Mosaic and Slingshot Loop

Route Description for Mosaic and Slingshot Loop

The Mosaic and Slingshot Loop is a solid pick for its ease of access in Tucson and its all-ages difficulty level. This hike is long enough to let you enjoy being in the beautiful Painted Hills Trails Park, but it’s easy enough for beginners, kids, and most others to enjoy. There are connecting trails that allow you to keep hiking longer if you’d like, or you can turn back early if you’re very short on time.

There are no restrooms at the trailhead, so come prepared. Bring water and wear sun protection, and try to plan your hike for the cooler mornings or evenings.

The hike begins at the Painted Hills Trailhead. Take Mosaic Trail to a Y-junction, where you’ll go right. Hike between two unnamed peaks and then around the northern face of Bactrian Summit. Turn left with the trail to hike between Recoil Peak and Bactrian Summit. At a 5-way junction, simply continue straight through. At the next junction, take a left to hike along the southern base of Bactrian Summit, taking a few relaxed switchbacks down near the road again to return to the trailhead.