If you’re looking for a great place to hike, Tucson, the little sister city of Phoenix, has no shortage of scenic views and rewarding hiking trails. Known for picturesque desert landscapes and natural charm, Tucson, Arizona is a must-visit destination for anyone who enjoys hitting the trails.
As I’m always on the lookout for fun, easier hikes on my travels, I found some of the best short hikes in Tucson during my visit. Plan to conquer the following easy hikes in Tucson for scenic views and mostly flat terrain.
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7 Best Easy Hikes in Tucson
1. Valley View Overlook Trail
Distance: 0.8 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 52 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Pet friendly: No
Trailhead location: Saguaro National Park – Valley View Overlook Trailhead
If you’re in Tucson for a couple of days, you have to plan a visit to Saguaro National Park. One of the best, and shortest, hikes in this national park is the Valley View Overlook Trail. You can easily accomplish this trail in addition to others within Saguaro, and I recommend saving Valley View for last as it’s an amazing place to watch the sunset.
Make sure you bring a light with you in case you’re hiking back in the dark, or plan to head back to your car before the sun completely sets. Saguaro National Park does charge an entrance fee, but it is so worth it to admire the gorgeous Sonoran desert views.
2. Signal Hill Trail
Distance: 0.3 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 36 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Pet friendly: No
Trailhead location: Saguaro National Park – Signal Hill Trailhead
Another must-do easy hike near Tucson is Signal Hill Trail, also in Saguaro National Park. This trail is super short, but the view is incredible. If you’ve never seen a Saguaro cacti forest, get ready to be awed. You can also see petroglyphs on the boulders along the trail and on top of the hill.
Remember to leave no trace and avoid touching any ancient rock art to help preserve it for future generations to admire.
3. Alamo Canyon Loop Trail
Distance: 3.2 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 334 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Pet friendly: Yes, on leash
Trailhead location: Catalina State Park – Romero Ruins Trailhead
Catalina State Park is one of the best places to hike in Tucson. There are plenty of trails here, but one of the easiest and most rewarding is the Alamo Canyon Loop Trail.
While this is a little longer and has more elevation gain, the trail is generally wide and not steep. You can also hike as much of the trail as you feel like and then turn around rather than complete the entire loop. The views will still be gorgeous.
The trail isn’t marked very well so I recommend downloading the map from Alltrails before heading out. It can be a little confusing because multiple trails fork off from the trailhead parking lot.
4. Meadow and Mount Lemmon Loop
Distance: 2.1 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 341 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Pet friendly: Yes
Trailhead location: Coronado National Forest – Aspen Meadow
One of the most popular places to hike near Tucson is Mount Lemmon, and it’s popular for good reason! The easiest hike in the area is the Meadow and Mount Lemmon Loop trail at 2.1 miles roundtrip. There is more elevation change on this trail compared to the other easy hikes near Tucson, but it’s not too difficult and still worth the hike.
Be aware that this trail does generally close during the winter months are there can be lots of snow at the summit. You can also drive to the top of Mount Lemmon and enjoy the views without much hiking; park at E Ski Run Rd and E Cap Rock Trail.
There are no signs along the trail, so I recommend downloading an offline map for this trail as well. This trail combo is also called the #5 trail on marker signs at the start of the hike.
5. Sutherland and Canyon Loop Trail
Distance: 2.3 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 196 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Pet friendly: Yes
Trailhead location: Catalina State Park – Canyon Loop Trailhead or Sutherland Trailhead
Going back to Catalina State Park, another must-do hike here is the Sutherland and Canyon Loop Trail. Again this is a dog-friendly trail with some elevation gain and gorgeous views.
This is a popular trail so plan to head out as early as possible. It’s also best to hike this trail between September through May. The summer months get too hot and bring the most rain which can fill the wash that crosses the trail making it difficult to complete. There is also a $7 car fee to enter this state park, but it’s worth it.
