Year-Round Outdoor Adventures

Cradled by mountain ranges and bathed in sunshine, Tucson’s Sonoran Desert calls you to hike, bike, and climb. Venture out and free yourself in the quiet canyons, saguaro-studded valleys, alpine climbs, and grassy flats of the high desert. These diverse landscapes call adventurers of all skill levels. Pick your path and discover your outdoor dream come true just moments away from Tucson’s urban core.

hiking

Warm sun on your skin, breathing in cool air. Knowing the only things that will get you across these high and rocky ridges are your own two feet. And that reward when canyons give way to cool pine breezes and stunning mountain views. Tucson hiking trails make you feel free and alive. Whether it’s a desert hike in the Santa Catalina Foothills, or a half-day hike on Mt. Lemmon. Maybe it’s trekking the Arizona Trail, or strolling urban trails near your hotel, Tucson has endless surroundings to explore.

Push the limits on Mt. Lemmon’s thrilling hill climb. Take in the scenery with long-distance road biking on endless scenic routes, and smooth city paths along the Rillito and Santa Cruz rivers. Or perhaps you’d rather get a little dirty on hundreds of miles of singletrack. From desert floor to alpine forests, it’s a cycling mecca out here with an epic trail for every skill level.

biking trail

mountain climbers

Tucson’s surrounding mountains offer a wide spectrum of exhilarating climbing routes, plus indoor facilities in the city. Wasteland Dome in Cochise Stronghold; The Orifice Wall on Mt. Lemmon; The Fortress and Windy Point in the Santa Catalinas. These are just some examples of the diversity of climbing opportunities you’ll discover, including sport climbing, classic trad and bolted routes. There are a variety of rock formations and literally thousands of routes to keep you busy. Many of these provide a relatively easy approach. With a wide range of elevations and the ability to climb all year long, Tucson is your ideal climbing destination.

Catalina State Park boasts a well-developed campground, nestled at the base of mountains painted a dusty rose by the setting sun. Or, the wonderfully contoured rock at the mouth of Pontatoc Canyon lets you wake up to the sunrise over the entire Tucson valley. Settle your sleeping bag in a clearing beside the winding dirt road of Redington Pass. You’ll be in a moonlit world of grassy hills studded with juniper and Mexican blue oak. And then there’s the breathtaking entirety of Mt. Lemmon to explore – from desert floor to alpine tops. That’s not even the full list of open sky campsites.

camp

More Things To Do