The Park
Within Tucson Mountain Park are over 40 designated trails (see
map), many intersecting, and so offering numerous options for loop hikes, long and short. The highest terrain is at the center of the park, and this has fewer trails - most are concentrated to the east and west, where the peaks are lower, and are surrounded by desert flats. The westernmost section, beyond Kinney Road, has just one significant peak,
Brown Mountain, explored by a
4 mile loop. South of here are various trails across the open desert, mostly used by mountain bikes. West of Kinney Road and north of Gates Pass Road is the least visited section of the park, with only a few paths, including the Orcut Trail that leads into Saguaro National Park, and a ridgeline path to Peak 4063, starting at the pass. Most hikes are east of Kinney Road and south of Gates Pass Road, some looping around the various peaks, the highest being 4,288 foot
Golden Gate Mountain (and one route to the summit), others crossing the lowlands. There are many trailheads, some at the end of residential streets in the Tucson suburbs. Within the mountain park are four small preserves, each with a set of connected paths; Feliz Paseos Park, Painted Hills Trails Park, Enchanted Hills Trails Park and Robles Pass Trails Park.