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CAMPING AND PICNICKING RECREATION
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Cypress, Middle Bear and Chihuahua Pine Picnic
Areas
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. These three adjacent picnic areas are located
in the canyon's upper reaches where the gorge has cut into
the mountain's slopes and provides a route for a short straight
stretch of the Catalina Highway. The picnic areas are 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 are 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.
Directions: 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 picnic areas.
Elevation: 5,850'
Season: All year -- best on warm days in Spring and Fall.
Accessibility:
barrier free tables with grills are at all three sites
all restrooms are barrier free
Attractions:
Canyon setting
Shaded sites
Picturesque rocks
Three areas to choose from
No fee - however, a Catalina Mountain Pass must be displayed.
Facilities:
33 single-family units with tables and grills; barrier-free
units at all three picnic areas
Restrooms, all barrier-free
No garbage service. Please pack out everything you bring
with you
Notes:
No camping or overnight parking. Day use area only.
Units 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.
Trailers are not recommended.
Pack and saddle stock are not permitted in picnic area.
Pets must be leashed at all times.
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