City: Tucson, AZ

Category: Parks & Recreation

Telephone: (520) 647-7275

Description: Located less than 25 miles from the city, Colossal Cave was first explored by Anglos as far back as 1879 and used by prehistoric peoples long before that. It is considered a “dry” cave, which means the formations have stopped “growing” due to lack of water. The temperature is always a comfortable 70 degrees.At the 2,500-acre park that surrounds the cave, families can have some fun with trail rides, a riparian area for some great hiking, a museum, and several picnic sites. You can tour the working La Posta Quemada Ranch, which is also part of the park. The ranch has cookouts for large groups, and little ones get the opportunity to “pan” for gold and “rope” a steer. Birders will find the riparian area a heaven on earth.There is a fee to enter the park and fees for the various activities. Hours differ by the season, so call ahead. Take I-10 to exit 279 and then travel 6 miles north or take the Old Spanish Trail (catch it off Broadway Boulevard). (See the Attractions chapter for more information about Colossal Cave.)