HikeArizona.COM

We're thinking about spending a week on trails in the Tucson area and perhaps further south. We were in AZ in May, and discovered your great State Parks! My question is: are there good State Parks throughout the south of the state, and what kind of weather can we expect (really) in terms of night temps for camping out?

You're from Ontario. It will be like summer.

wedge wrote:.... My question is: are there good State Parks throughout the south of the state, and what kind of weather can we expect (really) in terms of night temps for camping out?

Here is a link to a map showing Az. State Parks > http://www.pr.state.az.us/Parks/parkmap.html

The weather for each park is detailed within each particular State Park's website.

Hope that you enjoy your trip...

kurt

In response to wedge's reply:
Southern AZ is a mecca for hikers. If you go to the main page here and look at the interactive map, you will get a good idea of hikes in the Tucson area. May is a transitional month and can be iffy. It could be delightful or it could be hot.

It's not really a hike, but definitely consider the Kartchner Caverns. Nothing quite like it anywhere. Great outfitter store in Tucson - the Summit Hut. Check in for maps and ask for info. The Catalinas are always a thrill. Also check out the Sonoran Desert Museum west of Tucson. If the weather is cool you might want some of these hikes for special scenic beauty. Many of the classic western cowboy movies were filmed at the movie studio in this area (name escapes me as I write this). The basic entry fee to the studio is a little steep. We were a little ambivalent about paying the fee so the guy in the booth gave us a 50% discount. Had a lot of fun.

The Huachucas and Chiracahuas south & southwest are awesome. Very historical. Geronimo's home. If you like mountain peaks you have these also.

Good hikes in Tucson that may be doable in Jan---

Catalina State Park-- Romero Canyon up to pools or up to the pass.

On top of Mt Lemmon---Wilderness of Rocks-depends on snow
Lower --- touristy and popular--Sabino Canyon to Hutch's Pool, Seven Falls

Santa Rita's --Mt Wrightson via several routes. Madera Canyon is very pretty--again snow dependendt

Near Nogales--- Atascosa Summit and Sycamore Canyon (Parajita Wilderness)

Huachucas--Miller/Carr Peak--depending on snow. Lutz Canyon would be a good choice for a lower elevation trek

Rincons-- Rincon Peak--yeah, snow dependent

Near Willcox ( about 1.5 hours from Tucson)-- The Dragoons, Cochise Stronghold
Ft Bowie
Chiricahuas--the Monument has excellent short and longer hikes
In the Wilderness my favorite--South Fork of Cave Creek