Altar Valley

Altar Valley is a rural area in South Central Arizona. It is a 45-mile (72 km) long north–south valley from Sasabe on the Mexico border to the Avra Valley west of the Tucson Mountains.

Arizona Route 286 runs north-south through the valley.

Map of Altar Valley

• 31.958889-111.5977781 Kitt Peak National Observatory, Tohono O'Odham Reservation (90 minutes SW of Tucson), ☏ +1 520-318-8726, [email protected]. 9AM-3:45PM daily. A "don't miss" for the astronomy buff, there are several astronomical telescopes plus a large solar telescope. Several guided tours are available, is a nightly observation program (reservations required). $9.75 for all three tours (adults).  

• 31.638329-111.455971 Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge, Arivaca Road, Highway 286, Arivaca, ☏ +1 520-823-4251, fax: +1 520-823-4247, [email protected]. 7:30AM-4:30PM (Visitor Center). Managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, this was established in 1986 for the reintroduction of masked bobwhite quail and pronghorn antelope. A number of other mammals and avian species are well-established here, making this an excellent place for watching birds and wildlife. Guided tours are offered by the Friends of Buenos Aires NWR (☏ +1 317-354-7352, [email protected]). Free.  (updated Feb 2017)

• 31.783341-111.5655332 Baboquivari Peak Wilderness, [email protected]. This remote wilderness area is on the eastern side of the Baboquivari Mountain Range 50 mi (80 km) southwest of Tucson, and is administered by the Bureau of Land Management. It is notable for the spectacular Baboquivari Peak which is sacred to the Tohono O’odham people, and is clearly visible from nearby Kitt Peak National Observatory (see listing above). The area offers good opportunities for hiking and photography. The peak can be scaled but requires technical climbing ability; a good trail description can be found here. There is an alternate western climbing route, although to use it prior permission must be obtained from the Tohono O'odham Nation.  

• 31.495232-111.5636771 Rancho de la Osa Guest Ranch, 1 La Osa Ranch Rd, Sasabe, ☏ +1 520-823-4257, [email protected]. A historic guest ranch on the Mexican border which offers guided horseback riding excursions, hikes, mountain biking, and plentiful bird watching opportunities. $249-400/night, full room and board.