Local & Travel Information

Tucson

Tucson is located in southern Arizona, about 60 miles from Mexico. (Here is an overview map of Arizona.) Tucson is in the heart of the Sonoran desert, surrounded by significant mountains, including the 9100ft Mount Lemmon. As one of the oldest settlements in North America, it enjoys a rich mix of cultures. The city's website is well-designed and highly informative if you're looking for things to do or places to eat here, as is the Tucson Guide. You can check out the New York Times travel guide for more information and interesting articles about Tucson as well.

Weather

For the month of May, the average daily high/low is 96/61F. There is little chance of rain; the average precipitation of May is .24 inches. Here is the National Weather Service forecast for Tucson.

Travel to Tucson

The Tucson International Airport is located south of the city, only about 8 miles from the University, and is served by five major airlines: Alaska, American, Delta, Southwest, and United. One option is the Arizona Stagecoach airport van service (520-889-1000), which has a desk in the baggage claim area. A taxi costs about $50 to the Biosphere, and the one-way fare on Arizona Stagecoach is about, so for two people going to the same destination a shared taxi is cheaper. The airport's website has details on other transportation options. It is also possible to fly to Phoenix's Sky Harbor Airport and drive or take a shuttle service to Tucson. The one-way trip is about 120 miles and takes about 2 hours.

Maps and Directions

From Tucson International Airport

1. Head southeast on S. Airport Drive
2. Take slight left at E. Airport Drive and continue onto S. Tucson Blvd approximately 2.7 miles (make a slight left to stay on S Tucson Blvd.)
3. Continue onto I-10 BUS W approximately 1.8 miles and make slight right at S. Park Avenue
4. Merge onto I-10 W via the ramp to Phoenix and drive 6.5 miles to exit 255 towards AZ-77 N/Miracle Mile
5. Merge onto N Casa Grande Hwy then turn right at W. Miracle Mile and drive 1.4 miles
6. Turn left at AZ-77 N/N Oracle Rd and continue to follow AZ-77 N for approximately 26.9 miles
7. Turn right at Biosphere Rd at Mile Post 96.5

From Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

1. After leaving the airport, follow the signs to Interstate 10 East.
2. Take I-10 East, toward Tucson, to Exit 185 and exit the interstate.
3. Turn left onto Highway 387 and continue past Coolidge until Highway 387 intersects with Arizona Highway 79 near Florence.
4. Turn right on to Highway 79 and follow this until Oracle Junction where you turn left onto Arizona Highway 77.
5. Drive 6 miles to the Biosphere 2 turnoff, located at Mile Post 96.5. Turn right on Biosphere Road.

Parking

The Biosphere has parking available on site for those who will be driving or renting vehicles.

The University of Arizona

Established in 1885, the University of Arizona, the state’s super land-grant university with two medical schools, produces graduates who are real-world ready through its 100% Student Engagement initiative. Recognized as a global leader and ranked 16 for the employability of its graduates, UA is also a leader in research, bringing more than $580 million in research investment each year, and ranking 20 among all public universities. UA is advancing the frontiers of interdisciplinary scholarship and entrepreneurial partnerships, and is a member of the Association of American of Universities, the 62 leading public and private research universities. It benefits the state with an estimated economic impact of $8.3 billion annually.