Tucson Mountain Park
At approximately 20,000 acres, the park is one of the largest natural resource areas owned and managed by a local government in the U.S.
Explore Tucson Mountain Park , which boasts over 62 miles of non-motorized shared-use trails perfect for hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers alike. From thrilling technical challenges to awe-inspiring vistas, every step or pedal promises an unforgettable adventure. Don't miss the Gates Pass overlook, offering interpretive displays and glimpses into the area's rich history through its historic structures.
Amidst the natural beauty, enjoy picnicking spots and wildlife viewing opportunities peppered throughout the park. Discover Tucson Mountain Park's diverse offerings for an enriching outdoor experience.
Park History
Tucson Mountain Park was developed by Pima County and the National Park Service during the Great Depression of the 1930s. It originally encompassed nearly 30,000 acres of rugged mountain terrain and dense stands of saguaro cactus.
Cholla and saguaro cactus, along with palo verde trees and native grasses, dominate the breathtaking vistas within Tucson Mountain Park
Public works projects undertaken by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), and the Emergency Conservation Work Program (ECWP) contributed significantly to national and local economic recovery efforts. Local governments defined projects that would provide immediate employment as well as future economic benefits to the community. Pima County requested development of several natural parks, including Tucson Mountain Park and others.
Using the 1937 park master plan prepared by National Park Service landscape architect Clinton F. Rose, the CCC constructed roads, trails, and erosion control features, as well as recreation and picnic areas that included small rustic stone structures.
Saguaro National Monument was established in 1961 (later to become a National Park in 1994) on lands from the northern half of the original Tucson Mountain Park. Today, the National Park Service and Pima County continue to be stewards of the same lands set aside in 1933 for the enjoyment and benefit of residents and visitors to Pima County. The vision of the 1930s that our unspoiled parks can provide unique recreational experiences continues to be the vision for the future.
Park Timeline
April 1929
Tucson Mountain Park was established in April 1929. The Pima County Parks Commission, with C. B. Brown as its chairman, was created to oversee the park. In 1920, Brown was traveling from New Mexico to a new job assignment in southern California when he made a brief stop at the University of Arizona Department of Agriculture. Impressed with his credentials, they offered him a job as an agricultural extension agent for Pima County. The decision was not only a momentous one for him personally; it also led to the creation of one of the most remarkable natural parks in the United States.
1931
Jasper Newton McCain, better known as Mac to his friends, became the first park ranger in Tucson Mountain Park in 1931. Hired by the newly established Pima County Park Commission, J.N. was to be a ranger and caretaker over the 60,000 acres of the original park area. J.N. moved to Tucson sometime before 1920. He was a sometime bee keeper and barber in the famous Santa Rita Hotel in downtown Tucson, where he had gotten to know Jack Kinney. When C.B. Brown brought up the idea of a first ranger for the park, Kinney said, ”I’ve got just the man for you,…he has a great love for wildlife and people.” McCain was retired at the time and was a perfect match due to his love of the outdoors, hunting, hiking, Native Americans, and living close to nature.
1933 - 1941
As many as 240 men with the CCC were housed each year in Camp Pima to construct the improvements and recreation areas designed for Tucson Mountain Park. Structures at Gilbert Ray Campground and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum were constructed by the CCC.
1939
Hollywood discovered the Tucson Mountains in 1939 when Columbia Pictures built a set for the filming of Arizona, starring William Holden and Jean Arthur, on land owned by Pima County off the western slope of Gates Pass. Old Tucson's heyday was yet to come. Under new management in 1960, Old Tucson expanded as a studio and popular Western theme park. Between 1960 and 1995, 194 movies and television programs were filmed at Old Tucson.
1952
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is started by Bill Carr and Arthur Pack as a one-of-a-kind institution: a combination wildlife park, botanical garden, and outdoor exhibition space dedicated to educating visitors about the desert landscape that surrounds it. Today, mountain lions, prairie dogs, Gila monsters, various hawks, javelinas, tarantulas, and other creatures can be seen close-up among the more than 300 animal species and 1,200 kinds of plants in the museum’s collection.
1959
One of the greatest threats to the park came in 1959 when the United States Department of the Interior issued a Public Land Order that would have reopened 7,600 acres of the park‘s 29,988 acres to mining. This action was met with intense local opposition spearheaded by the Pima County Board of Supervisors. At the time, Stewart Udall, an ardent conservationist, represented Tucson in Congress. As the threat to the park intensified, President John F. Kennedy fortuitously chose Udall to be his secretary of the interior. Udall’s solution was simple, but politically delicate. He proposed that the Antiquities Act, typically used to protect natural or cultural sites, be used to expand Saguaro National Monument, which then existed only on the far east side of Tucson.
1961
Stewart Udall persuaded President Kennedy to rescind the order that reopened the area to mining, which led subsequently to the proclamation signed by Kennedy on November 15, 1961, that transferred 15,360 acres of land to the National Park Service and thereby created the Tucson Mountain District of Saguaro National Monument, which later became Saguaro National Park in 1994. The remaining park lands were incrementally patented by Pima County under the Recreation and Public Purposes Act to become the Tucson Mountain Park that exists today.
