The Tucson Hiking Meetup Group

Beginner Hike: Tucson Mt Park - Brown Mt Loop

January 5 · 10:00 AM
walgreens

Length: 4.0 mi Out & Back
Elevation gain: 500'
Starting Point: 2640'
Summit: 3098'
* Rating: D - Beginner
**Dogs are not permitted in Tucson Mt Park

DEPART the Walgreens at 10:00.

Trail head location:
Juan Santa Cruz Picnic Area, North Kinney Road

Just to the west of I-10 and south of the Western Distinct of Saguaro National Park lies the 20,000 acre Tucson Mountain Park.
The Park was established in April of 1929 by then Pima County Parks Commissioner C. B. Brown.

Along with many miles of open, flat to rolling hikes in Tucson Mountain Park is the hike up to the 3098' summit of Brown Mountain.

This hike starts with a climb up the east side of the north peak of Brown Mt via a series of switch backs. The trail then winds it's way along the ridge where can stop and take in the views. The trail then crosses the saddle to the south peak. The trail winds down along the west side on a series of switchbacks to the wash which is the same as the starting elevation. Here we will cross the wash to the Brown Mountain pic nic area for a rest stop and snack. There is water and rest rooms at the pic nic area.

After snacks the hike finishes up with a nearly flat meander along and through the wash to the starting point.

This hike will provide great views of the Tucson Mountains to the north, including the Red Rock area of the Western District of Saguaro National Park . We will also get great views of Golden Gate Peak and Cat Mountain to the east as well as expansive views to the south towards Kit Peak and the Baboquivari Mountains.

Add to that the ever present beauty of typical Sonoran Desert vegetation: Palo Verde, Beaver-tail cactus, Cholla and some really big Saguaro and it all adds up to make for a great way for beginner hikers to see a lot in a short hike.

There is is Tucson Mt PArk map here.
There is a hike detail map here.

If you are meeting us at the trail head there is a Google map showing the trail head location here.

Please Bring: 2+ liters of water, food for a snack, sun protection

If you are new to the group or a beginner hiker please read these:

About the Tucson Hiking Meetup Group
Tucson Hiking Meetup Group - No Show Policy
Tips for Beginning Hikers - Sierra Club

Hike at your own risk.

If you have questions email me or call me at [masked]

Join or login to comment.

Cindy

Thanks, Mike! Awesome hike - great views, nice workout, too!

0 · January 5
Mike Breiding

Another lovely day in the Sonoran Desert!
Thanks to all for a fun and interesting hike.
And thanks for following me down both the right and wrong paths!

4 · January 5
- View all 3 replies
- William Clifton
  
  Mike it was a great hike & I enjoyed it very much. I want to do this one again.
  
  0 · January 5
- Mike Breiding
  
  We will!
  
  0 · January 5
- Susan
  
  Mike, You never disappoint! Loved the hike and the ppl :) Thanks again. ( say hi to Betsy for me)
  
  0 · January 5
Lisa Love

We really enjoyed it! Mike was informative, funny and easy going. Can't wait for our next one.

0 · January 5
Suzi

Another beautiful day for a hike! Right/Wrong paths? No problem, more of an adventure!

2 · January 5
Kaye

Great hike, lots of beautiful scenery

1 · January 5
Stefanie Gershon

About how long do you suspect the entire hike will take? I have somewhere to be at three and want to make sure I'm leaving myself enough time!

1 · January 4
- Mike Breiding
  
  I am guessing 3-4 hrs. But that is at a very leisurely pace.
  
  0 · January 4
Mike Breiding

Hi DeAnne,
I will be offering more beginner hikes soon.
Make sure you RSVP as soon as they are posted.
They fill up quickly.

0 · January 4
- DeAnne B
  
  Thanks for the tip! Just joined, so I missed out on this one, but I'll keep an eye out.
  
  0 · January 4
William Clifton

Mike,

I will meet you at the trailhead.

William Clifton

0 · January 4
DeAnne B

I won't be making this one, but this is the kind of thing I've been looking for. I look forward to joining you guys on a similar hike soon!

0 · January 4
Julia

Just joined the group, and I may have signed up for this hike by mistake! Just in case... I won't be able to make this one, but look forward to hiking with you all on another occasion!
Have a great time!

0 · January 3
- Mike Breiding
  
  Hi Julia, the RSVP roster on the right side of the page does not have you listed, so you are OK.
  
  0 · January 3
Kaye

Can't wait to meet everyone! See you at Walgreen's at 9:45AM Saturday!
K

0 · January 2
A former member

I would like to carpool with someone. Are there any permits required for this hike; parking/entrance? Thanks

0 · December 30
- Mike Breiding
  
  Hi Jeanne! No permits are required for the parking areas in Tucson Mountain Park. It is a county owned park. Have a safe trip. ~ WV-Mike (Event Host)
  
  0 · December 31
Donna

I am looking for a ride to this from the southeast side of town - please email yogadma@gmail. Thanks!

0 · December 30
A former member

I'm currently on the road headed to Tucson (from Oregon). I'm looking forward to hiking (haven't done any for a couple of months) and meeting members of this group.

0 · December 30