Biosphere 2
Oracle, AZ
A sealed glass research complex built around 1990 to test closed ecosystems, now run by the University of Arizona. Visits take you past the rainforest, ocean and desert biomes; allow about two hours.
Biosphere 2 is a glass research facility near Oracle, Arizona, about 30 miles (roughly 48 km) north of Tucson on Highway 77. It was built between 1987 and 1991 to test whether a closed ecosystem could sustain people. The facility covers about 3 acres (around 1.3 hectares).
From September 1991 to September 1993, eight people lived sealed inside. Problems included food shortages and falling oxygen levels; according to Wikipedia, oxygen dropped from 20.9 to 14.5 percent. Since 1 July 2011 the facility has belonged to the University of Arizona.
On a tour you see the biospherians' living quarters, the farm area and kitchen, plus the “technosphere” and the “tropical ocean” holding about a million gallons of water (Lonely Planet). Wikipedia counts five biomes: rainforest, ocean with coral reef, mangroves, savannah and fog desert; Lonely Planet lists six ecosystems including a city. Check opening hours and tour options beforehand.
- Nearest town
- Oracle, AZ
- Category
- Roadside oddities
- GPS
- 32.5783, -110.8512
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually November–April. Still fine, with some compromises, in October. Hot in May–September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Peppersauce CampgroundCampsite8 mi from Biosphere 2
- Haycreek RanchMotorhome stopover9 mi from Biosphere 2MotorhomesElectricityWaste disposal
- Catalina State Park: Ringtail LoopCampsite11 mi from Biosphere 2
- Catalina State Park: Loop BCampsite11 mi from Biosphere 2
- Rose Canyon CampgroundCampsite16 mi from Biosphere 2TentsCaravans
- Prince of Tucson RV ParkMotorhome stopover23 mi from Biosphere 2Motorhomes
All campsites in Arizona · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Biosphere 2?
Biosphere 2 is in Oracle, AZ, at GPS 32.5783, -110.8512. It is about 11 mi from Summerhaven.
Can you camp near Biosphere 2?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Peppersauce Campground, about 8 mi away; within 25 mi there are 26 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Biosphere 2?
Biosphere 2 is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Tucson and Mount Lemmon: from saguaros to pine forest.
What is there to see near Biosphere 2?
Places worth a stop nearby: Catalina State Park (12 mi), Windy Point Vista (16 mi), Sabino Canyon Recreation Area (19 mi) and Saguaro National Park (27 mi).
When is the best time to visit Biosphere 2?
The most pleasant months are usually November–April. Still fine, with some compromises, in October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)