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Museum · Tucson, Arizona
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Outdoor museum west of Tucson that brings together a zoo, botanical garden, aquarium and natural history museum dedicated to the Sonoran Desert.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum opened in 1952 in the mountains west of Tucson, next to the Saguaro Park west district. About 85% of the visit is outdoors, along nearly 3 km of trails among animal enclosures, gardens and exhibits.
The animals are species of the Sonoran Desert, such as coyotes, mountain lions, javelinas, Mexican wolves and prairie dogs, in enclosures that mimic natural habitats. There is a hummingbird aviary, a birdhouse, a cave with a mineral exhibit and an aquarium about the Colorado River and the Gulf of California.
In the gardens, hundreds of species of cacti and desert plants show the region’s diversity. Birds of prey demonstrations with free-flying raptors commonly take place on mornings in the cooler months.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Three to four hours.
Best time
Right at opening, the period of greatest animal activity; October to April for comfortable walking.
How to get there
About 22 km west of downtown Tucson, via Gates Pass Road or Ajo Way. Parking is available.
Tip
Buy tickets online. In summer, arrive at opening and bring water: almost the entire visit is outdoors.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
What is in the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum?
Sonoran Desert animals, cactus gardens, a hummingbird aviary, aviary, aquarium and a cave with minerals.
How long does a visit to the Desert Museum take?
Three to four hours, almost all outdoors.
Is the Desert Museum near Saguaro National Park?
Yes, next to the park’s west district.