This Unique Trail Lets You Explore The Best Of This Arizona City
By Monica Spencer|Published August 09, 2017
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Monica Spencer
Author
Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at monica.d.spencer@gmail.com.
One of the best ways to introduce yourself to a new place is to go for a walk. It’s the perfect way to engage the senses, take a few photos, and even learn something new. Wander across bridges, stoop under trees, and smell, hear, and feel everything surrounding you.
Today, we’re going to take a look at a unique little walking tour you can easily do in one of Arizona’s oldest cities, Tucson. Let’s take a look!
Tucson today is a bustling city, especially when you walk through downtown. People are walking everywhere, you can hear the cars and streetcars passing by, and almost taste the food cooking on grills in restaurants. And it is here that you can embark on a tour that will introduce you to the city’s history.
This blue line is known as the Turquoise Trail (previously as Presidio Trail) and it will lead you on a 2.5 mile walk through downtown to see the history that still exists.
Daniel Lobo/Flickr
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The trail begins here at Presidio San Agustín Museum, which also where you can pick up walking tour brochures. From here, just follow the bright blue line and read the map’s details for information about each stop. Let’s check out a few of the sights you’ll see along the way!
First stop is the old presidio, a Spanish fort that once sat at the edge of Spanish Arizona. The original was demolished in 1918 and later reconstructed in 2007. Here, you’ll find a museum and reenactments taking place.
By the way, this section of town that you’re walking through is called Barrio Viejo, the old neighborhood. These historic buildings were home to Tucson’s working class residents, dating to the 1880s. This is just a sample of the old homes you'll pass.
For more information and to get your copy of the map for Tucson’s Turquoise Trail, visit the Presidio San Agustin del Tucson. It is located at 196 North Court Avenue in Tucson and the website is tucsonpresidio.com.
