MOUNTAIN BIKING
A local avid mountain biker calls Arivaca "Moab-South" due to the incredible amount
of mountain biking terrain in this little known and remote area located a short one
hour drive SW of Tucson's airport. The mountain biking is stellar along jeep trails
that almost never see jeeps or other riders. There's no single track here, but you'll
be hard pressed to find other people on these local rides. We've got four wheel drive only
roads that make great riding for the daring and the timid. Many miles of these trails
are just waiting for your tread to make its mark. The above picture is from one ride in
a local mountain range called the Las Gijas. Local mountain ranges contain miles of loops
that can take anywhere from 50 minutes to several hours to complete, depending on your
pedaling desire. Local guides can take you on these roads where it is possible to see
mule deer, javelina, and antelope crossing your path.
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LOCAL ASTRONOMY
Southern Arizona is a prized possession to astronomers from all over the globe. To
Arivaca's west is Kitt Peak that contains one of the world's foremost solar research
telescopes. In a mountain range to the east of Arivaca is the new Smithsonian Binocular
telescope sitting atop Mt. Hopkins. Astronomers flock to this area for its dark skies;
lack of clouds and the crisp clean air, which lends itself wonderfully to the clear photos
that amateur astronomers live for (above image from internet image search). On a clear
winter night, the haze of the Andromeda Galaxy is an unmistakable sight with the naked eye.
The Milky Way literally drips from our night sky with the planets blazing overhead. You
can take full advantage of this situation with observations of our night sky through
your own optical equipment, or borrow/rent equipment from a few locals.
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ARIVACA LAKE
Above is a picture of Arivaca Lake which is located about seven miles from the Arivaca Townsite,
on the way to the old mining town of Ruby. This lake was created many years ago to support local
cattle and it exists today as a recreation site to fish and to swim. No gas engines.
LOCAL BIRDING
The Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge is home to many migrating birds. Excellent opportunity exists
to see rare and beautiful species here in the western flyway.
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