Tucson Mountain Park is a natural Sonoran desert preserve located just a few miles west of the city of Tucson, Arizona. It covers an expansive area of approximately 20,000 acres and is home to what is considered to be one of the largest and most impressive saguaro cactus forests in the world. The park itself was established in 1928 and at that time, the Pima County Parks Commission and its chairman C.B. Brown were entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing the grounds. Today Tucson Mountain Park is the largest natural resource area that is actually owned and overseen by a local government in the entire United States of America.
In addition to the beautiful vistas, wildlife and bird viewing opportunities, and general enjoyment of the landscape itself, Tucson Mountain Park also has a number of recreational opportunities available to visitors as well. These include access to more than 62 miles of hiking trails that are enjoyed not only by hikers, but also bicyclists and equestrians as well. The trails provide not only an opportunity to exercise and enjoy the fresh, clean desert air, but also to view the natural area and its wildlife at its very best and finest as well.
Gates Pass overlook is the place to go to view historic structures and also to take in interpretive displays that are meant to educate in regards to the history of the area and the indigenous people who called it home in the past.
Three different picnic areas are also located within the confines of Tucson Mountain Park - Brown Mountain, Juan Santa Cruz, and Ironwood - where hikers and visitors can rest and enjoy their lunches. These areas also feature amenities and conveniences such as armadas, grills, picnic tables, and seating.
For those visitors that are into target bow shooting, there is the Tucson Park Archery Range located one mile north of the Old Tucson Studios on Kinney Road. It is a self-guided facility that features a range of stationary marked targets, as well as three exciting delineated archery courses that lead archers on a winding trek through the beautiful desert surroundings. This facility also provides access to water and restrooms for the convenience of visitors.
Also very popular among shooting enthusiasts is the Tucson Mountain Park Rifle and Pistol Range. Designed and used for target practice only, this facility features targets at a variety of different ranges from 25 to 100 yards. For safety's sake, a rangemaster is on duty at all times during the range's operational hours who has the final say when it comes to safety and the use of all weapons. People wishing to participate must register prior to using the facility as well. Also, no automatic weapons or shotguns are permitted under any circumstances. Those who would like to use the shooting range at Tucson Mountain Park, but are not sure whether or not their weapon of choice will be acceptable can contact the office directly for a comprehensive list of rules and regulations beforehand.
