Beautiful Saguaro cactus at Catalina State Park in Tucson, Arizona

With 4 prominent mountain ranges surrounding the city, Tucson offers no shortage of fascinating desert hikes. These 4 ranges consist of Tucson Mountain Park, the Rincon Mountains, the Santa Catalina Mountains, and and the Santa Rita Mountains. There are numerous parks and preserves within each of the mountain districts. The most stunning views are found within the state and local parks in the Catalina Mountains, located northeast of Tucson near the suburb of Oro Valley.

While many Tucson trails are very long & challenging, others take you on a relaxing trek through the desert. There are a number of easy-moderate trails which will allow you to take in the desert scenery without going all out. This is the best route for first time visitors as the harsh conditions of the desert make a seemingly easy trail that much harder. All of the trails offer you a glimpse of native desert plant life including the stunning Saguaro, native only to the Sonoran Desert. The mesmerizing Saguaro cacti and towering mountain views absolutely make hiking the number one must do while visiting Tucson!

Towering Saguaro cacti along the PIma Canyon trail in Tucson, Arizona

Here are 12 scenic hikes to get you started, all easy-moderate in terms of intensity, and thus, suited for most reasonably in shape hikers.

1. The Hidden Canyon Trail

Distance: 2 mile loop (400 ft gradual elevation gain)

Difficulty: Reasonably easy due to the gradual elevation increase of just 400 ft

Location: Starts at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort (3800 W Starr Pass Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85745)

*Free parking along side streets near the resort

The Hidden Canyon trail at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort in Tucson, Arizona

Despite being located at a prominent resort just outside of the downtown region, the visually spectacular Hidden Canyon trail barely sees any foot traffic. In this case, the name of the trail rings true as this is definitely one of Tucson’s hidden gems. The secluded 2 mile loop within the Tucson Mountains is easy, as well as extremely scenic, with endless views of the unique Saguaro cacti covering the hills. The elevation gain is minimal and very gradual, and thus, this hike is suitable for almost everyone. Wildlife is abundant, with various birds, bobcat, and deer frequently making appearances.

More info on the Hidden Canyon trail

2. Tumanoc Hill

Distance: 1.3 miles out-and-back (700 ft elevation gain)

Difficulty: Moderate (Hard going up, easy going down)

Location: W Anklam Rd & Tumamoc Hill Rd Tucson, AZ 85707

*Free parking along the road

Sunrise stroll along Tumanoc Hill in Tucson, Arizona

Tumanoc Hill is an iconic 800 acre preserve owned by the U of A Science Department for observatory use, and fortunately, also open to the public daily for hiking from 4am-10pm. It is the local fitness enthusiast’s favorite trail and for good reason. Not only will you get in a great cardio workout making your way up the steep 1.5 mile hill, but you will also take in some pretty spectacular desert scenery along the way.

Although the trek up is quite intense with a steep 700 ft elevation gain, the beautiful views of the city and surrounding desert are motivating enough to continue on. Beautiful cacti can be seen throughout, and the views are especially breathtaking at sunrise and sunset. The silhouette of the cactus at these times is enchanting. If you would like to tone the hike down a bit, simply go out to the halfway point and turn around for a relaxing picturesque trek back to the start.

More info on Tumanoc Hill 

3. Linda Vista trail

Distance: The shorter loop is just under a mile. Add another 1/2 mile or so for the longer loop

Difficulty: Easy (minimal elevation gain)

Location: 730 E. Linda Vista Rd Oro Valley, AZ 85737

*Free parking lot

Sunset views along the Linda Vista trail in Tucson, Arizona

Linda Vista is my favorite trail within the Tucson metro area. This one is located in Oro Valley, an attractive suburb about 20 minutes north of the city. Not only is this trail very short at just under a mile, it also happens to be one of the most scenic in town due to the dramatic Catalina mountains comprising the backdrop. As an added benefit, wildlife is abundant and it is not rare to see bobcats during the evening hours. Linda Vista is a great free alternative to Catalina State Park, which is located just down the street.

Linda Vista is easily one of the best sunset watching destinations within the city. Although the trail begins just a few steps from an apartment complex, you would never guess it as the trail is quiet and almost always completely desolate. Linda Vista is a must do if you are seeking gorgeous mountain vistas and/or a spectacular place to watch the sun setting over the mountains.

