
Best Hiking Trails Around the World in Tucson, United States
1. Sabino Canyon Recreation Area
A popular destination featuring seven-mile tram ride through Sabino Canyon, offering access to various trails with unique waterfalls.
- Unique Waterfalls: Seven distinct waterfalls along the trails make for a stunning hiking experience.
- Accessible Trails: Well-maintained and easily accessible trails, suitable for all skill levels.
- Natural Habitat: Home to diverse wildlife such as mountain lions, javelinas, and a variety of bird species.
2. Cholla Trail at Saguaro National Park
A scenic trail within Saguaro National Park East offering close-up views of the iconic saguaro cacti.
- Iconic Saguaros: Hike through a sea of towering saguaro cacti, an experience only found in this region.
- Stargazing Opportunities: Located in a designated dark sky area, the Cholla Trail offers fantastic stargazing opportunities.
- Desert Wildlife: Enjoy encounters with desert tortoises, coyotes, and various bird species along the trail.
3. Wasson Peak via Sentinel Trail
A challenging hike to the highest point in Saguaro National Park West, providing panoramic views of the Tucson Mountains.
- Highest Point: Reach the highest peak in Saguaro National Park and enjoy breathtaking vistas.
- Challenging Hike: A strenuous hike, suitable for experienced hikers seeking a challenge.
- Desert Scenery: Experience the unique desert scenery of the Tucson Mountains on this invigorating hike.
4. Glenn Canyon Park Loop
A loop trail offering diverse landscapes, from desert terrain to lush riparian areas along the banks of Tanque Verde Creek.
- Diverse Landscapes: Hike through a variety of terrains, making each step a new adventure.
- Riparian Habitat: Encounter abundant wildlife within the riparian habitat along Tanque Verde Creek.
- Historic Sites: Discover historic sites, including ancient petroglyphs and a pioneer homestead, along the trail.
5. Romero Pools Trail
A moderately difficult hike leading to a series of pools and waterfalls within Santa Catalina Mountains.
- Stunning Waterfalls: Marvel at the crystal-clear waters cascading down rugged cliffs.
- Scenic Views: Take in breathtaking views of the Santa Catalina Mountains and the surrounding desert landscape.
- Wildflower Season: Hike during wildflower season for a vibrant display of colors along the trail.
6. Barranca del Cobre Trail (Copper Canyon)
A strenuous hike within Coronado National Forest, leading to the deepest part of Copper Canyon.
- Deepest Part of Copper Canyon: Experience one of the deepest canyons in North America, twice as deep as the Grand Canyon.
- Scenic Vistas: Enjoy breathtaking views of the rugged canyon walls and surrounding desert landscape.
- Challenging Hike: A challenging, multi-day hike suitable for experienced backpackers.
7. Martha's Wash Trail
An easy trail through the Santa Rita Mountains, offering beautiful views of desert wildlife and unique rock formations.
- Desert Wildlife: Spot desert tortoises, javelinas, and various bird species as you hike.
- Unique Rock Formations: Explore unique rock formations along the trail, such as the Sentinel Rock.
- Easy Accessibility: An easy and accessible trail for hikers of all skill levels.
8. Ventana Canyon Trail
A moderately difficult trail within Coronado National Forest, featuring scenic vistas and a unique ventana (window) formation.
- Scenic Vistas: Take in stunning views of the Santa Catalina Mountains and the surrounding desert landscape.
- Unique Geological Formation: Discover the unique ventana (window) formation, a natural rock arch.
- Moderate Difficulty: A moderately difficult hike suitable for experienced hikers seeking a challenge.
9. Wasson Peak via Bailey Cabin Trail
A challenging trail within Saguaro National Park West, offering panoramic views and a historic Bailey Cabin.
- Historic Bailey Cabin: Discover the historic Bailey Cabin, a reminder of Tucson's early pioneer days.
- Challenging Hike: A strenuous hike, suitable for experienced hikers seeking a challenge.
- Panoramic Views: Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the Tucson Mountains and surrounding desert landscape from the peak.
10. Brown's Ranch Trail
An easy trail through the Santa Catalina Mountains, offering historical sites, beautiful wildflowers, and scenic views.
- Historical Sites: Discover remnants of Brown's Ranch, a former cattle ranch in the Santa Catalina Mountains.
- Scenic Vistas: Take in stunning views of the Santa Catalina Mountains and the surrounding desert landscape.
- Wildflower Season: Hike during wildflower season for a vibrant display of colors along the trail.
11. Mt. Lemmon via Catalina Loop Trail
A challenging hike leading to the highest point in the Santa Catalina Mountains, offering panoramic views and diverse ecosystems.
- Highest Point in Santa Catalina Mountains: Reach the highest peak in the Santa Catalina Mountains and enjoy breathtaking vistas.
- Challenging Hike: A strenuous hike, suitable for experienced hikers seeking a challenge.
- Diverse Ecosystems: Experience the diverse ecosystems of the Santa Catalina Mountains, from desert terrain to pine forests.
12. Seven Falls Trail
A moderately difficult trail within the Santa Rita Mountains, leading to a series of seven waterfalls.
- Stunning Waterfalls: Marvel at the crystal-clear waters cascading down rugged cliffs.
- Scenic Vistas: Take in breathtaking views of the Santa Rita Mountains and the surrounding desert landscape.
- Moderate Difficulty: A moderately difficult hike suitable for experienced hikers seeking a challenge.
13. Graham Canyon Trail
An easy trail through the Santa Rita Mountains, offering beautiful views of desert wildlife and unique rock formations.
- Desert Wildlife: Spot desert tortoises, javelinas, and various bird species as you hike.
- Unique Rock Formations: Explore unique rock formations along the trail, such as the Seven Falls rock formation.
- Easy Accessibility: An easy and accessible trail for hikers of all skill levels.
14. Devil's Corkscrew Trail
A challenging trail within the Santa Rita Mountains, offering breathtaking views and a unique corkscrew-shaped rock formation.
- Unique Corkscrew Rock Formation: Discover the corkscrew-shaped rock formation, a natural wonder of the Santa Rita Mountains.
- Challenging Hike: A strenuous hike, suitable for experienced hikers seeking a challenge.
- Scenic Vistas: Take in breathtaking views of the Santa Rita Mountains and the surrounding desert landscape.
15. Spanish Trail Wash to Sycamore Canyon
A moderately difficult trail within Coronado National Forest, offering stunning desert landscapes and historical sites.
- Historical Sites: Discover remnants of the Spanish Trail, an ancient trade route used by early explorers.
- Scenic Vistas: Take in breathtaking views of the rugged desert landscape and surrounding mountains.
- Moderate Difficulty: A moderately difficult hike suitable for experienced hikers seeking a challenge.