15 of the Best Peak Hikes Near Tucson, Arizona
This guest post was written by Sam Kaiser, the author and owner of www.thelifestyletravelers.com — a travel blog that highlights an on-the-road, outdoor kind of lifestyle.
Tucson, Arizona, is amazing for hiking enthusiasts because no matter which direction you look, there’s a mountain range awaiting your exploration. If you’re the type of hiker who loves a good summit, you’re in the right place because this post covers 15 of the best peak hikes near Tucson, Arizona.
15 of the Best Peak Hikes Near Tucson
One of the great things about Tucson is that it’s situated in a relatively flat valley, surrounded by grandiose, dramatic, tall mountains. Plus, there are five different mountain ranges in the area, making the outdoor adventures endless!
Some of the best hikes in Tucson are the ones that offer you a rewarding view at the top of a mountain. Tucson’s mountains are notorious for breathtaking panoramic views located at high elevations.
Next time you’re ready to hit the trail, consider taking one of these fifteen best peak hikes in and near Tucson, Arizona for some spectacular views!
1. Wasson Peak
Wasson Peak is the highest point in Saguaro National Park West, making it an extremely popular hiking trail. All trail variations include a steady and gradual incline to the top, where you’ll be surrounded by saguaros and sweeping vistas the whole way up.
Summiting Wasson Peak should be on every hiker’s bucket list whenever they find themselves in Tucson!
Location: Saguaro National Park West – Tucson
Trail Name: King Canyon, Hugh Norris, Sweetwater
Distance: 6.7 miles – 9.3 miles depending on the route
Elevation Gain: 1,834 feet – 2,093 feet
Difficulty: Challenging
2. Picacho Peak
Picacho Peak is hands down one of the best peak hikes near Tucson during the springtime because of the beautiful wildflowers that bloom around the mountain. This State Park is about an hour’s drive north of Tucson.
This is considered more of a technical hike, as there are steel cables and steep steps to reach the summit. Gloves are heavily recommended to make the trek easier for you.
Location: Picacho Peak State Park – Picacho
Trail Name: Hunter Trail / Sunset Vista Trail
Distance: 2 miles / 3.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,401 feet / 1,500 feet
Difficulty: Difficult / Moderate to Difficult
3. Blacketts Ridge
Blacketts Ridge is a fantastic hike with both city and mountain overlooks, but it’s not for the faint of heart! This trail begins and stays steep the entire way, and has some rocky switchbacks until you scale the peak at the very top. The views of jagged rocks and deep canyons make this calf-burner worthwhile!
Location: Sabino Canyon Recreation Area – Tucson
Trail Name: Phoneline Trail
Distance: 5.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,778 feet
Difficulty: Challenging
4. Mount Kimball
Mount Kimball definitely ranks as one of the best peak hikes near Tucson as it’s one of the highest points in the southern portion of the Santa Catalina mountains. It’s also one of the best because it is the most accessible peak to reach in that mountain range. This hike is not for beginners since it has high mileage and intense elevation gain.
Location: Pusch Ridge Wilderness – Oro Valley
Trail Name: Finger Rock Trail and Pima Canyon
Distance: 9.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 4,222 feet
Difficulty: Challenging
5. Pusch Peak
Pusch Peak is one of the most distinguishing peaks in Pusch Ridge because it sticks out on the westernmost side of the park in Oro Valley. Surprisingly enough, this trail isn’t typically busy, making it a nice option for those who want a challenging and fun hike without the traffic! Hike to the top to see sweeping views of Tucson and Oro Valley on one side and the Santa Catalina mountain range on the other!
Location: Pusch Ridge Wilderness – Oro Valley
Trail Name: Linda Vista Trail
Distance: 3.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,657 feet
Difficulty: Challenging
6. Mount Wrightson
Mount Wrightson is a fantastic summit hike in Patagonia, Arizona located about an hour south of Tucson. As you make your way to the top you’ll wind through the shaded forest on a well-maintained trail up until you reach the saddle about a mile towards the top. There are a ton of animal sightings on this trail, which makes it a great hike for all wildlife enthusiasts!
Location: Mount Wrightson Wilderness – Patagonia
Trail Name: Old Baldy Trail
Distance: 11.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 4,002 feet
Difficulty: Challenging
7. Camelback Mountain
Camelback will forever be one of the best peak hikes near Tucson because of the trail’s increasing popularity. It’s a shorter distance hike, but the elevation and technicality of the scramble are what make this trail challenging. Start with a slight slope, make your way up some steel cables, and finish off strong with a scramble to the overlook of Phoenix, Arizona.
Location: Pheonix
Trail Name: Echo Canyon Trail
Distance: 2.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,522 feet
Difficulty: Challenging
8. Safford/Sombrero Peak
Safford or “Sombrero” Peak is Tucson’s equivalent of Camelback Mountain. This trail begins fairly easy but then quickly turns into steep out and backs and then into a rocky scramble towards the top. The scramble (and the adrenaline that comes with it) is totally worth it for the far-removed views overlooking Tucson!
Location: Saguaro National Park West – Tucson
Trail Name: North Scenic Drive
Distance: 3.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,505 feet
Difficulty: Challenging
9. Elephant Noggin
If you’re looking for a challenging hike that offers plenty of solitude, look no further than Elephant Head Peak. Located south of Tucson in the Santa Rita mountain range, this trail gives you plenty to look at as you climb through oak trees, hike between two canyons, and walk an old mining road surrounded by prickly pears. They don’t call it Elephant Head for no reason – at the summit, you’ll find a shrine of elephant toys overlooking a breathtaking view!
Location: Mount Wrightson Wilderness
Trail Name: Trail #930 or Quantrell Mine Trail
Distance: 6.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,133 feet
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
10. Tumamoc Hill
Tumamoc Hill is located near the University of Arizona in West Tucson. This trail has a completely paved path, though steep, and makes for a great quick Tucson day hike to a beautiful overlook of the city. This is an extremely popular trail, though it’s not uncommon to see wildlife!
Location: Tucson
Trail Name: Tumamoc Hill
Distance: 2.9 miles
Elevation Gain: 721 feet
Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
11. Mount Lemmon
For all of you backpackers out there, this summit loop on the top of Mount Lemmon is worth looking into for a weekend trip. Despite the beautiful views all along the way, this trail is not very maintained at the top and long pants are recommended to prevent cactus scratches. Nevertheless, Mount Lemmon is a natural wonder in the Sonoran desert.
Location: Catalina State Park – Tucson
Trail Name: Mount Lemmon Summit Loop
Distance: 23.9 miles
Elevation Gain: 7,444 feet
Difficulty: Challenging
12. Thimble Peak
Thimble Peak is a landmark north of Tucson that looks like – you guessed it – a small thimble. For the most part, the elevation gain is steady up until the last mile or so, but the picturesque views are prime throughout the whole route.
At the summit, you have the option to climb to the top of the “thimble,” but this should only be done by hikers who are extremely confident free climbing or who have brought gear with them.
Location: Pusch Ridge Wilderness – Oro Valley
Trail Name: Sycamore Reservoir Trail
Distance: 10.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,332 feet
Difficulty: Challenging
13. Rincon Peak
Rincon Peak is no joke, so if you’re thinking of scaling up this mountain in Saguaro National Park, make sure you’re prepared as it can be slippery and steep towards the top. The climb can be challenging though the trail is easy to follow. There are plenty of rattlesnakes, coatimundi, and deer sightings on this trail!
Location: Saguaro National Park East – Benson
Trail Name: Rincon Peak Trail
Distance: 16.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 4,593 feet
Difficulty: Challenging
14. Chiricahua National Monument
If you’re looking for a change in scenery near Tucson, Chiricahua National Monument most certainly won’t let you down. This trail circles a summit in the park that weaves through a forested area, rocky terrain, and awe-inspiring hoodoos. Be on the lookout for coatimundis – they’re notorious for being spotted here!
Location: Chiricahua National Monument – Wilcox
Trail Name: Echo Canyon Loop
Distance: 4 miles
Elevation Gain: 593 feet
Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
15. Cathedral Rock
Cathedral Rock is located about 3 hours away in Sedona, Arizona, but the views are so spectacular we had to include it as one of the best peak hikes near Tucson! This hike is steep and has a difficult scramble, but the natural beauty of Sedona makes up for it! It’s recommended to do this hike early in the morning as the rocks can get hot as you begin your descent.
Location: Coconino National Forest – Sedona
Trail Name: Cathedral Rock Trail
Distance: 1.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 741 feet
Difficulty: Challenging
Technical Peak Hikes Near Tucson
Now that we’ve covered fifteen of the best peak hikes near Tucson, let’s break down some of the technical trails mentioned above. A technical trail means the terrain requires more than just walking. In this list, technical terrain refers to any hikes with rock scrambles or steel cables to hold onto!
- Picacho Peak
- Sombrero Peak
- Cathedral Rock
- Camelback Mountain
Best Peak Hikes for Families
While most of the hikes listed above are considered to be moderately challenging/ challenging, some are better for family hikes than others. No matter what, make sure that all members of the family arrive prepared with the proper gear and water. Use discretion on if you believe your kiddos can handle steep hikes like the ones listed below!
- Tumamoc Hill
- Camelback Mountain (Echo Canyon Trail)
- Chiricahua National Monument (Echo Canyon Loop)
Peaks you can drive to near Tucson
Sometimes, we don’t have the energy to hike a steep mountain, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be able to take in some of these views! If you’d rather drive to a peak than hike one, here are some options available for you:
- Sentinel Peak or “A” Mountain – this wasn’t listed on the map but is located in West Tucson near the University.
- Mount Lemmon
- Chiricahua National Monument
Preparing for a Peak Hike near Tucson
Peak hikes are fantastic, amazing, and wonderful, though they are harder and more complicated than regular trails. You’re guaranteed a ton of elevation gain for these types of hikes, which means you need to be prepared for the trek ahead. Let’s go over how to arrive at a peak hike with the right gear and equipment while considering the weather and time of year.
Gear and Equipment
Hiking in the desert is quite different than hiking in other places. Oftentimes, there is little shade, the terrain is rocky, and the plants aren’t very forgiving. However, if you bring the correct equipment and gear, hiking in the desert can be extremely rewarding.
The first thing to think about is proper footwear. Make sure you have closed-toed shoes, preferably hiking boots for ankle support or trail runners if you don’t like boots. Bring shoes that have proper tread to them so you can hike the trails confidently without slipping.
Some of the technical hikes listed above also require scrambling and the use of steel cables. You may want to bring gloves so that you have a good grip and don’t scratch up your hands. Hiking poles can also come in handy for difficult descents.
There’s nothing worse than having your sweaty clothes stick to you when you’re hot. Moisture-wicking and odor-eliminating clothing can do wonders on the trail. I’d also recommend wool socks to avoid any blisters or hot spots!
Weather and Time of Year
You should also consider the weather and time of year in how you prepare for your hike. Oftentimes, you’ll be exposed to the sun, so a sun hat, sunglasses, sun hoodie, sunscreen, and/or other sun protective measures should be taken to avoid sunburn.
My biggest recommendation when it comes to hiking in the desert is to bring water and lots of it. It’s always better to have more than it is less. Try to aim for at least a liter of water for every hour you believe you’ll be hiking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Now that we’ve narrowed down some of the best peak hikes near Tucson and how to best prepare for them, let’s take a quick look at some of the frequently asked questions on this topic!
What are the highest mountains near Tucson?
The highest mountain near Tucson is Mount Wrightson, located in the Santa Rita mountains just south of the city. The peak sits at 9,456 feet elevation. Coming in close second is Mount Lemmon, located in the Santa Catalinas, sitting at 9,171 feet elevation.
Is there good hiking in Tucson?
Tucson, Arizona, is a fantastic place to hike, as there are many hiking trails located on the outskirts of the city. The city has plenty of hiking areas to choose from, including Tucson Mountain Park, Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, Pusch Ridge Wilderness, and Saguaro National Park.
What is the hardest trail in Tucson?
Many trails in Tucson are considered challenging due to the rocky and uneven terrain and high elevation gain, although it’s argued that Mica Mountain is one of the hardest trails to hike in Tucson. It’s about 25.4 miles with 6,400 feet of elevation gain, making it challenging for even the best-trained thru-hikers.
Where is the highest elevation gain hike in Tucson?
Rincon Peak and Tanque Verde Peak are the two highest-elevation gain hikes in Tucson. Rincon Peak has an elevation gain of 4,593 feet, while Tanque Verde Peak has an elevation gain of 4,494 feet.
Wrapping Up: 15 of the Best Peaks near Tucson, Arizona
There you have it! 15 of the best peak hikes near Tucson, Arizona. Whether you’re looking for a challenging, short-distance, or technical hike, any of the hikes listed above will guarantee an unforgettable view.
Happy trails!
Did you enjoy this hiking guide? Check out some of our others here:
- 9 Little Known Hikes in Phoenix
- Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park: Hidden Treasures in Sedona
- Exploring Mount Beacon: The Ultimate Guide to Casino Trail
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Arizona Travel Guides:
If you’re visiting Phoenix, here’s my 5-Day Phoenix Travel Guide to help you plan your stay.
Only staying in Pheonix for a day? Check out my 24-hours in Phoenix Itinerary.
Visiting Sedona? You might want to check out my Day Trip to Sedona Guide to help jumpstart your itinerary.
If you’re staying in Phoenix but want to spend a little time in the desert, these 9 Little-Known Hikes in Phoenix will help you get that nature connection.
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