Vail, AZ City Guides



1. Del Lago Golf Club

City: Vail, AZ
Category: Golf
Telephone: (520) 647-1100
Address: 14155 E. Via Rancho del Lago

Description: Located about 15 miles southeast of Tucson in the fast-growing area of Vail, this Nugent Group–designed course offers 120 feet of elevation change, a combination of links and desert golf with wide sweeping fairways, and 7 lakes with spectacular mountain views. The first hole begins at the peak of the course, while other holes play down to the valley. Back tees at 7,206 yards carry a rating of 73.9 and a slope of 135; par is 72. With an elevation of 3,500 feet, it can be cooler than Tucson-area courses. The course surrounds the master-planned community of Rancho del Lago and has a driving range, practice bunker, 12,000-square-foot practice green, and a clubhouse with a full-service pro shop and restaurant. This is a Tucson gem, with a great layout and plenty of dimension that helps pull out your best golf.From Tucson take I-10 to the Vail Road–Wentworth exit (exit 279) and go north on Vail Road for 3.5 miles; the course is at the top of the hill. Peak weekend rates for 18 holes with a cart are $89.

2. Del Webb Rancho Del Lago

City: Vail, AZ
Category: Retirement
Telephone: (866) 340-9322
Address: 10260 S. Blendu Way

Description: The newest active adult community in the Del Webb network, this 55-plus community has a 14,000-square-foot community center, ballroom library, fitness center, arts and crafts room, and exhibition kitchen for those who aspire to appear on the Food Network’s Next Food Network Star someday! All the usual amenities associated with Del Webb properties are here, too: a pool and spa, a fitness director, tennis courts, pickleball, and bocce. Housing options include single-story, 2-bedroom 2-bathroom homes with patios and garages. Prices start in the high $170,000’s.

3. Colossal Cave Mountain Park

City: Vail, AZ
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (520) 647-7275
Address: 16721 E. Old Spanish Trail

Description: This attraction is one of the most unusual and fascinating in southern Arizona. Colossal Cave was formed somewhere between 12 million and 20 million years ago by the welling up of hot sulfur–laden brine. It is the largest dry, or dormant, cave in the US. The cave has a fascinating history: It was used by prehistoric peoples around AD 900 for shelter and storage, and in the 1800s train robbers used it as a hideout.The tour route is 0.5 mile long and takes about 50 minutes. It’s led by a guide who relates the cave’s history, legends, and geology. You’ll walk down and back up about 6 stories (and some 360 steps) to see amazing stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, and other formations, not to mention a few prehistoric markings. It’s always 70 degrees and dry in the cave. Unfortunately, this is not an attraction for people who are in wheelchairs or who have difficulty walking.Tours are given daily year-round. They’re not prescheduled, but the wait is 30 minutes at most. Part of the 2,000-acre Colossal Cave Mountain Park, there are lots of other things to do here. You can visit the 120-year-old La Posta Quemada Ranch; browse in the terrific gift shop that has rocks, minerals, and unusual souvenirs; take a horseback ride along the historic stagecoach route; or just enjoy the spectacular view from the stone terrace. The La Posada Quemada Ranch Museum on the grounds has a great exhibit all about the cave.The cost is $11 for those 13 and older, $6 for ages 6 to 12, and free for younger ones. You will also pay a fee of $5 per car just to enter the park. Summer hours, in effect March 16 through September 15, are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. To get here from Tucson, take scenic Old Spanish Trail for about 17 miles or I-10 east to exit 279 and then north for about 6 miles.

4. Colossal Cave Mountain Park

City: Vail, AZ
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (520) 647-7275
Address: 16721 E. Old Spanish Trail

Description: The dry cave at this extensive park about 30 minutes east of Tucson is a great family destination. The 45-minute guided tours take you deep into the cave, once home to ancient peoples and desperados. Strollers are not permitted, but kids 5 and older will enjoy the spooky shadows and stories. A park admission fee of $5 per car plus guided cave tour admission fees apply. (See the Attractions chapter for additional information, including fees and hours.)There are no eating facilities here, so be sure to fill up or take your own snacks. If you’re not into spelunking, the on-site museums have several kid-friendly exhibits. You can also pan for gold and gemstones and visit Henry and Big Nasty, 2 resident desert tortoises. There are daily trail rides available for an additional fee. The park also sponsors many family-friendly weekend events; check the newspaper or website for a schedule.
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