From anywhere in Canyon Pass you see an unsurpassed variety of scenic beauty. The everchanging vistas of territorial views altered by sunlight, rain or dust storms rising from the valley, splashes of color as sun greets or ushers out the days and the spectacular city lights of Tucson and Marana. Canyon pass boasts it all!
Particularly intriguing to many residents are the shadowed phenomena that dance across the Tortolita Mountains and the figures that appear as the sun moves along the horizon.
Note, this isn’t an exhaustive list. There are undoubtedly many other natural features for all to enjoy but may be undiscovered at this time. Pick your favorite formation, be it your own rock gargoyle or other feature and share your discoveries with others.
Morning Man
After passing through the gate, if it is before noontime, one sees Canyon Pass’s first natural phenomenon. On the mountainside directly in front of you is a full stone face. To some residents he is known as “Morning Man”. Why that name? Morning Man is created by a combination of the sun hitting the jagged rocks and morning shadows providing the eyes and other facial features. Because this is a creation of Mother Nature, seeing the face is dependent on the sun’s angle as it shines on the rocks. As a result, this phenomenon is only visible from approximately 8:00AM ‐12:00 noon daily. If you continue up the main road, within those hours, you will also see the unusual sight of Morning Man’s profile.
Ram’s Face
Another sun and shadow feature can be seen in the late afternoon, about an hour before sunset. Look closely to see the full face of a Ram including its distinctive curved horns. This feature is challenging to see and requires some imagination, but it is here in the canyon.
Turtles
As you journey up the canyon, look to the skyline along the ridge of the mountain to see two stone turtle formations. The upper turtle has its head raised skyward, while the lower or front turtle has its head down as though it is leading the way down the mountain. The turtles are always visible during daylight hours and in bright moonlight. You just need to look for them.
Reindeer
Of all of Mother Nature’s wonders seen in the canyon, nothing can match the magic that occurs during the winter holiday season. As the winter solstice approaches and the sun is beginning its journey toward the western horizon, nature creates a holiday surprise. Only from Thanksgiving through January can a full‐bodied reindeer be seen in the shadows across the western slope of the Tortolita Mountains. A perfect combination of rock formation, light angle and shadows create “Holiday Reindeer”. This is not a small shadow. It is at least 100 yards in length from nose to tail and its body is about the same dimension in height, measured from its legs to the tip of its antlers. This work of art is very prominent and can be viewed readily at this time of year as you walk or drive the main road. The best view is from Dove Canyon Pass Way at the intersection of Canyon Mountain Drive.
Daily Phenomena - Sunrise / Sunset
Even though Mother Nature has created many seasonable phenomena, she dutifully provides daily delights. She blesses us with beautiful morning sunrises and teases us at the end of the day with ever changing gorgeous sunsets. With our mountain terrain, we have an unbeatable paradise.
