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.

San Xavier del Bac

Mission San Xavier del Bac

Devotional Fountain

Drinking fountain at San Xavier del Bac

Dawn

Titled "Dawn" because, quite frankly, I have no clue what this thing is called.  Turret? Nevertheless, I love the look of morning sun on white stucco.  San Xavier del Bac was radioactive white from the freeway.  Even more gorgeous up close.

Arches

The chapel at San Xavier del Bac

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

Love that crazy cactus.

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

Finger Rock

 

Break in the Storm

A sunny break in Saturday's storms - view from the Finger Rock trailhead in Tucson.