Sentinel Peak A Mountain
Sentinel Peak, or 'A' Mountain, offers iconic Tucson views, historic charm, and vibrant graffiti art from its accessible summit.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Sentinel Peak A Mountain
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Sentinel Peak, or 'A' Mountain, offers iconic Tucson views, historic charm, and vibrant graffiti art from its accessible summit.
"Awesome, easy, and short little hike that leads to an amazing summit with 360 degree views of Tucson."
🚗 Drive or Hike Up
Access the summit by car or enjoy a hike. Bring water and wear good shoes! :athletic_shoe:
🌅 Catch a Stunning Sunset
Sentinel Peak is a prime spot for breathtaking desert sunsets. Don't miss it! :city_sunset:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Tucson Views
Summit
Experience breathtaking 360-degree vistas of Tucson, the Sonoran Desert, and surrounding mountains.
The Iconic 'A' Landmark
Summit
See the large stone 'A' built by University of Arizona students in 1915, a historic symbol of the city.
Desert Sunsets & Sunrises
Summit
Witness spectacular desert sunsets and sunrises painting the sky with vibrant colors.
Graffiti Art Walls
Lower and mid-levels
Discover ever-changing, vibrant graffiti art adorning the concrete walls, a unique urban art display.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Views
Navigating 'A' Mountain
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive or Hike Up
Access the summit by car or enjoy a hike. Bring water and wear good shoes! :athletic_shoe:
🌅 Catch a Stunning Sunset
Sentinel Peak is a prime spot for breathtaking desert sunsets. Don't miss it! +1 :city_sunset:
🎨 Admire Graffiti Art
Explore the unique and colorful graffiti art on the lower walls. :art:
☕ Enjoy a Summit Picnic
Bring coffee or a snack to enjoy with the amazing city views from the top. :coffee:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive or Hike Up
Access the summit by car or enjoy a hike. Bring water and wear good shoes! :athletic_shoe:
🌅 Catch a Stunning Sunset
Sentinel Peak is a prime spot for breathtaking desert sunsets. Don't miss it! +1 :city_sunset:
🎨 Admire Graffiti Art
Explore the unique and colorful graffiti art on the lower walls. :art:
☕ Enjoy a Summit Picnic
Bring coffee or a snack to enjoy with the amazing city views from the top. :coffee:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially in summer, carry plenty of water for your visit. :droplet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Sentinel Peak's stunning 360-degree views of Tucson and the surrounding desert, making it a favorite spot for catching breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. Many appreciate the accessible drive to the summit and the unique graffiti art found on the lower walls. While some find the hike intermediate, the overall experience is highly positive, offering peace and scenic beauty. +1
"Awesome, easy, and short little hike that leads to an amazing summit with 360 degree views of Tucson, Saguaro National Park, and the surrounding landscape.
A killer spot to catch a sunset and/or sunrise."
Josiah Roe
"I love coming up here to the top of A Mountain! It’s one of my favourite spots in Tucson. The views are great and I like having a coffee or breakfast burrito while sitting on the A and enjoying the city views. 👍😎"
Yodaman Solo
"I like to hike up the hill on the side of the A Mountain, which has always had plenty of interesting graffiti artists decorating the lower and mid levels of the concrete walls. I love art, so that's good for me. Also, some saint hiked a whole metal bench to the very top of the small mountain I like to climb. It had to have been a feat of great strength; I see no vehicle access! The bench appears to have been carried up piecewise, then welded together at the tippy top!
Thank you, kind stranger.
I like the graffiti on the bench, too.
Last Saturday, the Desert Museum had everything set up for people to help paint murals over the old graffiti, so I signed up, which was free! I went up to the summit of the hill, took some pictures, walked around a bit, stretched, finished my breakfast, and then hiked back to the lower level to help paint a person on the wall.
It was fun! Lots of nice people and a few kids helping out with the paints.
I did my part, like half a person that a kid would not have been able to reach, then said goodbyes, walked down, and hopped a bus back into town."
Mackenzie Jones
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sentinel Peak, also known as 'A' Mountain, is easily accessible by car. A paved road winds up to the summit, offering scenic overlooks along the way. You can also hike up to the top. +1
Yes, there is parking available at the summit of Sentinel Peak, allowing visitors to easily access the viewpoints and the 'A' landmark.
While direct public transportation to the summit might be limited, some bus routes can get you close to the base of the mountain, from where you could potentially hike up.
