{"id":1786,"date":"2023-08-30T19:24:54","date_gmt":"2023-08-31T02:24:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adventuringdreamers.com\/staging1\/?p=1786"},"modified":"2024-04-02T10:12:55","modified_gmt":"2024-04-02T17:12:55","slug":"best-peak-hikes-near-tucson","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuringdreamers.com\/staging1\/best-peak-hikes-near-tucson\/","title":{"rendered":"15 of the Best Peak Hikes Near Tucson, Arizona"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This guest post was written by Sam Kaiser, the author and owner of  www.thelifestyletravelers.com<\/a> \u2014 a travel blog that highlights an on-the-road, outdoor kind of lifestyle. <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tucson, Arizona, is amazing for hiking enthusiasts because no matter which direction you look, there\u2019s a mountain range awaiting your exploration. If you\u2019re the type of hiker who loves a good summit, you\u2019re in the right place because this post covers 15 of the best peak hikes near Tucson, Arizona. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

15 of the Best Peak Hikes Near Tucson<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the great things about Tucson is that it\u2019s 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! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of the best hikes in Tucson are the ones that offer you a rewarding view at the top of a mountain. Tucson\u2019s mountains are notorious for breathtaking panoramic views located at high elevations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next time you\u2019re ready to hit the trail, consider taking one of these fifteen best peak hikes in and near Tucson, Arizona for some spectacular views! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.<\/strong> Wasson Peak<\/h3>\n\n\n
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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\u2019ll be surrounded by saguaros and sweeping vistas the whole way up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 Summiting Wasson Peak<\/a> should be on every hiker\u2019s bucket list whenever they find themselves in Tucson!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Location:<\/strong> Saguaro National Park West – Tucson
Trail Name:<\/strong> King Canyon, Hugh Norris, Sweetwater
Distance:<\/strong> 6.7 miles – 9.3 miles depending on the route
Elevation Gain:<\/strong> 1,834 feet – 2,093 feet
Difficulty:<\/strong> Challenging<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

2. Picacho Peak<\/h3>\n\n\n
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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\u2019s drive north of Tucson. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Location:<\/strong> Picacho Peak State Park – Picacho
Trail Name:<\/strong> Hunter Trail \/ Sunset Vista Trail
Distance:<\/strong> 2 miles \/ 3.1 miles
Elevation Gain:<\/strong> 1,401 feet \/ 1,500 feet
Difficulty:<\/strong> Difficult \/ Moderate to Difficult<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

3. Blacketts Ridge<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Blacketts Ridge is a fantastic hike with both city and mountain overlooks, but it\u2019s 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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Location:<\/strong> Sabino Canyon Recreation Area – Tucson
Trail Name:<\/strong> Phoneline Trail 
Distance:<\/strong> 5.7 miles
Elevation Gain:<\/strong> 1,778 feet
Difficulty:<\/strong> Challenging<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Mount Kimball <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Mount Kimball definitely ranks as one of the best peak hikes near Tucson as it\u2019s one of the highest points in the southern portion of the Santa Catalina mountains. It\u2019s 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 <\/em>intense elevation gain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Location: <\/strong>Pusch Ridge Wilderness – Oro Valley
Trail Name:<\/strong> Finger Rock Trail and Pima Canyon
Distance: <\/strong>9.4 miles
Elevation Gain: <\/strong>4,222 feet
Difficulty: <\/strong>Challenging<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

5. Pusch Peak<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019t 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! <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Location:<\/strong> Pusch Ridge Wilderness – Oro Valley
Trail Name:<\/strong> Linda Vista Trail
Distance: <\/strong>3.7 miles
Elevation Gain:<\/strong> 2,657 feet
Difficulty: <\/strong>Challenging<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

6. Mount Wrightson<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019ll 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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Location: <\/strong>Mount Wrightson Wilderness – Patagonia
Trail Name:<\/strong> Old Baldy Trail
Distance:<\/strong> 11.6 miles
Elevation Gain: <\/strong>4,002 feet
Difficulty: <\/strong>Challenging<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

