Brown Mountain Trail

The Brown Mountain Trail leads you up one side of Brown Mountain and down the other for an excellent view of the sea of saguaros that surround you in Saguaro National Park West. Since this route starts from the Brown Mountain Picnic Area, it’s ideal to tag onto a picnic if you’re spending a few hours in the park.

This route takes a loop approach to the hike. Most users prefer going clockwise as it’s a bit easier on the knees, but you can certainly do it either way. Hey, do it both ways and let us know which you prefer.

While this hike isn’t too long or strenuous, it is still steep in parts and quite rocky. You’ll want to bring poles if you have them and small children may not be able to complete the entire route. If you find the ascent to be too much, turning around on the top of the mountain and hiking this trail as an out and back is a good compromise.

There are jumping cholla on this route, so closed-toed shoes are definitely recommended. Bring lots of water and wear sun protection.

From the trailhead in the picnic area, go to where the trail splits. To go clockwise, turn left and take Brown Mountain Trail to the junction with Cougar Mountain Trail. Stay right here to approach the base of the ridge.

A set of switchbacks leads you through the ascent. It doesn’t last too long, so soon you’ll be atop the mountain, traversing across the ridge. The views of the mountain ranges beyond are excellent and it’s truly jaw-dropping how many saguaros you can see in this wide view.

Continue across the entire ridge, following the trail where it takes two quick switchbacks to drop elevation before crossing a saddle and then dropping down off the mountain. The Arizona Sonora Desert Museum is ahead.

Turn east and begin the trip back to the trailhead, hiking between Brown Mountain and the road. It’s straightforward all the way back to the picnic area.

Hiking Route Highlights

Saguaro National Park West

The two sides of Saguaro National Forest–East and West–encompass two patches of beautiful desert scenery on the eastern and western sides of the city of Tucson. The parks may be small, but they don’t lack when it comes to scenery. Saguaro National Park West is lower in elevation with a denser saguaro forest, and Saguaro National Park East is more mountainous and offers the opportunity to backpack if desired. Bobcat Ridge shows off the west park in its cactus-covered glory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brown Mountain Trail kid-friendly?

Active children should be able to complete this trail. It has some steep sections but they don’t last too long.

Are dogs allowed on Brown Mountain Trail?

No, dogs are not allowed on this trail.