6. Desert Discovery Nature Trail
Distance: 0.4 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 16 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Pet friendly: Yes, on leash
Trailhead location: Saguaro National Park – N Kinney Rd
The easiest and still rewarding trail in Tucson is the Desert Discovery Nature Trail in Saguaro National Park. This 0.4 mile trail is paved and perfect for the whole family to enjoy. Admire the beauty of the Sonoran desert on this nature trail!
Remember to stop by the Saguaro National Park Visitor Center as there’s an entrance fee to the park. Plan to check out this trail along with the Valley View Overlook and Signal Hill for a fun day at the national park.
7. Sabino Walkway Loop
Distance: 2.3 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 144 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Pet friendly: No
Trailhead location: Sabino Canyon Visitor Center
Sabino Canyon is another fantastic place to hike in Tucson, Arizona. While there are lots of trail options here, a lot of them are longer than 5 miles and are rated more difficult than the Sabino Walkway Loop. Plan to arrive early to snag parking and avoid crowds.
At 2.3 miles this is a great option for those wanting a shorter, easier hike. There is a waterfall which you might get lucky enough to see flowing depending on the time of year you visit. This is not a dog-friendly trail, and there is an entrance fee to the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area.
What to Pack for Hiking in Tucson
Make sure you’re well prepared before you hit the trail. As Tucson is all Sonoran desert, you won’t find much shade on any trails here. The climate runs very dry and warm, so plenty of water is the number one hiking essential to remember.
Below are hiking essentials to help you make the most of your time on these stunning trails; stay safe and have fun! Learn more about packing for Arizona too.
Water Bottle or Water Reservoir:
Bring plenty of water on every hiking trail you hit in Tucson. A reusable water bottle or a water reservoir in your backpack are both great for this! Recommended insulated water bottle.
Energy Snacks:
Don’t get fatigued on your hike, no matter how short it is. Energy gummy snacks, granola bars, and trail mix are always in my hiking backpack. I recommend these hiking gummies to snack on.
Sunscreen:
This is a must for any hike, but Tucson has little to no shade, so apply sunscreen before you hit the trails and throw the bottle in your backpack. Sun Bum is my go-to sunscreen.
Sunshirt:
Perfect for any time of year in Tucson, a sunshirt is a breathable long-sleeve shirt that will protect your upper body from sunburn. Recommended women’s sun shirt and men’s sun shirt.
Sunglasses & Hat:
A pair of sunglasses and a hat are essential for any Arizona hike. Bring a baseball cap, or opt for this sun hat for more shade coverage.
Hiking Backpack:
Essential for any hike, a small hiking backpack makes it so much easier to carry all your hiking essentials. The Osprey Daylite Cinch Backpack is a great size for day hiking and comes in many different colors.
Athletic Pants or Shorts:
Stay comfortable while hitting the trails and wear leggings, hiking pants, or joggers. I recommend these joggers for women or these zip-off hiking pants.
Hiking Boots:
Tucson, Arizona is very dry and full of cactus and other prickly plants. Wear hiking boots to keep your feet safe and your ankles sturdy on uneven terrain. I love the Salomon Outpulse Mid Gore-Tex Women’s Hiking Shoe. They also have a men’s version.
TIP: Once your water is half finished, it is time to turn around. Running out of water, especially in the desert, can be fatal. Make sure you stay hydrated and pack more water than you think necessary.
Remember to Leave No Trace! If you’re going to hike, plan to leave the trails better than you found them. Pack out any trash from snacks you eat (including fruit peels). Read more about day hiking essentials here.
Read also: What to Pack for Arizona
In Conclusion: The Best Easy Hikes Near Tucson
Tucson, Arizona is a dream destination for hiking lovers. There’s an incredible variety of hiking trails in and around the city, many of which are fairly short and flat. Enjoy the best easy hikes in Tucson for a fun day outdoors while still getting to see great views of the Sonoran desert.
Save this Tucson hiking guide for your own adventure, or send it to a hiking-loving friend! There’s so much to do in Tucson, this Arizona city is definitely worth a visit! Plan an Arizona road trip to enjoy the natural beauty of this southern state.
