Snowbirding in Tucson,Week 2

After our first week of snowbirding in Tucson, Tom and I were caught up on chores, and ready to explore. We enjoyed many activities within the Tucson KOA RV park and beyond!

Camping in Tucson

We settled into a relatively consistent routine that always starts with a long visit to the big dog park at the KOA where we're camping. Tom and I prefer to get there early so we can move on to the many other activities that fill our days. But, if we get there too early, Aly's many playmates aren't there yet. Aly sits in the middle of the big park, longingly staring at the gate waiting for her friends to arrive and the wrestling to begin!

When Aly is sufficiently exhausted, she lays down for a long nap in the camper while Tom and I get in our own exercise. We alternate between playing pickleball and working out at the gym or on the patio by our camper. On hot days, in the 80s, we also enjoy pool time. The cooler days, in the 60s and 70s, we ventured out on the many hiking and biking trails. We hiked the Agua Caliente and Phoneline Trails and biked various sections of the Tucson Loop Trail.

The Tucson Loop Trail offers more than 100 miles of paved trail that we can access right from our campsite. I've never been a big fan of biking... unless it's to get to a specific destination. But, with the safe, relatively flat paved trails and the beautiful weather here, I must admit it's growing on me! I even left Tom in the dust during our first ride. That's when Tom realized he needed a better bike. I'd like to think it was my superior biking ability that gave me the edge over Tom, but upon the arrival of his new bike, Tom quickly proved otherwise. Hmmmm.... maybe I need a new bike too!

From our convenient location in Tucson, Tom and I took several day trips to explore the nearby town of Tubac and to meet our friends for dinner at the Copper Brothel Brewery in Sonoita.

Tom and I have met so many great people staying at the KOA. Unless we're too tired from our many daily activities, most of our days end with joining our friends for happy hour. either at one of campsites or the onsite cantina.

Exploring Tubac

Many of our friends that regularly snowbird in Tucson, suggested we visit the nearby town of Tubac, Arizona during their annual Festival of the Arts. I enjoyed exploring the many shops and vendors after leaving Tom at the "Husband Drop Off Point" at the Grumpy Gringo cigar lounge. Then we both enjoyed a great Mexican meal a little farther up the highway, at Wisdom's, before returning to Tucson.

Hiking the Agua Caliente Trail

Tom, Aly, and I enjoyed a beautiful hike along the Agua Calient trail in Tucson. It was the first overcast day we'd seen since arriving in Tucson more than a week earlier and we were greatful for the cloud cover. The 6.7 mile hike with only 1500 feet elevation gain was right in my wheelhouse but a bit longer than Tom prefers. Aly doesn't mind the distance or the elevation gain but she doesn't like the heat. So, even though the high temperature was only in the mid 70's she took every opportunity to rest in the shade, especially on cool rocks.

Hiking the Phoneline Trail

A few days after hiking the Agua Caliente trail, Tom and I hit the trials again... this time with some of our new friends. Unfortunately, dogs aren't allowed on the Phoneline Trail which is part of the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area so Aly stayed behind and guarded the camper. She was happy to have a break from the desert hiking... especially after her morning dog park wrestlng match.

Tom and I hiked hiked hiked 5 miles up the Phoneline Trail with another couple, Casey and Barb. Then, much to Tom's relief, the men returned on the tram while us ladies hiked the 5 mile return. It was a win-win as Barb and I got in some extra hiking while Tom and Casey enjoyed cold beers on the patio at Poco & Mom's until we joined them.

Visit the Tucson or Bust 2025 page to follow our route, read blog posts, and view our photo album.