Tucson Mountain Park and Gates Pass Scenic Overlook

Ajo Way to Kinney Road, turn right on Gates Pass Road

Environmental Education Programs

Tucson Mountain Park Archery, Rifle, and Pistol Ranges

Gilbert Ray Campground

Tucson Mountain Park Hiking Trails Map

Detail Map of Park

Tucson Mountain Park Bird List

Robles Pass at Tucson Mountain Park Trails Map

Tucson Mountain Park Hunting Area Changes - Effective October 24, 2011

About the park
Tucson Mountain Park was established April 1929. The Pima County Parks Commission, with C. B. Brown as its chairman, was established to oversee the park. At approximately 20,000 acres, the park is one of the largest natural resource areas owned and managed by a local government in the U.S. The park has approximately 62 miles of non-motorized shared-use trials. The park’s trails are open to hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers, and provide a wide range of outstanding experiences, including technical challenges, and breathtaking views. Gates Pass overlook includes interpretive displays and historic structures. Picnicking and wildlife viewing opportunities are located throughout the park.

Park Rules

• Tucson Mountain Park is open from dawn to dusk.
• No alcohol is allowed in the park.
• Stay on designated trails.
• Motorized vehicles are prohibited off roads.
• It is illegal to remove or disturb any natural or cultural resources.
• Do not feed wildlife.
• Dogs are not allowed in Tucson Mountain Park.
• Geocaching is not allowed.
• Loitering is not allowed at trailheads or in other areas.
• Trailheads are for park access only.

Recreation Areas
There are three picnic areas within the park: Juan Santa Cruz, Ironwood, and Brown Mountain. Amenities available at the picnic areas are tables, ramadas, and grills.

Gates Pass Overlook is a popular observation location. It offers an excellent opportunity to view and photograph spectacular sunsets.

Also found within the boundaries of TMP are the renowned Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, and Old Tucson Studios.

Safety Checklist

• Take an ample supply of water with you.
• Wear a wide brimmed hat.
• Apply sunscreen.
• Wear strudy, comfortable walking shoes.
• Know your route.
• Hike with a friend.
• Inform someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
• Know your limitations.
• Carry a cell phone but be aware that reception may not be available in all areas.
• Do not litter – pack it in, pack it out.
• Be aware of cacti and venomous animals.
• Washes and streams can fill up quickly after a rainstorm. Stay away from the banks and do not attempt to walk or drive across washes, streams, or rivers.

Buffelgrass in Tucson Mountain Park

Buffelgrass Control Research Project Background Information

Wildlife in Tucson Mountain Park
The Natural Resources Division of NRPR has been engaged in a bio reconnaissance of Tucson Mountain Park with the University of Arizona for the past several years. The project was primarily designed to confirm use of the park by mountain lions and collect DNA samples, document use of biological corridors around Starr Pass Resort by resident wildlife and local use patterns by wildlife in the park. Mountain lions were selected as the primary target species because the presence of large carnivores is often a key indicator of the continued ecological integrity of an area. Observations of other wildlife have also been documented. The PowerPoint presentation (14Mb) contains a few images of wildlife captured during the study. We can now show images of mountain lions utilizing remote areas of the park and the healthy population of bobcats found in and around the park.

Mountain Lions and Bobcats of the Tucson Mountains Report June 2010

Tucson Mountain Park Management Plan Report May 2008 (PDF 24MB)

Tucson Mountain Park Management Plan Background Report (PDF 42MB)

Tucson Mountain Park Public Meeting Handout from February 28, 2008 (PDF 416KB)