Coronado National Forest Guide

Coronado National Forest Hiking Trails

• Butterfly Trail

  The Butterfly Trail is one of the most popular routes in the Coronado National Forest. It travels through the Mt. Lemmon region, offering spectacular views along the way. More fascinating are the diverse plants and animals that you'll see along the trail; the Forest Service recommends bringing a local guidebook to help identify the trees, flowers, and birds. True to its name, this trail is often frequented by colorful butterflies that flock to the beautiful wildflowers on either side of the path. Come any time; there's plenty of shade.

  Length: 5.7 miles

  Intensity: Moderate to Difficult

• Old Baldy Trail

  Conquer the 9,543-foot Mt. Wrightson on the Old Baldy Trail. Short but challenging, this trail climbs quickly to the saddle of the tallest peak in the Santa Rita Mountains. It runs through the forest, offering plenty of shade and occasional views. When you reach the Josephine Saddle, hop on the Crest Trail for one mile to get to the summit. The hike is challenging but worthwhile; the views from the top are fantastic. Keep in mind that Old Baldy Trail intersects with the longer and gentler Super Trail, giving you plenty of opportunities to create your own route.

  Length: 4.5 miles

  Intensity: Difficult

• Sycamore Canyon Trail

  Known for its exceptionally diverse plant and animal life, the Sycamore Canyon Trail is a beautiful hike. It's unexpectedly lush for southern Arizona — that's because a perennial stream flows through the canyon. At the start of the trail, look for the ruins of the homestead that stood during the Civil War years. This route is unique in that it ends at the United States-Mexico border. If you'd like a longer hike, you can walk along the trail that parallels the barbed-wire border fence.

  Length: 5.3 miles

  Intensity: Moderate

• Sabino Canyon Trail

  The Sabino Canyon Trail is a short trail that takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the Coronado National Forest. Hike through the desert and into the canyon, taking plenty of stops to enjoy the view over Tucson and the mountains. If you want a longer hike, you can create a loop using the Sycamore Reservoir and East Fork trails.

  Length: 2.5 miles

  Intensity: Difficult

• Bear Canyon Trail

  If you like to hike with other people, the Bear Canyon Trail is a great option; there are usually other people on the trail. This popularity is due to the Seven Falls, a beautiful collection of waterfalls and deep pools that form after a rainstorm. Keep in mind that personal vehicles aren't allowed to drive to the main part of the trail. Instead, you can park at the Sabino Canyon parking lot and walk the 1.7 miles to the end of the dirt road or hop on the tram that runs through the area. If you're hiking after a thunderstorm, be sure to bring sturdy shoes with traction to help you on the stream crossings.

  Length: 6 miles

  Intensity: Moderate to Difficult

• Quantrell Mine Trail

  Enjoy fantastic views without the crowds on the Quantrell Mine Trail, a short and challenging route. At the top, you'll be able to see some of the most fascinating local spots, including the Multiple Mirror Telescope on top of Mt. Hopkins. Bring your camera to capture the Santa Cruz Valley, Madera Canyon, and the foothills of the Santa Rita Mountains. In decades past, the trail was a mountain road that led to many different silver and gold mines. Today, you can see some of the historic equipment. This route is open to bikes until the marked wilderness border. 

  Length: 1.3 miles

  Intensity: Difficult

• Romero Trail

  The Romero Trail travels from the trailhead at Catalina State Park into a beautiful canyon and through the Pusch Ridge Wilderness. Be prepared for a steep, challenging hike to get to Romero Pass. If it's rained recently, be on the lookout for the lovely Romero Pools; they're tucked into the rocks, offering a welcome change from the dry desert air. When the water is deep enough, you can wade or swim. Avoid the intense afternoon heat by starting this hike as early as possible.

  Length: 6.6 miles

  Intensity: Difficult