Becoming a Wildcat

The architects of this community are to be commended! It appears that every unit has a fabulous view of something from their casita’s balcony. The individual casita is actually two units that can be rented in three possible ways. The smallest unit is the deluxe room, which is similar to a hotel room with a TV, two queen beds, microwave, refrigerator, kitchen sink, bathroom, and a balcony. The master suite unit is larger and consists of a full kitchen, small laundry closet, living room equipped with a queen sleeper-sofa, TV, gas fireplace, and countertop with 4 barstools, a master bedroom with a king-sized bed, TV, a huge bathroom, and a balcony. The full casita links the master suite and deluxe room unit with a locking door between the two units. The full casita sleeps a maximum of eight guests with adequate storage for your vacationing needs.

Rich southwest furnishing utilizing rod iron, stonework, and Mexican-handcrafted furniture enhance the casita’s character. The resort’s amenities include: an 18-hole PGA rated golf course, heated pool and Jacuzzi, tennis courts, and fitness room.

We have stayed here several times with friends who had a son attending University of Arizona. The university is only about a 10-minute drive. If you are an early riser, be sure to sip a cup of coffee on your balcony in the early morning and watch the natural animal life of the desert come to life. I fondly recall walking the streets of the resort and looking at the sparkling nightlights of Tucson in the valley below the resort.

Our first visit was in August (when the son began college) and our second stay was in the following January. The Sonora Desert has beautiful evenings almost year-round and the Starr Pass knows how to showcase the splendor of the desert.

• Unit Type: 2 Bedroom
• Activities: Good
• Amenities: Excellent
• Unit Satisfaction: Excellent
• Family Friendliness: Excellent
• Service: Excellent

I recommend ordering a breakfast burrito -- they offer several varieties. My favorite is chorizo (Mexican hot sausage), scrambled egg, and wrapped with potato in a delicate homemade flour tortilla. Purchase a dozen tortillas to take home with you as an added bonus. Tania’s also has a refrigerator full of prepared take-out specialties such as refried beans, Spanish rice, tamales, pozole (pork and hominy stew), red chili, salsa, you name it. Everything is reasonably priced. My local friends have told me that this little piece of Tucson has won many "Best of Tucson" awards. Simply put . . . this place is delicious (delicioso)!

Many movies have been filmed here. You can read them on a link from here. There is live entertainment all day at the movie studio. Stunt men fight and duel while call girls dance -- check the times and locations in your information bulletin. Or tour the park in a locomotive train, go through a mysterious maze, pan for gold, and participate in other old west activities. Food and souvenirs are available, but are overpriced.

Seriously, this is a nice hike in the Sonora Desert with a bit of a slope to get your heart rate up. Take plenty of water and some snacks. Expect some magnificent views of Tucson and lots of trekkers if you attempt this on a weekend.