HikeArizona.COM

How is the Tucson backpacking scene, never hiked or backpacked there, heard weather is cooler than Phx?, im so used to backpacking and hiking up in the Payson area that i dont know if i would like desert rocky terrain..................

@sajor75
You have a variation of about 6000 feet, so you can't say it's all desert. Most hikes lead to pines eventually, and there are creeks.

I was asked if I was to live anywhere in AZ that had the best hiking, closest to a city, I chose Tucson. most said payson. most are wrong. backpack up Mt. Wrightson from Madera canyon, stay at the saddle up top nearly 8800 feet.. check water at Bellows spring, it has been reliable for me but look to the interwebs for conditions.

Lemmon has the wilderness of rocks trail, where you can do a couple loop options after a night at Lemmon Pools (scour the maps to find the real gems). the drive up from tookson to the trailhead is remarkable in and of itself. it's maybe not too hot yet to take the Gordon trail to Hutchs Pool. or, Romero canyon to bear camp.


another favorite, yet farther away, is a night near Ash creek in the Pinalenos. fuhh… even after a big fire a few years back it is still damn nice getaway.

@te_wa
Put down the bong! Posting ridiculous fantasies in a forum for some poor guy who just wants a little advice!

It’s desert rocky terrain. Yuck.

The Galiuros are reasonably convenient to Tucson.

sajor75 » Jun 02 2019 wrote:i dont know if i would like desert rocky terrain...

are you kidding

sajor75 » Nov 02 2018 wrote:isnt the superstitions desert like terrain with mountains, if that is your cup of tea go for it but i much prefer the green pine trees of up north

based on the above and your numerous highline comments you would much prefer
[ Kaibab Pine Backpacking Ideas :: map ]

that said, cooler Tucson vicinity pines
[ Wilderness of Rocks #44 ]

too warm for most now but snazzy
[ Miller Creek Trail #28 ]

Galiuros are the best for some nice backpacking loops without crowds if you avoid hunting season. FYI, make sure and bear proof your food. They just relocated another black bear to there from south of here that was getting into peoples garbage near Rio Rico I think. So it's habituated to "people" food.

@sajor75
The Catalina range has a few dozen trails (and hundreds of combinations of...) just begging to be used. Elevations start at around 3,000' to 9,000'. If you pick your trails wisely, you might even avoid seeing another human for a couple of days at a time.

The Rincons, on the east side offer the most solitude, and are perfect for backpacking. Rincon Peak and Tanque Verde Peak will usually be busy, but I never seem to see anyone, anywhere else in those mountains.

I've spent over 40 years playing in the mountains around Tucson and would have to say that their diversity can't be beat, and yes, backpacking opportunities abound.

If you need some suggestions, I have have many. Drop me a line.

@Mountain_Rat
indeed and great to hear from you!

reference
[ Santa Catalina Trails :: map ]
[ Rincon Mountain :: map ] ( needs work but a start )

@joebartels
@sajor75
Here's my 'near' complete Rincons collection for whoever might like.
[ Rincon Package :: map ]

I tried to use either my own, or official routes as much as possible, but some are Franken Tracks. All are at least as accurate as a paper map.