KITT PEAK NATIONAL OBSERVATORY

The Kitt Peak National Observatory, nestled on the peaks of the Quinlan Mountain range is located 56 miles west of Tucson. The fifty-year-old astronomy outpost sits upon land leased to the United States government from the Tohono O’odham people and named by a local surveyor, George Roskruge, for his sister, Phillippa Roskruge Kitt who died in 1900.
There are 23 telescopes located on the mountain including the MacMath-Pierce solar telescope, which is the largest in the world. The observatory’s radio telescope was decommissioned in 2002 but is still located on the mountain.
The observatory encourages public participation by offering night classes for those who have an interest in astronomy. Participants will treated as guest astronomers and will be allowed to use one of the observatory telescopes with instructions from one of the resident astronomers.
The peak is at an elevation of 6875 feet and a bit cooler than the desert floor. During the summer months with the temperatures reaching well over 110 degrees F, a drive up the mountain to the observatory can be very refreshing. The 12-mile drive from the base of the mountain offers great views of the surrounding desert with many pullouts available for photo opportunities. The road itself is paved and in good condition with many guardrails for protection.
There are no restaurants located on the mountain but there is a picnic area located a mile from the summit. A ramada, tables, water and restrooms are available here and it’s a great place to relax before you continue to the peak. So make sure you pack a lunch.
Self-guided tours are free of charge and allow guests to wander at their leisure through the grounds. Guided tours are also available for those wishing to experience a more informative outing. The cost for guided tours is $4 per adult and $2.50 per child.
Directions: Allow 90 minutes of drive time from Tucson. Take I-10 to I-19 South. Less than 1 mile is Ajo Way/Hwy 86 (Exit 99). Take this exit west (right). Proceed past Ryan Airfield and Three Points. Continue until Junction 386 (Kitt Peak turnoff). Turn left onto 386. The Kitt Peak Visitor Center is located at the summit (12 miles).

You can also visit www.noao.edu for more information.