Silver Bell Mountains Scenic Drive
While there are plenty of reasons to lace up your hiking boots all around the greater Tucson area, sometimes you just want to take a peaceful drive where you can enjoy the comfort of your car’s air conditioning while still embracing the breathtaking scenery this city has to offer. Luckily, the Majestic Silver Bell Mountains are Marana’s perfect car-worthy experience.
About the Silver Bell Mountains
Located in the rugged and remote area known as Ironwood Forest National Monument, the Silver Bell Mountains are an often-overlooked feature of Marana. People tend to think of the Tortolita Mountains to the northeast or Saguaro National Park to the South, which can cause both areas to become quite crowded on popular days. For adventures who love rawer experiences where they’re not surrounded by tons of other people, the Silver Bell Mountain offer the perfect retreat.
If you’re tired of the same old view, which, let’s face it, isn’t possible in this part of Arizona, venture up to the Silver Bell Mountains and take a trip along the scenic drive.
What You Need to Know
Ironwood Forest National Monument is an undeveloped plot of land. As such, the trails and roads can be a bit unpassable in places if you’re not prepared. If you’re planning to take on the Silver Bell Mountains Scenic Drive, it’s best to imbibe on your journey in a four-wheel-drive vehicle that has a high clearance.
For your safety, you might want to consider avoiding this drive during monsoon season. The rugged terrain is not built to allow drainage, and washes tend to take over many parts of this road when the rains get heavy. If you encounter a flowing wash, never attempt to cross it. Either head back to Avra Valley Road by retracing your path, or wait for the water to recede. It’s incredibly dangerous to attempt to cross a flowing wash, no matter what type of vehicle you’re operating.
Getting Your Bearings
Since this is a road less traveled, so to speak, it’s not as well marked as some of the other drives in the area. Before you head out, make sure your odometer’s working because it’ll help guide you through some of the parts of the drive you may not find otherwise.
Head west on Avra Valley Road, continuing past the Marana Regional Airport. The road will twist and turn as it takes you toward Silver Bell Mine – a copper mine that’s still actively excavated to this day. Keep your eyes peeled for Pump Station Road. When you see it, peek at your odometer; 6.75 miles from this point, you’ll hit a fork in the road. The dirt road to the left is Silver Bell Road.
The road will take you along the perimeter of the mine, which can provide a look at some interesting relics if you keep your eyes peeled. Silver Bell Road is a horseshoe-shaped path that can take you deeper into Ironwood Forest National Monument, if you choose to go that route. Otherwise, keep heading around the horseshoe. You’ll eventually reach a signed road at the intersection of Silver Bell Road and Red Rock Lane. To head home, go right. For more adventure into an old mining ghost town, go straight onto Red Rock Lane.
The Silver Bells Scenic Drive is just one of the many reasons people love Marana. You’ll never understand the beauty of this region until you experience it for yourself. If you’re searching for luxury, upscale homes set in the middle of some of the most incredible scenery Mother Nature has to offer, you’ve found your future home! Let us show you what life is really like at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Dove Mountain!
At The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Dove Mountain, you may select from eight custom home floor plans to suit every need and lifestyle, but these suggestions may only be a starting point. Collectively, your wishes combined with the expertise of the competent and creative design staff, allow your residence to emerge as your very own distinctive home, reflecting your family and its lifestyle. Luxury custom homes in The Residences range from just under 1,700 to nearly 5,500 square-feet and are available in two neighborhoods.
Finding out whether it is just right for you begins with a call: 877-451-7205.
