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Every once in a while, you pass a road you’ve never noticed before and wonder where it leads. Some people let the moment pass. Others take the turn.
That’s how we ended up on Mt. Hopkins Road, a twisting, mountain-climbing route that offers some of the most stunning views in southern Arizona.
At the end of the road sits one of the country’s most fascinating astronomical research facilities.
The Drive Begins
We started at Exit 56 on I-19, just before Amado, Arizona, and followed Elephant Head Road toward the Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory.
The brown signs made it easy to navigate, guiding us onto Mt. Hopkins Road, where the landscape shifted from desert scrub to rolling hills.
A small visitor center sits near the base of the road, offering a picnic area and a few informational signs about the observatory and the surrounding Santa Rita Mountains.
When we visited, the center was closed for renovations. When it reopens in 2024, it will feature exhibits on astrophysics, the observatory’s research, and the instruments used to study deep space.
After a quick stop, we started the climb.
A Road That Climbs Through the Sky
Mt. Hopkins Road is not for the faint of heart. It is narrow, winding, and packed with blind turns. The U.S. Forest Service calls it a drive that requires full attention, and they aren’t exaggerating.
The road starts paved, then transitions to dirt before returning to pavement near the top. Guardrails are rare, but at least there are plenty of pull-offs. You’ll need them for both the traffic and the scenery.
With every turn, the elevation climbed. The desert floor stretched farther below, revealing layers of mountains and endless sky.
Near the base, saguaros and prickly pear dotted the landscape. Higher up, desert scrub gave way to oak trees, then full-blown pine forest. By the time we reached 8,500 feet, there was snow on the ground.
A Stop for Stargazers and Cows
About halfway up, we passed a small astronomy viewing area designed for amateur stargazers. Concrete pads offer a stable place to set up telescopes, away from the light pollution of Tucson.
That afternoon, there were no astronomers, only a few free-range cattle wandering the road. The further we climbed, the fewer people we saw. In total, we passed four cars and two bicycles.
The Observatory at the Summit
The road finally ended at a locked gate near the Multiple Mirror Telescope facility, a massive structure that looks like something straight out of a sci-fi movie.
The Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory was established in 1966 as a joint effort between the University of Arizona and the Smithsonian Institution.
It’s a hub for astronomers from around the world, known for its research on deep space objects. The high-altitude location minimizes atmospheric interference, making it an ideal spot for studying the universe.
The Multiple Mirror Telescope was groundbreaking when it was built. It was once the third-largest telescope in the world and the first to be housed in a rotating building supported on ball bearings.
Although access to the facility is limited to scheduled tours, the drive alone made the trip worth it.
Worth the Drive? Absolutely!
I’m not usually bothered by heights, but this road had moments that made me grip the wheel a little tighter. The sharp switchbacks, blind corners, and serious lack of guardrails kept me on my toes.
But at every turn, the views grew more spectacular. The Santa Rita Mountains, the distant desert valleys, and the sense of complete solitude made the drive feel like an adventure worth taking.
I didn’t expect to end up here. I had no idea what we’d find at the top. But that’s the thing about unfamiliar roads. Sometimes, they lead to places you never knew you needed to see.
Things to Know Before You Drive Mt. Hopkins Observatory Road
The observatory offers scheduled tours for those who want to explore the facility up close. Visit the Whipple Observatory website for details.
The road is narrow and winding, with only one lane in some areas. Be prepared to pull over for oncoming traffic.
Weather can change quickly, with snow and ice at higher elevations. Check conditions before heading out.
The road may close due to fire danger or inclement weather. Check with Coronado National Forest or the Whipple Observatory website for updates.
The area is remote. The nearest towns are Amado, Rio Rico, Nogales, and Green Valley. Gas up, bring water, and expect limited cell service in some areas.
Still Here? You Must Be the Human Equivalent of Well-Seasoned Cast Iron Pan.
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