Motor Home Desert Adventure in Tucson Mountain Park

Imagine this - You are standing in the middle of the desert. The ground is all saguaro cactus and shrubs. Rocks and hills rise all around you, some of the rock outcroppings reaching well over your head. And, in the distance you can see the valleys stretch to the horizon, where grey shadowy mountains stand, making a dim outline against the cloudless sky.

This is the view from the heart of Tucson Mountain Park. Located just west of Tucson, Arizona, it boasts a stunning 20,000 acres of sonoran desert, full of majestic desert mountain views and saguaro forests. The park's saguaro forest is considered to be the best in the world, and watching the sun set from its foothills is awe-inspiring.

Before getting to the heart of the park, you have to hike a little ways. Many visitors are surprised to find the walk into the park is one of the best parts. The trail leads you through Gates Pass, where it winds and meanders, offering some of the best scenery you're likely to see in the entire state of Arizona.

If you're not up for the hike, or, if you want to enjoy the scenery from the luxury of your motor home, you're still in luck. There is a scenic drive that takes you through Gates Pass and right along the edge of the park. There, you'll see all the amazing scenery, and you can also stop at the Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum, which is full of exhibits about the unique saguaro desert climate. There are also a number of short hikes, picnic areas and campgrounds.

For some real adventure at Tucson Mountain Park, bring along your mountain bike. The area is known all over the country for its more than 30 spectacular mountain bike trails, varying in length and difficulty. Some parts of the park are flat and sandy, while other areas have some steep hills and more vegetation.

The good news is that nearby Tucson is full of great motor home friendly sites. Because it is one of the number one motor home destinations in the country, you can find lots of great places to stay. Here are just a few places to check out.

- Voyager RV Resort - This is a big, friendly RV campground with more than 1,500 spaces. They have swimming pools and lots of other family fun to enjoy while you stay, and prices range from $25 to $40, with long term stay discounts available.

- Adventure Bound Camping Resorts - This commercial campground with 250 RV hookups, tries its best to live up to its name. They have a number of fun activities, and are located a little off the beaten path.

- Valley of the Sun Mobile Home and RV Park - This site is located in the suburb of Marana, and gives you a little more peace and quiet than the other motor home locations. This is a nice, clean park with full hook-ups, access to activities, and pretty desert scenery. They offer overnight rates, as well as long-term stay deals.