As winter settles over the Sonoran Desert, Tucson transforms into a hub of outdoor activities and seasonal experiences, making it a perfect time to explore the city. Evenings are chilly enough to sit fireside, while days are crisp and sunny—the perfect season for hiking and exploring some favorite spots around town.
From scenic drives to museum adventures to stargazing, here are some of the top winter things to do around JTH Tucson.
Winter Adventures Around Tucson:
Explore Saguaro National Park
Just minutes from JTH Tucson, Saguaro National Park West offers an array of trails and desert vistas ideal for fall hiking and exploration. With towering saguaros providing shade when needed and crisp early mornings, this time of year is when the desert shines!
- Hugh Norris Trail: Trailhead is a 7 min drive from JTH Tucson. For those up for a challenge, this 9.8-mile out-and-back trail in Saguaro National Park West provides panoramic views of the desert landscape all the way to Wasson Peak. The cooler weather makes this hike more manageable, and the fall light makes the saguaros and mountains even more stunning.
- Valley View Overlook Trail: Trailhead is a 10 min drive from JTH Tucson. If you’re looking for a shorter hike with equally spectacular views, this 0.8-mile trail offers a quick escape into the desert and incredible Avra Valley and Picacho Peak vistas. It’s perfect for a peaceful, leisurely walk in the cooler afternoon air.
- Seven Falls Trail: Trailhead is a 54 min drive from JTH Tucson. Willing to drive a bit further? Head to the Sabino Canyon area and experience this moderately rated 8.2-mile out-and-back trail, which features beautiful creek crossings and leads to the stunning Seven Falls. If you’re looking for a shorter hike, you can take a shuttle to the trailhead, reducing the hike to 4.6 miles. The falls are best after recent rains, offering a potential swimming spot at their base. Just be sure to check water levels before visiting, as they can dry out during the drier months. With a total elevation gain of 917 feet, this trail offers a rewarding adventure without being overly strenuous.
Visit the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Located just 10 minutes from JTH Tucson, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a must-visit. This outdoor museum, which combines elements of a zoo, botanical garden, and natural history museum, showcases the incredible biodiversity of the Sonoran Desert.
Raptor Free Flights: The museum hosts Raptor Free Flights, where you can watch birds of prey like hawks and falcons fly freely over the desert landscape. It’s a fascinating experience that highlights the region’s unique wildlife.
– Desert Gardens: The museum’s botanical gardens come alive in the fall, with various desert plants in bloom. Wander through cactus gardens, learn about native flora, and enjoy the mild temperatures as you explore.
Visit the Gem & Mineral Show
Tucson Gem Show consists of dozens of unique shows at different venues all over Tucson. This year’s show runs from January 30th – February 16th. It’s hard to capture the magnitude of it—it takes over the whole city. Gems overflow in tent filled parking lots and even out of motel rooms. There’s also so much more than just gems & minerals. It covers other natural materials like carved wood, baskets and fibers as well. This makes visiting really interesting as you can choose the shows that cater to your own personal interests. But it can also feel a bit overwhelming to figure it all out!
If you’re interested in visiting the show just for fun (as we do!), you can read our show recommendations here.
Local Shopping at Arizona Poppy
Head to Arizona Poppy, where you’ll find a vibrant selection of locally-made goods. From Sonoran Rosie’s desert skincare line to Trevor Mock’s greeting cards, it’s a fantastic place to pick up unique gifts and souvenirs you can only find in Tucson!
Vintage and Curated Finds
For vintage enthusiasts, Desert Vintage offers a carefully curated selection of clothing that will take you back in time.
Complete your new look with turquoise jewelry and other accessories at The Little Little Shop, which also carries a beautiful home decor collection featuring vintage ceramics, artwork, and small furniture pieces.
We also love exploring Midtown Mercantile and Sixth Avenue Antiques which both feel like the best ongoing flea market for home goods and clothing that you could imagine (and so many of the items from JTH Tucson are sourced from both!)
Discover MSA Annex
Next, visit MSA Annex, home to various shops housed inside recycled shipping containers! If you want to get a good overall sense of the design and food culture in Tucson, head here. So many of our favorite local designers have shops here.
Make sure to stop by Arid Lands when you’re there for beautiful home goods, jewelry, and pantry items.
Afternoon Bites
Lunch at Seis Kitchen
Refuel after an afternoon of shopping and head across the street from MSA Annex for lunch at Seis Kitchen in Mercado San Agustin’s open courtyard. Their casual Mexican fare is perfect for a laid-back midday meal.
Sweet Treats and More
After lunch, indulge in sweet treats at Estrella Bakery, also located in the Mercado, known for its traditional Mexican pastries and donuts.
For chocolate lovers, Monsoon Chocolate offers a delectable range of chocolates and hot cocoa. Check out their Flavor Library here and brace yourself for a whole lot of chocolatey goodness.
Sunset Hike
Hit the Trails
With its stunning natural surroundings, Tucson inspires an active, outdoor lifestyle to all those who visit.
Cap off your day with a hike to experience the desert’s stunning natural beauty. If you’re up for more of a challenge, we recommend Hugh Norris. If you’re looking for a quick sunset trail, head to Valley View.
Dinner at BATA or The Coronet
For a memorable dinner, consider BATA, known for its upscale, creative cuisine by repeat restauranteur Chef Tyler Fenton.
Alternatively, The Coronet offers a charming courtyard setting with a selection of small plates—ideal for a casual but unforgettable meal under the stars.
You may also like:
If you’re looking for another fun day trip from Tucson, then check out our field guide to Mount Lemmon here and Nogales, Mexico here.
Looking to explore a little closer to JTH Tucson? Check out our trail guides for hikes in the west side of Tucson, AZ: Hugh Norris Trail, & Valley View Trail.
