Sutherland Trail

The Sutherland Trail is an ideal adventure for strong hikers in the Tucson area who want a full day on the trail. This route runs from Catalina State Park to the base of Mount Lemmon, comprising a 17.4mi route with varied terrain and scenery. This area has been recovering from a fire, so each year you’ll get to observe the desert in a different stage of regrowth. We like this route when the ocotillos are blooming.

If the entire length of the Sutherland Trail is too much, you can opt to hike a shorter section. No matter how far you go, come prepared with plenty of water and food and avoid hiking in the heat of the day. There are parts of this route that are shared by ATV users.

From the Sutherland Trailhead, hike northeast to cross the wash three times on your way out of the park. Once you’ve left the park boundaries, stay right twice to follow a creek bed towards the mountains ahead. The route switchbacks up the base of the mountains with a particularly steep climb bringing you atop a ridge. Our route terminates at a T-junction where the Sutherland Trail continues to the right a stretch before ending at the next junction. Turn back and retrace your steps.