Hidden Canyon Bowen Loop

The Hidden Canyon Bowen Loop is a great quick hike that’s easy to reach from western Tucson. The route travels through a scenic saguaro forest, making you feel further from the city than you actually are. This is a good trail for most ages and skill levels with mild elevation gain required.

Before hiking the Hidden Canyon Bowen Loop, download a GPS track or bring a map. This trail is easy to lose in spots. Additionally, bring more water than you think you’ll need and wear sun protection. We’d say to skip this trail in the summer months as it’s scorchingly hot. Good boots are recommended due to the rocky nature of the footing. Dogs are not permitted on this hike whether leashed or not.

The loop can be done either way, but some hikers prefer to do it counterclockwise to descend the steepest section. If you’d rather get more of a workout in, go clockwise. We will describe it clockwise. From the trailhead, take the road southwest past the hotel to the Bowen Trail. Make a right onto the trail and then say right as you follow the base of the hill. You’ll climb a set of switchbacks through the canyon and then turn right to follow the north end of the hill back to the trailhead.