Tucson & Southern Arizona Hiking

Desert Hiking 

A Surprise Around Every Bend

Hiking is an ideal way to explore the varied terrain and diverse wildlife in Tucson and Southern Arizona. You'll find urban recreational trails, bird-watching trails, canyon trails, summit trails, flat trails, and steep climbs that delight and challenge, whether you're new to exploring nature or are an avid outdoor adventure-seeker.

Tucson

Tucson is nearly surrounded by five mountain ranges, most of which are protected as city and state parks, national forest, or national park. Within these public areas are hundreds of miles of trails offering hikers of all skill levels convenient access to unspoiled beauty. Landscapes range from cacti-covered hills to pine-topped mountains, making hiking an option for every season.

The five mountain ranges surrounding Tucson include the Santa Catalina Mountains (north side), the Rincon Mountains (east side), the Santa Rita Mountains (south side), the Tucson Mountains (west side), and the Tortolita Mountains (northwest side). Click on a mountain range name above to view hikes in that area.

Urban Trails

Rillito River Park Trail - This 11-mile trail winds through the city along the Rillito Riverbed from North Craycroft Road nearly to Interstate 10. Access is available at numerous points along the way.

Santa Cruz River Park Trail - Located along the banks of the Santa Cruz Riverbed, west of downtown Tucson, this flat, paved trail runs south from Grant Road to 29th Street. The trail includes a portion of the Anza National Historic Trail.

Southern Arizona

Southern Arizona covers the northern part of the Sonoran Desert and the northwestern tip of the Chihuahuan Desert. This area extends from Picacho Peak, south to the Mexican border, west to Ajo, and east to the New Mexico state border. South of the Tucson area, the Chiricahua Mountains, Huachuca Mountains, and Dragoon Mountains are a few ranges offering fine hiking trails in Southern Arizona.

Featured Partners

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Upcoming Outdoor Events


Birds of Tohono Chul Park Walking Tour - Sep. 4 - Dec. 25  Tohono Chul Park hosts docent-led walking tours of its grounds at 8:30 a.m. every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Details at www.tohonochulpark.org., 520-742-6455.

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Music on the Mountain - Sep. 5  Lava Music produces outdoor concerts (country, bluegrass, acoustic, cowboy, honky tonk, and jazz) on Sunday afternoons in Summerhaven, Mt. Lemmon, Memorial Day through Labor Day..

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Saguaro National Park Labor Day Run - Sep. 6  The Southern Arizona Roadrunners presents an early morning run through the scenic cactus-forest loop in Saguaro National Park East in the Rincon Mountain foothills, including 2-mile and 8-mile courses., 520-326-9383.

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Bat Night 2010 - Sep. 11  Rillito River Project presents bat night at the Rillito riverbed east of Campbell Avene bridge. Lectures and questions and answers by bat experts. Bring a flashlight, drinking water, and a blanket to sit down., 520-955-3429.

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Rillito River Run - Sep. 18  Diamond Venture's 13th annual El Tour 10k and 5K Run/walk along the Rillito River Park Trail to benefit Ben's Bells Project kicks off the El Tour de Tucson event season starts at St. Gregory School., (520) 745-2033.

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Tucson Desert


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Advice for Hikers

Safety Tips
Leave No Trace
Share the Trail

Local Hiking Day Trips

Don't forget to check out Tucson's Hiking & Urban Hikes Day Trips.  

Permits and Maps

Stop by a hiking-camping supply store to purchase a map or hiking guide or to contact local hiking groups and organizations for suggestions. The Summit Hut and Southern Arizona Hiking Club are good places to start.

Hiking permits are required for some areas, and can be obtained from Coronado National Forest.

Resources for Hikers