Distance: 101.0 miles • Elevation Change: Tucson 2460 ft.-Apache Junction 1706 ft.

Historic US Route 89 in this section was decommissioned in 1992. It is now designated as Arizona Route 77 to Oracle Junction, Arizona Route 79 to Florence Junction and US Route 60 to Apache Junction. This section of highway 89 continues through the Sonoran Desert north of the Catalina Mountains and crosses the Gila River near Florence. As it approaches the Salt River Valley the volcanic mass of the Superstition Mountains dominates the view.

Special Attractions:
Tucson Museum of Art: Located in the historic El Presidio neighborhood, the museum's permanent collection includes Art of the American West, Art of Latin America and Modern and Contemporary Art. Surrounding the modern museum building that houses most of the galleries are five historic houses built from the mid-1980's to 1907 with additional galleries and a café.
Tohono Chul Park: Located in northwest Tucson, Tohono Chul botanical garden provides and opportunity to find peace and inspiration and to experience the beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Stroll the garden trails, dine in the Tea Room, enjoy art in the galleries and buy desert plants in the nursery.
Catalina State Park: Situated at the base of the majestic Santa Catalina Mountains, Catalina is a haven for desert plants and wildlife and nearly 5,000 saguaros. The 5,500 acres of foothills, canyons and streams invites camping, picnicking and bird watching. The park provides miles of equestrian, birding, hiking, and biking trails which wind through the park and into the Coronado National Forest at elevations near 3,000 feet.
Tom Mix Monument: Located on the Pinal Pioneer Parkway (AZ 79) 25 miles north of Oracle Junction, stands a memorial to the great cowboy actor. The plaque below the silhouette of a riderless horse reads: In memory of Tom Mix whose spirit left his body on this spot and whose characterization and portrayals in life better served to fix memories of the old West in the minds of living men.
Lost Dutchman State Park: Named after the fabled lost gold mine, the park is located in the Sonoran Desert, 40 miles east of Phoenix. Several trails lead from the park into the Superstition Wilderness and surrounding Tonto National Forest. Take a stroll along the Native Plant Trail or hike the challenging Siphon Draw Trail to the top of the Flatiron. Depending on the year’s rainfall, you might be treated to a carpet of desert wildflowers in the spring.

Towns, Cities & Reservations:
Tucson
The Presido Trail: A Walking Tour of Downtown Tucson




Oro Valley
Catalina
Oracle Junction
Florence

Florence Junction
Apache Junction

Public Lands & Historic Places:
Saguaro National Park-Tucson Mountains District

Saguaro National Park-Rincon Mountains District

Tucson Mountain County Park
Coronado National Forest
Pusch Ridge Wilderness
Sky Island Scenic Byway
Catalina State Park
Tom Mix Monument

McFarland State Historic Park
Tonto National Forest
Superstition Wilderness
Lost Dutchman State Park


Landmarks:
Santa Catalina Mountains
Tortolita Mountains
Gila River
Superstition Mountains