Hiking the Santa Rita Mountains
On Tucson's far south side, the scenic Santa Rita Mountains are a biodiversity hotspot, providing important habitat for many species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, bees, and plants in Coronado National Forest. In Madera Canyon, a world-famous spot for bird watching, hiking trails vary from paved, handicap-accessible trails and gentle walking paths in the lower canyon, to steep, expert trails leading to the top of 9,453-foot Mt. Wrightson, the highest point in the range and the highest point in the Tucson area.
Bog Springs Trail - This moderate, 5-mile (round trip) loop trail through an area of bubbling springs, green grasses, big trees and long distance views is popular during the cooler months for observing birds and other wildlife.
Old Baldy Trail - This challenging and enormously popular 10-mile trek (round trip) leads to the 9,453-foot summit of Mount Wrightson, and climbs more than 4,000 vertical feet and tops out on one of the most spectacular summits in the state.
Cave Creek - Gardner Canyon Loop - This strenuous, long (10-mile round trip) and scenic loop on the eastern slopes of the Santa Rita Mountains combines several legs of rarely used and remote trails.
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Upcoming Outdoor Events
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Birds of Tohono Chul Park Walking Tour - May. 26 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.
National Trails Day - Jun. 2 Celebrate National Trails Day with a visit to a state or national park, national forest, or nature center in Tucson or Southern Arizona, and experience our great outdoors., http://www.sabinocanyon.com/.
Summer Saturday Evenings at Desert Museum - Jun. 2 - Aug. 25 Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum stays open after sundown on Saturdays all summer long, with exhibits featuring the Sonoran Desert's nocturnal plants and wildlife., 520-883-2702.
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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
- Arizona Hiking Trails
- Arizona State Parks
- Cochise County, Land of Legends
- Coronado National Forest
- Gourmet Day Hiking
- Local Hikes
- Madera Canyon
- Sabino Canyon
- Saguaro National Park Hiking
- Saguaro National Park Visitors Center
- Sierra Club
- Sky Island Alliance
- Sonoran Adventures
- Southern Arizona Hiking Club
- Southwest Trekking
- Tortolita Mountain Park
- Tucson Mountain Park







