Geotourism in the desert Southwest is powered by the intrinsic quality and accessibility of geoheritage sites or features. According to the Geological Society of America, “Geoheritage” applies to sites or areas of geologic features with ‘significant scientific, educational, cultural, and/or aesthetic value.’ This certainly includes a number of geologic features and landforms encountered in southern Arizona and northern Sonora, Mexico.
Identifying and preserving geoheritage sites serves the public good. Such sites are critical to furthering geoscience research and to informing the public regarding the inherent value of the landscapes and rockscapes that make the Southwestern U.S. a mecca for tourism.
Our new interactive Geoheritage Tour of Southeastern Arizona showcases 36 sites within easy driving distance of downtown Tucson, including: geologic features and related sites – museums and mining communities.
