Oro Valley, Arizona

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 Hoh...

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. ...

Molino Basin Campground is the only campground of the Catalina District of the Forest Service to be open year round due to its lower elevation at only 4500'. Its position along the Mount Lemmon Highway makes Molino Basin a perfect basecamp for further adventures in the Santa Catalina Mountains, a...

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 y...

Starting out at San Pedro Vista Trailhead, located just off the shoulder of the Catalina Highway, this trail follows along the ridgeline, drops to a small saddle, and terminates at a gorgeous vista: Leopold Point. There is only 1 sign that you will come across that actually designates it as Incin...

Bridal Wreath Falls is a 5.6 mile out-and-back hike that takes you through a Seguro National Park to a picturesque waterfall near Tucson, AZ. Keep in mind, the waterfall is more "picturesque" if it has rained recently. This trail is NOT dog-friendly. 

Saguaro National Park is split into two different "districts" found east and west of Tucson. In the East-Rincon Mountain District you can find over 130 miles of hiking trails. However, for folks who don't have much time in the park, are with friends and family who aren't hikers, or are literally ...

The Cactus Forest scenic drive is one of two scenic drives in Saguaro National Park (the other is in the West district location).  The drive in Saguaro National Park East is a paved eight-mile one way loop that runs through the heart of an extensive saguaro forest.  If you’re lucky enough to visi...

This hike starts at the Lower Tanque Verde Falls Trailhead, which is a well marked dirt lot on the left side of Reddington Road. A 4x4 would probably make the last half mile or so easier when the road turns to dirt but I made it to the trailhead in a Toyota Carolla without any trouble, so don't l...

Drive through the gate of Saguaro National Park and continue straight onto Cactus Forest Drive. The 8 Mile loop takes you around to Javelina Rock parking area. Take time to enjoy this drive, it offers great views of the park and opportunities to spot coyotes and other wildlife.About 7 miles into ...

If you've ever done the drive on highway10 from Phoenix to Tucson, you've definitely noticed an intriguing looking mountain peak about an hour into the drive. It broadly rises from the earth and tapers off into a point at the top, appearing like an illustration straight out of a Dr. Seuss boo...

If Arizona is lucky enough to have a rainy winter, we will most certainly have a beautiful bloom come spring.  One of the best places to see the beautiful golden blooms is on a hike in Picacho Peak State Park. Blooming season typically begins in mid/late February.  Length depends on temperature –...

We recently hiked the Calloway Trail at Picacho Peak State Park, and while it’s not as challenging as the Hunter Trail, it’s still a bit difficult, especially with rocky terrain. However, this trail was more manageable for our family, and all of our kids were able to complete it without needing t...

If you’re looking for a short but adventurous family hike, the Children’s Cave Trail at Picacho Peak State Park is a perfect pick! The trail is short just under half a mile round trip but don’t let the distance fool you. The terrain is a bit uphill and can be challenging in spots, yet even our 2-...

Drive about 30 minutes west on I-10 from Tucson, AZ to the Picacho Peak Rd. Exit and follow the signs south to the park entrance. The campgrounds are about a half mile inside the main gate to the right.You can either make a reservation at Pichacho Peak State Park or arrive the day of and pay. Eve...

Welcome to the beauty of wilderness and serenity! Within the boundaries of Aravaipa Canyon, you will not find any designated trails, campsites, or facilities. This canyon is one of Arizona’s hidden gems, and it is not mentioned in many travel books or in international travel magazines – yet. ...