You'll find the Tucson and Pima county area to be a hikers paradise, the places to visit range from easy paths to strolls to rugged mountain trails for the experienced. Arizona is a place that you MUST make safety primary. Remember always hike with a friend, bring lots of water and healthy snacks, and a cell phone with batteries. Please be sure to research times for daylight and sundown. Bring a flashlight and wear appropriate clothing.
Mt Lemmon
749-8700
North on Catalina Highway, one hour to the summit.
$5/vehicle.
The short drive will take you thousands of feet above Tucson, where the temperature averages about 20 degrees cooler. A nice 6.5-mile hike is Butterfly Trail. The trailhead is at the ranger station at milepost 19.8. Before traveling up the mountain during the winter, it's advisable to call the Pima County Sheriff's Department Road Conditions Hotline at 741-4991.
749-8700
North on Catalina Highway, one hour to the summit.
$5/vehicle.
The short drive will take you thousands of feet above Tucson, where the temperature averages about 20 degrees cooler. A nice 6.5-mile hike is Butterfly Trail. The trailhead is at the ranger station at milepost 19.8. Before traveling up the mountain during the winter, it's advisable to call the Pima County Sheriff's Department Road Conditions Hotline at 741-4991.
Sabino Canyon Recreational Area
749-2861
5900 N Sabino Canyon Rd. East Tucson
Parking $5/vehicle, Tram $7.50/adults, $3/children 3-12
Open 8 am to 4 30 pm
Sabino Canyon offers spectacular views, a variety of wildlife, and dozens of marked trails that range from easy to advanced. The easiest hike is the one that takes you 3.8 miles up the canyon. Other favorites include the Telephone Line Trail and Bear Canyon.
749-2861
5900 N Sabino Canyon Rd. East Tucson
Parking $5/vehicle, Tram $7.50/adults, $3/children 3-12
Open 8 am to 4 30 pm
Sabino Canyon offers spectacular views, a variety of wildlife, and dozens of marked trails that range from easy to advanced. The easiest hike is the one that takes you 3.8 miles up the canyon. Other favorites include the Telephone Line Trail and Bear Canyon.
Pima Canyon Trail
In North Tucson. The trailhead is at the east end of Magee Road, just past Christie Drive (the extension of First Ave)
An exceptional hike for wildlife and scenery, the trail begins with a steep climb as you enter the canyon, then crisscrosses the streambed, offering a nice variety of short climbs and descents. Pima Canyon is a Bighorn Sheep Preserve. Steep Climbs and rugged trails are for
intermediate and advanced hikers.
In North Tucson. The trailhead is at the east end of Magee Road, just past Christie Drive (the extension of First Ave)
An exceptional hike for wildlife and scenery, the trail begins with a steep climb as you enter the canyon, then crisscrosses the streambed, offering a nice variety of short climbs and descents. Pima Canyon is a Bighorn Sheep Preserve. Steep Climbs and rugged trails are for
intermediate and advanced hikers.
Saguaro National Park West
733-5158
10 miles west of Tucson. Free.
Tucson Mountain Park just west of town has many great trails. The best place for information is at the Red Hills Visitor Center on Kinney Rd. A popular hike is the Sendero Esperanza Trail to the top of Wasson Peak. Reaching the top of the 4,600-foot peak takes about 2 hours.
733-5158
10 miles west of Tucson. Free.
Tucson Mountain Park just west of town has many great trails. The best place for information is at the Red Hills Visitor Center on Kinney Rd. A popular hike is the Sendero Esperanza Trail to the top of Wasson Peak. Reaching the top of the 4,600-foot peak takes about 2 hours.
Finger Rock Trail
North Central Tucson at the north end of Alvernon Way
A highly visible landmark in the Santa Catalina Mountains, Finger Rock is extremely steep-- climbing from 3,000 to well over 7,000 feet. The wildlife is diverse and the city views spectacular. The 10-mile round trip is for intermediate to advanced hikers.
Santa Cruz River Park Trail
This mostly flat route follows the banks of the normally dry Santa Cruz River west of downtown. Paths on both sides of the river extend from West Grand Road south to West Silverbell Road. To get to the trail, simply follow any major Downtown street west to the river.
Rillito River Park Trail
This trail winds through the city along the Rillito riverbed. The asphalt trail on the north side of the river is a favorite for walkers, joggers, skaters, and cyclists. For a short walk of about a mile, head west of the parking lot just west of La Canada on River Road in northwest Tucson. For a longer walk, Head east back toward the city. The path is designed so you never have to cross any streets, and distance is marked. A fun, easy hike for all ages.
This trail winds through the city along the Rillito riverbed. The asphalt trail on the north side of the river is a favorite for walkers, joggers, skaters, and cyclists. For a short walk of about a mile, head west of the parking lot just west of La Canada on River Road in northwest Tucson. For a longer walk, Head east back toward the city. The path is designed so you never have to cross any streets, and distance is marked. A fun, easy hike for all ages.
