Seven Falls Hike, Saguaro National Park West, BoxYard on 4th: The Perfect Weekend in Tucson {Love where you Live}

Sometimes staying put is the best way to spend my weekend. Soaking up the sunshine, hiking, enjoying rooftop views with drinks all sound like vacation, but it’s actually the perfect weekend in Tucson. They say “love where you live” and they’re right. The perfect weekend in this case included a fabulous 11 mile hike along the Seven Falls Trail in the most amazing “winter” weather (70s and sunny), sunset at Gates Pass inside Saguaro National Park West, and checking out the downtown Tucson views from the latest addition to the Fourth Avenue offerings at BoxYard on 4th.

The Seven Falls trail was busy, but beautiful and worth it. All the creek crossings had water flowing freely but were easily crossed by hopping from rock to rock. The falls were gushing and people were swimming and sunning themselves in various states of lethargy earned from the long hike to get there. A picnic lunch was our reward at the falls, and a surprise visit from a wild Coati, just hanging out amidst the crowd, was photo-worthy!

Taking in a sunset is always a must, if it fits into my day (which it often does when I am photographing a session). As it happens, I was just finishing a senior portrait session at Saguaro National Park West and I couldn’t resist watching the final moments as the sun sank into the horizon. Tucson sunsets never ever fail to impress me, no matter the season, and despite it being January there were flowers in bloom to add another layer of color to the scene.

I’ve mentioned before that if I ever go missing, look for me on a rooftop bar. And now there’s a fantastic one in Tucson in the way of BoxYard on 4th. Made from stacked metal boxes, brightly colored, and in “soft opening”, it’s the perfect place for a drink and people watching on a weekend afternoon. Tucson gets cooler every week!

Tucson has SO much to offer: scenic views, amazing sunsets, delicious dining, hiking at all difficulty levels. It’s worth a visit, but even more worth it to live here. Thinking of moving here? Buy, or rent, using Redfin! And check out my guest post on their site here.