With Over 60 Miles Of Trails To Wander, Tucson Mountain Park In Arizona Is An Outdoor Lover's Paradise
By Katie Lawrence|Published August 11, 2022
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Katie Lawrence
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Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
Next time you find yourself experiencing a bit of wanderlust, hop in the car and head to Tucson Mountain Park in Arizona. It’s easily one of the largest parks in the state, with over 60 miles of trails to explore. Admire majestic Saguaros, towering mountain peaks, and ancient petroglyphs in this nature lover’s paradise.
The nearly 92,000-acre Saguaro National Park is split into two sections, one on each side of the city of Tucson.
Tucson Mountain Park is located entirely within the western district. With over 60 miles of multi-use trails to wander, it's among the largest locally-owned and managed natural resource areas in the nation.
Noticeably more wild and rugged than the east side, Tucson Mountain Park offers a true wilderness experience right here in the city. It also boasts a higher concentration of Saguaro cacti, whose majestic frames serve as guardians of this sacred landscape.
Given the sheer amount of hiking opportunities within the park, all ages and skill levels are guaranteed to find a trail to conquer. The 4.7-mile Brown Mountain Trail is the most popular trail in the park, posing a moderate challenge with an elevation gain of just over 650 feet. The panoramic views are astounding!
If you're in the mood for something a bit more mellow, it's hard to beat Signal Hill Trail. Clocking in at under half a mile round-trip, this easy stroll is the best place in the park to see ancient petroglyphs.
Another short-and-sweet trail in the park is Camaro Loop. This two-mile hike is incredibly scenic, showcasing sweeping vistas of the surrounding mountains without requiring much effort at all.
For those who enjoy hikes with a bit of history, opt for the Bowen House via Camino de Oeste Trail. Leading to an old stone house and a petroglyph cave, the trail is a memorable adventure.
Either make your visit a day trip or stay overnight in the Gilbert Ray Campground. The campground offers 130 RV sites with 30-amp electrical hookups, plus five designated tent sites (although tent campers are welcome to use the RV sites, as well). Amenities include centrally located water, picnic tables, modern restrooms, and an RV dumping station.
Visit the Pima County website for more information about Tucson Mountain Park in Arizona, including nightly rates for campsites.
Have you ever visited this bucket list destination? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience. Tell us in the comments! Don’t forget to check out our previous article for a nearby historical site that’s one of the most beautiful buildings you’ll ever see.
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