These 38 five-star hiking trails in the Tucson area include popular routes and hidden treasures, and they range widely in elevation, distance, and difficulty.

Explore the Best Trails in Tucson, Arizona

Encircled by mountains, blessed with awe-inspiring desert scenery, and flanked to its east and west by Saguaro National Park, Tucson is an absolute hiker’s nirvana. Hundreds of trails provide endless opportunities to explore. With the expert guidance of local author Rob Rachowiecki, you’ll experience 38 five-star hiking trails, for all levels and interests, divided into six distinct areas in and around the city.

Bag a peak, or take a dip in a swimming hole. Immerse yourself in the region’s American Indian history, or wander among towering rock formations. With ratings for scenery, difficulty, trail condition, solitude, and accessibility for children, you can find your perfect outings with just a glance. GPS-based trail maps, elevation profiles, and detailed directions to trailheads help to ensure that you always know where you are and where to go. Insights into the history, flora, and fauna of the routes entertain and educate while you are out on the trails.

Save time and make the most of your hiking adventures. Experience the best of Tucson’s breathtaking scenery, varied terrain, and amazing wildlife. Lace up, grab your pack, and hit the trail!

Overview Map

Overview-Map Key

Dedication

Acknowledgments

Preface

Recommended Hikes

Introduction

Saguaro National Park East and Eastern Tucson

• Saguaro National Park East: Cactus Forest–Mica View Loop
• Saguaro National Park East: Douglas Spring and Bridal Wreath Falls Trails
• Saguaro National Park East: Freeman Homestead Trail
• Saguaro National Park East: Garwood Dam Loop
• Saguaro National Park East: Tanque Verde Ridge Trail
• Tanque Verde Falls Trails
• Zimmerman Trailhead to Three Bridges

Sabino Canyon

• Blackett’s Ridge Trail
• Hutch’s Pool
• Phoneline Trail
• Sabino Canyon Road
• Seven Falls on Bear Canyon Trail

Mount Lemmon

• Babad Do’ag Trail
• Incinerator Ridge Trail
• Marshall Gulch Loop
• Meadow Trail Loop
• Molino Basin Trail
• Wilderness of Rock Loop

Santa Catalina Foothills

• Catalina State Park: Nature and Birding Loops
• Catalina State Park: Romero Canyon Trail to Romero Pools
• Finger Rock Trail to Mount Kimball
• Vista Loop
• Pima Canyon Trail to Mount Kimball
• Pontatoc Ridge Trail
• Ventana Canyon to Maiden Pools and The Window

Saguaro National Park West, Tucson Mountains and Tortolita Mountains

• Saguaro National Park West: Hugh Norris Trail to Wasson Peak
• Saguaro National Park West: Sweetwater Trail to Wasson Peak
• Saguaro National Park West: Thunderbird Loop
• Sentinel Peak
• Tucson Mountain Park: Brown Mountain Loop
• Tucson Mountain Park: Yetman Trail
• Wild Burro Loop

Madera Canyon Area

• Bog Springs–Kent Spring Loop
• Dutch John Spring Trail
• Nature Trail and Madera Creek Trail
• Old Baldy Trail to Mount Wrightson
• Super Trail to Mount Wrightson
• Madera Canyon: Wheelchair-Accessible Loops

Appendix A: Outdoor Retailers

Appendix B: Map Resources

Appendix C: Hiking Clubs

Index

About the Author

Map Legend