First part of the trail (about 1 mile) is relatively flat but also next to a fence. After that you start to climb and about 0.5 to 0.75 of a mile after that it really starts to get steep as you switchback up the canyon walls to get to a first ridge. At that 0.75 mile point the trail is starting to get more poorly marked as well as we assume a lot of folks turn around near there and don't go all the way up. It's a decent spot to stop at, there is a small area with flat boulders you can sit on and catch a good view of the canyon to the south. There is no water, restrooms or rest area so come ready to hike and leave plenty of water in your car for your return. read more

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One afternoon several friends and I wanted to go for a hike; we chose Ventana Canyon as a hiking destination chiefly because its supposed to be easy enough for beginners, but challenging enough for the more experienced among us. Long story short - there really isn't anything much here to challenge anyone who is any kind of intermediate or advanced hiker. It's also probably safe to say that calling it a Trail is overly generous; throughout most of the ground we covered what was allegedly a trail was just a rocky, narrow pseudo-path. Tip: If you happen to come here on one of Tucson's infrequent rainy days, the rocks can become quite slippery and maybe even a little dangerous. Bottom line: If you're a beginning hiker then this "trail" is quite doable and safe, as long as it's not raining. If you're an intermediate to advanced hiker and you want to get some sweat on, you should probably seek your challenges elsewhere. read more

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FIRST HIKE IN TUCSON and man was it a boiling way over 100 degrees that day! i wouldn't advise coming too late on a hot summer day it's 2.4 miles to the pools (which were dried out when we came) and another 2.6 miles to the top, but we didn't make it because of how scorching hot it was difficulty? lots of incline but still enjoyable, a fun trial for the different types of terrain BEAUTIFUL views through the canyon NOTE: FREE PARKING read more

Tried this hike with two boys under 11. We hiked about 2 miles then back so we didn't see much of it. It's a good challenging hike but well marked. The trail gets narrow but still easy to stay on it. I'm use to Phoenix hikes which are predominantly rocky and brown so seeing all the wildflowers and shots of color was a nice treat. Really enjoyed the hike and if we had more time (and longer legs for some) we'd probably hike the whole thing. read more

Ventana Canyon Hiking Trail - Beginning of trail - Hiking Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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First hike in Tucson and I say it was a great hike! Parking was great. We got there early and there was plenty of spaces. There is a designated parking lot for the trailhead. We got a little confused first since our navigation brought us to the resort parking. Not sure if you can park there. The hiking from the parking lot is a nice warm up. We walked behind some apartments which was weird, but once we got to the trailhead the scenery was amazing! Many butterflies on the trail! We started our hike at 7:30am and walked for four hours RT. Not sure how far we hiked, but with only our running shoes we were able to make a great distance. Be careful...lots of walking over and on rocks...also had to cross the little streams a couple times. Also, there could be trails that look like trails but end up being a dead end. We didn't know at the time but we took a wrong turn and started scaling the side of the canyon. It felt too dangerous so I suggested we turn back. After about a 30 mins detour, we found the actual trail. I found piles of rocks i think someone left behind to show other hikers the way. Follow the rocks... People were so nice and helpful on the trail. We will definitely come back again in the future with the right gear and hopefully get to The Window. If you are one that loves a challenge, I recommend this hike. read more

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This is a very popular and well traveled hiking trail. I see a lot of families hiking this trail and there is always parking available in the parking lot at the trailhead. It's not paved but well traveled and easy to follow. There is one bouldering area that I know about and is around 1.5 miles back into the canyon. There's beautiful views, cactuses, many plants, I haven't seen any big horn sheep but there's supposed to be some about a mile back. Will definitely be returning. read more

A friend and I did this hike over the weekend, and it was great--definitely more challenging than originally thought--particularly the switchbacks/rock scrambling as you get closer to the top. And Tucson has so many incredibly beautiful trails--but Ventana Canyon was I think the most beautiful & incredible view. It made that 5 mi hike worth it! Also, this time of year, the Maiden Pools were pretty much dried up... but again, the view from the top overlooking Tucson is definitely worth it. read more

Pretty fun and challenge hike for the beginner like me. Parking is right in front of the trail head, so you can't miss it. No parking fee is needed. Didn't make it to the Window Rock, probably still need another 2 to 3 miles, but the view on the way is amazing and incredible. The pool is not as big as I thought, but it is definitely worth it. read more

