This story was created by #ThisIsTucson and underwritten by Tucson Water, find water andΒ win prizes in the Tucson Water Scavenger Hunt this month. Thank you for supporting the local organizations that support us!
Finding water in desert places is a downright miracle.Β
Just ask anyone not from here, who can't believe that green things actually live in Tucson.Β
But we know better. We know that rivers do flow in our desert and lush oases are more than a mirage.Β
Water here is precious, absolutely, but it's also present β you just have to know where to look.Β
And that's where we come in.Β
Santa Cruz River
Sunsets over the recycled water being pumped into the Santa Cruz River for the Heritage Project and under the bridge at Speedway Ave., Saturday, June 29, 2019, Tucson, Ariz.The water has flowed farther than expected, reaching a few hundred yards north of Speedway as of Saturday evening.
This summer, Tucson Water released recycled water into the dry Santa Cruz River, just north of Silverlake Road. The river now flows north past "A" Mountain and toward downtown. Conveniently, a stretch of the Loop runs alongside the river, so you can take a bike ride and marvel at the wonder that is a flowing river in Tucson. If you live more on the northwest side, there is also a flowing stretch of the river β again, thanks to recycled water β near Ina and Cortaro roads. Go to Crossroads at Silverbell District Park to see it.Β
Go here for more information.Β
Sabino CanyonΒ
Water from a high-flowing Sabino Creek rolls past a small tree in Sabino Canyon in Tucson, Ariz., August 9, 2010.
Sabino Canyon does not disappoint. Take a hike to the Sabino Dam for a flowing creek, pools to play in and gloriously green shade trees. Stop at the visitor's center, 5700 N. Sabino Canyon Road, to get a map, and then take Bear Canyon Trail east until you hit a paved road. Follow that north to get to get to the creek. We particularly love the Sabino Dam Trail on the east side of the dam. That's a 0.3-mile trail that follows the creek north, through tall grasses and past towering trees. Make sure to take plenty of drinking water. A day pass to the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area costs $5.Β
Go here for more information.Β
Silverbell Lake
Waterfowl at Silverbell Lake northwest of Tucson. -- Credit: Doug Kreutz / Arizona Daily Star
Head to Silverbell Lake at Christopher Columbus Park for a stroll around the water. You can't swim here, but you can fish or take boats like canoes onto the water. The lake is 13 acres and has a smaller lake attached for model boats. The park at 4600 N. Silverbell Road also has a dog park and area for flying model airplanes.Β
Go here for more information.
Parker Canyon Lake
Parker Canyon Lake is southwest of Sierra Vista.
Spend a day on the lake swimming, fishing and boating. The lake at 9000 S. Parker Canyon Road in Elgin is about 80 miles away from Tucson and 20 degrees cooler. It's absolutely lovely. You can rent kayaks, pedal boats, stand-up paddle boards and fishing gear. Plus, it's free to spend the day here.Β
Go here for more information.Β
Romero Pools
Water gushes over rocks in Romero Pools.
The moderate hike to and from Romero Pools is about 6 miles and so worth it. You are rewarded for your efforts with sweeping views of Oro Valley and a series of cool pools at the end of your hike. Seasonally, you'll encounter water almost immediately on your hike as you cross the Sutherland Wash. Take Oracle Road north to get to Catalina State Park. Day-uses fees are $7 per car or $3 per person for walkers or bicyclists.Β
Go here for more information.Β
Find water in the desert to win prizes from Tucson Water
FindingΒ water in the desertΒ might seem like a challenge, but itβs all around us! Search it out in theΒ Tucson Water Scavenger HuntΒ and be entered to win one of three $50 Visa Gift Cards or a set of limited edition water-themed vinyl stickers by local artistΒ Annotated Audrey!
To play, grab your smartphone, fill up your water bottleΒ (pro tip β Tucson Tap Water is one of the categories so snap a quick pic for your first entry!)Β and head out to explore. When you find the items in the hunt (Tucson Tap Water, Pete the Beak,Β Rainwater Harvesting Demonstration Sites, Kino Environmental Restoration Project, Santa Cruz River Heritage Project, Splash Pads, Sweetwater Wetlands, and surprise bonus rounds) take a picture and post it on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter with the hashtagΒ #520H2OΒ before Oct. 31, 2019. You can also email your images toΒ PICO@tucsonaz.govΒ β use the hashtagΒ #520H2OΒ as the subject line. Find more information about the items in the hunt, rules, and guidelinesΒ here.