The paved road to the summit makes it accessible for vehicles, and there are viewpoints near the parking area. However, some of the hiking trails may be challenging.
Many visitors enjoy driving to the summit for the panoramic views, while others prefer hiking up. Catching a sunrise or sunset is highly recommended. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Sentinel Peak Park is a public park and generally does not require an entrance fee for visitors.
Sentinel Peak Park is typically open from sunrise to sunset. It's always a good idea to check local listings for any specific park hour changes.
No, tickets are not required for Sentinel Peak Park as it is a public space. You can visit anytime during its operating hours.
Standard park rules apply, such as respecting the environment and not littering. Some areas might have specific signage.
Absolutely! Sentinel Peak is a popular spot for photography, especially for capturing Tucson's skyline, desert landscapes, and stunning sunsets. +1
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The summit offers incredible 360-degree views of Tucson, the surrounding desert, and mountain ranges. The 'A' landmark itself is also a key visual. +1
Yes, Sentinel Peak has paved roads and some hiking trails. The paved loop is popular for walks, and there are more challenging trails for avid hikers. +1
The iconic 'A' was first built by University of Arizona students in 1915 as a class project. The mountain itself has a long history with early inhabitants.
Yes, the lower and mid-levels of the concrete walls on Sentinel Peak are known for their vibrant and ever-changing graffiti art.
It's recommended to bring water, especially during warmer months, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the views.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no food services directly at Sentinel Peak Park. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own snacks and drinks, or dine in Tucson before or after their visit.
Tucson offers a wide variety of dining options. Many visitors enjoy having breakfast burritos or coffee with a view from the summit.
Yes, picnicking is a popular activity at Sentinel Peak. Many people bring their own food and enjoy it with the scenic backdrop.
Some visitors enjoy bringing a coffee or a breakfast burrito to enjoy at the summit while taking in the views.
Tucson is known for its Mexican and Southwestern cuisine, including delicious Sonoran hot dogs and breakfast burritos.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography, with vibrant colors painting the sky. Mid-day can be harsh due to direct sunlight. +1
You can capture panoramic cityscapes of Tucson, expansive desert landscapes, the iconic 'A' landmark, and stunning sky views during sunrise and sunset. +1
Drone photography is possible, offering unique aerial perspectives of the mountain, the city, and the surrounding desert. Always check local drone regulations.
The summit provides the primary panoramic views. The 'A' landmark itself is a popular subject, and the graffiti walls offer artistic backdrops.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions during sunrise and sunset.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider a short, easy walk on the paved loop at the top. The 'A' landmark is a great photo opportunity for the whole family. If your children are interested in art, the graffiti walls can be a fascinating (and colorful!) point of interest.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Fitness Enthusiasts
Join local running clubs that use 'A' Mountain for their training sessions. Remember to check the weather and bring plenty of water, especially during the hot Tucson summers.
📸 Photographers and Sunset Chasers
Bring your camera and tripod to capture the golden hour light. The 'A' landmark and the graffiti art also offer unique photographic subjects.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of 'A' Mountain
Beyond the 'A', the mountain itself has a deeper historical connection. Early inhabitants of the area utilized the base of Sentinel Peak for agriculture, cultivating crops. This connection to the land underscores the mountain's long-standing importance to the region's communities.
Today, 'A' Mountain continues to evolve, with its concrete walls becoming a canvas for local graffiti artists. This dynamic art form adds another layer to the mountain's cultural significance, transforming it into an open-air gallery that reflects the city's creative spirit.
Experiencing Sentinel Peak: Hiking vs. Driving
For those who prefer a more active approach, hiking trails are available. While the paved loop is popular for a brisk walk, more adventurous hikers can explore other paths. It's crucial to be prepared for these hikes, especially during warmer months, by bringing ample water and wearing appropriate footwear.
Regardless of your chosen method, the reward is the same: breathtaking 360-degree views from the summit. Whether you drive or hike, Sentinel Peak offers a memorable experience of Tucson's natural beauty and urban landscape.
Sentinel Peak for Photography Enthusiasts
The most sought-after photographic moments occur during sunrise and sunset. As the sun dips below the horizon or rises in the east, the sky ignems with vibrant hues of orange, red, and yellow, creating dramatic and memorable desert sky scenes.
Beyond the grand vistas, Sentinel Peak also offers unique artistic opportunities. The graffiti art adorning the lower walls provides a colorful and ever-changing urban backdrop for creative shots.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit