HIKING IN TUCSON FOR BEGINNERS: Experience the Sonoran Desert up close
When it comes to hiking and natural beauty, Tucson and the surrounding Sonoran Desert is as awesome as it gets. So whether you’re looking for a hardcore backcountry desert adventure or just a leisurely nature stroll, those from every skill level will love hiking in Tucson.
As you’ll see, there are many reasons why hiking in Tucson is such an amazing experience for everyone, regardless of skill level. And, there are many regions, each with its own unique features. Now, continue reading to uncover why hiking in Tucson is a way of life for those who love the outdoors.
The natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert
Though the Sonoran Desert is one of the largest desert regions in the world, Tucson sits in a major sweet spot. To elaborate, this is where the Saguaro National Park meets the Coronado National Forest. Both of these are renowned for their exquisite desert beauty.
Surrounding Tucson, there are five mountain ranges that offer hundreds of miles of trails for hikers to explore. On top of that, Oro Valley and Catalina State Park boast landscapes that range from cactus-dotted sandy desert to aspen groves and Ponderosa Pines. And since most of the area is protected, those who hike in Tucson experience untouched natural beauty throughout.
To lay out your options for hiking in Tucson and the surrounding areas, below are trails for all skill levels.
Hiking in Tucson for casual strollers: SABINO CANYON
Start with the Sabino Canyon hike, which is the crown jewel of the Santa Catalina mountains. There, experience hiking in Tucson at it’s best for casual strollers. As such, enjoy the desert beauty while playing it safe. The entry fee is about $5 per adult – it’s money well spent. To explain, there are some excellent trails to choose from that offer great vistas without the difficulty you might expect.
Hiking trails branch off into dramatic side canyons and ridgelines. These include Bear Canyon and the refreshing pools under Seven Falls. Then, a short-loop hike will take you through the cactus-filled desert to the lush forest above an old dam. As you’ll see, this is a fantastic way to get a real taste of Sabino Canyon without breaking a sweat.
GOULD MINE LOOP
This amazing trail winds through the Tucson Mountains in Saguaro National Park West in the King Canyon area. As its name suggests, you’ll stroll past some old mines. And in springtime, the canyon borders are blanketed in bright-orange poppies.
This low-elevation trail is best hiked during the cooler months. There, gaze at the petroglyphs that are tucked into the rock walls along the sandy wash. That makes King Canyon the best place to experience the Sonoran Desert in all of its biological and cultural diversity.
HIGH-ALTITUDE TUCSON HIKING: Aspen Loop
The Aspen Loop is a Tucson refuge trail near the top of Mount Lemmon. It’s a beautiful escape regardless of the time-of-year. And, this forest region is twenty degrees cooler than the desert floor. That makes it the perfect destination during the summer heat. During spring and fall, the Aspen Loop is decorated with wildflowers and golden aspen leaves. Also, the canyon becomes a snow-covered wonderland in winter.
Additional hiking in Tucson
Just north of Tucson, Picacho Peak is a favorite for hikers and rock climbers. This is especially true in spring when wildflowers seem to set the ground on fire. South of Tucson, the Chiricahua Mountains, Huachuca Mountains, and Dragoon Mountains also offer some of the best hiking trails in Southern Arizona.
