Gates Pass to Golden Gate Loop

Route Description for Gates Pass to Golden Gate Loop

Whether you’re out for a day enjoying Tucson Mountain Park or making your way to Gilbert Ray Campground for a little city camping staycation, the Gates Pass to Golden Gate Loop is a good one to have in mind. This route shows off Golden Gate Mountain and takes you from one end of the park to the other. The tall saguaros and mountains make for an enjoyable background as you explore.

Please hike with caution on this route as users report encountering rattlesnakes. Additionally, bring lots of water and avoid hiking in the afternoon when temperatures are at their highest.
From the Gates Pass trailhead, take Gates Pass Trail, keeping right to where the loop splits. From here, things can be a touch overgrown after recent rain, so long pants might be helpful to have. Bring tweezers for the cholla just in case.

Keep right on Gates Pass Trail and follow this across Kinney Road and past the campground. When you hit the junction with Prospector Trail, go left and then take another left onto Ironwood Trail. Follow this back to Kinney Road and across, taking Kerr Jar Trail to Golden Gate Trail. Continue onto Rattlesnake Trail and then follow Gates Pass back to the trailhead.