Best Hikes Near Tucson, Arizona
Tucson is one of the best places in Arizona for hiking, with trails that range from easy desert walks to challenging mountain climbs. If you’re looking for the best hikes near Tucson, you’ll find everything from scenic desert trails lined with towering saguaros to refreshing pine forest hikes on Mount Lemmon with sweeping views of the Sonoran Desert. Tucson is also surrounded by smaller mountain ranges filled with beautiful hiking trails, making it a perfect destination for outdoor adventurers.
Before we share our favorite Tucson hikes, we want to remind you to practice the Leave No Trace principles. Always stay on the trail, pack out your trash, and come prepared for desert conditions. This guide highlights the best hikes near Tucson that we’ve personally done, including details on trail difficulty, location, facilities, and distance. We’ll continue to update this list as we explore more of Tucson’s incredible trails.
Romero pools
Romero Pools is one of the most popular hikes in Catalina State Park, and for good reason. The trail begins on the flat desert floor surrounded by towering saguaros before gradually climbing into the Santa Catalina Mountains. As you make your way up, the scenery transitions from open desert to rocky terrain with sweeping views of the valley below.
The final stretch is more challenging, with steeper inclines and rockier footing, but the reward at the top is worth the effort. A series of natural pools fed by seasonal streams create a beautiful oasis in the desert. Depending on recent rainfall, you may find trickling waterfalls, crystal-clear pools to dip your feet in, or even deeper water for a refreshing swim.
- Parking: Located within Catalina State Park and there is an entrance fee of $7/vehicle. Visitors entering on foot or bicycle are $3. Learn more here.
- Length: 6.1 miles out and back with 1,318 ft in elevation gain. This hike is hard
- Pets: No pets allowed, this is a protected area for big horn sheep
- Restrooms: Yes
- Link to AllTrails
Pusch Peak via Linda Vista Trail
If you are looking for a tough challenge near Tucson, the Pusch Peak Trail via Linda Vista is one of the steepest hikes in the area. Starting from the Linda Vista Trailhead, the trail wastes no time in climbing. You will gain over 2600 feet of elevation in just a few miles. The path winds through desert terrain with plenty of rocky sections, loose gravel, and sharp switchbacks that will keep your legs burning.
The reward comes at the summit of Pusch Peak where you are greeted with sweeping views of Oro Valley, Tucson, and the surrounding Santa Catalina Mountains. On a clear day you can see for miles across the Sonoran Desert. While the hike is short in distance, it is strenuous, so come prepared with plenty of water, sturdy shoes, and trekking poles if you have them.
- Parking: There are two parking lots, both relatively small and available parking on the side of the road. Remove ALL valuables from your vehicle. Multiple vehicles were broken into when we were there
- Length: 4 miles Out & Back with 2,664 ft in elevation gain. This hike is hard
- Pets: No pets allowed, this is a protected area for big horn sheep
- Restrooms: No
- Link to AllTrails
Blackett’s Ridge
Blackett’s Ridge is one of the most popular hikes in Tucson for good reason. The trail climbs steadily from Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, leading to a ridgeline with some of the best panoramic views in the city. You can see both Sabino and Bear Canyons from above, with the Santa Catalina Mountains rising dramatically in every direction and Tucson spread out in the distance.
The hike is only a few miles long but is considered strenuous because of the consistent incline and rocky footing. Once you reach the ridge, there are several points where you can stop, take in the scenery, and enjoy a well earned rest before heading back down.
- Parking: Located in Sabino Canyon Recreation Area and there is an $8 fee to enter. You can also use an America The Beautiful Pass or another Interagency pass
- Length: 5.7 miles Out & Back with 1,776 ft in elevation gain. This hike is hard
- Pets: No pets allowed.
- Restrooms: Yes
- Link to AllTrails
Lemmon Rock Lookout Trail No. 12
Lemmon Rock Lookout Trail is a beautiful high elevation hike in the Santa Catalina Mountains that offers cooler temperatures and incredible views of the Sonoran Desert below. Starting near the top of Mount Lemmon, the trail descends through shady pine forests, rocky slopes, and open vistas. Along the way you will spot unique plant life that changes with elevation, from tall pines to desert vegetation as you make your way down.
This trail is steep and can be challenging on the return climb, but it rewards you with sweeping overlooks and a chance to enjoy the transition from mountain forest to desert. On clear days, you can see all the way across the Tucson basin. It is one of the best trails for experiencing the dramatic “sky island” effect that makes Mount Lemmon so unique.
- Parking: This hike is at the top of Mount Lemmon and there are two lots available at picnic areas.
- Length: 4.6 miles Out & Back with 1,850 ft in elevation gain. This hike is hard. We used hiking poles on the way back up and thought it was very helpful
- Pets: Dogs are allowed on leash
- Restrooms: No
- Link to AllTrails + Coronado National Forest
Bajada Wash Trail
Bajada Wash Trail is a peaceful hike in Saguaro National Park that takes you through classic Sonoran Desert scenery. The trail follows a sandy wash surrounded by towering saguaros, prickly pear cactus, and desert wildflowers in the right season. Because of the open desert terrain, this hike is great for spotting wildlife like lizards, birds, and sometimes even jackrabbits.
The trail is mostly flat and easy to follow, making it a good option for a more relaxed desert walk. Since it is exposed with no shade, plan to hike in the cooler months or go early in the morning to avoid the heat. The wide open views and dense cactus forest make it an excellent trail for photography and for soaking in the quiet desert landscape.
- Parking: This trail is in Saguaro National Park and is $25 per vehicle. America The Beautiful or an adequate Interagency pass also work
- Length: 1.6 miles one way with 231 ft elevation change. This hike is easy
- Pets: Dogs are not allowed on trails
- Restrooms: Yes
- Link to Hiking Project
Picacho Peak via Hunter Trail
Picacho Peak is one of the most recognizable landmarks along Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Tucson, and hiking it via the Hunter Trail is both challenging and rewarding. The trail climbs steeply up the mountain, offering panoramic desert views the entire way. Along the route, hikers use steel cables bolted into the rock to safely climb steep sections, adding a fun and adventurous element to the hike.
The final push to the summit is demanding but worth it for the incredible 360 degree views of the Sonoran Desert and surrounding mountain ranges. From the top, you can see for miles in every direction, making it one of the most memorable hikes near Tucson.
- Parking: This trail is in Picacho Peak State Park and is $7 per vehicle.
- Park Hours: 5 a.m. – 10 p.m. (gates close)
- Length: 2.8 miles Out & Back with 2,112 ft in elevation gain. This hike is hard. Gloves are recommend for the cable section
- Pets: Dogs are allowed but we wouldn’t recommend it for this trail
- Restrooms: Yes
- Link to AllTrails and the link to the State Park’s website.
Mount Wrightson Summit Via Old Baldy Trail
Mount Wrightson is the highest peak in southern Arizona at over 9,400 feet, and the Old Baldy Trail is the most popular route to the summit. The hike is long and strenuous but rewards you with cooler mountain air, diverse plant life, and sweeping views that stretch all the way into Mexico on clear days.
The trail climbs steadily through oak and pine forests before breaking out into more exposed terrain with incredible vistas of the Santa Rita Mountains. Near the top, switchbacks take you up the final stretch to the summit where a stone marker sits at the peak. From here, the 360 degree views are some of the best in Arizona.
- Parking: This trail is in Madera Canyon and is $8 per vehicle. America The Beautiful pass or other Interagency Pass works as well
- Park Hours: Day-use area from 6:00am to 10:00pm
- Length: 11 miles Out & Back with almost 4,000 ft in elevation gain. This hike is hard. We used hiking poles and thought it helped a lot
- Pets: Dogs are allowed on leash
- Restrooms: Yes
- Link to AllTrails.
