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Agua Caliente Hill Hiking Guide

Contents

Overview

By most definitions, Agua Caliente Hill is more of a mountain than a hill. Situated between the Santa Catalina and Rincon Mountains, it rises 3,000 feet from the valley floor to an elevation of 5,377 feet, which is significantly lower than the summits that surround it. Perhaps that is why it is called a hill.

The route to the top begins at Agua Caliente Hill South Trailhead, east of Tucson at the edge of a subdivision. There is a parking lot here with spots for 15 vehicles.

To reach the summit, follow the trail 3 miles to a junction marked by a sign. At the sign, bear right to complete the last 1.5 miles. Most of the hike is steep, but this final section averages a strenuous 16% grade.

Sunset on Agua Caliente Hill. February 2018
Sunset on Agua Caliente Hill. February 2018

Quick Facts

  • Distance: 8.8 miles out and back
  • Hike Time: 4 hours
  • Elevation Gain/Loss: 2,588 feet
  • Fee: Free
  • Dogs: Yes
  • Difficulty: Hard

Description

The hike to Agua Caliente Hill begins at the bottom of a ravine that features an imposing grove of large saguaros. Interspersed between these elderly monoliths are ocotillo, prickly pear, cholla, mesquite, and palo verde.

The trail begins with a gradual incline, but becomes steeper as it follows switchbacks to the top of a ridge. One of the best things about Agua Caliente Hill is you don’t have to go far to get views. After about a mile, panoramic vistas open up of Tucson and the mountain ranges that encircle it.

Golden hour at the bottom of Agua Caliente Hill. February 2017
Golden hour at the bottom of Agua Caliente Hill. February 2017

1.7 miles from the parking lot, the trail descends to a small, grassy basin. There is a cattle pond here called Cat Track Tank. During dry periods, its water disappears completely. When pressed for time, I like to turn around and head back at this point.

Kim and Arrow at Cat Track Tank. February 2017
Kim and Arrow at Cat Track Tank. February 2017

From Cat Track Tank, it is another 1.3 miles to the junction with Forest Road #4445. The elevation here is about 4,000 feet and there is a noticeable change in the flora. As you continue up the ridge line, the Sonoran Desert biome changes to grassland.

The junction with Forest Road #4445. March 2018
The junction with Forest Road #4445. March 2018

As you continue, the saguaros thin out until they are replaced by the occasional alligator juniper and scrub live oak. From the junction, it is only 1.5 miles to the summit, but the elevation gain is 1,377 feet. Less than a mile from the junction, the trail skirts around a false summit.

The next half-mile is flat and easy. Enjoy this while it lasts, because the last half-mile is the toughest stretch of the entire hike. The final push ascends 640 feet to Agua Caliente Summit, where your hard work is rewarded with 360 degree views of Tucson, Mount Wrightson, the Rincon Mountains, Redington Pass, and the Santa Catalina Mountains.

The view from Agua Caliente Summit. March 2018
The view from Agua Caliente Summit. March 2018

Location

To get to Agua Caliente Hill South Trailhead from Tucson, head east on Speedway Boulevard then turn left onto Tanque Verde Road. After nine miles, turn left onto Soldier Trail then right onto Fort Lowell Road. Turn left onto Cam Remuda and follow it to the trailhead parking lot.

Get Directions

Map

Download GPX File

Tips

  • Water: Carry 3-4 liters of water.
  • Heat Stroke: The trail is on a southwest facing slope and receives direct sunlight for most of the day. Get an early start to beat the heat and reduce sun exposure.
  • Best Time to Travel: November through March.
  • Safety: Check flash flood warnings and know the forecast before you go. Watch for rattlesnakes.

Resources

Links

Photos

An ocotillo blossom with saguaros in the background. March 2018
An ocotillo blossom with saguaros in the background. March 2018
Mexican poppies near Agua Caliente Hill's false summit. March 2018
Mexican poppies near a false summit. March 2018
The U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey marker at Agua Caliente Hill Summit. March 2018
The U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey marker at the summit. March 2018
Yucca and grassland at Agua Caliente Hill Summit. March 2018
Yucca and grassland at the summit. March 2018
Sunset from just above Cat Track Tank. December 2018
Sunset from just above Cat Track Tank. December 2018
Looking west at sunset on Agua Caliente Hill. December 2018
Looking west at sunset. December 2018
Celebratory kisses at the summit with Arrow. December 2018
A saguaro on Agua Caliente Hill with snowcapped arms
A saguaro with snowcapped arms. January 2019
At its lower elevations, snow on Agua Caliente Hill is rare. January 2019

Want to hike Tucson’s best trails? Read my Best Hikes in Tucson article or check out our individual Tucson Hiking Guides.

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