Weekend Trip Idea: Thatcher

The Pinaleño Mountains sprawl two hours northeast of Tucson, the highest range in Arizona’s distinctive Sky Islands. And the range’s peak, Mount Graham, is famous among the astronomy community for its incredible dark skies and the six biomes it hosts within a remarkably short distance, not to mention panoramic scenic beauty. Take it all in from the basecamp of Thatcher, a cozy town with a peaceful ambiance and easy access to Mount Graham’s great outdoors.

Mount Graham by Car

Mount Graham offers many driving tours, the most popular being Swift Trail. The four-hour roundtrip begins 20 minutes from Thatcher on State Route 366 and meanders through a variety of scenery: Arizona plant life such as prickly pear and agave near the mountain’s base, cottonwoods halfway up, and at the peak, grand ponderosas and firs. At the end of the drivable portion of the trail you’ll find a breathtaking view of Thatcher and the surrounding Sky Islands.

Mount Graham by Night

Astronomer enthusiasts love the celestial sights from atop Mount Graham. Eastern Arizona College’s Discovery Park hosts guided tours (weekends May–October, reservations required) of three massive telescopes at the renowned Mount Graham International Observatory. Visitors will see the Submillimeter Telescope, the Vatican Advanced TechnologyTelescope and the Large Binocular Telescope after learning about Mount Graham’s history, geology and flora and fauna. For a more laid-back experience, join a Star Party at Roper Lake State Park. Led by expert presenters, the parties welcome you to observe the night sky through professional telescopes.

Mount Graham by Foot

There are numerous hiking trails on Mount Graham, and with a range of difficulty levels. For a casual walk, Webb Peak Trail is a 3.6-mile roundtrip hike where you can gaze at Mount Lemmon in the distance and spot wildlife such as turkeys and deer. For adventurous hikers, try Ladybug Trail. The strenuous 11.7-mile trip takes eight hours to complete and features rocky terrain, river crossings and a steep elevation gain, plus views of Jacobson Canyon and seasonal gatherings of ladybugs.

Mount Graham by Air

For a bird’s-eye view of Mount Graham, take flight in a hot air balloon. From Thatcher, drive 10 minutes to the nearby town of Safford to check out AZ Air Ventures. The company’s three-hour balloon rides show off expansive vistas of Mount Graham and the stunning landscape below, plus complimentary snacks and memorabilia. They also offer professional photos, videos and a personalized movie of the journey for an additional cost.

Mount Graham by Water

Quietly nestled in the alpine forest lies Riggs Flat Lake — the perfect place to boat, swim and fish for brown and rainbow trout (refilled each spring). Other activities within the 11-acre area include horseback riding and cave exploration. From the drivable Swift Trail, turn left at Forest Road 287 at Mile 32.8. First, visit the Coronado National Forest to purchase a pass and book experiences in advance.