Pima Canyon Trail

Spectacular cliffs, a flowing stream, desert bighorn sheep, coatis, mountain lions, gila monsters, rattlesnakes, cardinals, and lush vegetation – all on Tucson’s doorstep. 

Difficulty: Lower Pima Canyon Trail goes up and down a lot – sometimes steeply. However, it starts at only 3,000 feet elevation, and the first 1.3 miles have been improved so that the tread is smoother. A lot of people hike 3.2 miles to “the little dam” -- a good workout to a popular lunch spot. After 4.5 miles, the canyon narrows, the trail gets steeper, and there is more exposure. At the top, you can take a short spur trail to Mt. Kimball.

Current Condition (April 2023): For the first time in years, all seven miles of the Pima Canyon Trail have been cleared! There are still loose and embedded rocks in places, but the trail is easy to follow.

Connecting Trails and Loops: Upper Pima Canyon Trail ends at the Finger Rock Trail. The 12-mile hike from one trailhead to the other is stunning, but hard work. It requires an early start and should not be attempted in the winter months. (An icy trail with a lot of exposure results in many calls to 911.)

Restrictions: This trail has more restrictions than most. Dogs are prohibited because the trail goes through Desert Bighorn habitat. The sight or smell of a dog (and even their scat) will freak out a Bighorn. Bicycles and motorized vehicles are also prohibited. Equestrians use the trail about once a year and swear they will never come back.

Directions: Drive north on First Avenue. Cross Orange Grove and Ina. After Ina, First becomes Christie. Stay on Christie until it dead-ends at Magee. Turn right and drive a few hundred feet to the Iris O. Dewhirst parking lot. Pima Canyon Trail leaves from the east end of the lot.

Pima Canyon Trail is in an easement between private property for the first approximately ¼ mile. The land in this portion of the trail belongs to Pima County. There is a fence and a gate at the jurisdictional boundary between Pima County and the U.S. Forest Service. Inside the Forest boundary, you will see a Wilderness sign. Behind it is an antique sign saying it is seven miles to Mt. Kimball.