Tucson and Dude Ranch Family Getaway

Tucson is the second-largest city in the state of Arizona. At an elevation of 2,400 feet, it has slightly cooler temperatures than its desert cousin, Phoenix. It’s situated in the biologically diverse Sonoran Desert.

Tucson has always been a crossroads, where European, Native American, Mexican and Asian cultures collide. Until recently, water was relatively plentiful in Tucson, making it an important travel route, an agricultural center and a communications nexus. Tucson’s history is ancient, with evidence of human occupation dating back 10,000 years.

The city is a hub for Southwestern and Mexican cuisine. It also boasts a number of excellent parks including Saguaro National Park and Sabino Canyon.

Hollywood’s Old West, the backdrop for the gun-slinging of Western icons like John Wayne and Clint Eastwood, was often represented by Tucson. The Old Tucson Studios, originally built in 1939, is still an active film, TV and commercial set. There’s even a nostalgia-themed park, with shootouts and corseted can-can dancers.

This spectacular limestone cavern has become such a popular destination that it is now virtually impossible to get inside without making reservations weeks in advance because the number of walk-up tickets per day is limited. However, the massive multicolored cave formations may be well worth the call and the required 49-mile drive from Tucson. There is a visitor center, shaded dining area, picnic area and campground.

A luxury destination resort, the Hilton El Conquistador Golf and Tennis Resort is set into the breathtaking Catalina Mountain range in Tucson. The beauty of its pristine natural canyon views and lush desert surroundings inspires this luxury full-service resort. Boasting world-class golf facilities, tournaments and golf academy. One can choose from three scenic drives: the El Conquistador, Canada, or Pusch Ridge courses. This resort is a perfect choice for those needing an escape from daily pressures. The resort is perfect for golf enthusiasts with 45 holes to choose from, tennis challenges on 31 lighted courts, family adventures and package, romantic getaways, and wellness weekends. It is also a beautiful backdrop for unforgettable weddings, reunions, and special gatherings. World-class golf, tennis, and meeting facilities, distinguished dining and luxurious spa treatments in a naturally beautiful desert mountain setting compliment the newly renovated resort rooms. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the on-site equestrian facilities, hiking off the beaten path, off road biking, birding and swimming. Families and groups can enjoy the newest addition, the Springs water oasis, featuring a 143 feet waterslide, children fish-shaped pool, along with several hot and cold-jetted tubs to relax and unwind in. Children can enroll in Camp Quail day camp led by the Director of fun as well as enjoy all the benefits of Hiltons very own Vacation Station made exclusively for kids. Each guest room offers spectacular views of the mountains, lush desert, or pool.

This institution is totally dedicated to the preservation of the history of flight, be it commercial, military, or interplanetary. The museum opened in 1976 with just 75 aircraft and has now grown to more than 250 on display. Its newest addition is the Northrop F-5B "Freedom Fighter". Be prepared to spend the entire day if you, or someone in your party, is a flight buff. Exhibits rotate, and special events and conferences are scheduled regularly.

A luxury destination resort, the Hilton El Conquistador Golf and Tennis Resort is set into the breathtaking Catalina Mountain range in Tucson. The beauty of its pristine natural canyon views and lush desert surroundings inspires this luxury full-service resort. Boasting world-class golf facilities, tournaments and golf academy. One can choose from three scenic drives: the El Conquistador, Canada, or Pusch Ridge courses. This resort is a perfect choice for those needing an escape from daily pressures. The resort is perfect for golf enthusiasts with 45 holes to choose from, tennis challenges on 31 lighted courts, family adventures and package, romantic getaways, and wellness weekends. It is also a beautiful backdrop for unforgettable weddings, reunions, and special gatherings. World-class golf, tennis, and meeting facilities, distinguished dining and luxurious spa treatments in a naturally beautiful desert mountain setting compliment the newly renovated resort rooms. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the on-site equestrian facilities, hiking off the beaten path, off road biking, birding and swimming. Families and groups can enjoy the newest addition, the Springs water oasis, featuring a 143 feet waterslide, children fish-shaped pool, along with several hot and cold-jetted tubs to relax and unwind in. Children can enroll in Camp Quail day camp led by the Director of fun as well as enjoy all the benefits of Hiltons very own Vacation Station made exclusively for kids. Each guest room offers spectacular views of the mountains, lush desert, or pool.

Of all the natural attractions in and around Tucson, Sabino Canyon is certainly the most popular. This large chasm in the Santa Catalina Mountains is where ancient Hohokam people built irrigation dams while mammoths roamed the ground. Access is free, but there is a charge for parking. Highlights are swimming (conditions allowing) in clear pools after a six-mile hike to Seven Falls and summer evening shuttle rides by pre-paid reservations. Sabino tram and bear shuttles rides are available.

If you don't like a little local color in your cuisine and if you don't speak or at least understand a little Spanish, maybe this isn't the place for you. But, if you enjoy authentic eats and don't need a cloth napkin to dab the salsa from your lips, you'll find some of South Tucson's most genuine and appetizing Mexican meals here. The fish tastes like it came straight from the Sea of Cortez (the fish platter has five pieces of flaky white fish, plus rice, beans and tortillas); the Carne Birria is slow-cooked, tender and tasty. Daily specials feature more great casa-style cooking. Prices are mostly $6-$8 and the portions are hefty.

This attraction is to Tucson what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris, except it's more ancient. Founded in 1700 by the Spanish missionary Father Kino, 10 miles south of what is now downtown Tucson on the Tohono O'odham Indian reservation, San Xavier del Bac is considered one of the finest examples of Mexican folk baroque architecture. Indian crafts shops and a cafe are nearby. The parish is still active, so please be respectful of religious activities when visiting.

This world-famous museum is rather a zoo displaying the creatures of the surrounding desert in their natural habitats. Located in the middle of the Sonoran desert about a half an hour drive from the city center, it also provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ranges. The gift shop has an excellent selection of Sonoran desert souvenirs. This is a must for any visitor staying in Tucson for more than just one day. Check website for operation hours.

Tucson is the second-largest city in the state of Arizona. At an elevation of 2,400 feet, it has slightly cooler temperatures than its desert cousin, Phoenix. It’s situated in the biologically diverse Sonoran Desert.

Tucson has always been a crossroads, where European, Native American, Mexican and Asian cultures collide. Until recently, water was relatively plentiful in Tucson, making it an important travel route, an agricultural center and a communications nexus. Tucson’s history is ancient, with evidence of human occupation dating back 10,000 years.

The city is a hub for Southwestern and Mexican cuisine. It also boasts a number of excellent parks including Saguaro National Park and Sabino Canyon.

Hollywood’s Old West, the backdrop for the gun-slinging of Western icons like John Wayne and Clint Eastwood, was often represented by Tucson. The Old Tucson Studios, originally built in 1939, is still an active film, TV and commercial set. There’s even a nostalgia-themed park, with shootouts and corseted can-can dancers.

Designated in 1994 and covers Tucson from two sides, Saguaro National Park gives protection to native and animals and plants, most prominently the stately Saguaro cactus is a well-known icon of the Arizonan and Mexican deserts. Both locations have loop roads for driving and cycling, visitor's centers, bookstores, hiking trails, picnic areas and exhibit centers. The Westside park also has a remarkable ancient petroglyph site. Rangers offer special interpretative hikes on request. There is no admission fee for the Westside; however, the Eastside park charges for per car. This place is open daily at 7am.