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Gates Pass Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,222 Google reviews · Running trail in Tucson, Arizona · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Gates Pass Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Picturesque natural area & walking spot known for desert scenery & striking sunsets.
What runners say about Gates Pass Trailhead
“The main trail from Grants pass is parallel to the road, so if you're looking to get away from the road, I wouldn't recommend starting from here, but it's beautiful none the less.”
“Currently, the trails are very well marked with signs and arrows every now and then.”
This is a lovely stop on the way to the Red Hills Visitor Center for the Tucson Mountain District of Saguaro National Park. There is a short moderate climb to the top of the trail. The views are quite nice of the desert floor. The numerous saguaro cacti are amazing. The parking lot is easy to access and exit.
We hiked to the top of the hill and the view was beautiful. The trail was not clearly marked. It was rocky and slippery in some areas. We stayed to watch an amazing sunset.
Went for a run at Gate's pass, & it was pretty good. Steep accent & gravely for 5-10min, then pretty flat, & easier after that. Currently, the trails are very well marked with signs and arrows every now and then. Even though there are lots of choices, the map makes it easy.
This was an excellent place to hike with an amazing view of old Tucson from the three sisters. It's a breath taking area of Arizona worth checking out and the mountains are iconic backdrops from a lot of films.
Trail conditions & character
“The main trail from Grants pass is parallel to the road, so if you're looking to get away from the road, I wouldn't recommend starting from here, but it's beautiful none the less.”
“This is a lovely stop on the way to the Red Hills Visitor Center for the Tucson Mountain District of Saguaro National Park.”
“The best place in Tucson for sunset Come early to get a spot in the parking lot, which is a little bit before where Google maps takes you”
“It would be nice if the outhouse had cleaner bathrooms with lights.”
“It would be nice if the outhouse had cleaner bathrooms with lights.”
Plan your run at Gates Pass Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Websitepima.gov
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–8 PM |
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