Lights of Tucson at Twilight
by Chance Kafka
Title
Lights of Tucson at Twilight
Artist
Chance Kafka
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
The city lights of Tucson come on at twilight after a great sunset, with its downtown skyline cradled by Baboquivari Peak way in the background and Thimble Peak in the foreground.
The Catalina Highway, also known as the General Hitchock Highway, begins in the Tanque Verde valley of northeast Tucson, Arizona. Spanning nearly 30 miles during its ascent to the top of Mount Lemmon, the crest of the Santa Catalina Mountains, the highway twists and turns through several different biomes, from the saguaro-laden lowland of the Sonoran Desert floor through riparian forest, interesting rock formations and hoodoos, and then alpine forests that can be up to 30 degrees cooler than the desert. Much of this rugged terrain is full of canyons, creeks, meadows, campgrounds, and trails - and almost all of it is apart of the Coronado National Forest system.
It is said that in under an hour, one can drive from Mexico to Canada along this spectacular highway as it is so diverse in nature. Just past the halfway point of the highway, Windy Point Vista offers stunning views of Tucson and its surrounding mountain ranges. One can look west and see the Tucson Mountains; to the southwest, down the Molino Basin, one can see Thimble Peak at its crest of Sabino Canyon, the Universtiy of Arizona and downtown Tucson with A Mountain (also known as Sentinel Peak) and well beyond that Kitt Peak (home to the Kitt Peak Observatory) and Baboquivari Peak,sacred to the Tohonno O'odham nation, over 70 miles away.
Looking south from Windy Point offers views of Davis Monthan Air Force Base of the United States Air Force, Tucson International Airport, the 30 mile long Houhgton Road, the Pima County Fair Grounds, and beyond that, the Santa Rita Mountains capped by Mount Wrightson. At night, the views of the city lights of the Old Pueblo are better than just about anyhwere. This is an inspirational spot to watch a sunset and the city lights come on, and is just one of the many beautiful spots afforded by the Catalina Highway. I would have no doubt it is one of the most spectacular drives in the southwest, if not the USA. It is one of my favorite spots to visit!
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June 9th, 2019
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