THis natural splendor of mountains, deserts, forests, and lakes also attracts visitors and new residents from all over the globe. Tucson, in the high desert country of southeastern Arizona, has blended the cultures and cuisines of its diverse heritage to become a sophisticated modern city with the friendly warmth and casual charm of an earlier era. In addition to our many art and historical museums, the unique Arizona-Sonora Desert Musemu is internationally renowned for naturalistic living exhibits of plants and animals native to the region. Tucson is located at an altitude of 2,400 feet, surrounded by 9,000 foot moutains. The weather is dry and temperatures are ideal throughout most of the year.
Summer heat is moderated by seasonal rains.
An hour's drive north Mount Lemmon is a winter wonderland with skiing several months of the year. The trip to its peak reveals the striking ecological contrasts of Arizona, starting with thick stands of giant saguaro and ascending progressively through small oak trees, heavy forests of pondersoa pine and Douglas fir, to arrive at the summit where spruce and aspen flourish. Public hiking trails, bridle trails, camping areas, lakes for fishing, pools for swimming and spots for picnicking abound. Tangible evidence of Tucson's rich history is beautiful San Xavier del Bac Mission, built in the late 18th Century and still serving as parish church of the Tohono O'odham Indians. Tucson, one of the fastest growing cities in the nation, stands on what archaeologists believe in the longest continuously inhabited site in the nation.