Phoenix/Tucson/Bisbee & Tombstone & Tubac - Itinerary

Question

Hi,

I am staying in Phoenix and Tucson for a few days next week and then driving up to Bisbee/Tombstone and Tubac.

I am staying 2 nights in Phoenix, after driving there from Las Vegas, then spending 4 days on a ranch in Tucson during which time I intend to spend some time exploring around Tucson. Will then drive to Tombstone/Bisbee and stay in Tubac for 2 days then return to Phoenix for an extra night. I plan to then drive back to Las Vegas via Lake Havasu stopping there for lunch.

I wanted to know if there are any specific sites of note or driving/scenic routes in your opinion that are unmissable. I bought (and read) an Arizona guide book by Pam Hait, which has some interesting routes and which has helped me plan out a lot of this trip, but hoped there might be some input here on the forum of places which are unmissable. I have the major tourist sites covered but am looking for out of the way things or driving routes which aren't usually taken.

All input welcome - thanks so much!

Answer

Your itinerary through southern Arizona sounds fantastic! While you have the major tourist sites covered, there are some hidden gems, scenic drives, and unique experiences worth adding to your trip that many visitors miss. Here’s a detailed breakdown by area and route.

Phoenix:

South Mountain Park/Preserve: A quick drive from Phoenix with several scenic overlooks of the city. Great for short hikes or a sunset view.
Heard Museum: If you are interested in Native American art and culture, this museum has excellent exhibits.
Drive along Desert Botanical Garden: Even if you don’t stop, the route through Papago Park and near the garden has iconic desert landscapes and rock formations like “Hole-in-the-Rock.”

Tucson and Surroundings:

Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway: Highway 89A to the top of Mount Lemmon is a beautiful drive, transitioning from desert to pine forest with multiple hiking options and picnic spots.
Saguaro National Park: Both east and west districts offer scenic loops with giant cacti and photo opportunities, particularly near sunset.
Tucson Loop/Bike Ride: If you enjoy cycling, this is a mostly flat loop through city and desert terrain.
Colossal Cave Mountain Park: Offers cave tours and a less-crowded desert landscape compared to other touristy spots.
Old Tucson Studios: If you enjoy a bit of old west Hollywood flair, this is fun and often less crowded in winter.

Bisbee/Tombstone/Tubac:

Bisbee: Explore the historic mining town, walk through the Queen Mine Tour, and enjoy the art galleries and cafés downtown.
Tombstone: Besides the OK Corral, consider the less-visited Boothill Cemetery and the historic Allen Street for period architecture.
Tubac: Known for its art colony, galleries, and quaint historic town center—perfect for a relaxed stroll and local shopping.

Scenic Drives:

State Route 80: Connects Tombstone and Bisbee, offering a historic route with desert vistas and old mining town views.
Patagonia-Sonoita Scenic Road: South of Tucson, this loop is less-traveled, with wineries, rolling grasslands, and birding opportunities.
Lake Havasu Drive: On your way back to Las Vegas, the drive along the lake is pleasant and offers picnic spots and views of the London Bridge area.

Other Tips:

Look for small roadside stands for local produce, cacti, and artisan items—they are often charming and less commercialized.
Early morning or late afternoon drives are better for wildlife spotting and to avoid the midday heat, especially in Tucson and along desert routes.
If time permits, the “Dragoon Mountains” east of Tucson are an interesting historic site related to the Apache Wars and offer scenic, quiet hiking areas.

By adding these spots and routes, you’ll experience a mix of well-known attractions and off-the-beaten-path Arizona landscapes. Enjoy your trip!