Explore Things to do in Marana

Our daughter lives just down the road a bit from the entrance. She clued us in to this hidden gem in this more rural Town Near Tucson.

It's worth the gentle uphill walk, for the views & serenity. You might even decide on involving your own future plans once you tour it.

Accessed via I-10 Exit to 246, then on Silverbell to Continental Reserve Community. Get to 8001 N Scenic Dr (call it Tucson for your GPS). Easy parking onsite.

Hiking trails into the Tucson Mountains
But check out the sanctuary if you're not a hiker!

One of the things thing to do in Marana is checking out Los Morteros, an ancient Hohokam Village and archaeological site.

It's a Conservation Area and cultural park in Marana.  With 120-acres, it preserves one of the Southwest's most significant Hohokam archaeological sites.

What ancient lifestyle, dating from 500-1450 AD, will you witness?

• Numerous grinding pits (mortars)
• One of the region's largest intact prehistoric ballcourts
• An extensive irrigation system built by the Hohokam.

The site's most distinctive features are its trincheras.

What are they??

Over 200 rock alignments on volcanic hillsides that served multiple purposes. That includes water management and agricultural terracing.

Located near the Tucson Mountains' northern end, this cultural preserve offers visitors a glimpse into the sophisticated engineering and community life of the Hohokam people.

Follow Silverbell Rd., which runs adjacent to the Tucson Mountains.

• After W. Twin Peaks Rd., veer to the right to stay on Silverbell.
• Take the 2nd right turn onto W. Linda Vista Blvd.
• Take a left onto N. Bross Rd. to its end
• Next a left to access N El Uno Minor, then a left onto W Oasis St.
• Following the curve that starts you southbound is probably the best, until it ends.
• Look to your right to go into this conservation area.

The address for a GPS is 9901 N El Uno Minor, Tucson, AZ. Which might not get you directly there. Because of private lands in the area.

Desert valley of Sawtooth Mountains. Scattered Ironwood Trees & Saguaro Cactus.

An out of the way option for things to do in Marana.

See the Sonoran Desert in its undeveloped state. This National Monument is to the West of Marana town, overseen by the Bureau of Land Management. Spread across 129,000 acres, it's prized for the natural and cultural history near Marana, Arizona.

• It is home to one of the densest stands of ironwood trees in the entire Sonoran Desert.
• It is home to several distinctive desert mountain ranges like Silver Bell, Waterman, and Sawtooth.
• It is home to the Los Robles Archeological District, a key site listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The monument's elevation varies from 1,800 to 4,261 feet.

Make your way uphill for breathtaking vistas. Diverse wildlife can be seen, including desert tortoises, roadrunners, javelina & coatimundi. Use caution if encountering any, like a diamondback rattler! You don't want to get close!

Visitors should use caution on back roads, as four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended in rugged areas. Avoid summer visits due to extreme heat.

Are you an adventurous traveler? The area permits free dispersed camping for up to 14 days.

Hiking through boulders etched with petroglyphs.

Now we'll take in this area in the northeast part of town.

Tortolita Mountain Park in Marana is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy a variety of outdoor desert activities. Take a hike, run along a trail, go horseback riding or mountain biking.

With 29 miles of trails throughout, winding through diverse terrains. Explore its canyons: Cochie, Wild Burro, and Ruelas.

The trails have been developed over time, since 2004. Funded throug local and state agency cooperation. Respect of the land is important when crossing included private, plus public lands.

Vista along a trail in the Tortolita Mountains.