More info on Linda Vista

4. Pima Canyon trail

Distance: 3.2 miles out-and-back to the Lower Dam, add 2 miles if you continue on. Note that the hike becomes increasingly difficult at this point

Difficulty: Moderate until the lower dam, very difficult if you continue on

Locaiton: 1610 E Magee Rd Tucson, AZ 85718

*Free parking is available in a small lot (fills up fast on weekends, so get here early!)

Beautiful scenery along the Pima Canyon trail in Tucson, Arizona

Pima Canyon is a breathtaking hike within the Catalina Mountains. The trailhead is located just north of the desirable Catalina Foothills region of the city. Although the trail is moderate and pretty easy to follow, hiking the entire trail (just under 7 miles) is a bit difficult in harsh desert conditions. Fortunately, you can go out to your comfort level and simply turn around at any point. The trail is beautiful all around, with numerous overlooks of the spectacular mountains, and of course, serene views of the desert plant life at every turn.

More info on Pima Canyon

5. Canyon Loop trail at Catalina State Park

Distance: 2.3 mile loop

Difficulty: Mostly easy with a few steep sections

Location: 11570 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ 85737

*Admission is 7 bucks per vehicle

Incredible mountain views at Catalina State Park in Tucson, Arizona

Catalina is a gorgeous Oro Valley state park which features incredible views of the dramatic Santa Catalina mountains. This park is a great alternative to Saguaro National Park if you happen to be staying in northwest Tucson, or alternatively if you are looking to keep your trip budget friendly (Catalina’s admission is just 7 bucks compared to Saguaro’s 25). Trails are multi use and open to hikers, bikers, and horseback riders (with the exception of the Romero Pools trail). All trails are well-marked, which is a must in dangerous desert conditions.

Catalina offers a number of intense trails, as well as a few easy nature walks. The best choice here is the moderate 2 mile long Canyon loop trail. This trail is really the perfect distance. Here, you can enjoy a great workout and take in some beautiful desert scenery without the risk of heat exhaustion and dehydration. If you are up for a real challenge, the Romero Pools trail is a favorite with locals due to the rare presence of seasonal streams and pools. This trail is really long at over 7 miles, although you can go out as far as you like and turn back.

Be careful during monsoon season as many hikers have to be rescued due to flash flooding! Late spring-early summer, while brutally hot, is a great time to see the cacti blooming.

More info on Catalina State Park 

6. Saguaro Vista trail at Sweetwater Preserve

Distance: 11 miles of interconnected trails

Difficulty: Easy-moderate depending on how far you go

Location: 4001 N. Tortolita Rd. Tucson, AZ 85745

*Free parking is available, although the lot is quite small & fills up quickly on weekends

Sweetwater Preserve in Tucson, Arizona

Sweetwater is a newer trail system, conveniently located nearby downtown Tucson in the eastern foothills of the Tucson Mountains. This system is great for tourists as most of the trails are short and well-marked. Although it’s really close to town and you can even see a few housing developments at the start, you quickly enter the solitude of the desert as soon as you begin your hike. There are a number of trails you can combine here (from the Saguaro Vista trail) to form a loop of your preferred distance.

The mountain views here are really gorgeous and a diverse variety of cacti line all the trails. Although it appears to be quite crowded in the parking lot (especially on weekends!), foot traffic disperses out as there are a number of trails to choose amongst. There are 11 miles of interconnected trails total, so you can hike to your heart’s content. Mountain biking and horseback riding are options as well.

More info on Sweetwater Preserve

7. Valley View Overlook trail at Saguaro National Park West

Distance: 0.8 miles out-and-back

Difficulty: Easy

Location: 2700 N Kinney Rd Tucson, AZ 85743

*Admission is $25 per vehicle for a 7 day pass

Valley View Overlook trail at Saguaro National Park

The Western Section of Saguaro National Park is located within the Tucson mountains. Although the mountain scenery here is not as dramatic as at the Rincon (East) entrance, the park is home to large uninterrupted strands of Saguaro cacti. The views from the deck of the visitor’s center (featuring 100’s of Saguaro cacti) are so mesmerizing. On the downside, this park is a bit smaller than the Eastern district and the Bajada scenic drive is inconveniently unpaved. On the bright side, the trails here are scenic and well-marked.

