Day Hikes in Arizona

Experience the majesty of the Chiricahua National Monument, explore historic mining country, and learn about the migratory routes of jaguars.  Join our experienced hiking guides for special, educational hikes in Southern Arizona.  Hiking boots should be worn for all of the following hikes. All hike itineraries and leaders are subject to change.

Transportation is provided to the trailhead by twelve-passenger van.  Tucson departures are from the Community Campus (CC), 401 North Bonita Avenue or the Northwest Campus (NWC), 7600 North Shannon Road.  The Green Valley/Sahuarita departures are from the Community Performing Arts and Learning Center, 1250 West Continental Road.

Hikes are rated by level of difficulty.

For more information, email studytours@pima.edu or call 520.206.3952.

HK204C - Aravaipa Canyon - Moderately Difficult
Described as 'A Gem of the Southwest Desert' with its 1000 ft. of remarkable colored walls and flowing Aravaipa Creek, Aravaipa Canyon in the Galiuro Mountains is one of the top hikes in Arizona.  Old hiking boots with good treads are recommended, no tennis shoes.  This hike is roughly 8 miles with very little elevation change.  Bring water, lunch and snacks.
Gary Borax, avid hiker and experienced leader 

Tucson, CC:  7am-5pm

HK136P - Echo Canyon Loop Trail - Moderately Difficult
This is a must do hike! The Chiricahua Mountains were set aside as a National Monument in 1924. The Echo Canyon Trail winds through spectacular rock formations to the densely wooded Echo Park. A Park Ranger will share with us the history of the Chiricahuas and the role of Cochise. The loop is 3.3 miles, somewhat rocky with high step-ups, and an elevation change of 450 ft. Bring water, lunch and snacks. Dinner stop on return (not included in fee).
Gary Borax, experienced tour leader and avid hiker 

Tucson, CC:  7am-6pm 

Geocache Hikes
Geocaching is an educational adventure/treasure hunt game for adults.  Participating in a geocache hunt is a good way to experience the southern Arizona desert while learning about global positioning systems (or GPS).  Individuals and organizations have set up caches all over the world and share the locations of these caches on the internet.  GPS users can then use the location coordinates to find the caches.  We will be searching for caches that are hidden near hiking trails in the mountains surrounding Tucson.  GPS units not required to enjoy the treasure hunt.  The leader will have at least two GPS units on each hike; participants will take turns using the units to locate a geocache.  Plan to meet at or near the trailhead for each hike. 

HK260B - Palisades Ranger Station: A Geocache Hike - Moderately Difficult
This moderately difficult 4-mile hike with 900 feet elevation gain, begins across the road from the Palisades Ranger Station in the Catalina Mountains.  There are four geocache hidden along this route.  In Addition there are excellent views of the Catalina's and Tucson.  Bring water, lunch and snacks.
Gary Borax, experienced tour leader and avid hiker