Check out Tucson's scenic Sabino Canyon

Flowers bloom amid tall saguaro cactus and a mountain backdrop in Sabino Canyon Recreation Area not far from downtown Tucson, Arizona.[Photo/AP]

If you go

Sabino Canyon Recreation Area: 17 miles (27 kilometers) from downtown Tucson, Arizona

Visitor center open 9 am-4:30 pm.

The $5 parking fee is required even when the visitor center is closed; use self-pay stations. http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coronado/recarea/?recid=80532

Sabino Canyon tram tours:

Monday-Friday

9 am-4 pm

departing on the hour

weekends and some holidays, departures every 30 minutes from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Schedule varies by season so check website for details; http://sabinocanyon.com.

Adults, $8

children 3-12, $4

Night tours offered June 29, June 30 and July 1 at 9 pm by prepaid reservation only, with additional night tours in September, October and November.

Trip tips

・Allow 40 minutes for the 17-mile (27-kilometer) drive from downtown Tucson.

・ Summer temperatures can climb over 100 F (38 C). Be sure to wear sunscreen and a hat and drink plenty of water.

・ Beware of nocturnal wildlife, including venomous snakes. "A lot of them will come out at night to warm themselves on the pavement of the road, so people need to be watching where they're going, but you can see them in plenty of time ahead of you," Schewel said. "We just urge people to be careful where they put their hands and feet. Use common sense and have a great time."