Vista Sun Wheel: A Celestial Landmark

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Discover a unique astronomical calendar built on a former missile site at the Vista Sun Wheel in Tucson, Arizona.

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Vista Sun Wheel

The Vista Sun Wheel, located at Vista de la Montaña United Methodist Church in Tucson, is a unique, hand-built astronomical calendar constructed on the site of a former Titan II missile silo. This impressive structure marks the solstices and equinoxes, offering visitors a place for reflection and connection with the cycles of nature.

A brief summary to Vista Sun Wheel

3001 East Miravista Lane, Tucson E Miravista Ln, Tucson, Arizona, 85739, US
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Local tips

Visit during the solstices or equinoxes for a special experience, as the sun's rays align with specific stones in the wheel.
Check in at the church office as a courtesy if it is open.
Wear sturdy shoes for walking on the gravel path.
Bring a hat and water, especially during warm weather.

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Finger Rock Trailhead

Finger Rock Trailhead: A Desert Hiking Gem

Getting There

Driving

The Vista Sun Wheel is located at Vista de la Montaña United Methodist Church at 3001 East Miravista Lane, Tucson. From Oracle Highway and Golder Ranch Road, go 3/8 mile on Miravista Lane, then drive to the south end of the church parking lot. The Sun Wheel is a short walk away on a gravel path. Parking is available in the church parking lot. There is no fee to visit the Sun Wheel.
Public Transport

Tucson's public transportation, including buses and streetcars, is currently fare-free. Sun Shuttle is a neighborhood transit service in Oro Valley/Catalina with connections to Sun Tran routes. From various points in Tucson, take the Sun Shuttle to the Oro Valley/Catalina area. From there, it may be necessary to walk or take a short taxi or ride-sharing service to reach the church at 3001 East Miravista Lane. Check the Sun Tran website or app for the most up-to-date route and schedule information.

Discover more about Vista Sun Wheel

The Vista Sun Wheel is a captivating landmark located on the grounds of Vista de la Montaña United Methodist Church in Catalina, Arizona. What makes this site particularly unique is its location: the land was formerly a Titan II missile site during the Cold War. The missile silo has since been decommissioned and filled, but the Sun Wheel serves as a reminder of the site's history, transforming a place of potential destruction into one of peace and contemplation. The Sun Wheel itself is a large circle, 63 feet in diameter, constructed from 28 tons of broken limestone. A central cairn, 11 feet in diameter and 3 feet high, marks the center of the wheel. Stone spokes radiate outwards, aligning with the positions of the rising and setting sun on the solstices and equinoxes. These alignments allow visitors to observe and understand the changing seasons and the Earth's relationship to the sun. The Vista Sun Wheel was built over a period of two years by Jim Bleess, who modeled it after Native American medicine wheels. These wheels were traditionally used as astronomical tools and sacred structures, highlighting the passage of the seasons. The Vista Sun Wheel continues this tradition, inviting visitors to connect with the natural world and reflect on the passage of time. Visitors are welcome from first light until twilight hours. Check in at the church office as a courtesy if it is open.