1997 - Present
In a 1997 bond election, Pima County voters expanded the park by 1,600 acres. In a 2004 election they added an additional 395 acres to the park.
Flora & Fauna
Tucson Mountain Park's size and proximity to State and Federal protected lands make it a haven for a huge variety of plant and animal species.
To help protect this biodiversity, dogs are not permitted in the main unit of Tucson Mountain Park, with the exception of Gilbert Ray Campground . Dogs are permitted in the nearby trails parks of Sweetwater Preserve , Feliz Paseos , Painted Hills , and Robles Pass .
Plants in Tucson Mountain Park
This is the land of mesquite and palo verde trees, of the saguaro, cholla and hedgehog cacti, of creosote bushes and ocotillo.
Animals in Tucson Mountain Park
Mule deer, javelina, coyotes, and bobcats are among many of the animals that call Tucson Mountain Park their home.
Consult the bird checklist (PDF) to learn about the avian diversity within Tucson Mountain Park and the surrounding areas.
Trail System
The Park offers miles of scenic trails that are accessible by hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians.
Click anywhere in the map application below, then choose a trail or trailhead to fly to it on the map. Click the Detail button to learn more. Sort and filter with the icons above each list. Use the button in the top-right corner to open the map in a new tab.
Trails & Trailheads in Tucson Mountain Park (Click the map to interact with it)
You can also view a printable map (PDF) of Tucson Mountain Park's trail system on the Pima County website.
Camping & Picnic Sites
Gilbert Ray Campground
Just 13 miles from Tucson, Gilbert Ray Campground offers beautiful cool weather camping among the gorgeous mountain vistas in Tucson Mountain Park. There is a seven-day length of stay limit in the campground. The park's peak season is from January 1st through March 31st. Senior Pass/Golden Age Pass is not valid.
The campground has centrally located water, picnic tables at each campsite, and one RV dumping station. There are modern bathrooms but no showers. Per site, campers may bring: one RV (motor home or trailer) and one tow vehicle OR one sleeping vehicle and two ground sleeping tents OR two motorcycles and two ground sleeping tents. Six people maximum per site at all times. Wood fires are prohibited in Gilbert Ray Campground.
Tent Camping
The campground has five sites (B1-5) that are designated for tent camping only. These sites have no electrical hookups.
RV Sites
There are RV sites with 30-amp electrical hookups or premium RV sites with 50-amp hookups
Please note: Weight restrictions apply to Gates Pass Road. Long rigs should enter Tucson Mountain Park from Kinney Road via Ajo Highway (State Route 86).
Reservations
Campsite reservations must be made at least 72 hours in advance.
The registration building is staffed from January through March only. Call 520-403-8116 during those months. Please call 520-724-5000 with any other questions, or visit the Gilbert Ray Campground website for updated information or to reserve a site.
Picnic Areas
There are three picnic areas within Tucson Mountain Park. Amenities at the picnic areas include tables, ramadas, and grills.
Brown Mountain Picnic Area
Brown Mountain Picnic Area is located off Kinney Road, west of the turnoffs for Gilbert Ray Campground and Tucson Mountain Park Archery Range (Google Maps link) .
Ironwood Picnic Area
Ironwood Picnic Area stretches along Hal Gras Road, just over a mile south of Old Tucson Studios on Kinney Road (Google Maps link) .
Juan Santa Cruz Picnic Area
Juan Santa Cruz Picnic Area is near the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum on Kinney Road (Google Maps link) .
Shooting Sports
Hunting
Tucson Mountain Park is open to archery hunting only. The majority of hunting activity occurs annually from mid-December through the end of January. To hunt in the park, archers must:
- Have a current hunting license
- Obtain a permit from the Arizona Game & Fish Department (AZGFD) or a sporting goods store
- Check-in online with AZGFD's Tucson Regional Office prior to going afield
For more information on permits and regulations, visit the AZGFD website .
Most areas of Tucson Mountain Park are open to hunting with the exception of areas within 1/4 mile of any residence or building, developed picnic area, developed campground, shooting range, or golf course. The map linked below shows areas closed to hunting.
Tucson Mountain Park Archery Range
This facility includes a practice range set up with targets from 20–70 yards, as well as three 14-target trail courses. Water and restrooms are available for your convenience. Visit the Pima County Archery website for information about hours, safety rules, and fees.
Tucson Mountain Park Archery Range is located at 450 N Kinney Road, Tucson, AZ 85743 (Google Maps link) .
Tucson Mountain Park Rifle & Pistol Range
If you want to spend an afternoon shooting in a calm and scenic outdoor environment, our range at Tucson Mountain Park is the ideal venue. This range features 12 positions of 5–100 yards, and our staff and volunteers are available to provide assistance and answer your questions. visit the Pima County Pistol & Rifle website for more information, or call 520-883-5646 (Friday through Sunday only).
Tucson Mountain Park Rifle and Pistol Range is located at 2405 S Kinney Road, Tucson, AZ 85735 (Google Maps link) .
