Tumamoc Hill Trailhead - Search Nearby - Added by Sara Sheehy
Get your urban adventuring on and be rewarded with panoramic views of Tucson.
Tumamoc Hill is urban adventuring at it's finest. Park on Anklam Road, directly across from St Mary's Hospital, and follow the other hikers and runners to the trailhead.
Tumamoc Hill is a one-lane paved road, trafficked infrequently by University of Arizona employees who work on the Hill's ecology research center. A sign at the base asks that the public stay off the road from 9:00am to 5:00pm during the week. A man I chatted with on the trail explained that while that used to be enforced, the new director allows use all day. You'll see plenty of hikers no matter the hour. Tumamoc Hill is one of the only trails in the area that allows hiking after dark, and many locals hike it to stargaze.
Tumamoc Hill is a steady climb of 800 feet over 1.5 miles. Halfway up are research buildings (do not disturb) as well as a port-a-potty and nice views to the west. The hike is not technical, but the unrelenting climb may be challenging for some.
The trail stops short of the summit and is posted no trespassing. The views from the stopping point are panoramic and include downtown Tucson and the surrounding mountains.
Tumamoc Hill is a very popular hike and run. If it's not too hot out, you can expect to see hundreds of other trail users. The experience is not one of solitude, but one of community. Embrace the casual conversations, the great views, and the diversity of families.
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Overall rating:
Thanksgiving Day Hike
So amazing! It can be done and enjoyed by anyone, from children and beginners to the advanced. It gets steep quickly which is maybe not so enjoyable in the moment but the views all along the way are incredible and once you hit the top what a view! Plenty of people but you still can have your space.
Excellent Urban Hike
I lived at the base of Tumamoc Hill for a year, and would walk to the top and back nearly every single evening after work. It was a great way to unwind from a stressful day. Even though it still in an urban area and you are likely to see a lot of other hikers, I always felt removed from the hustle and bustle while climbing the hill. The city seems peaceful from high up. One word of caution - rattlesnakes are a pretty common sight on this hike. After sunset, they sometimes lay on the paved road to absorb the residual heat. Keep an eye out, and if you're doing this hike in the dark just be sure to bring a flashlight.
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