Agua Caliente Loop
The Agua Caliente Loop is an awesome hike in the Tucson area with canyon views and a sense of rugged adventure to be found. This route is nestled between the Pusch Ridge Wilderness and Saguaro National Park East, so the scenery pulls together the best of both areas. Note that this is different from the Agua Caliente Hill Trail, which is in the same area but longer and more challenging. Expect 9.7 km of moderately difficult hiking on this loop.
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Route Description for Agua Caliente Loop
The Agua Caliente Loop is a 9.7 km hike located south of the Pusch Ridge Wilderness and north of Saguaro National Park East. This route offers excellent Sonoran Desert scenery with a great canyon overlook. Our route guide follows this loop clockwise, which is the way the trail is “supposed” to go. Keep in mind that you can do this loop counter-clockwise for an easier trip. It’s definitely more strenuous clockwise, so don’t be afraid to go the other way if you’re not keen on a more difficult hike.
Although this route is dog-friendly, users report injuries to their dog’s paws due to the sharp, rocky terrain on the trail. Please consider boots for your dogs or consider leaving them at home. Good boots are also recommended for yourself.
From the trailhead, hike east on E Horseshoe Road to La Milagrosa Trail. You’ll cross three washes early on, which may have water in them depending on the time of year and recent weather. Where the trail forks, make your decision on which way to go. Clockwise, you’ll stay to the left on La Milagrosa and ascend the wall of the canyon to a pretty overlook into the canyon below. Cross another wash and keep tracing the canyon wall. At the top of the loop, you’ll turn southwest, crossing another wash and then hiking back towards the trailhead with a view of the city.
Getting to the Agua Caliente Loop Trailhead
The trailhead for Agua Caliente Loop is on N Avenida de Suzenu.
Route Information
Agua Caliente Loop Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherAgua Caliente Loop Reviews
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Nearby Trails
- Ernie’s Falls Hike
- Soldier Trail
- Molino Basin Trail
- Molino Basin via Arizona Trail
- Agua Caliente Hill Trail
- Milagrosa Canyon Trail
- Babat Duag Trail
- Bridal Wreath Falls Trail
- Seven Falls via Bear Canyon Road
- Hutch’s Pool via West Fork Sabino Trail
- Blackett’s Ridge Trail from Bear Canyon
- Tanque Verde Falls Trail