Trip to Arizona - info needed

David1967

David1967

Joined
May 10, 1999
Messages
2,769
Hello, I will be travelling to PHX + Scottsdale, Arizona next month and I am searchnig for some info.
I would like to visit TUCSON and drive the Catalina HWY. I found some info on the internet but I still cannot find some answers.

1) Is the hwy still under construction? They say it is till July but from Mondays to Thursdays. Does that mean it is OK to drive there on weekends?
2) Is it possible to continue north (north/east) from Summerhaven to Oracle?
3) I suspect driving now does not require any special car => any car from major rental company should make it, right? ;)
4) If you would have 2 days off in AZ, where would you go? I have already visited Grand Canyon (several times), Petrified forest, Sedona, Tonto NM...
Any info will be appreciated.

David
 
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Thanks for the links - the air museum looks very interesting. As for the Cataliha hwy I found a lot of info but was hoping for someone local who would give me current info.
 
You can call 520/751-9405 for construction info.

Read this handbook for other ideas http://www.arizonahandbook.com, also-catalina highway http://www.arizonahandbook.com/catalina.htm

I am pretty sure that the road is open. There might be minor construction on it. You don't want to go down the north side to Oracle unless you have a truck or high clearance vehicle.

Pretty much every road in Tucson is under construction--it seems!

If you enjoy wildlife, try the Arizona Desert Sonora Museum in Tucson. It is hot right now, so go early. It is more like a zoo than a museum-the only one of its' kind in the world.

We moved to Arizona in 1969 and I am still finding places that I have not seen! Of course, I was gone for 13 years since then!
 
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Thank you all for your responses. It looks like the air museum + the Catalina hwy will be enough for one day. BTW any idea if the hwy 79 (from Oro Valley to Apache Jct.) is worth driving?
 
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Make sure you choose a car with good air conditioning.

It's going to be HOT, which will constrain your tourism on your two days off.
 
David1967 said:
Thank you all for your responses. It looks like the air museum + the Catalina hwy will be enogh for one day. BTW any idea if the hwy 79 (from Oro Valley to Apache Jct.) is worth driving?
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Nothing exciting, except maybe the Biosphere. Pretty boring flat drive. You could stop by the prison in Florence!
 
Things in/around Tucson to do/see:

Air Museum
Colossal Cave
Desert Museum (a zoo)
Tombstone (a bit touristy and hokey, but still a cool piece of American history)
Old Tucson Studios (where many western films were made)
My apartment if you bring your blue jazz FDL with you.:D (although I wouldn't recommend "importing" switchblades into the USA).
 
Thank you all for great info. I have decided for the air museum in the morning and then the Catalina hwy + drive to Oracle and then back to Phx on the hwy 79.

Thanks again.

David

I plan to carry old Spyderco Goddard - I hope it is OK in AZ.
 
David1967 said:
Thank you all for your responses. It looks like the air museum + the Catalina hwy will be enough for one day. BTW any idea if the hwy 79 (from Oro Valley to Apache Jct.) is worth driving?
Click to expand...


Keep on going to Globe. It is a very scenic route.
 
In fact, if you're caught in Arizona not carrying something,
then you may get a ticket.:D

That drive up Catalina HWY will be something you remember forever.
I rember driving it when it was a small 2 lane road with no gard rails.
It was fun then as it is today. Welcome to Arizona Friend. :)

C1
 
toady97 said:
Keep on going to Globe. It is a very scenic route.
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I went to Globe last time I ws in AZ - then to Show Low. Also got ticket for speeding in that area :). As for hiking - I have no time... I have only two days off and I will be a bit tired after 24 hours of flying and transfers...
 
I will be in PHX,AZ again from 09/17. If some one would like to meet to talk knives, that would be perfect.
 
What knives are you bringing with you? I'm in Phoenix, though, and knife / watch discussion might be good. What are you drinking?
 
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