Guided Tours
The Kitt Peak Visitor Center offers three guided tours each day. Each tour lasts approximately one hour. The tours begin in the Visitor Center with a brief introductory discussion. Following the discussion, the walking tour to the telescope begins. (See the schedule below) The telescopes are up to 1/2 mile away from the Visitor Center. A $4.00 per person (Adult) and $2.50 for Children (6-12) fee per tour is requested for the guided tour. No reservations are required for groups under 20. Groups over 20 should call the Visitor Center at (520)318-8732. $7.00 All Day tour Passes are also available ($4.50 for children ages 6-12). Group Tour Rates are also available.
A self-guided walking tour map is available in the Visitor Center.
Please Note that telescope tours and times may change without notice due to maintenance issues and weather conditions.
McMath-Pierce Solar Telescope
10:00am
The first tour each day is of the world's largest solar telescope, the McMath-Pierce solar telescope.
2.1-m Telescope
11:30am
On this tour you will visit one of the early workhorses of Kitt Peak. Built in 1964, the 2.1-m telescope is still in high demand every night.
Mayall 4-m Telescope
1:30pm
This telescope has been a landmark in since 1973, and is easily visible from many points in Tucson. The 4-m is the largest optical telescope on Kitt Peak, and receives 4 times more requests for use than there are clear nights each year. From the Visitor Gallery you have a beautiful 360 degree view of Kitt Peak and surrounding landscape. Tour lasts approximately 1.5-2 hours.
