Sample Group Itineraries

An entire day could be spent exploring the Desert Museum, but the minimum recommended visit length is 2 hours. Please consider the sample itineraries below as you plan your visit, keeping in mind that groups will move at different paces and have different interests. If you have any questions or would like additional suggestions, please contact the Group Sales Specialist at groups@desertmuseum.org or (520) 883-3018.

If you have an entire day…
(a true Sonoran Desert experience!)

Guests on the Desert Loop Trail

Father and daughter watching the NASA climate change exhibit

If you have four hours…
(a half-day visit that leaves them wanting more!)
A hawk skims guests' heads during Raptor Free Flight
  • First stop, check the Plan Your Day board on the main entrance patio for a complete schedule of keeper interactions, docent interpretations, and animal encounters. Continue to the Orientation Ramada for a quick overview of the Sonoran Desert region and what makes it so unique.
  • On to the Mountain Woodland where you may see mountain lion, black bear, and Mexican grey wolves, followed by the Desert Grasslands for prairie dogs and Vulture Culture.
  • Grab a spot in the viewing area for Raptor Free Flight at 10 a.m. (mid-October through early April).
  • After the presentation, check out the Agave and Cactus Gardens and Riparian Corridor (bighorn sheep, beaver, otter).
  • Make a splash at Stingray Touch (additional fees apply), stop into the Ironwood Gallery for the latest visual art exhibit, and visit the Hummingbird Aviary for entertaining aerial antics.
  • Finish the day with an ice cream treat from Phoebe’s Coffee Bar and a souvenir from the Mountain House Gift Shop.
If you have two hours…
(just the highlights!)
Guests enjoy Torch Cactus blooms
  • First stop, check the Plan Your Day board on the main entrance patio to learn about the keeper interactions and docent interpretations that are scheduled throughout the day.
  • Next, visit the Orientation Ramada for some background on the Sonoran Desert region.
  • Continue to the Mountain Woodland to visit the mountain lion and black bear, then the Desert Grassland to see the antics of the prairie dogs.
  • The Hummingbird Aviary is your next stop, but on the way be sure to check out the Agave and Cactus Gardens to see an impressive variety of succulents and cacti.
  • Finally, pick up a souvenir in the Mountain House Gift Shop and see the Warden Aquarium before you leave.
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“I appreciate all the good service, we received from you in making the [group] reservations in advance. [The Desert Museum] will be one of the highlights of their trip to Tucson.”
-Barbara B., Friendship Force