Visitors to the Longhorn Grill, one of southern Arizona’s most iconic landmarks, still walk through the main entrance famously sculpted to look like a gigantic cow’s skull leaning against a boulder. Step inside to discover an all-new interior, a welcoming staff, and heaping plates of homestyle food. We’ll kick off Saint Patrick’s Day with a menu that includes corned beef and cabbage—the Irish/American classic—as well as a handful of the Longhorn’s most popular dishes, including pollo asado with all the trimmings, the Longhorn’s famous Chuckwagon salad topped with tri-tip or grilled chicken, and of course, a scrumptious Longhorn cheeseburger. Later we’ll head to beautiful Madera Canyon, located on the northwestern face of the Santa Rita Mountains in the Coronado National Forest. Madera Canyon and Madera Creek traverse four life zones, and many habitats between the desert floor and the mountaintops, making it one of Arizona’s most famous “Sky Islands.” With fifteen species of hummingbirds, and over 256 species of birds documented, it is a “required” site for all serious birders. You will not spend time in Madera Canyon without seeing plenty of wildlife. White-tailed and mule deer, rabbits, wild turkeys, and squirrels are regularly observed. Other animals like black bears, coati, foxes, ring-tailed cats, raccoons, bobcats, and mountain lions are more reclusive and only occasionally seen, and sixteen species of bats have been recorded in the Canyon. Madera Canyon is a perfect early springtime destination!
Depart: NW 8 a.m. Phx 8 a.m. Scts 8:15 a.m. Mesa 8:45 a.m. R: 6 p.m.
Northwest Valley:
Sundome Plaza
13547 W. Camino Del Sol
Sun City West, AZ 85375
Located in the heart of Sun City West at the Sundome Plaza Shopping Center.
Scottsdale:
La Quinta Inn & Suites
8888 E Shea Blvd
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
The Scottsdale pickup location can be easily reached via AZ 101/Pima Freeway. Exit the freeway at Shea. The La Quinta Hotel is located at the northeast corner of AZ 101 and Shea Blvd.
Phoenix:
Paradise Valley Community Center
17402 N. 40th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85032
The Paradise Valley Community Center is easily found on 40th Street, north of Bell Road. No overnights. No Late-nights
Mesa:
Mesa Doubletree Hotel
1011 W. Holmes Ave
Mesa, AZ 85210
This is the Fiesta Mall region, and the Hilton Hotel is easily viewed from the U.S. 60/Superstition Freeway. Exit the freeway at Alma School and head east to Holmes. Park and wait for the bus at the west end of the hotel parking lot.