight mile hike through the park's eerie and beautiful rock formations and spires. To get here, take the I-10 east for a couple of hours, being sure to stop in at The Thing, a museum devoted to oddities from the Tuscon region.
Hotels
Accommodation in Tuscon ranges from a hostel-style room for around $20 per person per night to a more luxurious double suite in the range of $100 - $200 per night for a double. A visitors best bet is a hotel like La Siesta, which is housed in an historic building with most rooms overlooking the pretty courtyard and prices ranging upwards from a reasonable $79 per night per couple.
Use the Hotelsio Rate Finder on the left to find cheap hotels in Tucson, Arizona.
(Photo:©iStockphoto.com/mikadx)
