Tucson is known for its natural beauty and hiking spots. With plenty of resources on and off campus, going on an outdoor adventure before graduation is a must. From day trips to afternoon hiking spots, there is something for everyone in the Sonoran Desert.

Go on an Outdoor Adventure with Campus Rec

Now housed in the new Campus Recreation building, the Outdoor Adventures club on campus offers tons of trips for reasonable prices each year. Its spring 2010 guide has just come out with 32 trips and classes available, ranging from $15 to just under $3,000. Everything from hiking to ice climbing to backpacking to whitewater rafting is offered: In total, 14 different types of trips are available. You can spend a couple of weeks kayaking in Alaska for little more than $2,000, or you can spend $100 on a three-day climbing trip. Instructions are offered on each trip, and you can rent any gear you need through the club. So what are you waiting for?

Outdoor Adventure at the

Campus Recreation Center:

621-8233

http://campusrec.arizona.edu/outdoor/

Hike Picacho Peak

State park and site of the westernmost Civil War battle, Picacho Peak is a great hiking spot about 45 minutes from campus. Set to close June 3, 2010, due to the state budget crisis, this is one place you should visit as soon as possible. The beautiful rocky terrain is a tough hike, but well worth it. Part of the trail is so steep, you have to use a set of wires to pull yourself up and continue on. If you aren’t one for hiking, why not go to the yearly Civil War reenactment? This year’s event will be March 13 and 14. It costs $2 for a day pass and $15 for a camping pass. Check out the park’s Web site for more information.

Picacho Peak State Park:

http://azstateparks.com/Parks/PIPE/

           index.html

Picacho Peak’s speed code for

          information is 4232#

Call 511 and enter that code to be

                connected to the park information line

Snuggle up in Summerhaven

Bet you didn’t realize that Summerhaven is worth visiting year round. Nestled atop Mt. Lemmon, Summerhaven is a lovely spot this time of year to ski for the day or just enjoy the snow. When the frost melts away, the green, cool Mt. Lemmon spot is still worth a go. A summer ride on the ski lift reveals beautiful scenery and is a refreshing break from the Tucson heat. Summerhaven offers an array of shops and eateries as well.

Summerhaven:

http://emol.org/tucson/mtlemmon/

          index.html

Skiing information:

 http://www.skithelemmon.com

576-1321

— Ali Freedman