AREC Home
About the Department
Research & Publications
Extension
Academics

the Tucson Community

The Tucson area offers a wealth of recreational and cultural opportunities. The city is located in the Sonoran desert of southeastern Arizona, a region known for its unique vegetation and stunning sunsets. More than 800,000 people live in the area, enjoying moderate temperatures and mild weather throughout most of the year. Summers are hot, but low humidity makes the climate far more comfortable than midday temperatures might suggest.

Outdoor Adventure
Four mountain ranges surround the city, providing beautiful views and a contrasting environment for outdoor lovers to explore. There are numerous opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and camping in both the desert and mountain areas. Saguaro National Park, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Madera Canyon, and Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley are only a few of the attractions close to the University. Within a two-hour drive, students can explore the region's history and diverse cultural influences at such places as San Xavier del Bac mission, the "frontier" towns of Bisbee and Tombstone, or across the border in Nogales, Mexico.

[top of page | table of contents]

Art & Culture
Tucson has a large number of cultural activities for a community its size. The city houses its own symphony orchestra and there are regular performances by the state's opera, theatre, and ballet companies. In addition, the University brings the world's finest music, dance, and dramatic performances to campus throughout the year.

There are a number of museums and art galleries on campus and in downtown Tucson. The UA Museum of Art houses a permanent collection of Renaissance, early European, and American art. The Center for Creative Photography features archives of many world-renowned photographers, including Ansel Adams, W. Eugene Smith, and Edward Weston.

[top of page | table of contents]

Sports & Recreation
Students needing a temporary diversion from studying will find a number recreation possibilities around town. There are golf courses, swimming pools, and tennis courts available to the public. The Campus Recreation Center offers weight rooms, an Olympic size swimming pool, fitness classes, and intramural sports to students.

[top of page]

the University

Table of Contents