Tucson is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise, with a seemingly endless array of hiking trails to choose from. One of our very favorites is Tumamoc Hill, both for its unparalleled city views and relative ease – it’s a straight shot from the base to the summit! This hike is a real treat, and it’ll quickly become one of your favorite spots to enjoy nature without straying too far from home.
Part of the University of Arizona’s Tumamoc Desert Laboratory, Tumamoc Hill is a research station that has been studied for over a century.
AllTrails/Terry Galassani The 3.1-mile hike is well paved and boasts sweeping views of the city, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
Best used from September until May, the trail is effortless to follow.
AllTrails/Terry Galassani Just keep climbing up the hill until you reach the top, then make your way back down - there are no forks in the road to cause confusion.
Upon reaching the summit, you’ll be grateful the hike was so straightforward.
AllTrails/Mike Larson That means you can take plenty of time to admire the scenery, marveling at the peaks of the Tucson Mountains that tower majestically in the distance.
Saguaros line the hillside like stately desert guardians standing tall and proud for all to see.
AllTrails/Zachary Chaffee Benches are spaced every so often along the trail, affording hikers the opportunity to pause and do a little self-reflection (or just gaze in awe at the abundant wildlife and vegetation.)
Tumamoc Hill is among the only trails in the Tucson Mountain Range that is open after dark, so people come from all over to see the sunset.
AllTrails/Katerina Wong If you’ve never watched the last tendrils of daylight disappear behind a mountaintop before, it’s a truly next-level experience.
Then, once night has officially fallen, the city comes alive in an epic display of light.
AllTrails/Liz Burger It’s strangely peaceful to witness the bustling nightlife from afar. You can simply enjoy the shadows and Saguaro silhouettes cast by the illuminated buildings, oblivious to the crowds and noise.
When it comes time to retrace your steps and head back down, you’ll be doing so with a full heart and clear mind.
AllTrails/Nathan Hammond There are few things that a little time in nature can’t fix (or at least make better).
Tumamoc Hill is open daily from 4 a.m. until 10 p.m. There is no entrance fee.
AllTrails/Ashley Hendrickson Dogs are not permitted on the hill, and strollers and wheelchairs may have difficulty navigating the moderate-to-steep grade throughout. All hikers must remain on the paved walkway.
To learn more about the hike, visit its page on AllTrails.
AllTrails/Terry Galassani
The 3.1-mile hike is well paved and boasts sweeping views of the city, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
Just keep climbing up the hill until you reach the top, then make your way back down - there are no forks in the road to cause confusion.
AllTrails/Mike Larson
That means you can take plenty of time to admire the scenery, marveling at the peaks of the Tucson Mountains that tower majestically in the distance.
AllTrails/Zachary Chaffee
Benches are spaced every so often along the trail, affording hikers the opportunity to pause and do a little self-reflection (or just gaze in awe at the abundant wildlife and vegetation.)
AllTrails/Katerina Wong
If you’ve never watched the last tendrils of daylight disappear behind a mountaintop before, it’s a truly next-level experience.
AllTrails/Liz Burger
It’s strangely peaceful to witness the bustling nightlife from afar. You can simply enjoy the shadows and Saguaro silhouettes cast by the illuminated buildings, oblivious to the crowds and noise.
AllTrails/Nathan Hammond
There are few things that a little time in nature can’t fix (or at least make better).
AllTrails/Ashley Hendrickson
Dogs are not permitted on the hill, and strollers and wheelchairs may have difficulty navigating the moderate-to-steep grade throughout. All hikers must remain on the paved walkway.
Have you ever hiked Tumamoc Hill? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments section below! Don’t forget to check out our previous article for another Tucson-area hike that’s totally bucket list-worthy.
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Address: Tumamoc Hill, Tucson, AZ 85745, USA
