Now that spring and summer are in full swing, Arizona’s top hiking destinations are busier than ever. Here are some great places in Tucson to hike while enjoying some of the finest desert scenery that Arizona has to offer.

Sabino Canyon
With an array of different trails overlooking Sabino Creek and other breathtaking views, Sabino Canyon is a popular destination for hikers. Hutch’s Pools, an open water area where hikers can swim, is well worth the six to eight hour total trip. This hike, however, is best taken by intermediate and advanced hikers.
www.sabinocanyon.com.

Mount Lemmon
The Mount Lemmon Meadow Loop, through the Santa Catalina Mountains, is a simple 1.5-mile trail around the pine trees and breathtaking scenery of Mount Lemmon. With amazing views of Tucson and Oro Valley, the carefree hike also offers a superb view from the Lemmon Rock Fire Lookout Station.
520.749.8700

Rillito River Park Trail
This 11-mile hiking trail throughout Tucson is located along the Rillito Riverbed. Hikers can enjoy the trail in its entirety, or access the trail through various points along the way. The trail includes a paved path as well as a decomposed granite natural path for the more experienced hiker.
http://www.pima.gov/nrpr/parks/rillito_riverpark/index.htm.

Finger Rock Trail
Located in the Santa Catalina Mountains, this well-known landmark is a favorite destination among local hikers. The incredibly steep trail is best for intermediate and advanced hikers, and features an array of desert wildlife and plants. The trip is 10 miles long, round trip.
http://arizona.sierraclub.org/trail_guide/hike26.htm.

Saguaro National Park
For the avid hiker, Saguaro National Park’s overnight hiking trip is a real treat. The trail takes hikers from a 3,000’ elevation to over 8,000’ in about 15 miles. Hikers may start and end at any of the five diverse trailheads along the way.
http://www.nps.gov/sagu.