7. Camelback Mountain<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Camelback will forever be one of the best peak hikes near Tucson because of the trail\u2019s increasing popularity. It\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Location: <\/strong>Pheonix
Trail Name:<\/strong> Echo Canyon Trail
Distance:<\/strong> 2.6 miles
Elevation Gain:<\/strong> 1,522 feet
Difficulty:<\/strong> Challenging<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

8. Safford\/Sombrero Peak<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Safford or \u201cSombrero\u201d Peak is Tucson\u2019s 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! <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Location:<\/strong> Saguaro National Park West – Tucson
Trail Name: <\/strong>North Scenic Drive
Distance:<\/strong> 3.5 miles 
Elevation Gain: <\/strong>1,505 feet
Difficulty: <\/strong>Challenging<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

9. Elephant Noggin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re 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\u2019t call it Elephant Head for no reason – at the summit, you\u2019ll find a shrine of elephant toys overlooking a breathtaking view! <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Location: <\/strong>Mount Wrightson Wilderness 
Trail Name:<\/strong> Trail #930 or Quantrell Mine Trail 
Distance:<\/strong> 6.8 miles
Elevation Gain:<\/strong> 1,133 feet
Difficulty: <\/strong>Moderate to Challenging <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

10. Tumamoc Hill<\/h3>\n\n\n
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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<\/a> to a beautiful overlook of the city. This is an extremely popular trail, though it\u2019s not uncommon to see wildlife! <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Location:<\/strong> Tucson
Trail Name:<\/strong> Tumamoc Hill 
Distance: <\/strong>2.9 miles
Elevation Gain:<\/strong> 721 feet
Difficulty: <\/strong>Moderately Challenging<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

11. Mount Lemmon<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Location:<\/strong> Catalina State Park – Tucson
Trail Name: <\/strong>Mount Lemmon Summit Loop
Distance:<\/strong> 23.9 miles
Elevation Gain:<\/strong> 7,444 feet
Difficulty: <\/strong>Challenging<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

12. Thimble Peak<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the summit, you have the option to climb to the top of the \u201cthimble,\u201d but this should only be done by hikers who are extremely confident free climbing or who have brought gear with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Location:<\/strong> Pusch Ridge Wilderness – Oro Valley
Trail Name: <\/strong>Sycamore Reservoir Trail 
Distance:<\/strong> 10.5 miles
Elevation Gain:<\/strong> 2,332 feet
Difficulty:<\/strong> Challenging<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

13. Rincon Peak<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Rincon Peak is no joke, so if you\u2019re thinking of scaling up this mountain in Saguaro National Park, make sure you\u2019re 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! <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Location:<\/strong> Saguaro National Park East – Benson
Trail Name:<\/strong> Rincon Peak Trail
Distance:<\/strong> 16.5 miles
Elevation Gain: <\/strong>4,593 feet
Difficulty: <\/strong>Challenging<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

14. Chiricahua National Monument<\/h3>\n\n\n
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If you\u2019re looking for a change in scenery near Tucson, Chiricahua National Monument most certainly won\u2019t 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\u2019re notorious for being spotted here!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Location:<\/strong> Chiricahua National Monument – Wilcox
Trail Name: <\/strong>Echo Canyon Loop
Distance:<\/strong> 4 miles
Elevation Gain:<\/strong> 593 feet
Difficulty:<\/strong> Moderately Challenging<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

15. Cathedral Rock<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cathedral Rock is located about 3 hours away in Sedona, Arizona, but the views are so spectacular we had <\/em>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\u2019s recommended to do this hike early in the morning as the rocks can get hot as you begin your descent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Location: <\/strong>Coconino National Forest – Sedona 
Trail Name: <\/strong>Cathedral Rock Trail
Distance:<\/strong> 1.2 miles
Elevation Gain: <\/strong>741 feet
Difficulty: <\/strong>Challenging<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Technical Peak Hikes Near Tucson<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Now that we\u2019ve covered fifteen of the best peak hikes near Tucson, let\u2019s 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! <\/p>\n\n\n\n