Sharing my prime picks for one of the best mountaineering trails in Tucson.
Hi hello! Happy Christmas week and hope that you simply all are having a stunning morning. We had a fantastic weekend. It was Elf night time with mates, we embellished gingerbread homes, and I taught a barre class. We’re headed on somewhat staycation later this week, and I’m undoubtedly wanting ahead to it.
For immediately’s submit, I wished to share a few of my favourite mountaineering trails in Tucson! We are in the course of mountaineering season (I believe one of the best climate is from late October till early May), and my prime trails have been full of locals and vacationers, having fun with the beautiful Tucson surroundings. I’ve been a fan of mountaineering for a few years, however actually fell extra in love with it over the previous few years, as a result of it was one of many solely issues we may do. We used the chance to discover a few of our favourite trails, we visited Sedona just a few instances as a household, and the children fell in love with mountaineering, too.
It’s change into one in every of our favourite household adventures.
I wished to submit a number of the greatest Tucson mountaineering trails, plus a few of my ideas for mountaineering with children.
Best mountaineering trails in Tucson
Sabino Canyon
Sabino Canyon is the vacation spot, however inside Sabino Canyon, there are tons of trails. If you’re a beginner or it’s your first time in Tucson, you possibly can keep on the primary tram street, which is about 7.3 miles out and again. It’s paved and heavily-populated. Within the canyon, you need to use All Trails to find so many various trails relying on size and your mountaineering stage. If you need one thing extra rustic however nonetheless populated, you are able to do the Bear Canyon path.
For longer/sportier hikes, strive Phoneline, Blackett’s, and Seven Falls (pack a lunch and plenty of water for this one).
If you have got children with you, I extremely suggest Bear Canyon to Sabino Dam. It’s brief and there a ton of water for the children (and adults) to wade and play.
Finger Rock
I’ve solely ever performed the primary Finger Rock path, but it surely’s change into one in every of my favorites. The surroundings is beautiful, the views are wonderful, and it’s not tremendous difficult or rocky. It’s fairly kid-friendly, however needless to say there are extra creatures right here. I’m from Tucson and had by no means seen a gila monster within the wild till this previous 12 months; I noticed two on this path inside just a few weeks of one another!
Tumamoc Hill
Tumamoc Hill is a big hill by campus and is 3.1 miles complete (an out-and-back). The first half is a steep incline and if you attain the highest, you have got sweeping views of the whole metropolis. This is one in every of my favourite recs for guests as a result of the views are majestic, it’s not tremendous lengthy, after which it’s a brief drive to the Mercado San Augustin for Presta espresso and Mexican donuts (from Estrella).
Agua Caliente path
This one is an 8-mile out-and-back that’s comparatively difficult with stunning views. A serious perk: canine are allowed on this path (on a leash!). This is a rarity in Tucson, so it makes this path fairly particular.
Ventana Canyon Trail
This one is true by the Loews Ventana Canyon resort. It has numerous ups and downs, however nice views, and fairly accessible for all ranges. If it has rained lately, you’ll have to cross by water. My Tucson insider tip: do that on a Sunday, and e book the Brews and Blues brunch at Loews afterwards. You’re welcome.
Tips for mountaineering with children:
– Get them children’ Camelbaks, and encourage them to put on them, even if you happen to’re solely planning on a brief hike. When the children put on these, it’s like they’ve a superpower and it’s been over a 12 months and the novelty hasn’t worn off. They LOVE this stuff and really feel like legit hikers once they put on them. (It’s additionally very useful to not have to hold each of their water bottles).
– Hiking sneakers could also be well worth the funding. I discover that many children’ sneakers are slippery on the underside and don’t do properly with climbing or steeper areas. I’ve discovered the entire children’ mountaineering sneakers on Amazon (these ones are wonderful) and Nordstrom Rack.
– Go out with zero expectations. Since the women have been infants, I’ve informed myself {that a} stroll or hike might final 5 minute or might final 2 hours. Whatever occurs, it’s okay. They ALWAYS shock me. These children have climbed tremendous steep areas (like Camelback Mountain and Birthing Cave in Sedona), gone by caves (in Boulder), and have hiked for a lot of hours with loads of water and snacks. The first a part of the hike is all the time a combined bag (“This is boring,” “When is it over?”) after which they by no means need to depart.
– Go with mates! If your children are apprehensive about mountaineering otherwise you’re attempting to construct pleasure for them, invite a few of their mates to affix in. This one is all the time a winner, and one thing we attempt to do over breaks from faculty.
So, inform me, mates: what are your favourite mountaineering trails close to you? Spread the love within the feedback!
What’s your favourite mountaineering vacation spot? I DREAM about going again to Mountain Trek. It was completely magical.
Have a fantastic day!
xo
Gina