All Events

The Chiricahuas A Wonderland of Rocks! – EAST

October 23

The Chiricahuas A Wonderland of Rocks! – EAST
$152

In the far southeastern corner of Arizona are the impressive Chiricahua Mountains, one of several sky island mountain ranges surrounded by expansive desert grasslands. The Chiricahua Mountains are an inactive volcanic range twenty miles wide and forty miles long. It forms part of the Mexican Highland section of the Basin and Range Biogeographical Province and rises up dramatically from the valley floor to over nine thousand feet, cresting in a series of uneven, volcanic-looking peaks. At the northern end of the range is an extraordinary area of striking geological features and enormous biodiversity. Tucked deep into these steep, forested valleys and beneath the craggy peaks are the remains of violent geological activity that continued for many millions of years—the pinnacles, columns, spires and balanced rocks of Chiricahua National Monument.  The Apaches called this place “The Land of Standing-Up Rocks,” a fitting name for the canyons of extraordinary rock towers. Early pioneers in the late 1800s sensed the unique beauty and singularity of the rock formations in the area. The Ericksons and Riggs were instrumental in persuading Congress to protect this “Wonderland of Rocks,” so much so that in 1924 the Chiricahua National Monument was created. We’ll also stop for lunch at Tirrito Farm, before arriving at the Chiricahuas. A beautiful destination farmstead, Tirrito Farm sits in the heart of Arizona’s wine country, offering visitors an experience in agricultural tourism. Our delicious lunch choices include a crisp, farm-fresh chef salad, brick oven Neapolitan pizza, chicken Caesar wrap and the locally famous Tirrito cheeseburger, and it’s all included. This remarkable tour leaves a little earlier and arrives home a little later, but it is well worth it!

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.

Twas the Night BEFORE Christmas Eve Dinner at Durant’s

December 23

The Missions of Southern Arizona

December 26

Tombstone & Bisbee

December 28

ZooLights

December 30

New Year’s Eve at the Silver Star Theatre

December 31