Best Scenic Hiking Trails in Southern Arizona
Southern Arizona offers some of the most stunning and diverse hiking experiences in the Southwest. From vast desert landscapes dotted with towering saguaro cacti to lush canyons carved by time.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker looking for challenging terrain or a beginner eager to soak in spectacular views, Southern Arizona has a trail for you, and Anytime Storage has a place where you can store your gear between adventures. Here are some of the best scenic hiking trails in Southern Arizona, along with tips on how storage can enhance your outdoor adventures.
Sabino Canyon Recreation Area
Located in the Santa Catalina Mountains just northeast of Tucson, Sabino Canyon is a favorite destination for hikers seeking desert scenery combined with flowing water and abundant wildlife.
- Trail highlights. Several trails wind through the canyon, with popular routes like Phoneline Trail and Bear Canyon offering moderate hikes with incredible views of waterfalls, rugged cliffs, and desert flora. You can even enjoy cycling on Sabin’s tram road at certain times of the week.
- Scenery. Expect to see towering saguaros, mesquite trees, and seasonal streams creating pockets of greenery amid the desert terrain. You may even spot javelinas, deer, and a variety of birds during your trek!
- Accessibility. Sabino Canyon’s trails vary from easy walks along paved paths to steeper climbs for more adventurous hikers. When you’re choosing your adventure, keep your skill level and schedule in mind accordingly.
Saguaro National Park
Is Saguaro National Park worth visiting? We’ll let you decide, but with its east and west districts near Tucson, this sprawling park boasts a showcase for the iconic saguaro cactus and Sonoran Desert ecosystem.
- Trail highlights. In the western Tucson Mountain District, you’ll find the Valley View Overlook Trail and the King Canyon Trail. These two spots offer saguaro-filled landscapes and panoramic desert views. If you head east to the Rincon Mountain District, you have the opportunity to explore the Douglas Spring Trail’s shaded canyons and pine forests.
- Scenery. From breathtaking saguaro forests to colorful wildflowers, Saguaro National Park is the perfect place to bring your camera. If you’re fast enough, you may even snap photos of fascinating creatures, such as desert tortoises and Gila monsters.
Before you head out on your hike to Saguaro National Park, remember to bring plenty of water and sun protection. The desert sun can be intense, and the more prepared you are, the better you can avoid issues like dehydration or overheating.
Mount Lemmon
If you’re looking for a break from the Arizona heat, Mount Lemmon in the Santa Catalina range has you covered. This beautiful area offers cooler temperatures, pine forests, and alpine meadows for a refreshing hiking experience.
- Trail highlights. The Aspen Trail and Rose Canyon Lake Trail provide lush hiking experiences with mountain views. For more challenging hikes, the Marshall Gulch Trail leads into scenic wilderness areas.
- Scenery. Hikers transition from desert cactus to towering pine and aspen trees, with opportunities to spot wildlife like black bears and mountain lions.
- Seasonal access. Keep the forecast in mind when you plan your trip to Mount Lemmon. Snow may limit your access in the winter, but you should be able to count on pleasant hiking weather for any plans in the summer and fall.
Catalina State Park
Located at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains, Catalina State Park is home to several trails that allow you to enjoy amazing views of the mountains and desert all in one area.
- Trail highlights. If you’re looking for a moderate hike, we recommend the Romero Canyon Trail for a less-crowded experience with options for looping back. As part of your hike, you can stop by the Romero Pools for a picnic and a refreshing dip in the water! Check out the Canyon Loop Trail for shorter walks where you can bring your dog with you or hop on a mountain bike.
- Scenery. From guided bird walks to live music and stargazing, there’s no shortage of awe-inspiring views to enjoy as part of your time at Catalina State Park!
Picacho Peak State Park
As a towering 1,500-foot peak located between Tucson and Phoenix, there’s no missing Picacho Peak State Park as you explore the desert. In addition to its uniquely shaped peak, this prominent park features a variety of trails suitable for casual hikers and those seeking a more technical challenge.
- Trail highlights. Picacho Peak State Park has five hiking trails, with Nature Trail and Children’s Cave Trail being its easiest ones, with interpretive signs and short distances. If you’re looking for more of a challenge, consider heading out onto Calloway Trail, Sunset Vista Trail, or Hunter Trail, the most difficult of the five.
- Scenery. You’re guaranteed to find plenty of stunning 360-degree views when you make your way up to Picacho Peak State Park! While the most panoramic views will be on Hunter Trail and Sunset Vista Trail, you can still enjoy sights around the Sonoran Desert no matter which path you take.
How Self Storage Supports Your Hiking Adventures
Organizing and storing hiking gear is a crucial part of enjoying Southern Arizona’s trails. Whether your equipment is cluttering your apartment or you want to stay ready for spontaneous trips, here are some of the ways self storage in Arizona can help:
- Keep your gear ready to go. Are you constantly tripping over trekking poles around your home? A self storage unit close to your home or trailhead can hold bulky items like backpacks, hiking boots, hydration packs, trekking poles, and seasonal clothing.
- Rotate your seasonal equipment. Switch between summer and winter hiking gear with ease, or store out-of-season items until you need them again.
- Secure and accessible. A storage unit provides a dedicated space where your gear stays organized and sheltered from dust and damage, allowing you to access it at your convenience.
Self storage also simplifies parking your hiking gear by giving you a spot to keep pre-packed kits or bags. From backpacks and water bottles to hiking outfits and non-perishable food, you can spend less time preparing and more time enjoying the fresh air and views of your chosen hiking trail.
Do you hike regularly or belong to an outdoor club? Using self storage near your favorite hiking spots makes commuting to and from your adventures even easier, so you don’t have to worry about a long drive home if you forget your lucky hiking hat or favorite pair of sunglasses.
Tips for Choosing the Right Storage Unit for Hiking Gear
When you’re choosing a storage unit for hiking gear, we recommend being intentional about the size you choose. A small to medium unit is usually enough for personal gear and seasonal clothing.
You should also decide whether you need climate-controlled storage. Unlike your garage, shed, or attic, a climate-controlled storage unit maintains a stable storage environment for sensitive items, such as electronics or hiking boots.
We also recommend renting from a storage facility close to your home or favorite trails to make picking up or dropping off your gear even easier.
Plan Your Next Hiking Trip With the Help of Self Storage
Southern Arizona’s scenic trails offer incredible opportunities to connect with nature, stay active, and experience the region’s unique environment. By keeping your gear organized in a reliable self storage unit, you’ll have the flexibility and convenience to hit the trails anytime inspiration strikes.
Whether you’re heading to the desert vistas of Saguaro National Park or the cooler mountain air of Mount Lemmon, your hiking experience starts long before you reach the trailhead. Proper preparation, storage, and organization are essential for maximizing your outdoor fun.
Store Your Hiking Gear With Anytime Storage Today
If you’re looking for affordable, secure storage to keep your hiking equipment ready to go, Anytime Storage offers a variety of unit sizes, convenient locations, and flexible rental terms. Simplify your outdoor gear management and enjoy the freedom to explore Southern Arizona’s best trails on your schedule.
You can explore our storage unit size guide or find an Anytime Storage facility near you to rent or reserve the perfect storage solution for your hiking gear.