Doggie Day Trip - Southern AZ Missions and Forts

Sophie and I spent Good Friday 2010 exploring the sights along I-19 in Southern AZ.  I highly recommend this easy day trip from Phoenix as it offers a variety of interesting, dog-friendly destinations.  The round trip tour took 12 hours and included many leisurely stops in between.  Here are the highlights:

• Pima Air and Space Museum - We didn't have the time or inclination to stop here, but the museum gets high marks in my guide book.   Check it out, and let me know what you think.  
• San Xavier del Bac - We experienced the iconic "White Dove of the Desert" at dawn before the tour buses rolled in.  It's the perfect time for shutterbugs as you'll get no crowds and pure, golden light to highlight the architecture and whimsical landscaping.  Dogs aren't allowed in the Mission, but Sophie was happy just roaming the grounds.    
• Tubac - Tubac's historic center is surrounded by eclectic shops and galleries.  It is an artist's town, and you'll find many opportunities to view local works.  Recent state budget cuts threatened the Tubac Presidio Historical State Park.  So, concerned locals raised enough money to keep the park open.  The Park is currently operated by the Tubac Historical Society.  If you're looking for colorful Mexican pottery or large copper/metal art pieces, a stroll through Tubac will be worthwhile.  
• Anza Trail  - Tubac and Tumacacori are 3.5 miles apart on the Anza Trail, which is only a small portion of the 1200 mile trail that stretches from Nogales, Arizona to San Francisco, California.  We enjoyed one good mile of the trail by using the gated trailhead just outside the Tumacacori walls and heading for the cottonwoods that line the Santa Cruz river.   
• Tumacacori - The highlight of our trip was Tumacacori.  The Mission structure is unconsecrated, so both the mission and the grounds were accessible to dogs.  The structures are beautifully preserved, and both the self-guided and guided tours are well executed.  There is a peaceful church garden, a museum and a tortilla making exhibit complete with free tortilla and beans.  Yes... Sophie had a tortilla too.    

Directions - Take I-10 from Phoenix to Tucson.  Take I-19 south to hit the sights.  We took the same roads back, but if you have extra time, drive further south past Tumacacori and take the 82 north to Tucson.  It passes through Patagonia State Park and several Southern Arizona wineries.

Bell Tower

Doggie Day Trip - Tumacacori

Doggie Day Trip - Anza Trail

Doggie Day Trip - Tubac

Doggie Day Trip - San Xavier del Bac, San Xavier Reservation near Tucson

Love that crazy cactus.

Doggie Day Trip - Superior and Globe

Poor Sophie has to suffer through my latest case of itchy feet.    Before summer, we'll be hitting the road to revisit all those little places my parents once insisted were interesting and important.  Of course, only dog friendly spots will make it on our agenda.  Last week, we took off on the 60 and headed northeast to the mining towns of Superior -Miami- Globe, then took the 88 hugging Roosevelt Lake to the east and the Tonto National Monument to the west.  These spots were our favorites:

• Boyce Thompson Arboretum - The Arboretum houses an incredible collection of desert plants from around the world - the Chihuahuan, Sonoran and Australian deserts are well represented.  The cactus garden is a must see.  We even got to watch the tree climbing competition in the eucalyptus garden. 

• Besh Ba Gowah Archaeological Park - The Salado Indians' upper and lower dwellings at Tonto National Monument are off limits to dogs, so Besh Ba Gowah was a pleasant find.  The Park houses over 200 Salado pueblos.  There is also an on-site museum, a gift shop, a spacious and clean restroom, a mini botanical garden, and an informative video - all for the bargain price of $4.  Dogs are free!

• Roosevelt Lake - Ok, so we didn't really hit the lake, but the scenic drive around the lake was relaxing.  If traveling north on the 88, you'll hit a nice lookout pullover before the bridge.  It's a platform to view the upper dwelling of the Tonto National Monument to the west (I had to squint to see it) and Roosevelt Lake to the east.  It's also the perfect spot for a car sick pup to get some fresh air.

one car sick puppy

Doggie Day Trip - Tucson

Sophie and I jetted off to Tucson on Saturday and discovered a few spots that welcomed both man and beast:

• Saguaro National Park (East) - Dogs are not allowed on the trails, but they are welcome to trot on the nine mile loop road, the various scenic overlooks and the expansive picnic area. The ranger even had a stash of dog biscuits at the entry.  $10/vehicle.  The pass is good for 7 days. 
• Agua Caliente Park - Check out this site for info and stunning wildlife photos.  There is a natural spring pond and bevies of beautiful birds (great for meditation or chasing).   
•  Farmer's Market at St. Philips Plaza - A lot of crafts and a few fresh produce stands.  Great for people watching and dog sniffing.  I bought a steaming cup of hand pressed Costa Rican coffee and an apple crumble pie made with mesquite flour (ground mesquite pods).   
• Cup Cafe at the Hotel Congress - A great little place in downtown Tucson by the University.  Sophie and I hung out at the patio until the storm rolled in right over our quiche.  We retired to the lobby where Herb, our waiter - great name for a waiter, brought us some sweet potato fries, a bowl of fresh water and a cup of coffee. 

As for the Finger Rock Trail (see two previous photos)... well, Google just informed me that dogs aren't allowed on that trail.  So, let's just drop that one from the list.

The loop drive  at Saguaro National Park East

Eyes

2009 12k's of Christmas - Gilbert

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR A GOOD TIME.  I am in love with this race! It is a relatively new 12k with carolers along the course. Runners get Santa hats instead of race shirts - advertised as "running in a sea of Santas". The best part... the event benefits Maricopa County Animal Care and Control. So,all of the booths are dog/pet related. Dogs, costumes, ice cream and Santa all add up to great fun. BRING YOUR DOG.

Happy Family

Post-race ice cream at the 12k of Christmas