Top 8 nature & wildlife things to do in Tucson

1. Self-guided scenic drive on Mt. Lemmon

Explore Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway, a self-guided driving experience offering stunning desert views and insights into local ecology and history.

2. Classic Cave Tour at Colossal Cave Mountain Park

Forty minutes guided tour covering half a mile — explore geological formations and local legends about train robbers and ghosts.

“The guide was fantastic, and I learned a great deal. However, it may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges. The gift shop and food choices were excellent. I plan to come back and explore more of the nearby trails.”— Eric_S

3. Self-guided audio tour of Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway

Scenic driving route with audio narration covering history and nature—perfect for exploring Mount Lemmon at your own pace.

“We thoroughly enjoyed this experience and are eager to explore more options offered by Travel With Action. There were interesting insights we wouldn't have learned otherwise, enhancing the trip beyond a simple drive. A small suggestion for the narrator: please check your Spanish pronunciation, especially the "ll," which should sound like a "y." Additionally, "Ocotillo" and a few other words were pronounced as an "l."”— Debra128

4. One-hour guided horseback ride in Catalina State Park

One hour of walking on horseback through Catalina State Park with stunning views of the Santa Catalina Mountains, suitable for beginners and experienced riders alike.

“Be cautious before booking a horseback riding experience here. I was excited to take my three grandchildren for a ride at Rancho de los Cerro and made a reservation online for two adults and my grandkids. The website asked for personal information and credit card details but didn’t request ages for riders, which was unusual compared to other stables. Once my reservation was confirmed, I called to change the date, which the staff accommodated. However, when I learned that my youngest granddaughter was too young to ride, I decided to cancel. The representative later informed me that they wouldn’t refund my $437 due to a policy requiring cancellations to be made seven days in advance. I expressed my dissatisfaction, but they remained firm and directed me to their policies, which were not evident on the website. Despite asking for a call from the owner or manager, I received no response. Eventually, I had to dispute the charge through my credit card company. This experience suggests that Rancho de los Cerro is poorly managed or unethical. Proceed with caution.”— PTomW

5. 90-minute guided horseback ride in Catalina State Park

Ninety minutes on horseback through Catalina State Park, guided ride showcasing views of the Coronado National Forest and historic ranch architecture.

“I had a great time on the 90-minute horse ride. The horses were calm, the scenery was stunning, and we even spotted some wildlife along with beautiful blooming cacti. Next time, I'll bring a bandanna for some dusty spots, especially when riding towards the back of the group.”— Linda B

6. Sunset e-bike tour of Saguaro National Park, East

A 1.5-hour guided e-bike tour during sunset — explore Saguaro National Park’s trails and see the desert transform with warm evening hues.

“The bike ride began positively as we went through the bikes and took a test ride. We headed to the park for the guided e-bike tour, where the guide shared a lot of information about the desert and the local history. However, my frustration arose because he rode very quickly and didn’t keep the group together. While he was familiar with the park's paths, I was still getting used to the new e-bike and struggled to keep up. This was disconcerting, but it was manageable while it was still light out. Once the sun set, the last third of the ride became uncomfortable as my husband and I relied on our bike lights, which were inadequate in the dark. The guide was far ahead, and he made no effort to ensure the group stayed together. Navigating steep hills and curves in low visibility was challenging, and I didn't enjoy that part of the ride. If given the choice again, I would opt for a daytime tour to fully appreciate the landscape, and for sunsets, I would recommend driving through the park, where there are plenty of places to stop and enjoy the view. Unfortunately, the guided bike tour didn't allow us to pause and watch the sunset, as we were focused on sticking to the two-hour schedule. Overall, I was disappointed; I expected a great experience, but the darkness and lack of guidance made it less enjoyable for me.”— brytam2018

7. Self-guided driving audio tour of Saguaro National Park

Explore Saguaro National Park with a downloadable audio guide for a scenic drive through iconic cacti and rich history.

“The Self-Guided Driving Audio tour was, in my view, the ideal way to explore Saguaro National Park. Hearing descriptions of our surroundings proved very helpful, especially for identifying scenic viewpoints and trails. We gained insights into the park's history and the lives of its early inhabitants, as well as the local flora and fauna. Instead of just driving through and wondering about the unique plants and animals, the audio tour enriched our experience. The visitor center was also a valuable stop.”— G3769PIchristinew

8. Self-guided audio driving tour of Saguaro National Park

Explore Saguaro National Park at your own pace with a scenic driving tour featuring audio insights on history, ecology, and geology.

“Exploring Saguaro National Park is effortless with the audio tour that guides you through and shares the park's history. I strongly recommend it, especially for those visiting for the first time.”— Cindy_O