Tucson is home to spectacular outdoor adventures, but as COVID-19 continues to be a threat, we must keep some distance from each other to prevent its spread. As a result, some of Arizona’s most popular attractions remain closed: Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest, and Saguaro National Parks, Casa Grande Ruins and Tonto National Monument, and some campgrounds in the national forests. Fortunately, most of the state parks remain open, with only visitors centers and historic sites shuttered. Even the campsites are open, making a road trip to one of the state parks a great way to practice social distancing around Tucson.
Kartchner Caverns State Park
Southern Arizona is all about desert landscapes — massive Saguaro cacti, parched scrublands, and craggy mountains that provide the perfect backdrop for a vibrant sunset. What you probably don’t expect from Tucson’s nature, a massive limestone cave that’s always a cool 70 degrees inside. Kartchner Caverns State Park lies about an hour to the southeast of Tucson and is an ideal day trip when the temperatures are soaring above 100.
To get inside that wonderfully cool cave, though, you’ll need to join one of its guided tours, which are suspended for the time being, as is the Visitor Center. All of the park’s hiking trails are open, though, and until the restrictions are lifted, you’ll just have to imagine the vast cavern that lies beneath. Those visiting in the twilight hours can spot a colony of bats heading out for their nightly feeding frenzy, though.
Patagonia Lake State Park
Finding a sufficiently-sized lake for recreating is something of a challenge in this part of the state. Thankfully there’s Patagonia Lake State Park, a 250-acre oasis that’s popular with swimmers, kayakers, and anglers alike. For the latter, there’s an abundance of largemouth bass, black crappie, and in the winter months, Rainbow trout.
If you don’t already own a boat, renting a watercraft could be problematic during the pandemic. Some of Tucson’s sporting goods stores have stayed open as essential businesses; however, dedicated kayak and canoe rental shops are most likely closed. Not to worry though, Patagonia Lake has plenty of exciting activities back on land, including wildlife spotting (bobcats, whitetail deer, and the raccoon-like coatimundi make their home here), hiking, and picnicking.
Mount Lemmon
While the state parks near Tucson are fantastic, if you’re looking for socially distant recreation that’s close to the city, there’s nowhere better than Mount Lemmon. A favorite with tourists and locals alike, the peak dominates the Tucson skyline, topping out at 9,159 feet in elevation. It’s only about a half-hour from the city, and when Tucson’s famously hot summer becomes unbearable, you can take a drive to the summit where it’s a full 20-30 degrees cooler. Several excellent hiking trails branch off from the summit road, taking you on a fascinating journey through desert ecology.
The observatory at the top of Mount Lemmon is one of the largest public telescopes in the country and a top reason for visiting the summit. The observatory is, unfortunately, closed until further notice. You don’t really need a telescope to see the stars, though; the lack of light pollution and cloud cover allows for excellent stargazing using only your naked eyes.
Catalina State Park
Catalina State Park is another one of Tucson’s more accessible parks, sitting near the base of Mount Lemmon. If you’re a hiker, this should be one of your first stops, with trails ranging from easy strolls of less than a mile to all-day treks of up to 18 miles. The longer paths are especially popular with mountain bikers and equestrian riders. Unlike the national parks near Tucson, Catalina permits dogs on its trails, so long as they’re on a leash. After being cooped up in the house for several weeks, your four-legged pal probably needs an adventure as much as you do.
The COVID-19 pandemic has left an indelible mark on our society, one in which people are fearful of gathering and doing the things they once loved. Fortunately, spending more time outside is one of the easiest ways to mitigate the virus’s transmission, while also providing a sense of comfort and normality in an uncertain world. Arizona officials request that visitors remain six feet apart on the trails, making use of hand sanitizer, and as always, packing out any refuse. Following these guidelines ensures our safety and keeps the park open to everyone.
Team Outdoorsy is here to help you along your journey. If you have questions or concerns about your upcoming RV rental, give us a call at 1-877-723-7232, send us an email, or start a chat. And for a continuously updated list of frequently asked COVID-19 questions relating to RV travel, visit our FAQ page.
