Surroundings, Tucson

The Saguaro National Park, part of the Sonora Desert, extends east and west of Tucson. The characteristic feature of this desert area, the lowest in North America, is the abundant and varied flora and fauna which flourish in spite of the great heat: the typical saguaro or candelabra cactuses, which are the tallest species in North America, birds like the Gila woodpecker and cactus wren which live on the cactuses, rattlesnakes, desert tortoises and the Gila monster (a large lizard).

Catalina State Park, north of Tucson, is a desert region with picnic areas, hiking and horseback riding trails. Camping, plant and wildlife viewing, and an archeological site are also attractions within Catalina State Park.

The Ironwood Forest National Monument encompasses several desert mountain ranges including the Silver Bell, Waterman and Sawtooth, with desert valleys in between. Three areas within the monument, the Los Robles Archeological District, the Mission of Santa Ana del Chiquiburitac and the Cocoraque Butte Archeological District are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Colossal Cave in Vail east of Tucson is the largest dry cavern in the world. Parts of it have yet to be explored. Local legend has it that the loot from an old stagecoach robbery is still buried somewhere inside. The town of Vail is located east of Tucson on Highway 10.Colossal Cave Mountain Park also features a museum, butterfly garden, stagecoach rides as well as hiking and horse trails.

Marana, which is Spanish for "tangle" or "impassable", is a quiet community northwest of Tucson. The name describes a region which was once overflowing with mesquite and desert scrub, but was developed when cotton became a major industry in the 1920s and 30s.

The Pascua Yaqui Indian Reservation is located 15 miles southwest of Tucson. A variety of scenic drives and recreational opportunities can be found within a one-hour drive of the reservation. The tribe is descended from the Uto-Azteca people, and won a long battle for recognition in 1994.

Picacho Peak State Park, between Tucson and Phoenix, is centered around Picacho Peak, with a summit of 3,374 feet. This was the site of the Battle of Picacho Pass, the westernmost conflict of the Civil War and the only one to take place in Arizona, in 1862.

Oro Valley, a few minutes north of Tucson, is a residential community that was founded in the early 1870s by George Pusch. George was a German immigrant who started a way station for travelers from Tucson to regions in the north.

The Asarco Mineral Discovery Center is located in Sahuarita, located in Madera Canyon to the south of Tucson north of Green Valley. Exhibits in the Asarco Mineral Discovery Center include hands-on displays about mining and minerals.

Green Valley is a retirement community located between Tucson and Nogales. Established in 1964, the town has a population of about 20,000.