039; 039;ZIP 039; 039; Tucson To Tombstone: A Guide To Southeastern Arizona (Arizona Highways). ##HOT##
ZIP Tucson To Tombstone: A Guide To Southeastern Arizona (Arizona Highways)
Are you looking for a fun and adventurous road trip in the American Southwest? Do you want to explore the stunning landscapes, rich history, and quirky attractions of southeastern Arizona? If so, then you should definitely consider taking a trip from Tucson to Tombstone, the town too tough to die!
039; 039;ZIP 039; 039; Tucson To Tombstone: A Guide To Southeastern Arizona (Arizona Highways).
In this guide, we will show you how to get to Tombstone from Tucson, the best stops along the way, and what to do and see in Tombstone itself. Whether you are a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or just looking for a good time, you will find something for everyone in this amazing region.
How to get to Tombstone from Tucson
The distance between Tucson and Tombstone is about 75 miles (120 km), which can take anywhere from 1.5 hours to 2 hours depending on the route you choose. There are two main driving options that we will discuss below, as well as some other alternatives if you don't have a car or don't feel like driving yourself.
Driving options
The shortest and quickest route from Tucson to Tombstone is via I-10 E / AZ-80 E. This route will take you about 1.5 hours without any stops along the way. However, if you want to make some detours and see some interesting places, you can add some extra time to your journey.
The scenic and alternative route from Tucson to Tombstone is via I-19 S / AZ-83 S / AZ-82 E. This route will take you about 2 hours without any stops along the way. It will also take you through some beautiful scenery and charming towns that are worth checking out.
Other options
If you don't have a car or don't want to drive yourself, there are some other ways to get to Tombstone from Tucson. Here are some of them:
Flying: The closest airport to Tombstone is Tucson International Airport, so flying won't save you much time or hassle. However, if you are coming from far away, flying might be your best option.
Bus: There are no direct bus routes between Tucson and Tombstone, so you will have to transfer at least once and backtrack a bit. The bus will also take longer than driving, so it's not the most convenient option.
Tour: Taking a tour from Tucson to Tombstone is a great option if you want to sit back and relax, enjoy the company of other travelers, and learn more about the history and culture of the region. There are several tours available that visit both Tombstone and Bisbee, another interesting mining town nearby.
Best stops along the way
One of the best things about taking a road trip from Tucson to Tombstone is that there are so many awesome stops along the way. You can make your trip as short or as long as you want, depending on how much time you have and what interests you. Here are some of our favorite stops that we recommend you check out:
Gates Pass
Gates Pass is a mountain pass in the Tucson Mountains that offers spectacular views of the Avra Valley and the mountains beyond. It is arguably one of the best places to watch the sunset in the desert southwest, as the sky turns into a riot of colors and the saguaro cacti cast dramatic shadows.
To get to Gates Pass, you will have to take a short detour from I-10 E and follow Gates Pass Road for about 15 minutes. Along the way, you will see some scenic overlooks where you can stop and take pictures. You can also visit the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, a zoo, botanical garden, and natural history museum that showcases the flora and fauna of the Sonoran Desert.
San Xavier del Bac Mission
San Xavier del Bac Mission is a historic Catholic mission that dates back to the late 17th century. It is also known as the White Dove of the Desert, because of its striking white facade that contrasts with the surrounding landscape. It is considered one of the finest examples of Spanish colonial architecture in the United States, and a National Historic Landmark.
To get to San Xavier del Bac Mission, you will have to take a short detour from I-19 S and follow San Xavier Road for about 10 minutes. Once there, you can admire the beautiful exterior and interior of the mission, learn about its history and culture, and visit the museum and gift shop. You can also join a guided tour or attend a mass if you wish.
Titan Missile Museum
Titan Missile Museum is a unique attraction that lets you see an actual Titan II missile in its original launch silo. It is the only remaining site of the 54 Titan II missile sites that were on alert across the United States from 1963 to 1987. It is also a National Historic Landmark and a museum that educates visitors about the Cold War era and the role of nuclear deterrence.
To get to Titan Missile Museum, you will have to take a short detour from I-19 S and follow Duval Mine Road for about 10 minutes. Once there, you can choose from different tours that will take you underground to see the missile, the control room, and other facilities. You can also see exhibits and artifacts related to the missile program and its history.
Kartchner Caverns State Park
Kartchner Caverns State Park is a state park that protects one of the most impressive cave systems in Arizona. It features two chambers that are filled with stunning formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, helictites, soda straws, and more. It is also home to various wildlife, including bats, cave crickets, spiders, and scorpions.
To get to Kartchner Caverns State Park, you will have to take a short detour from I-10 E / AZ-80 E and follow AZ-90 S for about 15 minutes. Once there, you can join one of the guided tours that will take you inside the caves and show you their wonders. You can also enjoy other activities in the park, such as hiking, camping, picnicking, and visiting the discovery center.
Tombstone: The Town Too Tough To Die
After making some or all of these stops along the way, you will finally arrive at your destination: Tombstone, the town too tough to die. Tombstone is one of the most famous towns in the Old West, known for its legendary history, colorful characters, and wild events. Here are some things you should know and do in Tombstone:
History and background of Tombstone
Tombstone was founded in 1879 by Ed Schieffelin, a prospector who discovered silver in the area. He named his claim Tombstone after being told by soldiers ```html that he would only find his tombstone among the rocks. He took this as a challenge and named his first claim Tombstone. Later, he named the town after his claim.