Hiked to Window Rock the day before Christmas. This is a long and strenuous hike that took our group of strong hikers 7 hours. There is 4310 ft gain in this 12.8 mile "out-n-back" hike. Beautiful Sonoran hike with non-stop "up" to the Window Rock. Will repeat this hike. read more

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Very easy but beautiful hike in the desert. I went right before sunset in December so it was very refreshingly cool and when the sun started setting the skies lit up with reds and blues. It was gorgeous. The moon was also out and on some parts of the hike...it was beautifully placed in the backdrop of the mountain with some cactus...Oh, it was picture perfect..too bad stupid me brought my camera with a dead battery. The only thing I disliked about the hike is that dogs aren't allowed. I'm sure its a liability reason but REALLY?! read more

Parking may be hard to find but there are signs directing; its near the Ventana Resort. The first mile or so of the trail keeps crossing the creek/wash about 15 to 18 times so if its just rained in the mountains you might not be able to use this trail. Good to wear hiking boots treated with Gortex. After that it gets steep similar to Finger Rock Trail only not as many loose stones on the path. I would rate the difficulty level as moderate. read more

Whoa whoa, who said this hike was easy? It's moderate (I swear I hike a lot, 4-5 times a month). But it is gorgeous. There are many wonderful places to stop along the way for photos, as well as water that runs through a good portion of the trail. I can't wait to go back! As a side note - no dogs are allowed!! It is a big horn sheep conservation area, so please leave the pups at home! read more

There is nothing I can say about this that hasn't already been said. All I know is I've been to many places and besides Hawaii this trail and the views it provided is one of the prettiest environments I've seen. The rocky cliffs, small waterfall, snow capped mountain...I could go on and on but just do yourself a favor and check it yourself. It's worth it, I promise The End. read more

First hike since I moved to Tucson. I would also say it is moderate like a previous reviewer. I'd recommend hiking boots, but you could get by without them. There are a number of rocky stretches that will test your ankles. Parking is easy at the back of the Lowes employee lot behind the fence. From the lot, the first small stretch is behind the nearby apartments, then the trail heads straight into the canyons crisscrossing the "river" which is mostly dry. I got about 1.75 miles in before heading back (pressed for time and wasn't carrying water on me). The trail can get pretty steep and rocky in some places, but the views are nice and the shaded parts are pleasantly cool in the morning. I'll most likely come back and aim for the pools at 2.4 miles in and eventually for the window itself, about 5.0 miles in for which the trail is named. read more

Ventana Canyon Hiking Trail - Up at the maiden pools earlier this year. - Hiking Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

I couldn't find an official website, but maybe I'm just slothy.... This is a nice little hike, great view of the mountains and from the mountains. There are some steep grades here and there, but overall it's a pretty easy hike. I thought it would be cool to put some extra weight in my camelback for a challenge...DO NOT DO THIS, unless a workout is what you want out of this lil' 'ol day trip. read more

I arrived in Tucson on a 90F April afternoon wondering if I would regret my decision to run the Ventana Canyon trail. I was looking for somewhere quiet with hilly terrain and Ventana did not disappoint. Despite the minimal water flow the canyon was relatively shady. The no dog rule meant that I didn't have to keep an eye out for piles of crap, so I could focus on dodging rocks and taking in the views. I barely saw anyone even though it was Sunday. The flora changes as you gain elevation, from saguaros to oak trees, which keeps it interesting. On my second visit I descended around dusk and noticed an amazing array of beetles on the prickly pear cacti. No bighorn sightings, but I got plenty of that in Zion. read more

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Took a wonderful, beautiful, peaceful, and challenging (at times) hike this morning! I had never been on this trail before, but I'll definitely be back! Not nearly as crowded as Sabino Canyon, this trail is nice and serene. I hope it stays calm, and not overcrowded like the popular trails at Sabino. Even on a Sunday morning at 8:30am, we only crossed a couple hikers on our way in. On the way out, though, we passed several groups. I love how this trail is off road, with lots of incline, rocks and gorgeous scenery! We didn't make it to the pools, but I can only imagine how beautiful they are. Hopefully next time I'll be more prepared for the distance and push myself to the end. read more

