Lower Javelina and Wild Burro Short Loop

The Canyon Loop trail is an easy hike through the foothills that begins and ends at the Trailhead parking lot. (End of the road when you enter Catalina State Park from Oracle Rd - entrance fee required)  The loop is relatively flat, although starts with a short uphill burst before leveling off. The Canyon Loop trail crosses a wash several times, so seasonal stream flow could impact travel. Cal...

To enter the Catalina State Park costs $7 per vehicle with up to four adults. You then drive to the trailhead parking lot. There will be a restroom and a very small shop there. From the trailhead, you almost immediately crosse Sutherland Wash, which flows seasonally. The first 1.1 miles is relatively flat and an easy walk (up to the end of this point, no dogs are allowed). The next 1.7 miles ar...

The Desperado Loop in the Sweetwater Preserve is a great introductory mountain biking loop that is perfect for beginners, yet the Loop can also be tied into the larger Sweetwater Trail System for more advanced riders. Beginning from the parking lot, the Desperado Trail loop quickly rises to a ridge system that looks out over the alluvial plain on which the city of Tucson is built, and then lead...

A popular trail in the Tucson Mountain District of Saguaro National Park, Signal Hill is a highlight of the park with a small summit to a boulder field with many petroglyphs and views for several miles.  The petroglyphs date to the 13th and 14th centuries and were created by the Hohokam people.  This is a easy trail attached to a nice picnic area. It can be very hot from May - October so late f...

The Valley View Overlook Trail is located in the Tucson Mountain District (which west of Tucson) of Saguaro National Park. The access to this trail is about 3 miles north from the Red Hills Visitor Center.  From the visitor center travel 1.5 miles north on N. Kinney Road, then take a right on Hohokam Road for another 1.4 miles.  Parking for the trail will be on your left.   This trail is quite ...

Named for a Native American police chief, the Hugh Norris trail takes you from lush (by desert standards) Saguaro and cholla forests to the top of rugged Wasson Peak.  On top of the peak, you'll have sweeping views of the city of Tucson, as well as the surrounding mountain ranges.  Depending on your hiking speed this hike can be a full day commitment, but well worth it.  The trailhead is locate...