Local Area Attractions Near Picacho / Tucson NW KOA Journey

Southern Arizona is a popular place in the winter! Nearby is critter-feeding at the Ostrich Ranch, hiking to the top of 1500-ft-tall ancient lava formation Picacho Peak, and the amazing Casa Grande ruins built a thousand years ago by the ancient desert people.

Casa Grande Ruins National Monument

Casa Grande Ruins National Monument

The amazing 4-story "Great House" (Casa Grande) was built by the ancient Sonoran Desert People using 3,000 tons of caliche (mud). One of the largest prehistoric structures ever built in North America, its purpose remains a mystery! Just 18 miles due north on AZ-87 to Coolidge.

1100 W. Ruins Drive

Coolidge, AZ 85128

520-723-3172

Picacho Peak State Park

Picacho Peak State Park

Picacho Peak is a unique, ancient landmark that is a one-thousand-five-hundred-foot-tall lava formation -- and you can hike to the top of it! Bring water and food. Hunter trail goes straight up. At the top, the stark surrounding desert makes a great panorama. Take I-10 frontage this side of interstate east for 7 miles and turn right - signs to Picacho Peak State Park. $7 flat per vehicle.

I-10 Exit 219

Picacho, AZ 85141

520-466-3183

Ostrich Ranch

Ostrich Ranch

Feed the deer, donkeys, goats, dwarf goats, rabbits, parakeets, lorikeets, ducks, sheep, Ostriches and Stingrays! 7 miles east on the I-10 frontage, continue past Picacho Peak to the end of the road.

17599 E. Peak Lane

Picacho, AZ 85141

520-466-3658

Website

Ironwood Forest National Monument

Ironwood Forest National Monument

Exquisite high desert rich in minerals featuring a preserved mountain peak (the mountain behind, Silverbell, is a mine).
Surrounded by BLM, this area is rich in impromptu hiking spots and is a boon for rockhounds!
Check out nearby SASCO (Southern Arizona Smelting Co.) ruins.
You can get here directly from the campground - strip maps available at front office!

Website

SkyVenture Arizona Indoor Skydiving

SkyVenture Arizona Indoor Skydiving

If your child (or you) have always wanted to skydive - this is their (and your) chance!
No jumping out of an airplane, no parachute to worry about - this is an indoor windtunnel.
You learn some technique and then are accompanied by an expert who guides you around, up and down, while you just worry about having a blast.
Don't think twice, just do it!

4955 North Taylor Street

Eloy, AZ 85131

520-466-4640

Website

Boyce Thompson Arboretum

Boyce Thompson Arboretum

Lush, 323-acre, 1920s-era state park and arboretum with botanical garden, trails, flora, fauna, creeks...
This is truly a best-of sampler of Arizona's unique features and well worth a day trip!

37615 East Arboretum Way

Superior, AZ 85173

520-689-2723

Website