Catch a Sunset on "A" Mountain
Details
Distance
0.3 miles
Elevation Gain
250 ft
Route Type
Loop
Added by Josiah Roe
Epic views of Tucson, the Tucson Mountains, and the Santa Catalina Mountains just minutes from downtown.
In 1910 a group of University of Arizona students took local basalt rock and constructed a 160' block "A" on the east face of Sentinel Peak overlooking Tucson, giving the prominent peak its most commonly known name.
Now the area is part of the 272 acre Sentinel Peak Park, and features a great network of hiking and running trails, and massive saguaro cacti. Because of its ease of access (you can drive up a mere 200' shy of the summit) it is a popular place to take in the incredible sunsets that are common in the Sonoran Desert.
There are numerous use trails which enter the park and lead to the summit, but the easiest way to reach the summit is to take Congress Street west out of downtown and then left up Sentinel Peak Road to the large parking area. From the parking lot head east up either of the loop trails, which curve around the east face and up to the summit.
Park hours are Sunrise to 8 pm. and the road is closed on Mondays. Be sure to bring water and sunscreen in the summer.
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Reviews
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A local favorite
This spot is okay, but it's full of bros and college girls wearing perfume. The area is developing so much it's losing its desert feel. I'd leave it for the locals. Try somewhere in Papago Park (close by) instead. Great workout spot, however, if you're looking for a challenging run.
3.0
Easy Hike
This is an easy hike next to the ASU campus. It's a good short hike for a workout and to watch the sunset
4.0
Perfect desert sunset
I love going here in the spring, when the air is perfect in the evenings for a long walk! Many people drive up and park with books/cameras/friends at the summit
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.
