Scenic Drives
Mt. Hopkins Road (FR 184) and Observatory
The Mount Hopkins Road twists and climbs its way to the upper reaches
of the second highest peak in the Santa Rita Range. This narrow,
winding mountain road provides access not only to magnificent views
but also
to the Smithsonian Institution’s Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory,
home of the third largest optical telescope in the world. The 4.5-meter
Multiple Mirror Telescope, or MMT, is jointly operated by the Smithsonian
Institution and the University of Arizona.
Views all along this mountain-climbing route are breathtaking, but
because the road is a twisting single lane of dirt without guardrails,
the drive
will require your full attention. The first few miles of the route
leading to the mountain, have been paved to provide access to the
Whipple Observatory
Visitor Center. There, you can learn some interesting facts about
the MMT and about observatories in general. You can also make reservations
for a day-long field trip that not only takes you up the mountain
but
offers a tour of the astrophysical site as well.
If you choose to drive up the mountain, you won’t be able to
get to the observatory or the summit of Mt. Hopkins, since the last
three
miles are open for guided tours only. Although the open portion of
the road does provide dramatic views, there are few turnouts to stop
and
enjoy them. One of the best overlooks is at the turnaround at the observatory
gate where the vista encompasses much of southeast Arizona.
There is an amateur astronomy vista along the road at the base
of the mountain where concrete pads and benches provide locations
for
setting
up small telescopes. Interpretive signs offer information about
astronomy in the Santa Ritas and the area’s geology, plants and animals.
Attractions:
Only road to high reaches of Santa Ritas
Great views, east, west and to the heavens
World famous observatory (guided tours only)
Visitor Center and amateur star-gazing area
Location: In the Santa Rita Mountains south of Tucson
Access: From Tucson, take Interstate 19 south to the Canoa Interchange.
Leave the highway and drive south on the east frontage
road 3 miles to Elephant Head Road. (Or, drive north from Nogales
on
Interstate
19 to
the Arivaca-Amado Interchange. Exit and go north on the
east frontage road to Elephant Head Road.) Take Elephant Head
Road past the railroad
tracks to the Mt. Hopkins Road, then turn right to the
F. L. Whipple Observatory Visitor Center and, if you choose, up the
mountain.
Mileage/Driving Time: It’s 10 steep, winding miles from the Forest
boundary to the point where the road is closed at the Observatory gate
(3 miles from the summit). Allow one hour each way.
Season: Year-round.
Notes:
The Mt. Hopkins Road is an unpaved, winding mountain
road, one lane wide in a number of places. Extreme
caution must
be used
here due
to limited
sight distance. At any point the road can be slippery
due to loose gravel or a wet surface. Passenger cars
can make
this
trip, but
expect to encounter
on-coming trucks and other large vehicles from observatory
operations.
To schedule an Observatory tour, call the Fred Lawrence
Whipple Observatory.
For further information contact: Nogales Ranger
District
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