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When arriving in Tucson the facility is easily located, being a short distance east of the Interstate 10 freeway.  The E. Valencia Road exit eastbound leads to the Pima Museum whilst westbound leads you to Tucson International Airport and the Arizona ANG facility.

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Official Tours

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For those wishing to obtain a close view of AMARC bus tours are available.  They depart from the Pima Air & Space Museum gift shop and last about one hour.  The route taken is as follows:

Entry to AMARC is via Kolb gate, then a right turn past area 14 (F-4, F-14) with area 13 on the left (F-16, Tornado), past area 10 (F-4) then a left turn down Celebrity Row (slow drive with commentary), left turn between area 2 (various) and 7 (F-4), area 11 (T-38/A-4) and 12 (helicopters).  Then another left turn back almost to Kolb gate, a right parallel with the Flight Line then a left turn across the Kolb Road overpass, up between area 21, 22, 23, 24 and 26 where types such as B-52, C-130, C-131, C1-37, C-135, C-141 and various fighters are passed.  Then back the reciprocal route to Kolb gate and the end of the tour (map)

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AMARC tour departure times are at 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM.  Most federal holidays are excluded and if they occur on weekends, a day before or after the holiday is also excluded.

Cost is $6.00 or $5.00 for seniors, groups of 20 or more, military staff and museum members.  Under 12's pay $3.00. Photo ID is required for those 16 years of age and above.

Photography is permitted through the bus windows, however passengers must remain on the bus at all times when on the facility.

The tours are popular so booking is recommended through the reservation desk (520) 618 4806 or the marketing co-ordinator at (520) 574 0462 ext 106.  Callers from the UK should dial a 001 international prefix.  At least seven days notice is suggested.

Further details can be found on the official Pima Web Site

Overflights

A popular way to see almost all the inmates of AMARC is to take a flight over the facility using one of the air charter operators at Tucson International Airport.

As flights and heights are subject to operations at DM Air Force Base, weekends are probably the best time to make the overflight when military activity is at a minimum.  Spectacular photographs of the rows of aircraft can be acquired.  Rates for the flights are reasonable and it is possible to include other airfields in the area if so desired.

Some reports have stated that afternoon flights can be subject to turbulence because of the heat.

Amongst the operators that perform these flights from Tucson Airport are:

Leading Edge Aviation

Double Eagle Aviation

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Viewing From The Fence

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There are several areas around the AMARC fence where aircraft can be seen at close quarters.  These are mainly along Kolb Road, Escalante Road and Irvington Road (map). Walking the fences involves some physical effort and due to the high temperatures, a stock of water is recommended.  If you choose to view in this way, care should be taken not to cause undue attention from the law enforcement authorities.

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