Hiking in the desert & mountains of tucson

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, wildlife and much more. 

    The Huachuca Mountains are the third highest of the sky island mountain ranges in southeastern Arizona and rise almost 4,500 feet above the desert floor. Spring-fed streams, northeast orientation, and high canyon walls provide the canyons on the east side of the Huachuca Mountains with a moist cool environment unusual in the desert southwest. Miller Peak Wilderness comprises 20,190 acres of the high country at the southern end of the mountain range and has an extensive trail system.

    The Chiricahua Mountains are the largest of Arizona’s Sky Island Mountain ranges and the second highest. The main crest of the mountain range resembles rolling hills atop a narrow high plateau rather than distinct mountain peaks. The Chiricahua National Monument & Wilderness is home to a fascinating diversity of both plant and animal life, as well as some of the southwest most spectacular geology.