Top Rated Parks to Visit in Mount Lemmon

"The Sabino Canyon Recreation Area boasts spectacular canyons, mountains, mountain lions, wild plants, as well as exciting trails. The Southwestern desert canyons found in this area is a famous spot for tram rides, especially for those who want to take a break from the desert heat. For many locals and trippers, it's a cool place for hiking, trekking and mountain biking, too."

"What is it: A short drive from the heart ot the city, Sabino Canyon is home to cresting mountains, deep canyons and trails that lead to seasonal swimming holes. Hiking aficionados will love it here. Why go: The city is a hiker’s dream: the eternal sunny skies and moderate temperatures are ideal for walking adventures."

"On the northeast corner of Sunrise Boulevard is a scenic canyon nestled in the Santa Catalina Mountains and Coronado National Forest."

"Yellow prickly pear blooms and hikers in Tucson Mountain Park. West of the city, Tucson Mountain Park has wildlife, cactus forests and amazing hiking, mountain biking and camping. You can reach the park and find trailheads from several points including Starr Pass Boulevard, 36th Street or by driving out through Gates Pass (basically get on Speedway and head west forever) to enjoy the splendor of the desert and a fantastic sunset photo."

"Sprawled across a huge swathe of the sun-scorched Sonoran Desert is the lovely Tucson Mountain Park, just to the west of the city. Besides boasting breathtaking scenery, the pretty park and its prominent peaks offer up a wealth of outstanding outdoor activities. Popular among nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike, the park was established in 1929 to protect the remote range."

"What is it: Known to locals as the “Wishing Shrine,” legend has it that El Tiradito (located at 400 South Main Avenue) is the grave of a young sheepherder named Juan who was murdered as a result of a love triangle back in the 1870s. Meaning “the castaway,” El Tiradito is said to be the only shrine in the country that is dedicated not to a saint or religious leader but to, as the plaque reads, “a sinner buried in unconsecrated ground.”. Why go: People visit to say prayers, light candles and leave a “milagro” (a small religious charm)."

"An 1870's love triangle ended in murder and is now the site of a shrine. This soap opera-like tale focuses on the death of an adulterous young man who was in love with his mother-in-law. The tale ends in tragedy for all, and the young ranch hand was buried on the site of the shrine, where he was brutally murdered by his father-in-law."

"Legend says your wish will come true if you light a candle in the evening and it burns all night."

"It’s a hidden gem, a wonderful desert oasis with green foliage, high palms, and pound with waterfowls and turtles. The shaded paths of the park are the perfect place to escape from the hot desert and sunny streets, take a rest or walk with the dog. There are a lot of benches and picnic tables, so you can grab all the needed for lunch and have a lovely picnic there."

"A post shared by Terri L Sanchez (@tyresa915) on Dec 16, 2016 at 4:00pm PST. If you are a stranger visiting the vibrant city of Tucson, you should not miss visiting the Aqua Caliente Park. It is a vast natural park with so much history and authentic Tucson vibes."

"A natural oasis containing an underground warm spring, Agua Caliente Park provides visitors with a lush, green nature preserve and hiking trails. The park provides picnic areas and grills, as well as restrooms and water fountains."

"With a trail that wraps around most of the city, Rillito River Park offers miles and miles of paved path along the river, suitable for walkers, bikers, and runners alike. There are numerous entrances onto the path, as well as plenty of bathrooms and water stops, making it the ideal hike for anyone in the area. Although there’s no water in the river due to its being in the desert, the park’s visitors are treated to gorgeous views of plants and mountains visible from almost everywhere on the trail."

"National & State Parks4200 North Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ 85719MoreLess Info. Featuring miles of maintained trails for hiking, biking and jogging, Rillito River Park, is ideal for enjoying the warm southwestern climate. Equestrian access is available, as well as exercise stations along the way, visit this park today."

"Elizabeth Soza is casting out her line on the right as her husband Mark Soza,fixes his line behind her as they are fishing for catfish at Kennedy Lake Monday July 4, 2005. This 10-acre lake at 3600 S. La Cholla Blvd. is stocked with fish."

"Pictured, our animal care supervisor is wearing a ghillie suit while she bottle-feeds three orphaned bobcat kittens. When feeding young mammals and raptors, it is important to disguise our appearance and keep our voices low. This helps to keep wildlife wild."

"The city’s most centrally located park, the Gene C. Reid Park features a large lake and small pond and waterfall with abundant grass and trees. The pond area in Reid Park is around the waterfall, and although there is no covered structure at the lake area, guests can reserve a nearby ramada. The park is also home to the famous Reid Park Zoo, where visitors can explore naturalistic habitats housing hundreds of exotic animals from around the world."

"Within its boundaries, this 20,000-acre park has miles of hiking trails and numerous incredible desert vistas. If that sounds appealing, a hike up to Gates Pass will reward you with a charming stone gazebo from which to take in a stellar sunset view. Other outdoor activities within the park include horseback riding, picnic areas, camping and archery/rifle/pistol ranges."

"Specialising in museum-quality fine art photography, Etherton Gallery has been around for three decades and continues to thrive as one of the best photography galleries in the region. Its roster of exhibited and represented artists attests to this status: from Ansel Adams, the father of nature photography, to Diane Arbus, the queen of the portrait, and many new and well-known artists from across America, a visit to Etherton is a spectacular cultural experience without the pretence. Drop by for one of the regular exhibitions – past shows have included the mixed media Under the Violet Sky, which focused on the colour purple, the self-explanatory and representative Masters of American Photography and Seeing in Silver, with works by Harry Calahan and Ralph Gibson."

"Known for its vast inventory of vintage, classic, and contemporary photography and museum-quality exhibitions, Etherton Gallery also features paintings, prints, and mixed-media by top local and regional artists."

"This one-bedroom suite offers a 42-inch flat-screen TV, pool view and a patio. A kitchenette with a full-size refrigerator, microwave, stove and dishwasher is also offered. A dining area, living are and utensils are included."

"Guests Connect With Free Wi-Fi And Enjoy Free Breakfasts At The Non-Smoking Homewood Suites By Hilton Tucson/St. Philip'S Plaza University. The Non-Smoking Homewood Suites By Hilton Tucson/St."