Logistics

Getting Here

We recommend flying into either Tucson International Airport (TUS) or Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and renting a car. The distance between Phoenix and Tucson is about 100 miles. PHX is a bigger airport and may offer better connections and prices. If you’re staying for the whole week then you’ll be in Phoenix at the end, too.

Where to Stay

Tucson Hotels/Houses

For the Tucson portion of the week (Mar 8-14) we recommend staying in a hotel or rental house on the east side of Tucson. The first four events/three days all take place in the Santa Rita foothills, off of Rt 83, so Vail and Sonoita/Elgin are both good options. The fourth day is in Dragoon (further east), the fifth along I-19 (south of Tucson), and the final day in Tucson itself. Staying near Vail will have you centrally located for the entire week.

Tucson Camping

Tucson Glamping

The wide open spaces of Arizona provide some lovely opportunities for camping. While the days will be beautiful, the nights will be cold.

The event headquarters for the first two days is in National Forest land where dispersed camping is allowed. We plan to have an organized, central location for camping (with portable toilets) that will work very well for the first half of the week. Contact Peg (pegdavis at Arizona dot edu) for more information on camping. Keep in mind that lows of 23F are possible!

Like camping but don't want to bring cooking supplies? This year we have an option to buy catered meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) for Fri night - Mon morning. Meals will be prepared on site by Cooks with Fire (Jennifer Knochel and her chuckwagon). Meals are available as a total package (three dinners, three breakfasts, two lunches) for $188. See below for more information.

Phoenix Hotels

Stay tuned for recommendations for the Phoenix weekend. Based on the locations of the events (east of Phoenix) it’s best to look for something on that side of the valley.

Phoenix Camping

Stay tuned for options closer to the 2025 locations.

Lost Dutchman State Park

6109 N Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ 85119
azstateparks.com
(480) 982-4485

Scenic desert hiking trails, picnic facilities, 72 campsites, wildlife, restrooms & showers.

Cooks with fire

All participants, whether camping or not, have the opportunity to purchase a meal plan for catered gourmet meals at the event center for the first weekend (March 7-10). These meals will be prepared by Cooks with Fire (Jennifer Knochel and her chuckwagon) and served at the campground. Jennifer is an outdoor chef and event caterer with 15 years experience cooking for groups. She is an inspired cook focused on creating experiences that connect people to each other and the earth by sharing delicious nourishing food.

The meal plan includes:

3 Breakfasts with coffee and tea

2 Lunches

3 Dinners

Catered onsite, all plates, bowls, cups, utensils, tables and chairs provided. You do not need to bring anything for your meals!

$188/person

Includes: food allergy/preference accommodations (Gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan options), local produce, organic ingredients, tables and chairs, 1 meal with meat/day (with vegetarian option), plates and eating utensils, selection of milk and sweetener for coffee

Sample Menus:

(exact menus can change according to availability of local seasonal produce and other ingredients)

Dinner: cheese pizzas with red sauce and choice of local vegetable topping, local garden salad

Breakfast: coffee/tea, yogurt, granola, scrambled eggs, fruit

Lunch: Bean and cheese burritos, cilantro lime cabbage slaw, chips, salsa, and guacamole Dinner: BBQ chicken thighs, local garden salad, butter mashed potatoes, brownies

Breakfast: coffee/tea, hot cereal, scrambled eggs, fruit

Lunch: Hamburgers, chips, roasted veggie salad

Dinner: Dutch oven spinach and mushroom cheesy lasagna, barrio bread with white bean, pesto spread, local garden salad, chocolate chip cookies