-
Where is Marana located?
- Marana is a small town in Arizona, northwest of Tucson, in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, surrounded by high mountains and deep canyons, with rich plant and animal life.
-
What recreational activities are available in Marana?
- Marana has a large number of world-class golf courses.
- The surrounding desert is a fascinating place to explore on horseback, in a helicopter, on a bike, or on foot along one of many well-maintained trails.
This post may include affiliate links. Click here for Affiliate Disclosure.
1. Ritz-Carlton Golf Course Dove Mountain
© Ritz-Carlton Golf Course Dove Mountain
The Ritz-Carlton Golf Course on Dove Mountain in the heart of the Sonoran Desert is a world-class golf resort with a 27-hole golf course designed by legendary golf champion Jack Nicklaus.
As is his signature design, Nicklaus took advantage of the scenic desert setting and integrated variety, strategy, and fair shot, creating a golf course with a distinct character and unique challenges.
The luxury golf course, which is located at an elevation that ranges from 2,300 to 3,200 feet, is equally enjoyable and challenging.
The golf resort includes a pro shop offering the finest equipment, accessories, and apparel. It also has large tour-quality practice areas and a classy clubhouse.
15000 North Secret Springs Drive Marana, AZ 85658, Phone: 520-572-3000
2. Wild Burro Trail
© Courtesy of Harris Shiffman - Fotolia.com
Running through Tortolita Park, the
Wild Burro Trail is a 7.1-mile fairly difficult loop trail near Marana, Arizona, with the trailhead near the Ritz-Carlton in Dove Mountain and an elevation gain of 1,486 feet. The trail is known as the gateway to the Tortolita Mountains. The first half of the trail is graded dirt, coming in and out of a wash, and it gets rougher as you get closer to an old stone ruin, which once housed cattle ranchers; it becomes really steep after that. Some strenuous climbing will bring you to the top, which offers nice canyon views. The trail then goes down into a sandy basin and a shaded area with a massive cottonwood tree. After the tree, the trail turns to red dirt until you reach a gate and the end of the trail, which is the beginning of the Wild Mustang Trail.
14810 North Secret Springs Drive, Marana, AZ 85658
3. The Highlands at Dove Mountain Golf Course
© Courtesy of alexsokolov - Fotolia.com
The Highlands at Dove Mountain Golf Course is a championship 18-hole golf course that opened in 1997 and was designed by the famous golf course architect, Arthur Hills. With the scenic background of the Tortolita Mountains, the hilly terrain, and gleaming lakes, this golf course has a unique character and provides a diverse and pleasant playing environment with spectacular vistas from every hole. The first nine holes play through the flats with subtle undulation and are fun and unforgettable. The back nine holes offer a challenging change of pace, with hilly terrain, a view of the mountains, and clear lakes. The course offers opportunities to test the skills of all golfers regardless of their experience.
4949 W Heritage Club Blvd, Marana, AZ 85658, Phone: 520-579-9574
4. The Ritz-Carlton Spa
© Ritz-Carlton Spa
Located in Marana in the heart of the magnificent Sonoran Desert, the Ritz-Carlton Spa
is one of the few unique Arizona spas that turn to ancient healing rituals to slow down the pace and constant rush of the modern world. It is a world of comfort and tranquility within the ancient environment of Dove Mountain and the Sonoran Desert, a peaceful, soothing haven with incredible attention to detail. The Ritz-Carlton Spa at Dove Mountain invites its clients to indulge in the healing touch of professional therapists and watch the distractions and worries of life melt away. The spa offers a range of eco-holistic therapies that are based upon the balancing elements of nature and Sonoran Desert traditions. While the spa offers a full range of services, the most popular are the Gemstone Healing Massage and the Gemstone Radiance Journey.
15000 North Secret Springs Drive, Marana, AZ 85658, Phone: 520-572-3000
5. HMS Bikes
© Courtesy of stockphoto-graf - Fotolia.com
The best people to take care of your bike are those who are bikers themselves. HMS Bikes is a family-owned full-service bike shop in Marana, Arizona, close to the areas where they like to bike: Dove Mountain, Picture Rocks, Gladden Farms, and Continental Ranch. Whether they are biking beginners or experienced road runners, all their clients feel comfortable in the fun and friendly atmosphere of their shop without feeling intimidated by all the technical jargon. HMS Bikes also sell a full line of town, road, and mountain bikes from reputable brands such as Bianchi and Orbea. They also carry parts and accessories as well as biking clothing and nutritional supplements.
8225 N Courtney Page Way, Marana, AZ 85743, Phone: 520-989-0196
Map:
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents: