Hikes in Tucson

Tumamoc Hill is one of the most popular hikes in Tucson thanks to its great city views, relatively short length, and night hiking opportunities. The route is paved, which is a plus for hikers who prefer or require even footing. Because Tumamoc Hill is on university property, it’s the only hike in the Tucson Mountain Range that is open for night hiking. If you want to watch the sunset or sunrise, this is the place to be!

The route is 5.0 km long, but some hikers turn around at the midpoint instead of going the entire way. Expect a 2 m paved route with plenty of signage. Some parts of the trail are steep, which could make using a stroller or wheelchair very difficult without some assistance. Overall we rate this trail as moderately difficult. If you come in hot weather, please ensure you’ve got lots of hydration and some sun protection with you.

Tanque Verde Falls Trail is a popular hike near Tucson that climbs up the Tanque Verde Wash to an 80-foot waterfall. Along the way, you can take advantage of other small waterfalls and swimming holes. Most of this trail is quite easy and kid-friendly. Near the end, there’s some climbing over boulders required to reach the waterfall directly. Those unable to climb or those with young kids can skip the end of the hike in favor of a picnic at one of the smaller pools on the way.

As with all hikes in the Arizona desert, some months of the year may be too hot to safely adventure outside. Bring plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and head home if you start to feel unwell or overheated. Starting early in the day can help you finish your hike before the heat of the day. Finally, avoid this hike if there’s a flash flood warning or heavy rain in the forecast.

Bear Canyon to Seven Falls Trail is a real gem. This 13.4 km moderately difficult trail is located at the base of Thimble Peak in the Pusch Ridge Wilderness on the northeast edge of Tucson. It’s excellent for its ease of access from the city and for its diverse, beautiful terrain. You’ll hike next to towering saguaros and prickly pears, witness the area’s astounding bird population fly by, and end your hike at the Broadmoor Seven Falls. At the falls, there is a series of gorgeous pools that can be used to cool off.

This canyon can reach scorching temperatures in the middle of the day. Start your hike early, bring plenty of water, and avoid hiking this route in the summertime if at all possible. Since this is such a popular hike, midweek visits are recommended if possible.

The Sweetwater Wetlands Loop leads you a short distance around one of the most important functional, environmental, and educational sites of the City of Tucson’s reclaimed water system. The Sweetwater Wetlands were constructed in 1996 to handle backwash water from the reclaimed water plant. Now, the site is a wetland that exclusively uses reclaimed water. The entire wetland has 4.0 km of trails, but this loop covers a quick 1.6 km section. Around 305 m of the wetland pathways are paved and ADA-approved for wheelchair users.

This quick little nature walk is suitable for all ages and all skill levels. It’s flat, either paved or on 3.4-inch gravel, and easy to navigate. Note that dogs, horses, and bikes are not allowed in this area.

The Sabino Tram Road through the Sabino Canyon is a stellar hike. This 11.9 km moderately difficult trail is located on the north side of Saddleback and Thimble Peak in the Pusch Ridge Wilderness on the northeast edge of Tucson. This hike is excellent for its ease of access from the city and for its diverse, beautiful terrain. You’ll hike next to towering saguaros and prickly pears, witness the area’s astounding bird population fly by, and be able to appreciate the scenic canyon.

This canyon can reach scorching temperatures in the middle of the day. Start your hike early, bring plenty of water, and avoid hiking this route in the summertime if at all possible. Since this is such a popular hike, midweek visits are recommended if possible.

The Sentinel Peak hike near Tucson is a quick win, offering panoramic views of Tucson and the surrounding mountains on an easy 2.7 km loop. This hike is ideal if you want a quick leg-stretcher, are taking the kids out, or if you want some time outside but can’t go far or be gone for too long. The elevation gain is mostly gentle and the route is paved and easy to follow.

Sentinel Peak is a prominent landmark. It’s also known as “A” Mountain for its University of Arizona logo on the mountain, which was built by students in 1916. Most days, the mountain sees hundreds of hikers and bikers making their way up the road that encircles the mountain’s peak.

Blackett's Ridge Trail from Bear Canyon is an awesome adventure. This 10.5 km difficult trail climbs up Saddleback in the Pusch Ridge Wilderness on the northeast edge of Tucson. This hike is excellent for its ease of access from the city and for its diverse, beautiful terrain. The city views and desert views are both excellent, and the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area is always a treat.

This ridge can reach scorching temperatures in the middle of the day. Start your hike early, bring plenty of water, and avoid hiking this route in the summertime if at all possible. Note that there are occasional closures on this route for bighorn sheep lambing season.

Blackett's Ridge Trail is an excellent adventure near Tucson. This 9.2 km difficult trail climbs up Saddleback in the Pusch Ridge Wilderness on the northeast edge of Tucson. This hike is excellent for its ease of access from the city and for its diverse, interesting terrain. This version of the hike begins from the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area. You can also do Blackett’s Ridge Trail from Bear Canyon if you want to skip the paid parking and add a little bit of distance.

This ridge can reach scorching temperatures in the middle of the day. Start your hike early, bring plenty of water, and avoid hiking this route in the summertime if at all possible. Note that there are occasional closures on this route for bighorn sheep lambing season.

Hutch's Pool is a popular spot tucked away in the Santa Catalina Mountains near Tucson. The route there travels through the Sabino Canyon in the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, known for its rugged desert beauty and plentiful wildlife. This is a rewarding trip that ends at a great swimming hole. While it can be done in a day, we recommend splitting this one up over two days and spending a night on the trail. If you plan to do it in a day, get a very early start and don’t hike in the scorching summertime.

You’ll be able to filter water from the river, but water levels vary depending on the time of year you choose to visit. Bring plenty of hydration with you and wear sun protection.

Hutch's Pool is a popular swimming and camping spot tucked away in the Santa Catalina Mountains near Tucson. The usual route there travels through the Sabino Canyon in the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, known for its rugged desert beauty and plentiful wildlife. This guide details the hike to Hutch’s Pool starting and ending at the West fork Sabino Trail. We recommend using this route if you’re taking the tram through the Sabino Canyon or already out on West Fork Sabino Trail. If you’re not taking the tram and need guidance from the recreation area, check out our Hutch’s Pool Hike guide.

This is a rewarding trip that ends at a great swimming hole. You’ll be able to filter water from the river, but water levels vary depending on the time of year you choose to visit. Bring plenty of hydration with you and wear sun protection.

Seven Falls is a beautiful waterfall tucked into Bear Canyon in the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area. This 10.9 km moderately difficult trail is located at the base of Thimble Peak in the Pusch Ridge Wilderness on the northeast edge of Tucson. With waterfalls, countless bird species, and more cacti than you could count lining your path, this is a fantastic area to hike in.

This canyon can reach scorching temperatures in the middle of the day. Start your hike early, bring plenty of water, and avoid hiking this route in the summertime if at all possible. Since this is such a popular hike, midweek visits are recommended if possible. Note that this route begins from Bear Canyon Road, where there isn’t a parking fee. If you want to start this hike from the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area instead, check out our Bear Canyon to Seven Falls Trail guide.

Bridal Wreath Falls Trail is a moderately difficult 9.2 km hike in the north end of Saguaro National Park East. This route heads uphill through the rugged desert to a delicate cascading waterfall. If you can time this hike to hit the falls when they’re running (early spring and post-monsoon tend to be best for this). The route to the falls is consistently uphill on rocky mountain steps. While it won’t feel that challenging for fit hikers, beginners or younger hikers might find this trail to be on the difficult side of moderate. Bring plenty of water, consider bringing poles, and get your hike in before the heat of the day hits.

Bobcat Ridge and Starr Pass is a great scenic hike near Tucson. This route is 6.6 km long and has some fun rocky sections and steep ledges with wide-open views. It might not be the best choice for those who are afraid of heights, but you’ve got enough room to maneuver that most should still feel comfortable on this route. You’ll look out at the tall saguaros, the mountains on the horizon, and Tucson beside you. This hike doesn’t get too busy, so it’s a good bet any time of the week.

Bring lots of water for this hike as there’s no shade. We also like to pack a picnic and take a seat near (not at the end of) the ledge to have lunch with a view.

Chiva Falls Trail is an 13.8 km hard hike near Tucson that is used by hikers and off-road drivers. The trail leads through the desert to a lovely waterfall. If you like to spot wildlife, this is a great trail! Users report seeing snakes, lizards, tarantulas, and more. Since the entire hike is out in the sun with no shade, it’s important that you bring more water than you think you’ll need and wear sun protection. We don’t recommend this during the heat of the day.

Since traffic is shared on this route, we recommend keeping open ears as you hike.

Additionally, dogs should be kept on leash to keep them safe in the presence of mountain bikes and ATV and vehicle traffic. Try to plan this hike in the spring or after heavy rain to see the falls in action. While this is a hiking guide, drivers should know that this route is only recommended for experienced off-roaders.

The Valley View Overlook Trail is a quick and easy route in Saguaro National Park West lined with gorgeous tall cactus and rolling desert hills. This route is great for families with young kids or beginner hikers who want to get out and enjoy the outdoors on a simple, forgiving trail. Saguaro National Park West is known for its amazing saguaros and relaxed hiking trails, so this is a great way to introduce yourself to the park and enjoy its scenery.

While this is a short trail, you’ll still want to bring water for the hike. It can get very hot on this route, so sunscreen and a hat are also good ideas.

The Douglas Spring, Bridal Wreath Falls, and Garwood Loop is a moderately difficult 11.3 km hike in the north end of Saguaro National Park East. This route heads uphill through the rugged desert to a delicate cascading waterfall and loops back around through a gorgeous expanse of desert foothills. If you can time this hike to hit the falls when they’re running (early spring and post-monsoon tend to be best for this).

Part of this hike is consistently uphill on rocky mountain steps. While it won’t feel that challenging for fit hikers, beginners or younger hikers might find this trail to be on the difficult side of moderate. Bring plenty of water, consider bringing poles, and get your hike in before the heat of the day hits.

The Catalina Canyon Loop is an enjoyable, easy 3.7 km hike in Catalina State Park north of Tucson. Tucked just north of the Pusch Ridge Wilderness and sitting near the convergence of two washes, this area has great views and more water to enjoy than most other areas around Tucson.

This route crosses the Sutherland Wash several times. It’s good for days when you want to cool your feet off (because they will get wet) and since it's dog-friendly and has water to enjoy, it’s a favorite for local dog owners. As with all hikes in this area, bring plenty of water and get your hike in before the heat of the day hits.

Mount Kimball is one of the most accessible major summits in the Santa Catalina Mountains near Tucson. With 1,280 m of elevation gain to complete in around 5 miles, this is no walk in the park. This route reaches the top via Finger Rock Trail. While the entire hike is too demanding for some users, it’s a fine hike to go as far as you like on if you can’t complete it all since the views are still quite rewarding without reaching the top. For those going the distance, expect difficult footing and a tiring grade. Poles will be helpful.

As with all hikes in this area, bring plenty of water and get your hike in before the heat of the day hits.

The hike along the Brown Mountain Trail from the Brown Mountain Picnic Area is an awesome trip that delivers great views without being too difficult. This route begins from the picnic area within Saguaro National Park West, known for its dense covering of saguaros. This route also features cholla and several different kinds of cactus. The route travels over Brown Mountain from end to end and completes a loop by returning along the northern side of the mountain.

This route is a bit rocky and has some steep parts, but overall we consider it suitable for most skill levels and ages. As with all hikes in this area, bring plenty of water and get your hike in before the heat of the day hits.

Pontatoc Ridge Trail is a 6.6 km heavily trafficked hard trail in the Pusch Ridge Wilderness of the Santa Catalina Mountains. This route is interesting for its connection to the area’s mining past. If you go a bit beyond the end of the trail, you can find an impressively long mining tunnel in the rock that’s fascinating to explore. The hike isn’t too long, but it’s fairly steep and rocky. Young children may not make it to the top, but older kids should be able to enjoy this hike.

Bring lots of water on this hike. Additionally, the trail becomes hard to follow in parts because of heavy traffic going off-trail in the past, so a downloaded GPS route is a good thing to have.