Tortolita Mountains facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tortolita Mountains |
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Old stone sheep pens in Derrio Canyon, west end of Tortolitas
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 4,696 ft (1,431 m) |
| Geography | |
 Tortolita Mountains
Location in Arizona
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| Country | United States |
| Settlement | Tucson |
The Tortolita Mountains are a beautiful mountain range located northwest of Tucson, Arizona, in the USA. They sit right on the northern edges of Oro Valley and Marana, which are towns near Tucson. The highest point in these mountains reaches 4,696 feet (1,431 meters) into the sky. A large part of the Tortolita Mountains is protected as Tortolita Mountain Park. This park was created in 1986 by Pima County to keep the area safe and natural. The county even plans to make the park bigger in the future.
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History and Culture
The Tortolita Mountains area has a rich history, especially with Native American people.
Ancient Hohokam People
Long ago, a group of Native Americans called the Hohokam lived here. They made this area their home for about 700 years, starting around the year 500 AD. They built villages and lived off the land.
Honeybee Village Ruins
In the eastern part of the Tortolita Mountains, you can find the ruins of Honeybee Village. This was once a busy Hohokam village. Today, the Town of Oro Valley works to protect and maintain these important historical ruins. It's a great place to learn about the past.
Natural Features
The Tortolita Mountains are home to interesting natural spots, including a special canyon.
Honeybee Canyon and Creek
Close to Honeybee Village is Honeybee Canyon. This canyon has a unique feature: Honeybee Creek. This creek is one of the few streams in Pima County that flows all year round. Areas like this, with water and lush plants, are called riparian areas. They are very important for wildlife.
Protecting the Environment
For many years, there have been discussions about building new homes and resorts near Honeybee Canyon. People who care about the environment, called environmentalists, have worked to protect this special place. They want to make sure that the natural beauty and historical sites are not harmed by new buildings.
Honeybee Canyon Park
Today, you can visit Honeybee Canyon Park. It's a small park with restrooms, and it's the starting point for the popular Honeybee Canyon trail. This trail lets you explore the beautiful canyon and its surroundings.
Nearby Mountains
The Tucson Valley is surrounded by several mountain ranges. Besides the Tortolita Mountains, you can see:
- The Santa Catalina Mountains, which are the most famous in the area.
- The Rincon Mountains.
- The Santa Rita Mountains.
- The Tucson Mountains.
