ASARCO PIMA MINE TOUR

This is the only working open-pit copper mine in Arizona available to the public with regularly schedluled mine tours. The mine tour starts at the Mineral Discovery Center. You can purchase tickets there for the tour and familiarize yourself with the copper mining process in the exhibit center and video theater. For tour reservations just call(520) 625-8233...Saturday only tours.

COLOSSAL CAVE

Colossal Cave Mountain Park was discovered in 1879. The Civilian Conservation Corps constructed the walkways, buildings, and the wiring in the 1930's. The first tours taken through the unimproved Cave began in 1923...

complete with ropes and lanterns. The tours today are quite accomodating with hand-set flagstone walkways and handrails. There is also new lighting and the cave is breathtakingly beautiful. Colossal Cave Mountain Park hours and information can be found at: (520)647-7275

KARTCHNER CAVERNS

Kartchner Caverns State Park is a phenomenal limestone cave in Southeaster Arizona that has world class features. This is a "live" cave which was discovered in 1974 and it is host to a wide variety of unique minerals and formations. The tour guides unveil a fascinating underground landscape in a dramatic 1 and a half hour tour. Contact the Park for reservations at: (520) 586-2283 or the information line at: (520) 586-4100.

MADERA CANYON

Madera Canyon is nestled in the slopes of the Santa Rita Mountains just east of Green Valley. There are many types of birds and animals that inhabit the canyon. There are 15 known hummingbird species alone! This is a paradise for birders, hiker, photographers and artists. As well as a place to find a beautiful sycamore tree to sit under and have a picnic. It is open year round to the public.

MOUNT HOPKINS

Mount Hopkins and the Whipple Observatory are located just south of Green Valley in the Santa Rita Mountains. It is situated at an elevation of 8585 feet. The facility is open to the public...call for tour information: (520) 670-5707.

TITAN MISSLE MUSEUM

The S.A.L.T. Treaty called for the de-activation of 18 Titan missile silos surrounding Tucson. One was retained for public tours. The tidy complex is located in Green Valley, Arizona. Visitors are treated to a video detailing the history of the Titan and its capabilities. When you take the tour you are taken deep in to the hardened command center. All of the essential operational equipment was located here...the center itself is mounted on springs to withstand anything but a direct hit. Then you are taken through a couple of 6000 pound blast doors and walk along a space-age corridor to the silo itself. The huge 110 foot missile weighs 170 tons fueled up and ready to fly. Now it is empty and harmless, but it stills retains its ominous visage as it is poised majestically on its launch pad...as though it is ready for action! For information on tours call: (520) 625-77636.