| |
view all sites by |
|
CAMPING AND PICNICKING RECREATION
SITES |
|
Middle Bear Picnic Area
Bear Canyon is one of the deepest and longest rifts cut
into the Santa Catalina range. Within its far-reaching
canyon
walls, all seven of the life zones that grace the mountain
can be found. The Bear Canyon Picnic Area is located
in the canyon’s upper reaches where the gorge it has
cut into the mountain’s slopes provides a route
for a short stretch of the Catalina Highway. This area
is actually
three picnic areas in one, located on both sides of the
highway at the end of well marked turnouts. Sites here
are shaded by ponderosa pines which grow in the protected
confines of the canyon.
Views from Bear Canyon include an area of the Santa Catalina
Mountains where the slopes are covered with a jumble
of boulders weathered into an unlikely collection of
balanced
rocks,
pinnacles, arches and towers. This natural sculpture
gallery is visible through the trees that shade the picnic
area.
While you’re enjoying your lunch you might want to
take advantage of this opportunity to see how good you
are at picking out identifiable images among the rock sculptures
scattered across the side of the mountain.
Location: Northeast of Tucson, between mile posts 11
and 12 on the Catalina Highway.
Access: Take the Catalina Highway off Tanque Verde
Road in Tucson. Drive 4.2 miles to the Forest boundary
and
continue
11.4 miles to the campground.
Elevation: 5,800'
Season: All year
| Attractions: |
Facilities: |
| Canyon setting |
35 single-unit sites |
| Shaded sites |
Tables and fire grills |
| Picturesque rocks |
Toilets |
| Three areas to choose from |
|
| |
|
Fee: Coronado Recreation Pass required .
Notes:
No garbage service. Please pack out everything you bring
with you and anything someone else may have been thoughtless
enough to leave.
Sites at these picnic areas are served by centrally located
parking areas which means you will have to carry your
picnic basket or cooler a few steps to your table.
This area is maintained for picnicking only. Camping
is not permitted.
No drinking water.
No trailers permitted.
Pack and saddle stock are not permitted in picnic area.
 |
In the same area: |
|
| 