The Valley View Overlook is a nice easy trail choice which leads you to an impressive overlook with views of various regional mountains including Picacho Peak. If you have time, Signal Hill is another quick trek worth a look to see interesting ancient pictographs. Another great aspect of visiting the Western district of SNP is that you are nearby other popular attractions like Old Tucson and the International Wildlife Museum, so you can save some driving time! All of these attractions are located on the same scenic drive which is lined with all sorts of exotic cacti on both sides of the street. Really, the drive is an attraction in and of itself!

More info on Saguaro National Park 

8. Lower Javelina Loop at the Wild Burro trailhead

Distance: 1.7 mile loop (360 ft elevation gain)

Difficulty: Moderate

Location: The Ritz Resort (15000 N. Secret Springs Drive Marana, AZ 85658)

*Free parking is available. Enter resort and follow directions of attendant

Hiking the Wild Burro trail near Tucson, Arizona

The Wild Burro trailhead is another fantastic resort trail system, this one located at the exclusive Ritz Carlton at Dove Mountain in the quiet suburb of Marana. There are several trails here, the best being the Lower Javelina Loop which is just under 2 miles total and still offers tremendous views of the Tortolita mountains. The trail is quiet and peaceful as the Ritz is located pretty much out in the middle of the desert. The views on the drive over are amazing as well.

*Watch out for javelinas on the trail and bring with plenty of water as there is absolutely no shade.

More info on the Wild Burro trail

9. Tanque Verde falls trail

Distance: 1.8 miles out-and-back

Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult

Location: 14999 Redington Rd Tucson, AZ 85748

*Free parking, 4WD recommended for the rough dirt road

Scenery along the Tanque Verde hike in Tucson, Arizona

The Tanque Verde waterfall trail is known to be the oasis of Tucson hikes. I do not necessarily agree, as there are many more scenic hikes in the area, although this trail is nice if you have extra time and would like to challenge yourself to a rough trek to see the falls. The trail to the seasonal waterfall is a very difficult journey, although worth it if you are up for a challenge. Definitely save this one for the cooler winter season!

The trail is only 1.8 miles each way although the journey requires lots of rock and boulder climbing and the intense sunshine makes it even more brutal. The poor trail markage does not help either.  Alternatively, you can just go out a mile or so and enjoy the various ponds and streams and nice canyon scenery. Of course, it’s a nice treat to see any water in a barren desert environment like Tucson!

More info on the Tanque Verde Falls trail

10. The Meadow Trail

Distance: 2 mile loop (400 ft elevation gain)

Difficulty: Moderate due to the steepness & high altitude

Location: 12856 N Sabino Canyon Park, Mt Lemmon, AZ 85619 (General store)

*Stop by the visitor’s center or general store for a hiking map & directions to the trailhead

The gorgeous Meadow trail at Mt Lemmon near Tucson, Arizona

The Meadow trail in Summerhaven is a really unique option as this high altitude trek takes you through strands of gorgeous pine trees. Gorgeous mountain vistas are accessible via several overlooks. Sadly, some of the trees are burned as a result of several wildfires over the past few years. Located on the base of Mt Lemmon (one of Arizona’s Sky Islands), temps along the Meadow trail are typically 20 degrees cooler than Tucson during the brutal summer months. Obviously, this is a drastic difference when temps climb past the 100 degree mark on a daily basis for months on end in the Sonoran desert.

To access the trail, you will need to venture out of the city a bit. The drive up the 27 mile long Mt Lemmon Scenic Byway is gorgeous as well with diverse scenery ranging from Saguaro cacti, to ancient hoodoos, to towering pine and aspen forests. Make a whole day out of this one by combining this hike with a scenic chairlift ride at the ski resort and lunch at the Iron Door restaurant.

More info on Mt Lemmon trails

11. Mica View trail at Saguaro East

Distance: 1 mile out-and-back

Difficulty: Easy

Location: 3693 South Old Spanish Trail TucsonAZ 85730-5601

*Admission is $25 and includes entry to both park entrances for 7 days

Mica View trail at Saguaro National Park in Tucson, Arizona

The Eastern section of Saguaro National Park is highly regarded for its’ fantastic mountain scenery, courtesy of its’ location within the beautiful Rincon mountains. The highlight at this park is a scenic 8 mile long paved drive (known as the Cactus Forest Drive) which features numerous scenic overlooks and access to several trails.

The Mica trail is a great place to start your journey at Saguaro National Park. This 1 mile out-and-back trail takes you through an amazing variety of cacti, making it the perfect trail for new visitors. You will also find an excellent visitor’s center and interesting ongoing programs like “how to harvest water from a cactus.” Attending one of these events is a really unique opportunity if you are lucky enough to be in town at the right time. Check out the calendar of special events.

If you have time, I recommend checking out both park entrances as your admission ticket is good for 7 days. If you are on a budget, Saguaro offers a number of free days throughout the year.

12. Aspen Draw trail

Distance: 2 miles round trip

Difficulty: Moderate due to the high elevation (8000+ft)

Location: 10300 E Ski Run Rd, Mt Lemmon, AZ 85619

*Free parking at the ski resort

Leaf peeping along the Aspen draw trail at Mt Lemmon

This may come as a surprise to some, but you can actually see a bit of fall foliage pretty close to Tucson. Just over an hour outside of the city lies the Sky island of Mt. Lemmon, a local favorite for recreation due to the 4 season climate which includes both autumn fall foliage and snow (Mt Lemmon is home to the southernmost ski resort in the US).

A 30 minute drive up the picturesque Mt Lemmon Scenic Byway leads you to the quaint town of Summerhaven. Here you will find a few cute restaurants, a fudge shop, the ever popular Cookie Cabin, and lots of places to picnic, hike, and in general enjoy the outdoors in the cooler setting. As Mt Lemmon is typically 20-30 degrees cooler than Tucson, this is the place to be during the fall season (which is still unbearably hot in the desert).

The 60/70 degree weather combined with a mix of pines and deciduous trees make Mt. Lemmon the perfect easily accessible autumn escape. There are several trails known for great foliage, particularly the Aspen Draw trail. This 2 mile roundtrip trek starts near the ski resort and features an array of gold and red foliage this time of year. Although short, the hike feels much harder due to the high elevation (8000+ft). Take it easy and drink plenty of water.

Fall foliage pics from Mt Lemmon

13. Honeybee Canyon trail

Distance: 1.25 mile loop, although the trail is poorly marked, so you could end up hiking a bit further if you get lost. Look closely for signs hidden amongst the bushes

Difficulty: Easy

Location: 13880 N Rancho Vistoso Blvd Oro Valley, AZ 85755

*Free parking via a small lot – arrive early to ensure availability

Gorgeous scenery from the Honeybee Canyon trail in Oro Valley, Arizona

Honeybee Park is a small park in Oro Valley which features a number of short, scenic trails. The Honeybee Canyon trail is a great pick as you will get to enjoy nice vistas of both the mountains and Saguaro with little effort required. This trail is most popular with local hikers and mountain bikers, although the grand views definitely make the drive over from any hotel/resort well worth any hassle. If you are looking for a short, scenic, very easy hike, Honeybee is definitely one of the best bang-for-your-buck experiences in the metro.

*There is a really nice covered picnic area, so pack a light lunch and relax & refuel after post-hike!

More info on Honeybee Canyon Park

14. Marshall Gulch trail

Distance: About 4 miles for the Marshall/Aspen Loop

Difficulty: Moderate due to the high altitude and 800 ft elevation gain (although gradual)

Location: As there is no official address, you can stop at the General Store (12856 N Sabino Canyon Park, Mt Lemmon, AZ 85619) for detailed directions to the trail head

*Free parking in a small lot and on side streets, although you may be walking pretty far if busy

Pretty mountain views along the Marshall Gulch trail at Mt. Lemmon

Marshall Gulch is another Mt. Lemmon gem. The Marshall Gulch trail is understandably one of the more popular hikes in Tucson and the small parking area can fill up very fast. During the summer season, when temps frequently soar way above 100 degrees, hiking any trail on Mt. Lemmon offers fitness buffs a nice respite from the heat. Like the Meadow trail & Aspen Draw, you will take the gorgeous Catalina Scenic Byway drive up to Summerhaven to access this trail. Marshall Gulch is a beautiful high altitude trail which lined with pretty pines and aspens. This trail can be conveniently combined with the Aspen trail for a nice little loop of under 4 miles.

