wellness
Pima Trails Association Rates Five Tucson Walking Trails by Distance, Difficulty
Pima Trails Association released updated ratings this month for five local paths based on mileage and terrain challenge.
How we reported this
Tucson’s Pima Trails Association released new ratings for five walking paths on July 2, sorting them by exact distance and difficulty level after field checks completed in June.
Residents have turned to these marked routes in greater numbers this summer as daytime highs regularly exceed 100 degrees and many seek outdoor activity before sunrise or after sunset. The association’s ratings give concrete options for different fitness levels instead of leaving people to guess trail conditions from online maps alone.
Two parks anchor the list. Catalina State Park on Oracle Road offers the Sutherland Trail at 5.2 miles rated moderate because of steady elevation changes and loose rock sections. Tucson Mountain Park near Gates Pass lists the King Canyon Trail at 3.8 miles rated difficult due to 1,200 feet of climb and narrow switchbacks that require careful footing.
Shorter, easier routes near downtown
The Rillito River Park path between Campbell Avenue and Swan Road covers 4.1 miles on a flat, paved surface rated easy and draws daily users from nearby neighborhoods. Pima County Parks and Recreation maintains the route with regular resurfacing, last completed in March 2026.
Longer options for experienced walkers
Survey data from the association shows 1,200 trail users responded to its May 2026 questionnaire, with 68 percent choosing routes under four miles during summer. Vehicle entry at Catalina State Park costs $7 per day, while Tucson Mountain Park charges $5 at the Gates Pass lot.
Walkers should check the Pima County website for heat advisories before heading out and carry at least two liters of water on any route longer than three miles. Trail conditions can change after monsoon storms, so checking recent reports remains essential for safe outings.