Mount Graham International Observatory Visitor Center

Eastern Arizona College’s Discovery Park Campus is the official visitor center and the start and end point for seasonal Mount Graham International Observatory tours. Weather permitting, weekend tours run from mid-May through October; advance reservations are required because permits are needed to enter the endangered red squirrel refugium. The experience covers Mount Graham’s geology, history and biodiversity, includes lunch near the summit, and visits the Submillimeter Telescope, Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope and Large Binocular Telescope. Contact Discovery Park at (928) 428-6260 or discoverypark@eac.edu for availability and reservations. Public tour guests should follow the EAC meeting point rather than navigating independently to the summit: MGIO describes a 29-mile mountain road with narrow switchbacks, no guardrails and 8 miles of dirt/gravel, leading to facilities at about 10,400 feet. Check current tour, weather and road guidance before travel.