Phoenix to Tubac, Arizona

Outward-bound, between desert and forest

1. Elephant Head Trail

I-19 and Elephant Head Trail, Madera Canyon

A 13-mile-long biking trail with unmatched views that passes barrel cactus. Paved roads on both ends of trail make drop off/pick up easy.

2. Sol Journeys

I-19 and Elephant Head Trail, Madera Canyon; 877/795-0035, www.soljouneys.com

Tucson-based backpack, yoga, and bike guide company that provides a daylong ride, picnic lunch, yoga wind-down and half-hour post-biking massage. Custom trips from $175 per person.

3. Bog Springs, Kent Spring Loop

I-19 and Kent Spring Loop, Madera Canyon

A 4.3-mile loop, for hikers and birders, through dense woods linking several fern-laced springs. More than 15 species of hummingbirds and the Trogon, a Mexican parrot-like bird, take shelter here.

4. Wisdom’s Café

1931 E. Frontage Rd., Box 25, Tubac, Ariz.; 520/398-2397, www.wisdomscafe.com

A lovable dive that's been serving tasty beef enchiladas and other Mexican fare for more than 60 years. Lunch for two, $35.

5. Dos Silos

1 Otero Rd., Tubac, Ariz.; 520/398-3737

Restaurant on the grounds of the Tubac Golf Resort that serves sophisticated Mexican dishes, such as chicken mole and corn casserole. Dinner for two, $55.

6. Tubac Golf Resort

1 Otero Rd., Tubac, Ariz.; 520/398-2211, www.tubacgolfresort.com

A 500-acre historic ranch with 68 guest rooms located within walking distance of the Anza, a lazy path following the cotton tree-lined Santa Cruz River. Doubles from $179.

7. Tubac Secret Garden Inn

13 Placita de Anza, Tubac, Ariz.; 520/398-9371, www.tubacsecretgarden.com

An intimate bed-and-breakfast with terra-cotta Saltillo tiles and white adobe walls that serves fresh cinnamon rolls in the morning. Doubles from $125.

Step-by-Step Directions from Phoenix to Madera Canyon Recreational Park

Starting Point: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Phoenix, Ariz.

• Head EAST on I-10 and continue for about 103 miles into Tucson.
• Take exit 260 to merge onto I-19 SOUTH towards Nogales and continue for 63 miles.
• Take exit 63, Continental Road and watch for signs to Madera Canyon Recreational Park.
• Turn LEFT onto E. Continental Road. Continue for about 1 mile.
• At E. Whitehouse Canyon Road, turn RIGHT and continue for about 11 miles.
• Park at the Proctor Road parking lot and fee station on the right.

Step-by-Step Directions from Madera Canyon Recreational Park to Tubac, Ariz.

Starting Point: Proctor Road, Madera Canyon Recreational Park, Ariz.

• Turn LEFT onto E. Whitehouse Canyon Road from the Proctor Road parking lot and fee station and continue for about 11 miles.
• Turn LEFT onto E. Continental Road and continue for about 1 mile.
• Head SOUTH on I-19 for about 18 miles.
• Take exit 34, the Aliso Spring exit, and follow signs to Tubac.