Best Winter Hiking Around Tucson, Arizona

Arizona offers many hiking opportunities in the winter because of more temperate weather. During the summer months the intense heat tends to hold hikers back, but the winter time can present ideal sunny days that are mild. The desert regions of the state do become quite cold at night, however. On some evenings the temperatures will easily dip below freezing, so please bring the appropriate gear and clothing.

When hiking in the region wear clothing in layers so you can peel when hot or layer up when cold. Also wear high hiking boots in the event you should run into snakes. Always bring plenty of water and snacks.

Here are three top hikes to enjoy in the wintertime in Arizona. I have picked three hikes that sit around the lovely city of Tucson.

1) The Romero Pools
Santa Catalina Mountains

This is an amazing hike that is beautiful beyond words and leads to wonderful lovely water park of Romero Pools which consists of water falls and pools of water. The entire hike is very picturesque and you have a true sense of accomplishment when your reach the pools. No dogs are allowed on these trails. This is a very popular hiking area even in the wintertime.

The length of this trail is 2.8 miles. It will take you about an hour and half to get there. The hill is a gradual uphill climb but its only moderately difficult. The trail is known as the Romero Canyon Trail. You will return the same way that you went.

In Tucson go to the intersection of Tanque Verde and Grant/Kolb. Head west on Grant to Oracle Road. You will turn right onto Oracle Road. It will become Hwy 77. You will head North past Pusch Ridge. You will head about 20 miles until you see a sign that says Catalina State Park. There will be an entrance fee to the park. Once you get there everything is well marked and you will be able to park by the trail head.

This is a wonderful wintertime hike for the whole family to enjoy.

2) Hutchs Pool
Santa Catalina Mountains

Hutchs Pool is a popular swimming hole for many people. It sports a nice sandy beach and wonderful campsites. The trail to the location and back is 8.2 miles. Dogs are not allowed on the trail.
It is an easy hike and it makes a perfect family outing in the wintertime.

From the intersections of Tanque Verde and Grant/Kolb Rd in Tuscon head northeast on Tanque Verde. At the second light you will need to turn left onto Sabino Canyon Rd. Go six miles. You will pass the Hidden Valley Restaurant. Two miles from the restaurant you will come to an intersection with Sunrise. Go straight through the intersection until you come to Sabino Canyon Recreation Area. From this parking lot you will easily find the trail head.

3) Seven Falls
Santa Catalina Mountains

This is a lovely trail and easy to follow. It will take you to the Seven Falls which is a very nice area. The trail is almost 8 miles. It will take approximately three hours to hike. Its a very nice hike for a family. No dogs are allowed on this trail head.

To get to this wonderful site simply follow the directions in Number 2 for Hutchs Pool but when you get the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area take the trail for Seven Falls.

Sources:

http://hiking.lifetips.com/cat/65205/arizona-hikes/index.html

http://arizona.sierraclub.org/trail_guide/index.htm