The Kitt Peak Experience… Like no other
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 1/4 mile away from the Visitor Center. No reservations are required for groups under 20. Groups over 20 should call the Visitor Center at (520)318-8732. For pricing information, visit our Tour Rates page (which also includes group rates).
A self-guided walking tour map is available in the Visitor Center. You may also download audio tours that are avaialble in podcast format (mp3 files) for use with your iPod or other MP3 player.
Please Note that telescope tours and times may change without notice due to maintenance issues and weather conditions.
Daytime V.I.P. Tour NEW!
The Kitt Peak Visitor Center is proud to offer a new, not-to-be-missed, all-encompassing tour of Kitt Peak National Observatory! The special Daytime V.I.P. tour is intended for any group with a desire to learn more in-depth knowledge of the historic and scientifically important observatories on Kitt Peak than the regular daytime tours can offer. Spanning 4 or 5 hours (depending on your schedule), this tour will cover the entire summit of the Mountain.
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.
Groups with 10 or more can make an online reservation.