Hiked 2.4 miles to Maiden Pools. Beautiful hike. Great view of the city and a handful of flat spots to stop for water and to catch your breath. Its a steep hike, but so worth it! read more

i really liked this trail. beautiful scenery as you're heading up the canyon floor. we even saw a few hawks playing in the air above us. Don't get turned off by the first .25 miles - it's almost a little trail just to get you out of the houses that are around the parking area. The trail is very rocky so it was a great ankle strengthening workout! and the trail cuts over the river multiple times so I'd suggest hiking boots instead of trail runners. My feet got wet a few times. I'd be careful of doing this after rain storms as the river will be much more active than during drier times. the parking lot fills up really quickly on the one side of the fencing. we parked on the other side of the fence in what I think is their employee parking. We didn't have a ticket or anything when we got back, so I hope that's okay to do. And maybe ok since it was a Saturday - who knows. no dogs allowed and no services (water/bathrooms/trash). read more

Ventana Canyon Hiking Trail - Hiking Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

I love this trail! It not too hard and not to easy but very doable! It's mostly shaded throughout the year especially in the beginning. It's very well traveled with lots of people along the way. Never forget to take water and a cell phone , mostly to take pictures! read more

I hit this hike early, which I think may have been the smartest thing I've done all day. I was on the way at 7 am, and even by 8:30 it was close to too warm for my Bay Area blood. The trail IS very rocky, as others have mentioned, and a bit scratchy if you're not careful, but it was a lovely walk. It started getting much more crowded as I was heading back as well, so early is the way to go for a lot of reasons. I'd have loved if there was some more info on the trail heads - I had no idea how long the trail was or if it was a loop or where I was going (such safety). . . I had only known there was a trail and set out, figuring I'd walk out as long as it took me to get through one mini bottle of water (thanks Loews!), which was just about two miles, and then I turned around and headed back. I didn't see much wildlife - a couple of bunnies, some birds, and thankfully no rattlers as the front page of the paper warns that it is RATTLESNAKE SEASON and that they're grumpy and bitey. So I guess not seeing much wildlife was a good thing. read more

Christmas day hike was a great idea. We enjoyed the easy access and plenty of parking too.

Hiked this Trail from Ventana canyon to the Window Then hiked down to sabino Canyon Via bridal falls. 15.5 miles of hiking. March 14th was a nice day for hiking. Weather never got to cold or too hot. Great view from the window and excelent views along the top before decending down to cathederal rock trail. Last 5 miles to sabino canyon seems long and start questioning if there wasn't a missed turn somewhere along the way. You have to go up and down through some rolling hills before you turn off to the picnic area which is 1/2 mile from the parking lot. Need 2 cars for this feat. One parked at Sabino the other at the Ventana canyon trail parking lot. read more

Nearly always quiet, Ventana offers vistas superior to Sabino, and will take you all the way to the rock "window" where Ventana gets its name if you have the stamina. The water flow is more reliable than most riparian areas, and while dogs are ostensibly banned, you can walk your pooch in the areas that are privately owned (basically the first mile and areas west of the trail marked by really cool cairns created by a local gravity artist). read more

A great trail. Lots of river crossing and actually a decent amount of shade in the high revelations due to the presence of water. The trail can be very technical in places and made it hard to trail run. It was more of a fast/speedy hike than anything. Do be careful to not get caught out there when it is too hot because it can bake you. I brought two 20 oz bottles of water and ran out on the hike and it was not too hot 8ish. The scenery is lovely and the trail is kept well. It is a long hike 10+ miles and over 2900ft of elevation gain. Definitely worth a day to check out but make sure you are physically capable to do the hike. read more

Beautiful hike with stunning views. Staying at the Ventana Canyon Resort added to my pleasure! Some steep grades. Plan to come again when there is water in the "pools". read more

As a Tucson native, we enjoy this hike no matter what month we embark upon it! However, I highly recommend doing it in cool weather. Our most recent outing, we enjoyed the scenery in a light drizzle on New Year's Day; fantastic photo ops of saguaro cacti, beautiful rock formations, and towering canyon walls. Hawks oftentimes screech and circle overhead, further enhancing the breathtaking desert sky. On our previous hike, near the pools, we encountered deer on the hillside. And upon our descent, we were humored by non-stop call-and-answer owl conversations! Daytime views of the city verify your elevation gain, but for an even better memory, bring headlamps and plan your descent at dusk to witness Tucson illuminate as the canyon makes a dark frame around the shimmering city. You'll feel accomplished after this moderate hike, but it's all about the views. Don't skip this hike! Prioritize it if you need a quick out and back memory... read more

Ventana Canyon Hiking Trail - Breathtaking views, but don't forget your headlamp! - Hiking Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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