Mammoth ArizonaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Mammoth, Arizona.
1. Arizona Zipline Adventures
THRILLING AERIAL EXPERIENCE
Arizona Zipline Adventures offers visitors an exhilarating way to experience the high desert landscapes from above. After soaring through the air, guests can enjoy award-winning tacos, burgers, and pizzas from the onsite restaurant, Peppersauce Kitchen. This two-for-one destination provides both adventure and culinary delights in a unique setting.
2. Oracle State Park
INTERNATIONAL DARK SKY PARK
Oracle State Park is a designated International Dark Sky Park due to minimal light pollution in the area. The park features a section of the Arizona National Scenic Trail that crosses through its boundaries, offering excellent hiking opportunities. Visitors can enjoy stargazing, wildlife viewing, and exploring the diverse desert ecosystem within this natural sanctuary.
3. Tiger Mine Trailhead
ARIZONA TRAIL ACCESS POINT
Tiger Mine Trailhead serves as an access point to the Arizona Trail with a large parking area for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. At the first switchback down to the trail, visitors will find a supply box filled with essentials for long-distance hikers. The trailhead offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and serves as a gateway to miles of scenic desert trails.
4. Biosphere 2
SCIENCE AND RESEARCH FACILITY
Biosphere 2 is a unique science facility that contains a replica of Earth's environment, used for research and educational purposes. Visitors can tour this massive glass structure that houses different biomes including a rainforest, ocean, and desert. The facility offers fascinating insights into ecological systems and environmental research through engaging tours and exhibits.
5. Mount Lemmon
SKY ISLAND DESTINATION
Mount Lemmon rises dramatically from the Sonoran Desert floor to over 9,000 feet, creating a cool refuge with diverse ecosystems. Visitors can enjoy activities ranging from hiking and camping in summer to skiing at Mount Lemmon Ski Valley in winter. The scenic Catalina Highway drive up the mountain offers spectacular views and numerous pullouts for photography and picnicking.
6. The Views Golf Club
SCENIC DESERT GOLF
The Views Golf Club is an 18-hole course with one of the most dramatic and scenic desert layouts in the area, nestled amongst the foothills of the iconic Catalina Mountains. The par 72 course offers challenging play with stunning vistas at every hole, making it a favorite among local and visiting golfers. After a round, players can relax at the clubhouse which offers good food and drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
7. Marshall Gulch Trail
SHADED MOUNTAIN HIKING
Marshall Gulch Trail leads hikers through tiny canyons and ravines shaded by trees that grow near the gulch's intermittent water source. The trail connects with other popular routes in the area including Aspen and Wilderness Rock Trail, offering various hiking options. Nature lovers will appreciate the cooler temperatures and diverse flora found along this refreshing mountain path.
8. Gaslight Music Hall
ENTERTAINMENT AND PERFORMANCES
Gaslight Music Hall delivers entertaining performances in a family-friendly venue that captures the charm of old-time entertainment. Visitors can enjoy a variety of shows ranging from musical tributes to comedy performances while dining on pizza and other casual fare. The venue's welcoming atmosphere and quality productions make it a cultural highlight in the greater Mammoth area.
9. Arizona ATV Adventure Tours
OFF-ROAD DESERT EXPLORATION
Arizona ATV Adventure Tours offers guided excursions through the rugged desert landscape surrounding Mammoth and Oracle. Riders can experience the thrill of navigating desert terrain while learning about the local ecosystem and history from knowledgeable guides. These tours provide an exciting way to access remote areas and scenic vistas that would otherwise remain unseen by most visitors.
10. Oro Valley Farmers Market
LOCAL PRODUCE AND CRAFTS
The Oro Valley Farmers Market showcases fresh produce, handcrafted goods, and local specialties from vendors throughout the region. Visitors can browse stalls filled with seasonal fruits and vegetables, artisanal foods, and unique crafts while enjoying the community atmosphere. The market offers a glimpse into local culture and agriculture, making it a perfect morning activity for travelers seeking authentic experiences.
11. Catalina State Park
DESERT WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Catalina State Park sits at the base of the majestic Santa Catalina Mountains with nearly 5,000 acres of foothills, canyons, and streams. The park offers more than 150 campsites and eight trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding through a landscape dotted with mesquite trees and giant saguaro cacti. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot desert inhabitants including javelina, coyotes, and numerous bird species throughout this pristine natural area.
12. Pinal Pioneer Parkway
SCENIC DESERT DRIVE
Pinal Pioneer Parkway (Highway 79) offers a beautiful desert driving experience with minimal traffic and maximum scenery between Oracle and Florence. The route passes through pristine Sonoran Desert landscapes dotted with saguaro cacti, ocotillo, and other iconic desert plants. Along the way, travelers can stop at the Tom Mix Memorial, dedicated to the famous silent film cowboy star who died near this location in 1940.
13. Peppersauce Cave
UNDERGROUND EXPLORATION ADVENTURE
Peppersauce Cave is an undeveloped limestone cave in the Santa Catalina Mountains that offers adventurous visitors a chance to explore its chambers and passages. Unlike commercial caves, this wild cave requires visitors to bring their own lighting equipment and be prepared for crawling through muddy, wet passages. The cave extends about a mile into the mountain with various rooms featuring stalactites, stalagmites, and flowing water.
14. Honeybee Canyon Park
DESERT WASH HIKING
Honeybee Canyon Park features accessible trails through a beautiful desert wash with smooth rock formations and seasonal water features. The park offers both paved and natural surface paths that wind through typical Sonoran Desert vegetation including saguaros, palo verde trees, and various cacti species. Visitors might spot desert wildlife including roadrunners, Gambel's quail, and various lizard species while enjoying the peaceful setting.
15. Summerhaven
MOUNTAIN VILLAGE RETREAT
Summerhaven is a charming mountain village perched near the top of Mount Lemmon that offers a cool escape from desert heat. Visitors can enjoy small restaurants, gift shops, and a general store while experiencing temperatures typically 20-30 degrees cooler than Tucson. The village serves as a base for hiking, bird watching, and enjoying the pine forests and mountain scenery throughout the year.