They call me the Tucson Mountains. No big deal, not much of a much. I am a "minor" range. Well, that's pleasant. I'm not nearly as spectacular as my neighbors, the Santa Catalinas. They are so grand, so beautiful, so magestic...well, let me just show you!
They tower over the city of Tucson--that's right, the city that I'm named after. I used to be jealous of them, I have to admit. They make me seem small. In fact, when people talk about the four mountain ranges that close Tucson in like a picture frame, the others are called by their names. Me--I'm the tooth mountains. Why? Thanks, you're really very kind. Surely, though, it must be obvious. I look like sharks' teeth, don't I?
So anyway, I used to be jealous of the mighty Santa Catalinas, like I said. But one day, I realized something. I might be tiny, yes, but I have a big "A" on me. They can't say that. I also am home to the Saguaro National Park and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. They didn't pick the Santa Catalinas. Nope, they picked me. But the thing that makes me happiest is this: while it's true that I'm dwarfed by the Santa Catalinas, they are not movie stars. Who is? You guessed it! Me!
That's right, friends! I am the home to Old Tucson, a movie set that has filmed everything from John Wayne movies (yes, I knew him personally) to Three Amigos to Little House on the Prairie. So even though I am a little range, I am just as important as my big sister to the north. It just goes to show you--bigger isn't always better. Small guys like us can be important, too!
