Tucson is surrounded by diverse landscapes, historic towns, and unique destinations that make for perfect one-day trips. Whether you’re looking for a cool mountain retreat, an Old West experience, a scenic vineyard tour, or an underground adventure, there’s something for everyone within a short drive. Below are the best one-day trips from Tucson, complete with addresses, phone numbers, and website information where available.
Mount Lemmon – A High-Altitude Escape
Distance: 1 hour (45 miles)
Location: Santa Catalina Mountains, Tucson, AZ
For a quick escape from the desert heat, head up to Mount Lemmon, the highest peak in the Santa Catalina Mountains. The Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway is one of the most breathtaking drives in Arizona, transitioning from desert cacti to pine forests. At the top, Summerhaven offers charming small-town vibes, great hiking, and winter skiing.
Things to Do:
- Drive the Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway for panoramic views
- Hike the Aspen Trail or Marshall Gulch Trail for forested scenery
- Eat at Mt. Lemmon Cookie Cabin (12781 N. Sabino Canyon Pkwy, Mount Lemmon, AZ 85619, Phone: (520) 576-1010)
- Ski or snowboard at Mount Lemmon Ski Valley (10300 Ski Run Rd, Mount Lemmon, AZ 85619, Phone: (520) 576-1400, www.skithelemmon.com)
Tombstone – The Wild West Preserved
Distance: 1 hour 15 minutes (70 miles)
Location: Tombstone, AZ
Tombstone, “The Town Too Tough to Die,” is one of the most famous Old West towns in America. With gunfight reenactments and preserved 19th-century saloons, it’s like stepping back in time.
Things to Do:
- O.K. Corral Gunfight Show (326 E. Allen St, Tombstone, AZ 85638, Phone: (520) 457-3456, www.okcorral.com)
- Walk along Allen Street, lined with historic saloons and shops
- Bird Cage Theatre (535 E. Allen St, Tombstone, AZ 85638, Phone: (520) 457-3421)
- Boot Hill Cemetery (408 AZ-80, Tombstone, AZ 85638)
Bisbee – A Quirky Mining Town Turned Artsy Haven
Distance: 1 hour 45 minutes (96 miles)
Location: Bisbee, AZ
Bisbee was once a thriving copper mining town, but today it’s a vibrant arts community filled with colorful buildings, galleries, and historic architecture.
Things to Do:
- Queen Mine Tour (478 N. Dart Rd, Bisbee, AZ 85603, Phone: (520) 432-2071, www.queenminetour.com)
- Explore Old Bisbee with its art galleries, cafes, and vintage shops
- Hike the Bisbee 1000 Stair Climb, a series of historic stairways
- Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum (5 Copper Queen Plaza, Bisbee, AZ 85603, Phone: (520) 432-7071, www.bisbeemuseum.org)
Kartchner Caverns State Park – A Living Cave System
Distance: 50 minutes (50 miles)
Location: 2980 AZ-90, Benson, AZ 85602
Phone: (520) 586-4100
Website: www.azstateparks.com/kartchner
Discovered in 1974 and kept secret for years to protect its delicate formations, Kartchner Caverns is one of the most impressive living caves in the U.S.
Things to Do:
- Take a guided cave tour through stunning underground formations
- Visit the Discovery Center Museum for geological exhibits
- Hike scenic trails around the park
Patagonia & Sonoita – Arizona’s Wine Country
Distance: 1 hour 30 minutes (63 miles)
Location: Sonoita & Patagonia, AZ
The Sonoita-Elgin wine region is Arizona’s premier vineyard destination, producing top-tier wines in a high-elevation climate.
- Callaghan Vineyards (336 Elgin Rd, Elgin, AZ 85611, Phone: (520) 455-5322, www.callaghanvineyards.com)
- Dos Cabezas WineWorks (3248 AZ-82, Sonoita, AZ 85637, Phone: (520) 455-5141, www.doscabezas.com)
- Rune Wines (3969 AZ-82, Sonoita, AZ 85637, Phone: (520) 338-8823, www.runewines.com)
For a scenic break, Patagonia Lake State Park offers boating, kayaking, and hiking.
Saguaro National Park – Iconic Desert Scenery
Distance: 30 minutes (10–20 miles)
Location: Tucson, AZ
Tucson’s signature national park is home to some of the tallest and oldest saguaro cacti in the world.
Things to Do:
- Drive the Bajada Loop Drive for scenic desert views
- Hike Signal Hill to see ancient petroglyphs
- Visit both the Tucson Mountain District (West) and Rincon Mountain District (East) for varied landscapes
Park Headquarters: 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail, Tucson, AZ 85730, Phone: (520) 733-5153, www.nps.gov/sagu
Madera Canyon – A Birdwatcher’s Paradise
Distance: 50 minutes (42 miles)
Location: Santa Rita Mountains, AZ
A green oasis in the Santa Rita Mountains, Madera Canyon is one of the top birdwatching destinations in the U.S. and a great place for hiking and picnicking.
Things to Do:
- Birdwatch for rare species like the elegant trogon
- Hike the Old Baldy Trail for incredible mountain views
- Enjoy a picnic by Madera Creek
Visitor Info: Phone: (520) 281-2296, www.fs.usda.gov/coronado
Planning Your One-Day Trip from Tucson
Whether you’re in the mood for adventure, history, wine tasting, or desert landscapes, Tucson offers easy access to some of Arizona’s most remarkable destinations. Instead of worrying about driving, parking, or coordinating transportation, consider booking a private luxury ride or charter bus with Diamond Transportation for a seamless and stress-free experience.
From scenic mountain drives to underground caves and historic Old West towns, these one-day trips from Tucson showcase the best of Arizona while allowing you to return home the same day.
