ARIZONA SUNSET

Nothing says Arizona like a sunset. Most people who choose to watch the big, red ball slowly dip below the horizon are missing a spectacular sight right behind them. The vibrant red and orange colors coating the Tucson Mountains reflects the setting sun like no other place on earth. The mountains change before your very eyes taking on an hue that presents the Sonoran Desert at its best. Awash in the magnificent decor of the evening, the rock formations are set afire with the last rays from the desert sun.

GILA MONSTER

One of only two venomous lizards found in North America, the Gila Monster makes it’s home in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Named for the Gila River basin where it was first discovered this beautiful reptile is easily recognized by bright orange, pink and black beady scales that form unique designs and cover it’s entire body.
The Gila Monster is carnivorous and feeds on small birds, frogs, lizards and other small rodents. They have an acute sense of smell, which enables them to locate hidden prey and find meals that are buried in the ground.
Reaching a length of up to two feet, the Gila Monster is slow moving and therefore presents little threat to humans. It’s venom has been compared to that of the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake but the Gila Monster only produces small amounts of venom and lacks the hollow fangs used by rattlesnakes to inject their venom. Instead they use a grinding or chewing motion to force the venom into their prey and the bite of a Gila Monster is extremely painful.
Even though the Gila Monster spends 95% of it’s life underground, they are spotted occasionally basking in the early morning sun or lying in pools of water after a summer rainstorm.
The reptile is given protection by Arizona and Nevada State laws because of the decline in their numbers. If you are lucky enough to see a Gila Monster, take a few photos, appreciate the opportunity and leave it alone.

FRED'S ARENA & STEAKHOUSE

No trip to Tucson would be complete without a visit to Fred's Arena & Steakhouse. Located some 20 miles west of Tucson on a forty acre working ranch, Fred's offers a unique dining experience. Steaks, burgers and chops are perfectly seasoned and mesquite grilled on a indoor brick grill centered in the dining area. In addition, the hot wings and Chicago style pizza are delicious and the full service bar offers up cold and refreshing drinks. The rustic interior of the steakhouse only adds to the atmosphere and the service is terrific.

Directions: West on Ajo to Sierrita Mountain Road, South to Ava Road and a half mile to Fred's.

GATES PASS

Gates Pass offers many hiking trails and a great place to watch spectacular Arizona sunsets. Just twenty minutes west of Tucson, the drive alone is worth the trip. The winding road through the Tucson Mountains is lined with giant saguaros, prickly pear cacti and magnificent rock formations. Coyote and javelina can sometimes be seen wandering through the mountains along with bobcats and an occasional mule deer. Considered to one of the best locations for watching sunsets by locals and tourists alike, Gates Pass offers a panoramic view of the Sonoran Desert.

Just follow Speedway Blvd. to Gates Pass Road and remember to use caution while driving as the Tucson Mountains are popular with cyclists.