Tucson hike shows off dramatic views of the desert
When compared to the soaring peaks and jagged ridges that surround it, Brown Mountain reads more like a molehill.
But don’t be too quick to shrug off hiking the hill that anchors the west end of Tucson Mountain Park in Pinal County. Its wallflower appearance belies a memorable hike replete with rich Sonoran Desert vegetation and far-reaching vistas.
Although a hike on the moderate-rated Brown Mountain Trail is a less intimidating trek than, say, the adjacent King Canyon Trail to Wasson Peak, the little adventure packs a respectable punch with some edgy exposure and steep slopes.
Accessible via several picnic areas in the park, the hike begins with an initial descent and wash crossing before taking on the switchbacks that climb to the mountain’s crest.
Except for a few places where the trail clings to cliffs with vertical dropoffs and some areas of loose rock, the climb requires only moderate effort.
The view from the top
Twisting skyward among impressive stands of saguaros, cholla, mesquite and blooming shrubs entwined with wild vines, the trail dodges stony crags stained in the colors of wine and rust. It doesn’t take long for the ascent sweat to
start paying dividends. As the trail loops up and over the mountain, it delivers a carousel-like experience of ever-changing scenery.
Atop the mountain’s hogback ridgeline, an unobscured panorama of sprawling valleys and layers of mountain ranges takes center stage.
To the north and east, the Tucson Mountains form a ragged wall of imposing pinnacles. To the south and west, expansive flatlands of the Tohono O’Odham reservation and the Aguirre Valley melt into the hazy silhouettes of Kitt Peak, the Santa Rosa Mountains, Mount Wrightson and the singular form of Baboquivari Peak.
Saguaro National Park is nearby
Directly north, the muted green scrub and grasslands of Saguaro National Park remind that this is one of the most dense and diverse desert plant and wildlife environments in Arizona.
The return leg of the hike traces the mountain’s lower north flank capping off a short but rewarding outing.
Because this hike won’t take long to complete, plan on extending your visit by exploring nearby Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Old Tucson Studios or the many attractions at Saguaro National Park.
Hiking Brown Mountain Trail
Length: 3.7-mile loop.
Rating: Moderate.
Elevation: 2,650-3,100 feet. Getting there: From Interstate 10 in Tucson, take Speedway Boulevard (Exit 257) west for 9.4 miles to Kinney Road. (Speedway turns into Gates Pass Road at 4.6 miles.) Turn right on Kinney Road and continue to either of the two main access points. It’s 0.8 mile to the Brown Mountain picnic area or 2.2 miles to the Juan Santa Cruz picnic area. At the Brown Mountain site, the trail begins at the picnic area near the C.B. Brown sign. At the Juan Santa Cruz site, it begins just past the fenced ramada near a grill and picnic table.
Details: Tucson Mountain Park, webcms.pima.gov/cms/One.aspx ?pageId=1539.