There’s something fitting about a book dedicated to Tucson’s most compelling trails finding its way up the mountain, where the desert quite literally transforms into forest, and every path tells a different story.
On May 23rd from 12–2 PM, Mount Lemmon Lodge will host a special author meet-and-greet and book signing with Sirena Rana, the accomplished outdoor guide and author of Urban Trails: Tucson, as well as Best Day Hikes On The Arizona National Scenic Trail. Guests will have the opportunity to meet Rana in person, hear about her experiences exploring Southern Arizona’s landscapes, and purchase a limited number of signed copies of her latest guidebook—available on a first-come, first-served basis.
A Guidebook Rooted in Place
Urban Trails: Tucson is more than a hiking guide—it’s an invitation to experience the Sonoran Desert through a deeper lens. The book features 47 curated hikes spanning city limits, Pima County parks, Saguaro National Park, and the Arizona National Scenic Trail, offering insight into the region’s flora, fauna, geology, and cultural history.
Rana’s perspective is particularly compelling. As an archaeologist, hiking guide, and two-time finisher of the 800-mile Arizona Trail, her work bridges recreation with education, connecting readers not just to trails, but to the stories embedded within them.
Why This Event Belongs on Mount Lemmon
If Tucson’s trails tell one story, Mount Lemmon tells another…one of elevation, contrast, and escape.
Rising more than 6,000 feet from desert floor to alpine forest, Mount Lemmon is a rare “sky island,” where saguaros give way to aspens and pine. It’s a place where hikers, cyclists, and explorers come to experience Arizona from an entirely different perspective, often within the span of a single day.
Hosting Urban Trails: Tucson at Mount Lemmon Lodge creates a natural synergy:
- The book introduces readers to the region’s most accessible and rewarding hikes
- The mountain offers one of its most dramatic and immersive landscapes
- The Lodge serves as the perfect basecamp, where exploration meets comfort
In many ways, this event brings the entire Southern Arizona trail experience full circle.
An Afternoon of Exploration and Conversation
This isn’t just a book signing, it’s an opportunity to engage with someone who has spent years studying and experiencing the very trails that define this region.
Guests can expect:
- A chance to meet Sirena Rana and hear firsthand stories from the trail
- Insight into how to safely and meaningfully explore the Sonoran Desert
- The opportunity to purchase and have a copy signed by the author (of either of her books)
- A relaxed, welcoming setting at Mount Lemmon Lodge
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a casual explorer, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of Southern Arizona, this event offers a unique way to connect with the landscape.
Plan Your Visit
With limited copies available, early arrival is recommended.
Make a weekend out of it, we are kicking off our Music in the Mountain series. You can also explore nearby trails, take in the cooler mountain air, and meet the author who has helped bring Tucson’s trail network to life.
Event Details
What: Author Meet & Greet + Book Signing
Who: Sirena Rana, author of Urban Trails: Tucson and Best Day Hikes On The Arizona National Scenic Trail.
When: May 23rd, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Where: Mount Lemmon Lodge
Note: Books available while supplies last (first come, first served)
There are plenty of ways to experience Arizona—but few are as rewarding as stepping onto a trail and seeing where it leads. On May 23rd, that journey begins with a conversation.
