Arizona Getaway: Staying 'green' in Tucson

TUCSON, AZ - Whether you're a native or new to Arizona, you already know we live in a beautiful and fascinating state.

Each Thursday, we're spotlighting a local hotel or resort that is a must-check-out destination.

Next time you feel the need for a road trip, staycation or pampering, go no further than the Travel section of ABC15.com . Here is this week's profile:

Are you someone who prides yourself on living the 'green' life? Then next time you're in Tucson, you'll want to stay at Cat Mountain Lodge with eco-friendly features, "built into a friendly ranch setting."

According to the bed and breakfast's website:

"Cat Mountain Lodge aims to minimize our impact on the local and global environments by conserving energy, water and other natural resources, reduce waste by recycling and purchasing recycled products, minimize light pollution by adhering to strict guidelines, and reduce or eliminate the use of toxic materials by substituting natural products whenever possible."

Manager Angel Jackson-Slye says the facility, which opened in 2010, was built to be 100 percent sound proof and air tight. She says they use gray water for the landscape comprised of native plantings and four large rain barrels for collecting water. A lot of the furnishings are recycled or made from recycled materials and all linens are cotton.

Guests can choose from a suite or three other spacious rooms at Cat Mountain Lodge. All are done in Southwestern style with modern conveniences. Each room has a private bath and sitting area with French doors that lead to a central courtyard with a fountain. Two rooms are wheelchair accessible and dogs are allowed in an additional room.

Cat Mountain Lodge sits on 13 acres at the base of the Tucson Mountains, on the outskirts of Tucson. The lodge is just steps from Tucson Mountain Park West where guests can explore 62 miles of hiking and biking trails. Or if you're just looking to relax, retreat to Cat Mountain Lodge's Arizona Room and stretch out in front of the beehive fireplace with a cup of coffee and a good book. A computer is available to check out all there is to do near the lodge. There's plenty to do in the immediate area; shopping at Cat Mountain Station and you're just a few minutes from the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum , Old Tucson Studios and Saguaro National Monument-West .

But you'll want to be around Cat Mountain Lodge when the stars come out. Spencer's Observatory is located just outside the courtyard where guests and others can enjoy a three hour guided tour of the heavens. Be sure to make a reservation for the Guided Star Tour that is discounted $25 for lodge guests. Want more? Cat Mountain Lodge is a short drive to Arizona's Kitt Peak and the University of Arizona's Flandrau Planetarium .

Cat Mountain Lodge is a bed and breakfast with a flexible meal schedule. Guests can enjoy breakfast or lunch, from 7:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m., at nearby Coyote Pause Café . According to their website, "the breakfast menu is large and varied, and lunch offers delectable sandwiches, homemade soups and healthy salads." It's touted as all healthy, hearty and simple enough to remind guests of home cooking, but with a little Southwestern twist.

Room rates run from $99 to $169 per night, depending on the room and season. Stay seven nights or longer and get a discount that will just about give you one night free.

If you're committed to living and traveling 'green,' be sure to put Cat Mountain Lodge on your places to stay.

Cat Mountain Lodge
2720 S. Kinney Road
Tucson, AZ 85735
520-578-6085

Have a favorite place to stay in Arizona? Let us know by leaving a comment below or e-mailing me an idea at dstocks@abc15.com .