![]() The vegetation is strikingly diverse with mixed confer forests at the highest elevations and on north-facing slopes. Visitors will find an abundant amount of recreational adventures to spend their days. The Forest manages 17 mountain ranges in 12 separate units totaling 1,780,000 acres. The mountains are located on the Coronado National Forest and are apart of the “Sky Islands.” The Coronado National Forest in southeastern Arizona manages major parts of the Sky Islands north of Mexico. The mountains are a rugged range with steep slopes and deep canyons. The highest point in the Catalinas is Mount Lemmon at an elevation of 9,157 feet above sea level and receives 180 inches of snow annually. Santa Catalina Mountainsare a prominent mountain range north and northeast of Tucson, Arizona. The numerous recreational opportunities will keep you busy and coming back for more. With lush saguaro forests stretching as far as the eye can see, awe-inspiring mountain ranges at every corner of the city, and some of the best sunsets on the planet, it’s not hard to find your moment of serenity here. Southern Arizona and the Tucson Metropolitan Area transports visitors to another world. if you pass the Palisades Visitor Center, you have gone to far. Drive 4.2 miles to the Forest boundary (Mile Post 0), then continue 19 miles to Incinerator Ridge Rd on the right side of the road. Steller’s jays are noisy and curious Westerners who will come right into your camp if you stray from it.įrom Tucson, E. These bold birds are blue in color, but they’re not a true “blue jay.” Blue jays live farther east in North America. Another frequently encountered creature here in the southwest mountains is the Steller’s jay. Among the more permanent residents of the area are Abert’s squirrels, which are commonly seen but quite uncommon in appearance with their silver-grey tails and tuft-tipped ears. These natural features also provide habitat for the wild animals. Trees and rocks throughout the campground enhance the privacy of the campsites. You will need to pack in, pack out all gear, no amenities are available.ĭays and nights are cool even in summer at this high elevation Camp. As you drive up Incinerator Ridge Rd you will notice around 6-8 obvious campsites with fire-pits. The campground sits on the Coronado National Forest and gives visitors access to the surrounding mountainside. Incinerator Ridge is a popular dispersed camping area high in the Catalina Mountain a short distance off Catalina Highway. But it's a pretty good schlep from the casino (about 30 miles to the turn off.then you have to wind your way up the mountain to get to the observatory) and I have no idea what hours their tours are.Click image to view more pictures Campground Overview: ![]() Ī third option would be Kitt Peak Observatory west on Ajo Highway. However, the ticket you buy is good for an entire year (as I recall from our last visit), so if you plan on coming through this area within that time, you can make another visit. It's a very interesting place to visit, but you could stay all day there. It's located just shortly after you cross over I-10. There's also Pima Air & Space Museum, also on Valencia, but heading east. Go north on Sandario Road until you get to the park. Turn left and go a few miles to Sandario Road. The easiest way to get there from the Casino is to go back out to Valencia Road and head west until it ends at Ajo Highway. The closest place to check out would be the western Saguaro National Park. There's lots to see and do in Tucson, but 5-6 hours isn't much time to do it in. Now the question, If I have 5 to 6hrs what should I go to see in the area ?
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