
HOME	HISTORY from Spanish, & Mexican to American governments Father Kino,	DESERT CITY Tucson, 'The Old Pueblo,' settled by Indian tribes, founded by Spanish explorers	LIFESTYLES Living in Tucson, the outdoor life	A CULTURAL MIX Indians, Mexican and Anglos make the Tucson mix	DESERT WILDERNESS Visit the canyons and mountains of the Sonoran Desert	RECREATION Get outdoors! Hiking, cycling and more	THE FOOD Southwestern Mexican food traditions

GREAT DAY TRIPS FROM TUCSON• Mt Lemon • Sabino Canyon• Sonoran Desert Museum • Saguaro National Park

THE SONORAN DESERT…

Rich diverse plant and animal life in a desert covering much of central Arizona,
Northern Sonora and Baja California, Mexico.

A UNIQUE REGION OF ENDEMIC PLANTS AND ANIMALS

The Sonoran Desert covers approximately 100,000 square miles (260,000 sq. km.) It covers most of the southern half of Arizona, parts of southeastern California, Baja California, including the gulf islands, and most of the state of Sonora, Mexico. It differs from the other three North American Deserts in having mild winters; most of the area rarely experiences frost. About half of the plant life is tropical in origin, with life cycles attuned to the brief summer rainy season.

The Sonoran Desert, Tucson Arizona

DESERT WINTER

In a northern location at 2500 feet the Tucson Sonoran Desert can experience
the occasional winter snow, lingering just long enough to take a few pictures.

HIGH JUNGLE

Hiking Mt Lemmon Tucson Arizona

Mt. Lemmon, an hours drive from central Tucson…
At 9000 feet the Sonoran Desert becomes a jungle

Desert flowers, Tucson

Old abandoned cabins dot the desert landscape as people move to more comfortable housing closer to town.

Spring wildflowers cover the desert floor after winter rains

GREAT DAY TRIPS FROM TUCSON
• The Sonoran Desert • Mt Lemmon • Sonoran Desert Museum • Saguaro National Park

•Sabino Canyon •Cowboys
•Cultures •Hiking •Mariachi •History •Barrios •Tucson Foothills
•Indian Tribes •Tucson Rodeo