Milagrosa Canyon Trail

For hikers and mountain bikers alike, the Milagrosa Canyon Trail is a fun way to get outside. This route gets steeper and rockier as you go, so you can hike it as far as you like before turning back. It’s normally not too busy (aside from the mixed traffic), and while the views aren’t the biggest in the area, it’s a good way to stretch your legs.

Although all trails near Tucson get hot in the summer, this one gets scorchingly hot. Hike early in the morning before the heat of the day, avoid hiking in the summer, and bring more water than you think you may need. Good boots will be helpful if you want to go all the way to the end of the canyon, which is quite rocky.

From the parking area, you’ll need to walk about an eighth of a mile to a metal gate. Go past the gate and cross the river to where the trail starts. Follow the wash, for a few steps and then climb up the canyon ridge on your left, crossing another smaller canyon to stay on the northern canyon wall. At the junction, stay left. You will continue along this ridge to a T-junction, which is the turnaround point for this hike.