Brown Mountain is the aptly-named peak that dominates views from the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. The trail that follows its ridgeline is not particularly scenic or challenging, in comparison to other Tucson area hikes. However, it does have its charms. Like most ridgeline hikes, it offers good views and nice spots to watch the sunset. This trail also offers a good sampling of Sonoran Desert flora and fauna. You may see, as I did, a coyote run across the road, or be able to look down on the speckled back of a hawk as it glides on currents of air below you.

To the south of the parking area, look across the drainage to locate a trail heading up Brown Mountain. Drop down across the drainage and follow this trail up. It switchbacks gently up the peak, passing a trail sign indicating this trail goes to the Gilbert Ray campground. It climbs gently higher, traversing around under the actual summit of Brown Mountain. You can scramble up to the top of this peak, but better views can be found further south simply by following the trail.

The trail drops into a saddle, then climbs gently again up the second peak on the ridgeline. You will quickly gain the shoulder of this peak, and then on the southwest side of the peak the trail climbs out onto the actual ridgeline. The next 3/4 mile is the best of this hike. As the trail follows the ridgeline, you are treated to great views of Golden Gate Mountain and Wasson Peak, Saguaro National Park West, Avra Valley, and Baboquivari and Kitt Peaks off in the distance. Near the end of the ridgeline, the trail passes a flat bench. This flat area is a great spot to sit and watch the sun sink behind the far off mountains.

The trail drops quickly off the mountain and into a drainage. In this drainage you meet a junction with a trail heading to Gilbert Ray Campground, where you will want to bear left on the trail signed "Cougar Trail." This trail heads across the desert, weaving among typical Sonoran Desert fauna like saguaros, prickly pears and creosote. Bear left at all unmarked junctions, and you will eventually reach paved Kinney Road.

Cross this road and go through the gate. Turn left here, onto a wide dirt road that parallels the paved road. This road will lead you off into the desert to meet an access road underneath some power lines. Turn left onto this access road, and follow it along under the buzzing powerlines. After climbing to the top of a low ridge, you will gain a view of a wash filled with construction debris and the Desert Museum beyond. Drop down to this wash, where you will turn left, away from the power lines, and head south towards Kinney Road. Once you reach the road, turn right and follow it a short distance to the entrance to Juan Santa Cruz Picnic Grounds.
- Jul 06 2003 Lizard