Home › Arizona › Tucson › Tumamoc Hill Hiking Trail
Tumamoc Hill Hiking Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,652 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 Tumamoc Hill Hiking Trail'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.
Peaceful walking & running trail with views on an expansive ecological reservation.
What runners say about Tumamoc Hill Hiking Trail
“there is that one steep stretch that is a calf killer, but its so worth it because you get that breeze and that view all the way up and its an easy, beautiful walk back down.”
“There are always people out there doing their thing, and it’s motivating in a quiet way.”
If you are around Tucson area on leisure or business, amazing hike to get your heart pumping. Going uphill to 718 ft, gets your heart rate going. It is a quick 1-2 hours hike on all paved road. Do not let that fool you thou. Definitely moderate hike but worth the journey.
there is that one steep stretch that is a calf killer, but its so worth it because you get that breeze and that view all the way up and its an easy, beautiful walk back down. Its a wonderful hike and I can see why its so popular.
Every time we visit Tucson, we make this part of our daily routine. Apparently so does 95% of Tucson lol! It's never not crowded, especially first thing in the morning. We thought we were early risers but nope, show up any time after 8 and you'll be parking a quarter mile or more down the road.
Trails are open from 4-10 every day. Wonderful experience here in this trail. It’s now an ecological preserve. Easy to get to. Accessible. Fully paved road. Gorgeous mountain top views. Free trail! Free tour hour parking. Came at a popular time On Sunday morning so I found an off the beaten path parking.
Trail conditions & character
“there is that one steep stretch that is a calf killer, but its so worth it because you get that breeze and that view all the way up and its an easy, beautiful walk back down.”
“there is that one steep stretch that is a calf killer, but its so worth it because you get that breeze and that view all the way up and its an easy, beautiful walk back down.”
“It was a very nice experience and I enjoyed learning how important the area is and the history with the signs along the paved trail- which goes all the way up the mountain.”
“We thought we were early risers but nope, show up any time after 8 and you'll be parking a quarter mile or more down the road.”
“The path is fully paved, which makes it more accessible, but be prepared for a steady incline—it’s definitely a workout.”
“There are always people out there doing their thing, and it’s motivating in a quiet way.”
“The sunset views are stunning, with golden light over Tucson city and the surrounding mountains.”
“there is a portapotty half way up at the first look out point.”
“Water fountain 3/4 of the way up has bees hydrating on it.”
Plan your run at Tumamoc Hill Hiking Trail
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, water — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitetumamoc.org
Hours
| Monday | 4 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 4 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 4 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 4 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 4 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 4 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 4 AM–10 PM |
Running trails near Tucson
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Sentinel Peak Park ("A" Mountain)
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,956 reviews
Landmark known as "A" Mountain featuring a man-made A-shaped formation, offering scenic city views.
Santa Cruz River Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 1,368 reviews
Riverfront park featuring hiking & biking trails, a disc golf course, playground & wildlife views.
Richard E. Genser Starr Pass Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 107 reviews
Hiking trail starting near a resort and leading to scenic views.
Camino de Oeste Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 139 reviews
Desert trail leading to the ruins of a stone home with panoramic views from the 1930s.
Sweetwater Wetlands Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,107 reviews
Birding & wildlife viewing are popular activities at this natural area with self-guided tours.