Agua Caliente Hill Trail

Agua Caliente Hill Trail is an almost 9.0mi hike located south of the Pusch Ridge Wilderness and north of Saguaro National Park East. This route offers excellent Sonoran Desert scenery and as one of the few dog-friendly trails in the Tucson area, it’s a go-to for local hikers with dogs in tow. The trail gets more difficult as you near the end, so beginners can still enjoy a trip out and just turn back when they’ve had enough for the day.

This route can get very caliente, so we recommend starting your hike early in the day and bringing lots of water (including for your dog). Avoid this route in the hot summertime. Additionally, sturdy boots will be helpful towards the end where the trail gets especially rocky.

From the trailhead, hike towards the base of the hill to the east and begin ascending the ridge. Switchbacks help you along in different spots along the hike, but sometimes you will need to gain elevation on straighter, steeper stretches. Dip over the shallow canyon that separates this ridge from the one north of it and complete the final few switchbacks to approach the top of Agua Caliente Hill. From here, you’ll retrace your steps.