Most people who don’t live in Arizona think “sunshine” and “desert” when they hear of Tucson. What they don’t realize is that Tucson is a hotspot for incredible hiking.
While there are countless benefits to buying a real estate lot for sale at Saguaro Ranch, the access to these trails and the great outdoors is undoubtedly one of the best. Take a look at some of the best hiking trails near Tucson — just make sure you bring plenty of water.
Desert Hiking Tips
Desert hiking is beautiful and unforgettable. However, the dry climate and intense heat means you need to take precaution — often in ways that differ from hikes through forests or on flat land. Here are 5 tips to keep in mind before setting off on the trail.
Pay attention to climate. Desert hikes in the summer should be done with extreme caution, in the early morning. Mountainous hikes are often closed in winter. Keep the climate of where you’re hiking in mind.
Lots and lots of water. Hikers are airlifted out of trails every year in Arizona due to dehydration and exhaustion. Bring more water than seems necessary and take sips throughout. Never let your mouth get dry.
Limit exposure. Wear sunscreen (and pack extra), sunglasses, and a hat to prevent extra glare. For mountainous hikes, bring an extra layer — there might be snow at the top!
Prepare for elevation. If you’ve never been higher than 5,000 feet above sea level, you could very well experience altitude sickness. Many hikes in Tucson go well above 7,000 feet. Take things slow, gradually increase the elevation you hike up to if you’re worried, bring plenty of water, and consider talking to a doctor before you go.
Watch for wildlife. Rattlesnakes (and sometimes scorpions) are a common occurrence on the trails. Keep an eye out and as a general rule of thumb, respect all wildlife around you. Leave things better than you found it and take all trash out with you.
Time it carefully. From late spring to early fall, start your hikes early. Research how long it might take you to complete the hike so that you’re done before the hottest part of the day.
One other thing to keep in mind, especially right now in 2020: continue following social distancing procedures when hiking. Give other hikers ample distance, don’t get too close, bring a mask just in case and some hand sanitizer, if available.
Waterfall Trails
Waterfalls in the desert? You bet! Tucson has a number of trails that lead to gorgeous waterfalls. These hiking trails are great for photo ops and even better for a quick way to cool off.
Tanque Verde Falls Trail: 1.8 miles, out-and-back. Rated as moderate, just 40 minutes outside of downtown Tucson.
Romero Canyon Trail to Romero Pools: 5.5 miles, out-and-back, 900 feet of elevation gain. Part of the Catalina State Park, $7 entry fee per vehicle (no more than 4 adults). No dogs allowed.
Seven Falls: 5 miles, out-and-back, 917 feet of elevation gain. Part of the Coronado National Forest, you can take a $4 tram up to the trailhead. A great place to take a dip! No dogs allowed.
Out of the Desert Trails
No one can deny the beauty and otherworldly nature of the desert, but sometimes it’s nice to get out of dodge. Try these trails for a blissful escape (especially in the summer).
Aspen-Marshall Gulch Trail: 3.7 miles, loop, top elevation is around 8,150 feet. Gorgeous aspens, wildflowers, several creek crossings, and significantly cooler than desert hikes.
Chiricahua National Monument: Multiple trails to choose from, slightly further from Tucson (just under 2 hours away). Unique rock formations from a long-ago volcanic event offer an unforgettable visit.
Mountain Peak Trails
Mountains are an integral part of the Tucson landscape and are a gorgeous backdrop to the city. When you want to get to the top of those peaks, these are the trails for you.
Wasson Peak: 7.7 miles, out-and-back but with a loop option at the end, almost 1,900 feet elevation gain. Part of the Saguaro National Park, will need to pay admission or have an NPS membership. Closed during the summer, no dogs allowed.
Mt. Kimball: 8 miles, out-and-back, ranked difficult. Gorgeous views at the top, but the terrain gets tougher as you go on. There are springs you can stop at for a break (or a good turnaround point if you’re not feeling the peak this time).
Mt. Lemmon: 9.5 miles, out-and-back, almost 3,500 feet of elevation gain. The highest peak trail in the area, you’ll reach an elevation of 9,131 feet at the top. This trail has beautiful wildflowers and is actually a great hike from April to October. Dogs are allowed but must be leashed.
Saguaro Ranch Trails
We have miles of desert hiking trails available to homeowners in Saguaro Ranch. When you buy a real estate lot for sale with Saguaro Ranch, you’re gaining exclusive access to private trails. Plus, these trails can also work for running and mountain biking.
Building a home at Saguaro Ranch means you’re close to the action of Tucson while feeling completely removed, in a peaceful, private desert oasis. You can easily travel to any of the hiking trails we mentioned (we also back right up to the Tortolita Mountains, another great hiking locale), or you can stay close to home and enjoy our unique trail system (and then cool off at the clubhouse when you’re done). Set up a visit to look at an estate lot and enjoy the great outdoors with ease.
