Painted Hills Park
Trail Information:
Name: Painted Hills Park
Parks agency: Pima County Parks and Recreation
Contact: (520) 724-5000
Location: 3590 W Anklam Road, Tucson, AZ 85745
Trail hours: Sunrise to sunset, daily
Parking: Free and accessible
Transit: None
Trail length plus more: The Mosaic Trail is 2 miles in-and-out roundtrip; The Monsoon Loop is a 1-mile loop; The Recoil Peak spur is 0.4 miles in-and-out roundtrip; The total suggested route is about 3.6 miles; Other trails could be added: Slingshot Trail (1.5 miles one way) or Bactrian Summit Trail (0.4 miles in-and-out roundtrip), Gain 380’, Elevation 2600’, Grades >8°
Trail surface: Rugged natural surface with ruts, rocks, roots, sandy washes, and rock stairs over 57 acres, Gain 70’, Elevation 2500’
Trail surface: Sections paved and rugged natural surfaces
Description:
Painted Hills Park is a unique hiking experience for a combination of reasons. First, it is a short drive from the urban bustle of downtown Tucson to this quiet preserve of native desert vegetation, where mule deer roam the trails. Second, even with only 4 miles of trails, hikers can climb to lone peaks and explore hidden valleys despite the proximity to busy streets and residential developments. Third, the park is situated perfectly for hikers to have a panoramic view of both the city of Tucson and the surrounding mountains. And finally, Painted Hills Park is one of only a handful of natural parks in Tucson allowing dogs on the trails, provided they are on a leash.
The park trails present a range of difficulties, from the wide Mosaic Trail that spans the length of the park to the steep climbs to Recoil Peak or Bactrian Summit. Every trail, regardless of grade, has extensive rocky sections and short sandy washes. The dense stand of saguaros, chollas, and barrel cacti lining the trails can turn a slight stumble into a painful experience.
Hikes can be of a variety of lengths. It might be an all-day excursion to explore the four miles of trails in the park, taking lunch on a peak or summit. But it is only a 0.3-mile hike from the trailhead to the park’s breathtaking Santa Catalina Vista.
The trailhead is easy to find with signage along a busy thoroughfare from downtown Tucson. At the trailhead, there is ample accessible parking, but there are no restrooms or drinking fountains. The trails are well-signed for wayfinding, and the park provides many signboards with maps indicating your location along each trail. It is common to see other hikers, dog walkers, runners, and mountain bikers along the trails.
The trails in Painted Hills Park may be a challenge to many hikers, but the park’s location and beauty will keep you coming back.
Disclaimer: The information provided is for general guidance only and may not reflect current conditions. Users must assess trails, consider their abilities, and assume all risks from trail use. Always use caution and prepare appropriately when visiting trails.
All Trails Map
A sign on Anklam Rd. directs drivers to the park’s entrance.
A sign directs hikers to a climb from the Mosaic Trail to the Bactrian Summit.
Urban noise is not uncommon from nearby residences and roads.
The trail can have both sandy and rocky sections that are difficult to navigate.
Dogs are allowed on all park trails, provided they are on a leash.
Saguaros, green brush, and a flowering barrel cactus make a pleasant view along the trail.
Painted Hills Park provides a unique view of Tucson and the Santa Catalina Mountains.
Find other things to do nearby using our Heritage Experiences Map!
Content provided by Tucson AccessTrails. Their trail reviews are created from the perspective of users with various disabilities or ability levels to provide relevant information to determine applicable use. For more information about this trail and others, please visit the Tucson AccessTrails website.