Last week I was house sitting in Starr Pass, I had the pleasure of getting up and taking some early morning walks on Players Club Dr. That got me thinking about Spring in Tucson and what Tucson has to offer.
Many people will claim that Tucson does not have seasons, but to notice Tucson's seasons requires a bit of an open mind and a willingness to look around and see the subtle changes. Take the Prickly Pear cactus for example, at this time of year it will start sprouting new pads. This is a Spring time favorite of mine, because cactus are unique in that they don't die off in the Fall and sprout a new in the Spring, they just continue to add on. So to watch these cactus add one more pad to each arm is something that I look forward to every year at this time.
Tucson's weather changes in the Spring. Mornings in Tucson are brisk, but once the sun comes up its warm enough to go out dressed lightly. Day time temperatures are in the 70's and 80's and it is generally sunny, nice weather to plant a garden, go on a bike ride or a nice walk on the path at Reid Park. Evenings are nice in the Spring, they are not hot like the Summer, but they are the perfect temperature to enjoy a meal outside or open a window or two. Over night it gets a little chilly, but its not too bad.
Spring is a season of new births in Tucson. Pay close attention and you'll see a family of quail running across the street or through your front yard. Baby bunnies, gofers and javelina's (peccaries) can be seen running around the desert. You might hear some miniature tweets coming from atop a Saguaro cactus, that's more than likely a woodpeckers home and the babies calling out for some food.
The Catalina Mountains majestically hang over the city of Tucson, the mountains in Tucson have a lot to offer, especially when it comes to hiking. You have Pusch Ridge on the far West side and Sabino Canyon and the road to Mount Lemmon on the far Southeast side of the Catalina mountain range, all of which are good Spring time activities. I've hiked Pusch Ridge twice, though it is not a hike for those just looking to walk a trail, it can get pretty rigorous at times, so I'd recommend you bring a lot of water, a snack and prepare to be very tired after you get done. A trip to Mount Lemmon to see the melting snow is a joy as well. All of the melting snow will result in some awesome water falls in Sabino Canyon and also along trails in Catalina State Park.
The Tucson Mountain's have a lot to offer as well. A couple of years ago I “hiked” Wasson Peak with some friends. This hike is much easier, its basically a slightly uphill walk through the desert, with a lot of switch backs and when you reach the top you have some pretty good views of Tucson. Bring some water and a snack, but don't anticipate anything too grueling here. And there is never a bad time to visit “A” Mountain if you haven't seen it before, but generally speaking once is enough.
If you're looking for an event to go to, Spring is a good time to mark your calendar. Spring Fling, the largest student run carnival in the country starts this Friday and goes through the weekend at Rillito Downs. Admission is $5, students, children under 7 and military get in free (ID needed). Parking at Spring Fling is $5. The Spring SAHBA (Southern Arizona Home Builders Association) Home and Patio show starts this Friday and goes through the weekend. General admission is $8, military discounts are available, children 12 and under are free and they have 50/50 Friday, if your over 50 its half off. Hours are 10am to 7pm Friday and Saturday, and 10am to 6pm Sunday. The Pima County Fair starts on April 15th and goes through the 25th. The fair has a lot of rides and some good entertainment this year, Ted Nugent, the Commodores, Jason Derulo, Jake Owen, Atreyu and Banda el Recodo will all play during its 10 days of operation. General admission is $7, kids 6-10 $2, 5 and under free. Opens weekdays at 12pm, weekends at 10am, with the carnival in operation weekdays at 3pm and weekends at 11am. On May 19th the Tucson Toros are back in town with their first home game against the Edmonton Capitals. The Toros will play throughout the Summer and on into the Fall with their last game on September 4th. General admission is just $6, upper level reserved seating is $8 and VIP box seats are $10 (seating chart).
I hope this gives you an idea of what Spring in Tucson has to offer. I know that I sure do enjoy the this time of year.
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