The mountains that seems to be floating in the backround are the Santa Rita Mountains, part of the Coronado National Forest. The Santa Ritas form the Tucson valley's southern boundary. You're looking southeast with me from my vantage point along the David Yetman trail in the Tucson mountains.
In the photo above, the cities of Tucson and South Tucson lie to your left. You wouldn't be able to see either city, however, or hear the sound of cars and trucks on Interstate 10, because the Tucson Mountains intervene (photo on right.)
Nestled in the foothills of the Tucson Mountains are the communities of Tucson Estates II (foreground above) and Tucson Mountain Sanctuary (left above.)
44,000 acres of green desert surround TE2 and Tucson Mountain Sanctuary, with scores of miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. Stands of giant saguaro cacti put you in mind of the old western movies with John Wayne. Actually, any movie with both John Wayne and saguaros was shot in part just over that mountain (photo with sign) at the Old Tucson Studios.
Interested? Homes in the two communities range in price from the mid $100,000s to $400,000 or so.
Ten minutes away, and still on the west side of the Tucson Mountains, is the Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum, one of the ten best zoos in the world. The emphasis is on natural habitat. The mountain lion on the right is one of their most well known "critters."
During the summer, when daytime temperatures climb over 100 degrees, the Desert Museum is open at night on Saturdays. With two excellent restaurants, it makes for an enchanted evening!
___________________
I'm Mike in Tucson, your preferred Tucson, AZ Mortgage lender.
Call me if I can help you with a purchase or refi mortgage;
(520) 349-9090
Photos copyright Mike in Tucson
Mike,
I enjoy the history and lifestyle reports you share with us. Are you part of the Chamber and trying to recruit new home owners to the area? If not you are doing a GREAT job my friend.
Wow what a backdrop for these neighborhoods Mike. I think I could see myself living here!
Unbelievable photos. Great photos can make or break a post. Well done Mike.
Rob,
Thanks for saying so!
Bill,
I'd enjoy having you as a neighbor!
Don,
No connection with the Chamber. I'm just a poor, struggling loan officer blogging for dollars. :)
Mike in Tucson
Hi Mike: That mountain lion looks cute! I want him.
:)
Matt, you may change your mind if he was stalking you as you walked along your street, just the other side of the mountain. (happened to my sister) ;)
That photo of the mountain is pretty darn cool.
Doreen,
That's Golden Gate Mountain; thanks for stopping by.
Matt,
I echo Doreen's caveat.
Mike in Tucson
Mike, I am so sorry I missed Tucson while I was there...I call it a redo trip and I'm sure to be out that way again. I loved Arizona except for the heat in the summer but everything I saw was beautiful.
Mike,
Another wonderful Localism post with some great photos! I especially like the one with the Santa Rita Mountains.
Gerry,
The sun that evening was peeking through clouds, lighting the Santa Ritas and homes in the foreground, and leaving in shadow the area between the houses and the Santa Ritas. The effect is such that the mountain range seems to be floating in the evening sky.
Carole,
You'll just have to come back!
Mike in Tucson