SPORTS & RECREATION / LEISURE ACTIVITIES
Greyhound Racing
Tucson Greyhound Park
2601 South Third Avenue
Tucson 520-884-7576
Auto Racing
Tucson Speedway Park
11955 S. Houghton Road
Tucson 520-762-1600
https://tucsonspeedway.com
Rodeo Action
La Fiesta de los Vaqueros
Tucson Rodeo Committee
Office 520-741-2233
Information 800-964-5662
www.tucsonrodeo.com
Downhill Skiing
Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley
10300 Ski Run Road
Tucson 520-885-1181
Just 30 miles above Tucson, the ski area is carved from stands of ancient Douglas fir trees and quaking aspen.
PGA Golf Tournament
Chrysler Classic of Tucson
Omni National Golf Resort
Tucson 520-571-0400
http://pgatour.com
This Catalina foothills traditional course combines beautifully manicured fairways and greens and mature greenery with more lakes than most other courses in the Southwest to create a superb setting for PGA Golf Tournament action.
Active & Extreme Sports
Bicycling & Touring
The backroads of Southeast Arizona are ideal for cyclists, but Tucson is also rated as the nation’s third best bicycling city according to Bicycling magazine. Tucson residents can access the Spanish Trail Bikepath at Old Spanish Trail and Broadway Boulevard. Other popular areas include Santa Cruz River Park (Speedway Boulevard and Mission Road), Rillito River Park (Campbell Avenue and River Road), and Fort Lowell Park at 2900 North Craycroft Road. Randolph Center Complex on South Alvernon Way offers yet another option. Those who enjoy competitive cycling will want to learn more about El Tour de Tucson:
Perimeter Bicycling Association of America
El Tour de Tucson
520-745-2033
http://www.perimeterbicycling.com
Hiking & Backpacking
Few states in the nation can rival Arizona for its breathtaking canyons and rock formations, lush deserts, deep forests, and vast open space. Individuals, friends, and families often take advantage of the region’s abundant sunshine and idyllic climate, hiking for a few hours or even weeklong backpacking vacations. Many clubs and organizations are available for those who prefer group activities.
Arizona Sierra Club
602-253-8633
www.arizona.sierraclub.org
Southern Arizona Hiking Club
Online Information
www.sahcinfo.org
Hot Air Ballooning
You don’t have to own a balloon to enjoy a sunrise or sunset ride offered by one of the many companies throughout metropolitan Tucson. Arizona’s favorable climate and brilliant sunshine make this a year-round sport enjoyed by a growing number of adventurous people.
Balloon America
520-299-7744
www.balloonrideusa.com
Fleur de Tucson Balloon Tours
520-529-1025
www.fleurdetucson.net
Jogging & Running
Abundant sunshine and mild weather coax many residents onto the jogging paths throughout the region. Several par-courses are ideal for jogging and exercise, such as the University of Arizona campus between Park and Campbell Avenues. Walkers, runners, and joggers also enjoy the paths in Fort Lowell Park, McCormick Park, and Santa Cruz River Park. Those who enjoy competitive running will find a wide variety of opportunities in the Metropolitan Tucson area.
Southern Arizona Roadrunners
520-326-9383
www.azroadrunners.org
Marathon Guide
Online Information
www.marathonguide.com
Horseback Riding
One of the most pleasant ways to enjoy the rustic ambiance of greater Tucson and the haunting beauty of the high Sonoran desert is horseback riding. A number of stables provide horse rentals and/or trail guides that are suited to every skill level and age group. The Tucson Mountain Riders offers a family-oriented horseback riding club dedicated to preserving the regional trails and creating a social organization for area residents who appreciate the unspoiled natural beauty.
Bellota Ranch
520-296-6275
Houston’s Horseback Riding
520-298-7450
www.tucsonhorsebackriding.com
Tanque Verde Ranch
520-296-6275
www.tanqueverderanch.com
Tucson Mountain Riders
Online Information
http://www.sdmb.org/trails/tucson-mountain-park/
Westward Look Resort Stables
Tucson 520-297-1151
www.westwardlook.com
Rock & Mountain Climbing
The Santa Catalina Mountains rise to an elevation of 9,157 feet above the desert floor of nearby Tucson, offering some of the finest climbing in the state. More than 1,200 climbing routes can be found on the mountain, making it one of Arizona’s most popular climbing destinations. Throughout southeastern Arizona, climbers will discover a wealth of premier sites.
Rocky Mountain Climbing School-Arizona
520-721-6751
www.climbarizona.com
Arizona Mountaineering Club
Online Information
www.azmountaineeringclub.org
Mountain Project
Online Information
www.mountainproject.com
Spelunking
While southeastern Arizona is known for its spectacular terrain, the region also offers an underground wonderland waiting to be explored. Colossal Cave just outside of Tucson and the extraordinary Kartchner Caverns State Park near Benson provide guided public tours for those who prefer a less arduous adventure. The dazzling Kartchner Caverns were actually first discovered by two hikers who recognized the importance of their discovery and kept the treasure a secret for 14 years.
Escabrosa Grotto (The Desert Caver)
Online Information
www.escabrosa.org
Skydiving
Greater Tucson is home to some of the nation’s busiest skydiving companies. You can receive the expert training that will enable you to experience the “thrills of flying” at these well-known centers:
Skydive Marana
520-682-4441
www.skydivemarana.com
Skydive Arizona
520-466-3753
www.skydiveaz.com
Arizona Casinos
Apache Gold Casino Resort
San Carlos 800-APACHE8
http://www.apache-gold-casino.com/
Blue Water Casino
Parker 888-243-3360
www.bluewaterfun.com
Bucky’s & Yavapai Casinos
Prescott 800-SLOTS-44
www.buckyscasino.com
Casino Arizona
Scottsdale 480-850-7777
https://www.casinoarizona.com
Casino Del Sol
Tucson 800-344-9435
www.casinosun.com
Cliff Castle Casino
Campe Verde 800-381-SLOT
Cocopah Casino
Somerton 800-23-SLOTS
http://www.cocopahresort.com/
Desert Diamond Casinos
Tucson Area 800-777-7207
https://www.ddcaz.com
Fort McDowell Casino
Fountain Hills 800-THE-FORT
http://www.fortmcdowellcasino.com/home.php
Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino
Maricopa 480-802-5000
www.harrahs.com
Hon Dah Casino
McNary 928-369-0299
www.hon-dah.com
Lone Butte
Gila River Casinos
Chandler 800-WIN-GILA
www.wingilariver.com
Mazatzal Casino
Payson 800-777-PLAY
http://www.mazatzalcasino.com
Paradise Casino
Yuma 888-777-4946
www.paradise-casinos.com
Vee Quiva
Gila River Casinos
Phoenix 800-WIN-GILA
www.wingilariver.com
Wild Horse Pass
Gila River Casinos
Chandler 800-WIN-GILA
www.wingilariver.com