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So I'm moving to Tucson later this month and would like to get suggestions from Tucson hiking locals. I would like to know what the quick fitness type peaks are close to town, similar to Piestewa and Camelback. Also what are some of your favorite longer hikes in the Catalinas and surrounding mountains? Thanks

I visit about every six week and hike one of the mtns that ring Tucson. You are going to be living in the bicycle capital of the Southwest and the area in downtown where the trolley is is mostly torn up in the area.

There are a variety of fitness hits, depending on your level... Bracket's Ridge out in the park on the North East side is a popular hit. Central: it is hard to beat Finger Rock trail for a pure cardio and strength hit (nice gentle warmup then 4 miles of really steep)... for some great longer loops, just start down at Pima Canyon and hike the up/down ridge around to any intersecting canyon... you can wrap all the way around and come down Bear Canyon for an impressive and fun day...

Check out Catalina State Park north of town as well. There are lots of trails for just about any fitness level, you hike into the Catalinas. Beautiful scenic views.

Kate

It's summer. Drive up Mt. Lemmon. Hike Wilderness of Rocks Trail, Butterfly Trail, Oracle Ridge Trail, Green Mountain Trail, Lemmon Lookout, Sunset Trail, Mt. Bigelow, etc., etc.

There are lots of good guidebooks. Go to the Summit Hut. There are two locations. One is on Wetmore by the Walmart, and the other one is on Speedway.

One of the best summer training hikes that is not too scorching hot is Mt. Wrightson, to the south of Tucson a few miles. Old Baldy Trail is the quick, steep way up it. Super Trail is longer.

It's summer, and if you like swimming holes, look for Romero Pools, Hutch's Pool, Seven Falls. Be prepared to be hiking in the heat for those, though.

IHike wrote:similar to Piestewa and Camelback

Pusch Peak
, and oh yeah

favorite longer hikes in the Catalinas and surrounding mountains

year round smorgasbord (the ratings column says it all)

Thank you all for your responses.... I got some hikin' to do!

The closest thing to the stuff you referenced in Phoenix is Pusch Peak or Wasson. There's several trails in the front range of the Catalinas that can be accessed quickly for workouts and, if you end up on the east side, there's the Rincons with several options for a quick sweat.