On Holiday Through The Arizona Desert - Traveling to Tucson
With our National Parks Pass in hand, we headed south out of Phoenix toward Tucson and into the far reaches of the Sonoran desert.
Our first stop was actually a tip from Patrick's grandparents, Picacho Peak State Park. In addition to its breathtaking hikes around and/or up to the "peak" peak, the park has an interesting significance as being the site of the furthest west battle of the U.S. Civil War. We stopped by the visitors center and got the scoop! In 1862, Confederate Army came into Tucson as they were trying to advance into California across the southern portion of the states. They met union soldiers just south of the peak at Picacho Pass and a battle ensued. There are a few markers that identify the spot and we heard that there is a reenactment that happens each year in March. The park also has an interpretive trail that shares details so be sure to check it out.
Picacho Peak State Park Entrance
As we left the state park we noticed some fascinating abandoned businesses.
For more information about the places we visited, check out the links below:
