Hiking Hotspot: Pima Canyon in the Catalina Foothills

Pima Canyon is a beautiful hike located in the Catalina Foothills, a gorgeous upscale neighborhood of Tucson. This canyon is located within the Pusch Ridge Wilderness area in the mesmerizing Santa Catalina Mountains. Tucson is home to no shortage of beautiful hikes, with this being my favorite choice in the Foothills region.

As a resident of nearby Oro Valley for several years, I enjoyed this hike at least once or twice a month. I really love seeing all the gorgeous cacti in such a rustic setting. This trail receives less traffic than tourist favorites, Sabino Canyon and Saguaro National Park.

As a bonus, after your hike there are a number of great restaurants and shops to enjoy. It’s nice to have a great restaurant close by after working up a sweat.

Flora & fauna of the canyon

Like most other trails in this region, this trail is a popular place for bird and wildlife watching. Javelina, desert bighorn sheep, and jack rabbits are frequently sighted. Bobcats and gila monsters occasionally make an appearance, particularly early in the morning. While I’ve seen bobcats, javelina, and gila monsters on many other trails around town, surprisingly, I have not seen any wildlife yet on this trail. Of course, various species of rattlesnakes inhabit the desert, so you will need to take safety precautions.

Thankfully, I’ve seen zero snakes on any hikes thus far but I did see one on a tram ride in Sabino Canyon. They are more active when the weather is warm so be on the lookout. Never put your hands under any rocks and be careful around bushes. Experts recommend not wearing headphones so you can hear the rattle, backing away slowly, and wearing long pants and boots.

Avid hikers typically choose to challenge themselves to the lengthy, vigorous trek to Pima Saddle. This is an extremely difficult 6+ mile out-and back hike featuring 4000+ foot of elevation gain, and only suitable for experienced hikers. Trust me, this is one hard hike. Most tourists have enough of a problem hiking up Tumamoc Hill, a hard climb which is only 700 feet in elevation (this is one of my favorite hikes). This one is much harder. Do not under any circumstance consider this full hike during the hot summer season. There are better short hikes more suited for this time of year.

For new tourists, I recommend simply going out a mile or 2 and enjoy all the beautiful desert plants which comprise the desert riparian habitat. You will see plenty of prickly pear, mesquite trees, and of course, the enchanting Saguaro cactus that the area is most famous for.

Hiking to the Lower Dam: The ideal beginner trek

As an easier and more enjoyable alternative to Pima Saddle, many hikers choose to go out to the lower dam for a total round-trip hike of about 5 miles. Again, you can choose to turn around at any point. 2 miles is a great distance in my opinion for vacationers and first time hikers who want to take it easy.

This still is no easy feat and will take at least 2 hours. No matter how far you choose to go out, you will get to enjoy some top notch scenery. Lush desert vegetation and stunning views of the mountains surround you in every direction.

What I love most about this hike is all the exotic cacti you will see along the way. There are so many varieties of cacti and it’s so interesting to take it all in, especially if you are not native to the area. The Saguaro is obviously the most stunning especially when it dots the mountainside. Take a look at some of the incredible species you will come across during your hike.

It’s really easy to get lost in nature just about anywhere you choose to hike in the Sonoran. When surrounded by the exotic plants of the Sonoran desert, it’s so easy to relax for a bit and live in the moment. I actually prefer hiking in Tucson over Phoenix because the trails are so much more laid-back. You won’t find the big crowds you see at South Mountain and Camelback in Phoenix, with the exception of Sabino Canyon.

Most trails here are incredibly serene and a great place to get in a workout, get up and close with the tremendous desert scenery, and simply enjoy reconnecting with nature. I had no problem finding a great trail nearly every weekend that I lived in the region. No matter how hard my workweek could be, a beautiful hike in the desert always left me feeling a hundred times better.

Tips for a great hike

• Wear hiking shoes, preferably boots
• Use a hiking stick
• Wear a camelback for easy water access. I also recommend a few snacks like trail mix (I like Karr’s)
• Avoid hiking if a monsoon is in the forecast. It is not safe. I see reports of stranded hikers all the time.
• Set out early in the morning if you do hike during the summer months and keep it short. It’s best to save this one for the fall/winter months.
• You can check out more of my desert hiking tips to ensure your are prepared. Despite the convenient distance to town, you are whisked away to a nature wonderland the moment you begin your hike.

Additional details

• Location: 1610 E. Magee Rd. Tucson
• Admission: Free. Parking is also free.
• Parking fills up fast during the prime season (winter). Arrive early, preferably on a weekday.
• No dogs or bicycles allowed.

Where to grab a bite nearby

I love shopping and dining in the Foothills region. There are a number of great local restaurants and coffeeshops plus a great mall (La Encantada). Here are a few of my recommended picks:

• Beyond Bread: A regional chain which serves homemade sandwiches and soups. Lots of great veggie options.
• Blanco: Modern Mexican restaurant at La Encantada Mall. Features a nice patio.
• Guadalajara Grill: Featuring authentic Mexican food and a colorful dining room. I recommend the Taquitos Con Papas as a great vegetarian choice. Mike recommends the Chicken Chimichanga!
• Tohono Chul Garden Bistro: Excellent breakfast fare in a beautiful garden setting.
• Frost Gelato: The best cool treat in town! Located at La Encantada Mall.

Tucson is one of my favorite foodie cities. You can check out my detailed dining guide for further info.