Tucson Mountains facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tucson Mountains |
|
|---|---|
Wasson Peak is the highest point in the Tucson Mountains. Unlike what this picture shows, snow is extremely rare in these mountains, especially in the amount seen here.
|
|
| Highest point | |
| Peak | Wasson Peak |
| Elevation | 4,687 ft (1,429 m) |
| Geography | |
 Location in Arizona
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | Arizona |
| Region | Sonoran Desert |
| District | Pima |
| Cities | Tucson, Arizona |
| Range coordinates | 32°13′30″N 111°7′0″W / 32.22500°N 111.11667°W |
| Topo map | USGS Cat Mountain, Arizona, Jaynes, Arizona, Avra, Arizona, Brown Mountain, Arizona |
The Tucson Mountains (called Cuk Doʼag in the Oʼodham language) are a group of mountains west of Tucson, Arizona. These mountains, including their highest point, Wasson Peak, are one of four main mountain ranges around the Tucson area. To the northeast are the Santa Catalina Mountains. The Rincon Mountains are to the east, and the Santa Rita Mountains are to the south. Other nearby ranges include the Sierrita Mountains to the south, the Roskruge Mountains to the west, and the Silver Bell Mountains to the northwest. The Tortolita Mountains are to the north.
Contents
Exploring Parks and Preserves in the Tucson Mountains
The Tucson Mountains are home to several important natural areas. These include the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Saguaro National Park, and Tucson Mountain County Park. Old Tucson Studios, a famous movie set, is also located nearby.
Tucson Mountain County Park: A Place for Outdoor Fun
Tucson Mountain Park was created in April 1929. It is one of the largest natural areas managed by a local government in the United States, covering about 20,000 acres (about 81 square kilometers). The park has around 62 miles (about 100 kilometers) of trails. These trails are popular for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
- Brown Mountain: This peak in the park is named after C. B. Brown, who helped start the park.
- Kinney Road: The main road through the park is named for Jack C. Kinney. He was a Pima County Supervisor who worked with C. B. Brown to create the park.
- McCain Loop: This trail is named after J. C. McCain, who was the first park ranger.
Saguaro National Park: Protecting the Desert
Saguaro National Park was first made a National Monument in 1933. It became a national park in 1994. The part of the park in the Tucson Mountains ranges from 2,180 feet (664 meters) to 4,687 feet (1,429 meters) high.
- Desert Life: This area has two main types of natural communities: desert scrub and desert grassland.
- Weather: On average, the park gets about 10.27 inches (26 centimeters) of rain each year.
- Wildlife: Common animals you might see here include coyotes, Gambel's quail, and desert tortoises.
Images for kids
-
View across the Tucson Basin towards Tumamoc Hill (left) and "A" Mountain (right), which can be seen in the center of the background.
-
The foothills south of the Tucson Mountains. Beehive Peak is at the center-left, Red Butte is at the far left. The Catalina Mountains are in the background at right.
-
Another view of the foothills south of the Tucson Mountains. Red Butte is at the right.
-
Sonoran Desert vegetation at Gates Pass.
-
Sunset over the Tucson Mountains.
See also
In Spanish: Sierra de Tucsón para niños