While many of the trees are burned from past wildlife damage, the mountain views are still gorgeous and you really cannot beat the cooler summer temperatures. Lots of leafy trees and plenty of shade, along with numerous small streams, give this trail a really nice rustic nature vibe which you definitely will not find anywhere in Tucson. Summertime is a great time to enjoy the beautiful colorful wildflowers that sprout up everywhere. Combied with Aspen Draw, this is a fantastic leaf peeping trail.

More info on Marshall Gulch

15. Nature trail/Tram Road Walk at Sabino Canyon

Distance: Under a mile

Difficulty: Very easy (Great for beginners who want to learn more about native desert plants)

Location: 5900 N Sabino Canyon Rd, Tucson, AZ 85750

*Entrance to Sabino Canyon is $8 per car. Tram rides are $15 per person (cash only)

Diverse cacti species along the nature trail at Sabino Canyon in Tucson, Arizona

I admit, the highly touted Sabino Canyon is not my favorite place in Tucson. It’s crowded, most trails are poorly marked, and the entrance fee is really high for what you get, especially in comparison to the many scenic free hikes around town. If you have your heart set on going to Sabino Canyon, I recommend taking the tram ride (now emission-free!) and enjoying one of the scenic nature trails. Most of the other trails, with the exception of the very difficult Seven Falls, are poorly maintained and not well-marked, and very hard for those not accustomed to the desert conditions. If you are up for challenge, the paved tram walk (3.7 miles) is a fantastic option. Some visitors choose to take the tram up and hike leisurely back.

The 45 minute long narrated tram ride is a nice alternative for those who are unable to hike or would prefer to keep it relaxing on vacation. For those interested in an easy hike, I recommend checking out the Nature trail by the visitor’s center. It’s very short and very easy and a great introduction to the many species of cacti which live in the Sonoran Desert. Anyone up for a challenge should check out Seven falls, one of Tucson’s most popular hikes. It’s very long, however, you can cut some time out by taking the tram. The seasonal waterfall and pools are much appreciated during the summer season by locals tired of the heat.

*In short, Sabino is a great place for anyone seeking a place to enjoy the desert scenery without hiking as the tram ride is a nice introduction to the desert and offers plenty of spectacular vistas. Otherwise, choose one of the hikes listed above which offer similar scenery in a quieter setting.

More info on Sabino Canyon

General Tips for hiking in Tucson

Plan your visit outside of the summer season, if possible. It’s just too hot, even super early in the morning. If you must, set out no later than 6am and keep it short. Or better yet, head up to Mt Lemmon where it is much cooler.

Bring with plenty of water, more than you are accustomed to. It is extremely dry in Tucson and many die of dehydration on the trails each year. I recommend using a camelbak for easy access. I also bring an extra bottle of water to throw over my head just in case I get really overheated. Snacks high in electrolytes are also a must.

Eat a full breakfast pre-hike and bring along a few salty carb based snacks for the journey. Here are my favorite breakfast choices in Tucson.

Bring with a pair of sunglasses and a visor. The harsh rays of the desert sun can make any hike even more uncomfortable, even during the cooler winter season.

Although winter daytime temps are quite mild, the temps are much cooler in the morning, occasionally dropping into the 30’s. Dress in layers – you can always stuff a light long tshirt/sweater into a backpack.

If hiking a high altitude trail at Mt Lemmon, take extra safety precautions. Drink extra water, ensure adequate electrolyte replenishment, and take it much easier than usual!

Keep an eye out for rattlesnakes and scorpions. Spring is the prime season. Always stay on trail, watch where you step, and leave snakes alone! Most bites come from hikers veering off trail, messing around with snakes, or not paying attention.

Keep your distance from javelina, bobcats, and mountain lions. Although not common, wildlife occasionally attack humans and pets.

During the summer season, limit hiking, set out early in the morning, and check the monsoon forecast.