Golf

Tucson is a golfer's paradise, with ideal weather for year-round play, and a wide variety of excellent courses -- most of them open to the public -- from luxurious resorts charging up to $160 peak season for a round with cart to municipal courses at less than $45 with cart. The county course and five municipal courses are maintained at "country club" standards, so even if you're on a budget you can play on some really excellent courses.

Due to the popularity of Tucson's five municipal courses, the Tucson Parks and Recreation Department has devised an automated reservation system (there is a small fee for using it). You can call the courses directly for general information, but to reserve a tee time you must call (520) 791-4336 for automated reservations.

For a comprehensive list of Tucson's fine courses, including addresses, pictures, yardage and ratings, check out Golf Guide USA

Hiking

The mountain ranges surrounding Tucson provide wide variety of trails. Whether you want a casual nature walk or a rugged backpack and rock climbing adventure, there are many mountain parks, canyons and campgrounds just minutes away from the city. For details on hiking in southern Arizona check out Tucson Hikes.

Skiing?

Yes, skiing! Tucson is one of the few cities where you can go golfing on a winter morning and skiing in the afternoon. Only an hour's drive from Tucson, the scenic Catalina Highway takes you through pine and aspen trees to Mt. Lemmon's Ski Valley at an elevation of over 8,000 ft.

Bicycling

Tucson is one of the most bicycle friendly cities in the nation. Designated bike paths and bike lanes make getting around the city easy and safe. The (usually) dry river beds of the Rillito and Santa Cruz rivers are lined with long stretches of river park paths perfect for cycling, inline skating, or just plain walking. Mountain biking is also popular in Saguaro National Monument East and many other areas surrounding Tucson.

For over 15 years, cyclists have turned out for the El Tour de Tucson, one of the oldest, largest and best (according to Bicycling Magazine) perimeter cycling event in the United States covering a 111 mile route that circles the Tucson area.

Tennis

You can find over 200 tennis courts in city and county parks, schools and private resorts and hotels. A membership fee is required by most resorts. Each year in April, about 40 celebrity players come to Randolph park for the Celebrity Tennis Classic.

Spectator Sports

If you like watching sports, Tucson has plenty for you -- plus ideal weather to get out and enjoy the game! Fans come out to watch the Arizona Diamondback's Triple A baseball club, the Tucson Sidewinders, play at Tucson Electric Park. March brings pro baseball teams like the Chicago White Sox and Colorado Rockies here for spring training.

The University of Arizona offers nearly every sport imaginable, many UA teams are top-ranked in the nation.

Check out the 2005
UA Football Schedule!

Check out the 2005-6
UA Basketball Schedule!

Two major golf tournaments are hosted by Tucson in the spring. The Tucson Chrysler Golf Classic, a PGA tournament is played at Tucson Omni National Golf Resort in northwest Tucson. In March pro women golfers come to town for the Ping/Welch's LPGA Championship Tournament played at the Randolph Golf Course.

Tucson even has a professional ice hockey team, the Tucson Gila Monsters.

The Rillito Racetrack is Tucson's source for horse racing.

Tucson's County fairgrounds host thrills and chills of NASCAR racing.

The biggest and one of the oldest authentic rodeos in the nation -- the Fiesta de Los Vaqueros, takes place over several days in late February at the Tucson Rodeo Grounds.

Go to the Park!

Parks and recreational areas maintained by both the city and county exist throughout Tucson. Facilities for tennis, golf, swimming, picnicking, jogging, cycling, basketball, volleyball, baseball & soccer can be found at many of these regional and neighborhood parks. The Parks and Rec. department also offers numerous classes on everything from fitness to arts & crafts for children, teens, adults and seniors.

For more information on Tucson's sports and recreational offerings, check out the More Tucson Links section.

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