Tombstone soon became a booming silver mining town, attracting thousands of people who were looking for wealth and opportunity. Among them were some of the most notorious figures of the Old West, such as Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, Johnny Ringo, Ike Clanton, and Curly Bill Brocius. Tombstone also became famous for its lawlessness, violence, and vice, earning it the nickname "the town too tough to die".
The most legendary event in Tombstone's history was the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, which took place on October 26, 1881. It was a shootout between the Earp brothers and their allies and a group of outlaws known as the Cowboys, who had been feuding over various issues for months. The gunfight lasted about 30 seconds and resulted in three deaths and three injuries. It was not the deadliest or the longest gunfight in the Old West, but it became the most famous one due to its dramatization in movies, books, and TV shows.
The gunfight was not the end of the conflict between the Earps and the Cowboys. In the following months, both sides engaged in a series of ambushes, attacks, and murders that became known as the Earp Vendetta Ride. The violence finally subsided in April 1882, when Wyatt Earp left Arizona for good.
Things to do and see in Tombstone
Today, Tombstone is a popular tourist destination that preserves and celebrates its Wild West heritage. Visitors can enjoy a variety of attractions and activities that recreate the atmosphere and history of Tombstone in its heyday. Here are some of them:
Historic sites and attractions: You can walk along Allen Street, the main street of Tombstone, and see many historic buildings that have been restored or reconstructed. Some of them are:
The O.K. Corral: This is where the famous gunfight took place. You can see a reenactment of the event every day at 2 p.m., as well as visit a museum that displays artifacts and exhibits related to the gunfight and its participants.
The Bird Cage Theatre: This was one of the most notorious entertainment venues in Tombstone, where gambling, drinking, prostitution, and violence were common. You can tour the original building and see its bullet-riddled walls, poker tables, stagecoach, and more.
The Crystal Palace Saloon: This was one of the most elegant and popular saloons in Tombstone, where many famous people such as Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, Bat Masterson, and John Wayne drank and socialized. You can enjoy a drink or a meal at this historic establishment.
Boothill Graveyard: This is where many of Tombstone's early residents were buried, including some of the victims and participants of the O.K. Corral gunfight. You can see their graves marked with wooden signs that often have witty or ironic epitaphs.
Museums and tours: You can learn more about Tombstone's history and culture by visiting some of its museums and taking some of its tours. Some of them are:
Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park: This is where you can find the old Cochise County Courthouse, which was built in 1882 and served as the seat of justice for many years. You can see exhibits and displays that tell the story of Tombstone's law and order, politics, mining, commerce, and more.
Tombstone Epitaph Museum: This is where you can find the original office of The Tombstone Epitaph, one of the oldest newspapers in Arizona that still publishes today. You can see historic printing equipment, newspaper archives, photographs, and more.
Tombstone Trolley Tour: This is a fun way to see Tombstone's historic landmarks and learn about its history from a knowledgeable guide. The trolley departs from Allen Street every hour and covers about four miles in 25 minutes.
Tombstone Ghost Tour: This is a spooky way to explore Tombstone's haunted places and hear about its paranormal activity from a ghost hunter. The tour departs from Allen Street every night and lasts about an hour.
Events and festivals: You can also enjoy some of Tombstone's events and festivals that celebrate its Wild West spirit and culture. Some of them are:
Tombstone Vigilante Days: This is an annual event that takes place in August and features street entertainment, gunfight reenactments, hangings, a parade, a chili cook-off, and more.
Tombstone Helldorado Days: This is an annual event that takes place in October and commemorates the anniversary of the O.K. Corral gunfight. It features street entertainment, gunfight reenactments, a parade, a carnival, a beard contest, and more.
Tombstone Rose Festival: This is an annual event that takes place in April and celebrates the blooming of the world's largest rose bush, which covers over 8,000 square feet and produces thousands of white flowers. It features a rose parade, a rose show, a rose tea, and more.
Conclusion
Tombstone is a town that has a lot to offer to anyone who loves the Wild West. From its fascinating history to its fun attractions, Tombstone will make you feel like you have traveled back in time to the days of cowboys, outlaws, and silver miners. Whether you are looking for adventure, education, or entertainment, you will find it in Tombstone.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your hat, boots, and six-shooter, and head to Tombstone, the town too tough to die!
We hope you enjoyed this guide and found it useful for planning your trip. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. We would love to hear from you!
FAQs
Q: When is the best time to visit Tombstone?
A: Tombstone can be visited year-round, but the best time to go is from October to April, when the weather is mild and pleasant. The summer months can be very hot and dry, so be prepared for high temperatures and low humidity.
Q: Where can I stay in Tombstone?
A: Tombstone has a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. You can choose from hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, campgrounds, RV parks, and more. Some of the most popular places to stay in Tombstone are The Tombstone Grand Hotel, The Larian Motel, The Tombstone Sagebrush Inn, The Stampede RV Park, and The Tombstone RV Park & Campground.
Q: What are some other places to visit near Tombstone?
A: Tombstone is surrounded by many other interesting places that are worth visiting if you have more time. Some of them are Bisbee, a historic mining town with a vibrant arts and culture scene; Sierra Vista, a modern city with many outdoor activities and attractions; Sonoita, a scenic wine country with many vineyards and wineries; Patagonia Lake State Park, a beautiful lake with camping, fishing, boating, and hiking opportunities; Chiricahua National Monument, a stunning landscape of rock formations and hoodoos; Fort Huachuca Museum ```html a museum that showcases the history and artifacts of the U.S. Army in the Southwest.
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