Kitt Peak National Observatory

About

Kitt Peak National Observatory sits at the end of Route 386 on the Tohono O'odham Nation, at least 90 minutes west of Tucson. Telescopes dot the mountaintop, and the summit reaches just under 7,000 feet. You don't need a ticket for the visitor center, parking is free, and it's open every day from 9 to 4. Inside are exhibits, snacks and drinks, and a gift shop selling work by independent artists from around the Nation. Guided telescope tours cost extra ($19.95 for a regular daytime tour), and a tour is the only way to see the observatory itself. Bring a picnic for the outdoor terrace and fill your tank before you go, because the mountain has no gas station or restaurant.