Tucson Outdoor Activities

The serious cyclist needs more than just a bike—there’s a whole inventory of gear, parts, and accessories that make bicycling fun, safe, and comfortable. That’s where ProBike Tucson steps in, offering the both essential bicycling components and new technology-enhanced gadgets, plus a team of techs to the keep bikes running smoothly. Riders outfit themselves in Garneau helmets, Oakley eyewear, and Shimano shoes that help improve performance while competing in cyclist fashion shows. Peruse ProBike’s selection of bikes, which spans brands from Pinarello and BMC to Ridley. Customers can chat with staff members to choose what kind of cycle would be best for their wants, whether road, mountain, tri, or urban bike.

Fitter Tim Carolan and mechanic Scott Anderson work to ensure that each cyclist's machine runs optimally with the cyclist’s body and with the road. Bikes can roll in for tune-ups and complete overhauls. For especially mysterious problems—perhaps when the brake stops working or when the bicycle bell keeps attracting unwanted mountain lions—the shop’s staff is happy to take look and determine the problem.

Kruse Arizona Tours are led by Alan Kruse, whose encyclopedic knowledge of local culture earned him the title “the king of local tours” by the Arizona Daily Star, as well as a vice-presidency at the Southern Arizona Guides Association and membership at the Metropolitan Tucson Convention and Visitors Bureau. Opt for the twilight Barrio Viejo walking tour and meet by La Pilita to set out on a two-hour exploration of the cultural and architectural traditions of local Hispanic culture. Or take the tour of Armory Park, which meets at the Royal Elizabeth Bed and Breakfast and boasts two hours of enlightening education about the Victorian and Californian architectural stylings of 1880s Tucson. The two-part Pioneer Women of Tucson tours chronicle female architects, artists, and politicians who have shaped Tucson's cultural landscape. Tourists can meet at the northwest corner of Main and Alameda for a two-hour stroll admiring the historic mansions of Main Street, complete with anecdotal entertainment on the life and times of early Tucsonans. Tour guide Alan Kruse is a former college professor who now boasts one of the busiest walking-tour schedules in Tucson. His cunning wit and quirky attire promise to charm even the most gruff and hardened historical home touree. Call ahead to schedule the tour of your choice and prepare for two hours of unparalleled enlightenment.

The polymath instructors at Tucson Circus Arts prepare participants for the performance arts or simple self-betterment with a wide range of curriculum that encompasses circus, dance, music, martial arts, and theater. Through activities such as stilt walking and aerial-silk acrobatics, visitors improve flexibility, strengthen the upper body, and challenge the mind.

Colorful handholds dot the artificial mountain range rising from the floors of Rocks & Ropes and The Bloc climbing + fitness’s 20,000-square-foot facility. Walls twist, turn, and arc into cave-like overhangs and swollen cliff sides, at the bases of which belayers heft students to new heights.

The Bloc climbing + fitness

A partner gym of Rocks & Ropes, The Bloc climbing + fitness is a 20,000 square-foot, air-conditioned rock-climbing destination. Inside, a dozen autobelays allow visitors to make high, harness-assisted ascents. Or, you can test your bouldering skills on a 7,000 square-foot wall. In addition, the gym offers yoga, meditation, and pilates classes in its 2nd-story heartSTONE studio, welcoming both beginners and experts. The gym also includes cardio and weight equipment for those looking for a vigorous exercise or a heart-to-heart talk with a treadmill.

GolfTEC has three convenient locations in the Phoenix area and one in Tucson, all staffed by experienced golfing professionals and computers who’ve sworn allegiance to the Three Laws of golfing robotics. Motion sensors and high-speed cameras monitor the golfer’s swing and break it down on a high-definition video display. GolfTEC’s PGA specialists point out golfers' flaws and strengths, and coach them on how to permanently improve their game, from tee to green. Sensors chirp with approval when golfers execute a perfect stroke or crack an especially witty golfing joke. Customers will also benefit from a $10 gift certificate to Golfsmith, the golf equipment superstore housing GolfTEC’s Chandler, Scottsdale, and Tucson locations. Each of Golfsmith's four Arizona locations is stocked with cutting-edge equipment and custom-fitted clubs.

The camp director is Corey Williams, a former Arizona Wildcat and 12-year pro player turned TV analyst for the Arizona men's basketball team. The camp's staff will consist of elite players from the Tucson Summer Pro League, collegiate basketball players, and other talented hoopsters. Although daily schedules vary, campers can expect to learn the fundamentals through drills, games, and tournaments. Summer basketball camp is a fun form of exercise for children that will help them develop leadership and teamwork skills. Email ahead to reserve your child's spot in camp.