Hike on miles of trails around the Tucson Basin and mountains of Southern Arizona to experience their unique and varied landscapes, outstanding views, dramatic diversity of flora, fauna, and world-class birding. The trails are easily accessed from the Tucson metro area, making it a day-hiker's paradise. “The Mountaineers”
The Santa Catalina Mountains are Tucson's most prominent range with the highest average elevation. The highest point is Mt. Lemmon at 9,147 feet, noted as the southernmost ski destination in the United States. A trip from the Tucson valley to Mt. Lemmon takes you from 2,000 to about 9,000 feet, with scenery that resembles a trip from the Mexican to the Canadian border.
The Rincon Mountains fall within the boundaries of the Saguaro National Park East and the Coronado National Forest, and are a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a plethora of opportunities for hiking, camping, and adventure. The range boasts an extensive network of trails that cater to all levels of hikers, from leisurely nature walks to challenging mountain ascents.
Arizona's Santa Rita Mountains located just south of Tucson, offers a treasure of natural beauty and adventure. With its diverse landscapes, from lush forests to arid deserts, the Santa Rita's provide a perfect backdrop for hiking, bird watching, and exploring. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just looking for a peaceful escape, these trails offer something for everyone.
Much of the Tucson Mountains are located in Saguaro National Park West. With it’s lush Sonoran Desert landscape, Early Native American history and volcanic rock formations, the trails of the Tucson Mountains provide access to a wide variety of desert fauna, desert wildlife, and much more.
The universal symbol of the American west, the giant saguaro is found only in a small portion of the United States, and are protected by Saguaro National Park, to the east & west of Tucson. The Rincon Mountain District has a lower concentration of cacti but offers miles of backcountry trails perfect for those who want to leave the crowds behind.
Silhouetted by the beauty of a magnificent desert sunset, Saguaro National Park West, called
the Tucson Mountain District has a denser population of cacti and is a more popular section of the park. You’re going to have 2 million saguaros on the west side versus maybe a quarter million saguaros on the east side.
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