Painted Hills Trails Park
Discover the beauty of the Sonoran Desert on the trails of Painted Hills, offering stunning saguaro landscapes and rewarding summit views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat & catch sunrise
Painted Hills Trails Park
Best Time
Beat the heat & catch sunrise
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the beauty of the Sonoran Desert on the trails of Painted Hills, offering stunning saguaro landscapes and rewarding summit views.
"Great for a quick hike with nice views/payoffs for very little effort. "
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Cell service is unreliable. Always download offline maps for GPS navigation. :iphone:
👟 Watch Your Step
Some trails have sharp gravel; consider protective booties for sensitive dog paws. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bactrian Summit
Via Mosaic Trail
Reach the summit for sweeping views of Tucson and the surrounding desert landscape. A rewarding payoff for minimal effort.
Sonoran Desert Habitat
Throughout the park
Experience the beauty of saguaros, desert scrub, and potential wildlife sightings like mule deer and coyotes.
Dog-Friendly Trails
All trails
Bring your furry friends along for the adventure! The park is welcoming to dogs on the trails.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Conditions & Navigation
Best Hiking Times
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Cell service is unreliable. Always download offline maps for GPS navigation. :iphone:
👟 Watch Your Step
Some trails have sharp gravel; consider protective booties for sensitive dog paws. :athletic_shoe:
☀️ Hydrate & Protect
Arizona sun is intense. Bring plenty of water and wear sun protection. :droplet: :sunwithface:
🐾 Leash Your Dogs
While dog-friendly, keep your pets leashed to respect wildlife and other hikers. :dog: :leash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Cell service is unreliable. Always download offline maps for GPS navigation. :iphone:
👟 Watch Your Step
Some trails have sharp gravel; consider protective booties for sensitive dog paws. :athletic_shoe:
☀️ Hydrate & Protect
Arizona sun is intense. Bring plenty of water and wear sun protection. :droplet: :sunwithface:
🐾 Leash Your Dogs
While dog-friendly, keep your pets leashed to respect wildlife and other hikers. :dog: :leash:
🌅 Sunrise Hikes
Catching the sunrise from Painted Hills Peak is a popular and beautiful experience. :sunrise:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Painted Hills Trails Park for its beautiful desert scenery, accessible trails, and dog-friendly atmosphere. Many enjoy the rewarding views from Bactrian Summit with minimal effort. Some note that newer trails can be less obvious and the gravel might be sharp for sensitive paws.
"Beautiful location with a variety of trails to choose from. Dog friendly. The trails are newer so some parts of the trail aren't super obvious but still visible, just pay attention. Some sgarp-ish gravel which might bother dog feet if they're super sensitive. I'll definitely return soon."
Chris
"Nice trail near town. Leads you in a round about way to the top of a peak with a great view. Did not track distance but guessing around a mile and a half from parking lot to the peak.
It is a well marked, easy to follow trail for a short stroll. Not a secluded hike as the area is boxed in by roads, but still rewarding. Would be good walk with several people.
Reduced a star only due to preference for getting further way from roads."
patrick jarvis
"This will eventually be a great Trail. Really beautiful terrain. Rolling hills of scrub & Saguaro but half the paths are freshly bulldozed, unfinished and full of crushed rock to stumble over."
Martin D
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Painted Hills Trails Park is located on Tucson's west side. The address is 3590 W.
Yes, there is parking available at the trailhead for visitors. It can get busy during peak times, so arriving early is recommended.
The Mosaic Trail is highly recommended, leading to Bactrian Summit for great views. The Santa Catalina Vista is a beautiful detour. Some users prefer the Mosaic side over the Slingshot trail due to home views.
It's strongly advised to download offline maps before you go, as cell service can be unreliable in the park. GPS should still work. :iphone:
Yes, the trails can be used for biking, though some sections might be steep uphill climbs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Painted Hills Trails Park is a Pima County park and is generally free to enter and use.
The park is open from dawn to dusk, allowing visitors to enjoy early morning sunrises and late afternoon golden hours.
No, tickets are not required as it's a public park. You can visit anytime during operating hours. :ticket:
Standard park rules apply, including respecting wildlife, staying on marked trails, and packing out everything you pack in. Dogs must be leashed.
While some trails are well-maintained, the desert terrain can be uneven. It's best to check with Pima County Parks for specific accessibility information. :wheelchair:
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The park offers a variety of trails, from easy strolls to more moderate inclines. The Mosaic Trail is popular for its views and leads to Bactrian Summit.
Yes, many find Painted Hills to be beginner-friendly. The trails offer a good balance of challenge and accessibility, with some moderate inclines.
You might encounter saguaros, mule deer, bobcats, javelinas, coyotes, and occasionally Gila Monsters.
Crowds can vary. Weekdays and early mornings tend to be less crowded. It's not as secluded as some other desert hikes due to its proximity to roads.
Absolutely! Painted Hills Trails Park is dog-friendly, making it a great spot for a hike with your canine companion.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit of Bactrian Peak offers panoramic views of the city and mountains. The desert landscape with saguaros is also very photogenic.
Sunrise and sunset provide beautiful golden hour lighting for capturing the desert scenery.
Look for unique saguaro formations and the vast desert vistas. The contrast of the desert flora against the sky is stunning.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A tripod can help with low-light conditions during sunrise/sunset. :camerawithflash:
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check with Pima County Parks for any restrictions on drone operation within the park. :drone:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to bring plenty of water and sun protection, as the desert sun can be intense. Consider shorter loops or out-and-back hikes to manage energy levels. The park's proximity to Tucson also makes it a convenient choice for a quick family outing. Downloading offline maps is a good idea, especially if you're navigating with kids. :familywwomanboy:
🐶 Dog Owners
+1 Your canine companions can enjoy exploring the desert trails alongside you. However, it's crucial to be mindful of the terrain; some of the gravel can be sharp and might irritate sensitive paws. Always keep your dog on a leash to ensure their safety and respect for wildlife and other park visitors. Ensure your dog is well-hydrated, especially during warmer months. :dog2: :hiking_boot:
🏃♀️ Runners & Fitness Enthusiasts
Consider the time of day to avoid the peak heat. Early mornings are ideal for a refreshing run. Remember to bring water and be aware of the trail conditions, especially the gravel sections. :runner: :runningshirtwith_sash:
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails
Some visitors note that while the trails are newer, they are generally well-marked, though paying attention to signage is advised. For those seeking a slightly different perspective, the Santa Catalina Vista provides a beautiful detour. While some trails, like the Slingshot trail, might offer views of residential areas, the Mosaic Trail side is generally preferred for its more natural desert scenery.
Wildlife and Nature
The diverse flora and fauna create an immersive natural experience, perfect for nature lovers and photographers. Remember that these are wild animals, and it's important to observe them from a safe distance and never feed them. The desert environment is delicate, so sticking to marked trails helps preserve the habitat for these creatures.
Fitness and Running
Groups like 'Warrior Women of Tucson' utilize the park for their fitness meetups, highlighting its role as a community fitness hub.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit