Tucson Elevation

Mount Wrightson in the Santa Rita Mountains is the highest point in the Tucson area

As well as the population and surface area, one of the key pieces of information for any town or city is its elevation. This statistic tells us how high a city is above sea level. Tucson, Arizona, has an elevation of 2388 feet (728 m). The city itself is situated on a plane, but is surrounded by several mountain ranges including the Tucson Mountains, the Santa Catalina Mountains , and the Santa Rita Mountains, so there are many highly elevated areas all around Tucson. Mount Wrightson in the Santa Rita Mountains is the highest point in the Tucson area, with an elevation of 9,453 feet (2,881 m). The name of Tucson comes from an old Aztec phrase meaning "at the bottom of the black hill", which refers to Sentinel Peak, a 2,897 foot (884 m) mountain best known for the large 'A' that was constructed out of basalt on the side of Sentinel Peak by students from the University of Arizona, which is also located in Tucson. The city is surrounded by the typical desert landscapes and mountains that make up the majority of the state of Arizona. The area has a fascinating history, with traces of life and habitation going back thousands of years.

The city itself was founded in the 18th century and was a key location in various battles and conflicts over the years. The University of Arizona began construction in Tucson in 1885 and grew into one of the largest educational institutions in the region. It’s a big part of the city, which also draws in many tourists due to its beautiful surrounding scenery and numerous activities.

Elevation of Tucson

The elevation of Arizona cities can vary quite wildly from one to the next. The highest city in the state is Flagstaff, which has an elevation of 6,910 feet (2,106 m). The highest unincorporated community in the state is Greer, which sits at a height of 8356 feet (2547 m). Other major cities in the state of Arizona include Phoenix , which has an elevation of just 1,086 feet (331 m), Mesa, which has an elevation of 1243 feet (379 m), and Scottsdale, which has an elevation of 1,257 feet (380 m), so it’s clear to see that Tucson is higher than all of these cities in terms of its elevation.

Tucson Elevation compared to other AZ cities

Arizona is actually one of the highest states in all of America, with a mean elevation of 4,100 feet (1250 m). When compared with the elevation of Tucson, we can see that Tucson’s elevation is nearly 2,000 feet lower than the state average. The highest point in the state is Humphreys Peak, which stands at an elevation of 12,633 feet (3,851 m) and is located near the city of Flagstaff. Meanwhile, the lowest point in the state of Arizona is a section of the Colorado River which is situated just 70 feet (21 m) above sea level.

According to traditional standards, the city of Tucson has a desert climate, which isn't surprising due to its desert location and surrounding arid landscapes. Unlike other locations that have four distinct seasons, Tucson has two major seasons and three minor ones, including a monsoon season that lasts through July and August. The area has a lot of sunlight and temperatures can start to approach 100°F (38°C) through a large part of the year starting in May and ending at the end of September.

Due to its location and surrounding scenery, Tucson is a great destination for people who want to spend time outdoors. There are many indoor attractions to be found in the city, including museums and galleries, along with a great range of restaurants and bars too, but the real heart of Tucson is found outdoors. Nearby mountains and the Saguaro National Park offer a lot of hiking, climbing, cycling, and camping possibilities, perfect for people of all ages. The presence of the University of Arizona also ensures that the city has a thriving nightlife scene to support the large student population.