Let's Meander up A-Mountain!

Monday's are the best days to hike A Mountain, aka Sentinel Peak, for a panoramic view of the Tucson Basin as no vehicles are allowed on the road!

DATE: Monday, January 12, 2026, weather permitting
TIME: 9:00 AM for welcome and meet & greet
LOCATION: 1001 Sentinel Peak Rd, Lower Parking Lot, Tucson, AZ
GPS: 32.21395, -110.9993
PARKING: We will park in the lower lot since the upper areas are closed to vehicles on Mondays
LENGTH: approx 3 mile loop
ELEVATION GAIN: ~400' or more depending on where we meander
NO BATHROOM FACILITIES !!!

This event is for people who want to get outside and enjoy walking and hiking in the company of others. We're more interested in time well spent than in setting land speed records. We hike as a group, progressing at the speed of the slowest hiker. Average pace is 1.5-2.5 mph - aka 'slow'. No one gets left behind, so PLEASE come prepared! Safety is paramount.

We typically complete this hike in two hours with plenty of time for pics, hydrating, and socializing along the way.

• Dogs permitted but MUST be leashed or carried per Tucson Park rules. NO exceptions. You must be in control of your pup at all times.
• This is a very popular area for hiking, running, biking, and walking, so we'll likely encounter other people on the trail.

Wear walking/hiking shoes for asphalt paved road and rocky trail as we will be maneuvering on both. Bring 1-2L water, sunscreen, hat, hiking poles or whatever you need to be prepared, safe and comfortable on the hike.

Sentinel Peak is a 2,897' peak in the Tucson Mountains SW of downtown. Tucson's first inhabitants grew crops at the mountain's base, along the Santa Cruz River about 4,000 years ago. The name "Tucson" is derived from the Tohono O'odham word Cuk Ṣon, meaning "the base [of the mountain] is black". Over the years, the peak served as a lookout point for invaders during the Apache Wars and the Civil War. In the 1910s, UofA students used local basalt rock to construct a 160' tall block "A" on the mountain's east face, near its summit, giving the peak its other name, "A" Mountain. The peak is now part of a 272-acre park, the largest natural resource park in the City of Tucson. Standing atop the "A" gives the best 360 view of the entire city of Tucson and the surrounding mountain ranges.

Have you been eyeing Tumamoc Hill but worried it's a bit too much for you? Then consider this hike 'conditioning' for Tumamoc as it's about the same length. but only half as steep. Much more enjoyable with the same views!

NOTE: This hike is cross-posted with Tails & Trails since dogs are allowed.