Solo Journey in the US Without Driving | Tucson
1. Sabino Canyon The cacti blanket the steep rock cliffs across the mountains. In the morning hours, numerous locals were spotted going on their morning jogs. Beginning at 9 am, a bus departs every hour to ferry tourists up to the mountaintop. During the ride, explanations are given, enabling you to grasp the particulars of the canyon's formation, along with insights into the mountain's wildlife, historical aspects, and cultural elements. I hopped on the first bus. After lingering at the summit for a short while, I commenced my descent at 9:38 am. The return path being downhill, it was fairly effortless to traverse. I savored the scenery along the way at my own tempo. Roughly two hours later, by 11:26, I found myself back at the visitor center. ππββοΈπ It was truly a gratifying way to discover the canyon, delving into its unique traits while relishing the splendid natural vistas. ππβ¨ 2. Subsequently, I shifted my accommodation to Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain. These two hotels are situated at opposite ends of the city, and the Uber ride between them took merely 45 minutes. Tucson is renowned for its spas, boasting numerous spa resorts. After a two-hour hike, indulging in a spa session felt like a rejuvenating experience that breathed new life into me. The spa at Ritz is quite notable within the city. It's not crowded, maintaining a peaceful ambience. There are private pools within the spa where guests can unwind and bask in the sunlight. The therapists there are prompt in responding to feedback. Had I more time, I surely would have reserved another session for myself. ππββοΈπ¨ It proved to be an idyllic spot for unwinding and revitalizing during my sojourn. πππΈ 3. Come evening, I partook in the Night hike tour at Ritz. Since it wasn't the peak tourist season, I paid over a hundred dollars yet was treated to a personalized excursion. The hotel is located at Dove Mountain, making it seem as if I was embarking on a night hike right in its backyard. With just the headlamp atop my head as the light source, I was plunged into the inky darkness as I walked through the desert. There was a blend of excitement and a tinge of trepidation within me. Propelled by the eagerness to explore the unknown, I advanced step by step. When we reached the desolate depths of the canyon, the guide switched off the headlamp. Gazing upward, I beheld the sky filled with stars. In that instant, I was deeply moved, a sentiment welling up inside me as I thought, "I wish you were here". πππ¦ It was an indelible and enchanting moment during my travels. πππ ### Day 3 1. πSaguaro National Park West The western section of the park hasn't witnessed excessive development. There are plentiful hiking paths available. However, getting around in the national park sans a vehicle can be rather inconvenient. Hence, I signed up for a customized hiking tour with Arizona climbing guides. The cost for half a day was $245. The guide tailored the route based on my preferences and hiking proficiency. A pick-up and drop-off service was also provided. Additionally, they equipped me with a backpack containing water, snacks, and hiking poles. I opted for the Hugh Norris route. The round trip took about three hours. The guide was quite obliging and volunteered to take pictures for me. After the hike, I was perspiring but also felt considerably more at ease. Later, I moved to JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort&Spa. The facilities at the hotel were rather antiquated, and the scenery was mediocre. The price was exorbitant, offering little value for money. ππΆββοΈπ· It fell somewhat short of my anticipations, alas. ππ¨πΈ 2. π¦ Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum In the afternoon, I visited the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. In contrast to conventional zoos, it resembles a hybrid of a natural history museum and a botanical garden. It was fascinating to observe the diverse array of animals and plants thriving under the desert vegetation. Inside the park, there was a hummingbird enclosure. Once inside, the colorful hummingbirds would flit about, sometimes hovering in mid-air and at other times zipping around me. It was a truly distinctive form of interaction. ππ¦πΈ It presented a novel vantage point for observing and comprehending the desert ecosystem. ππ΅π #SoloUSATravel #NoCar