Best trails in Tucson, Arizona

This trail starts in the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area - which does not allow dogs. This is one of the "Must See" hikes in the area, if you're in town for a short while and want a hike with spectacular views of the Coronado National Forrest. After you park your car in the lot, walk over to the Bear Canyon trailhead - it will be off to the right of the visitors center. Shortly after you start the hike you will come to a paved tram road, turn right and walk along the paved tram road until you come to a small building, cross the bridge to your right and start out along the Phoneline trail. You'll see the trailhead sign for Blacketts Ridge Trail. At the top you'll have incredible views of Thimble Peak to the Northeast and an awesome view of the Phoneline Trail way down below. Note: There is a $5 fee to enter the parkShow more

Note: As of October 2020, users report that this trail can only be hiked for 1.8 miles and then you will have to turn around. Due to fire damage, you will not be able to go past the 1.8 mile mark. Located at the Northwest side of Tucson on the edge of front range of the Santa Catalina Mountains lies the Iris O. Dewhirst trail. Also commonly known as the Pima Canyon Trail #62. This well traveled and well known trail is popular among trail runners, hikers, and day trippers of the Tucson area. Though the stream in Pima Canyon is dry for most of the year, it supports an excellent example of a desert riparian habitat located conveniently close to the Tucson metropolitan area. Unfortunately, that accessibility has resulted in significant overuse of this beautiful and fragile area, especially during the winter, its season of highest use. From the trailhead, located among suburban ranchos, the trail ascends a V-shaped notch carved along the south face of Pusch Ridge. Views down the canyon get better as you climb, encompassing the city of Tucson as well as distant mountains and valleys. The riparian area on the floor of the canyon provides excellent birdwatching for a wide variety of resident and migratory species that make use of this most productive of all desert habitat types. Other desert creatures you may encounter in this area include javelina and jackrabbits, but the real viewing prize of Pima Canyon and the entire Pusch Ridge area are the desert bighorn sheep that maintain a surefooted existence here among rocky crags and rugged canyons. Beyond Pima Spring, the trail becomes steeper and harder to follow as it continues to climb to the upper slopes of Mt. Kimball. Incentives for persevering here are good views of Window Rock and Cathedral Rock. Trail #62 ends at its junction with the Finger Rock Trail #42.Show more

Note: This park periodically closes due to inclement weather. Please cite the website for more information https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coronado/recarea/?recid=25670Show more

Good after some rain. After April the falls may not have waterShow more

Great hike up a well-paved hill with perfect city views. Since this hike is on university property, it is one of the only hikes in the Tucson Mountain Range that permits night hiking. This makes it the perfect hike for sunrise/sunset watching. Tumamoc Hill is a research station that has been studied since 1906. Travel is permitted all the way to the top but on pavement only. Open 4am-10pm No dogs permitted Stay on paved paths Although some stroller and wheelchair users may be able to navigate this trail as it is paved and wide (typically at least five feet), the grade is between 8% and 20% for most of the trail so it may be too steep with too many switchbacks for most equipment users.Show more

Seven mile hike from the Bear Canyon Trailhead. Parking is limited. Can park at trailhead or on residential streets nearby sunrise to sunset only. Show more

For more information about the Redington Road #371 Scenic Drive see the park page here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coronado/recreation/recarea/?recid=25694&actid=105 Show more

This is a fun, moderate hike that has a well-defined trail. Along the trail are many different desert plants, la cholla, prickly pear, sahauro, and desert shrubs. The first half of the hike, you will have a constant view of rugged mountain ridges. The second half of the hike will drop you down and right along a wash/creek bed that you will cross four times. During the monsoon season (May- August) the wash will be full of water, so be careful when crossing. Also remember that this is the desert and with it comes desert critters (snakes, scorpions, etc.) Keep your eyes open and you will be fine, and remember to drink lots of water!! During the summer months the best time to hike, would be in the morning hours. Show more