Timeline
16:10
Grab a coffee or a light snack at the park facilities before the light fades. The park opens at 8AM, so you have plenty of time to settle in and stretch your legs on the grounds.
17:10
Find a comfortable spot on the park grounds facing west. The 3½ miles of mapped passageways and the cowboy ranch museum provide a striking backdrop as the sky begins to turn.
17:40
Watch the sunset. On 15 January, the sun sets at 17:40, heading toward the WSW. The golden light starts around 17:04, giving you a warm window to capture the scene before the sun disappears.
18:25
Stay for the twilight. The park closes at 5PM, but you can remain in the parking area or on the grounds until closing time to enjoy the cool desert air after the sun has set.
Local tip
The park is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Check the route if you are driving in from Vail, as directions are provided for that area.
Check before you go
- Park hours are Daily 8AM-5PM.
- Cave tours are hourly, with the last tour at 4PM.
- Admission is $5 for auto and $1 for bicycle; cave access is $16 for adults and $9 for children 5-12.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Tucson (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).