Explore the Majesty of King Canyon Trailhead
Discover the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife of King Canyon Trailhead in Tucson, Arizona – a hiker's paradise in the heart of the Sonoran Desert.
King Canyon Trailhead, located in the stunning landscapes of Tucson, Arizona, is a must-visit for hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Nestled in the heart of the Saguaro National Park, this trailhead offers breathtaking views, diverse wildlife, and a variety of trails suitable for all levels of hikers. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, King Canyon provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable outdoor experience.
A brief summary to King Canyon Trailhead
- Tucson, Arizona, 85743, US
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning to avoid the heat and enjoy the tranquility of the trails.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities along the trails.
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes to navigate the rocky terrains comfortably.
- Keep an eye out for wildlife; the desert is home to various species that are best seen during early morning or late afternoon.
- Check the weather conditions before your hike, as desert climates can change rapidly.
Getting There
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Public Bus
To reach King Canyon Trailhead using public transportation, start at the nearest bus stop to your current location. You can check the Sun Tran website or app for the nearest routes. Take Route 11 (which goes towards the Tucson Mall) to the stop at 'Camino Del Sol & El Camino Del Cerro.' From there, transfer to Route 17 (which heads towards the Saguaro National Park). Disembark at the stop closest to the entrance of Saguaro National Park. From the park entrance, it's about a 20-minute walk to King Canyon Trailhead. Follow the signs towards the trailhead, which is located near the parking area.
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Bicycle Rental
If you prefer cycling, rent a bike from one of the local bike rental shops in downtown Tucson. Head west along the Julian Wash Greenway pathway. This will take you towards Saguaro National Park. Once you reach the park, follow the designated bike paths until you arrive at the King Canyon Trailhead. Be sure to have a map with you to navigate the paths effectively.
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Walking
If you are nearby, walking to King Canyon Trailhead is a great option! Start by heading towards the nearest major road, like Kinney Road. Follow Kinney Road west until you reach the entrance to Saguaro National Park. From there, you can walk along the designated paths that lead directly to the King Canyon Trailhead, which is well-marked. The walk will take about 30-45 minutes depending on your pace.
Discover more about King Canyon Trailhead
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Mam-A-Gah Picnic Area
1.2 km
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Brown Mountain Trail Picnic Area and Trailhead
2.8 km
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Iron Door Mine
4.7 km
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Signal Hill Picnic Area
6.1 km
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Signal Hill
6.2 km
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Feliz Paseos Trails Park Trailhead
9.9 km
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Sarasota Trailhead
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Hidden Canyon Trail
11.0 km
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Richard E. Genser Starr Pass Trailhead
12.3 km
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Orange Slice
15.5 km
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Old Pueblo Archaeology Center
15.9 km
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Cocoraque Butte Archaeological District
16.5 km
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The SlaughterHouse
16.7 km
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Sentinel Peak
17.0 km
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Christina Taylor Green Park
17.3 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
0.5 km
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Red Hills Visitor Center
2.9 km
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Tucson Mountain District
2.9 km
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Gates Pass Trail
4.3 km
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Valley View Overlook Trail
4.4 km
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Bajada Loop Drive
4.4 km
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Desert Discovery Nature Trail
4.5 km
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Old Tucson
4.8 km
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Signal Hl Trl
6.1 km
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Gates Pass Scenic Lookout
6.9 km
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Tucson mountain park
7.4 km
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International Wildlife Museum
9.5 km
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Bowen Stone House
10.1 km
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Christopher Columbus Park
13.0 km
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Sweetwater Wetlands Park
14.2 km
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Essential places to dine
Ironwood Terraces Restaurant
0.5 km
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Signature Grill with Patio Dining
11.5 km
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Salud
11.5 km
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In-N-Out Burger
13.9 km
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Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
14.3 km
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Agustin Kitchen
17.3 km
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Persian Room Fine Dining
18.2 km
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Café à La C'Art
18.2 km
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El Charro Café Downtown
18.3 km
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JoJo's Restaurant
18.3 km
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El Mezquite Grill & Taqueria
18.5 km
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Coronet Restaurant
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Perche' No
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BATA
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Nook
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Ironwood Gift Shop
0.5 km
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Gifts Shop
4.8 km
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Buffalo Trading Post
8.9 km
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Cat Mountain Station
8.9 km
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Mercado San Agustin
17.3 km
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MAST
17.3 km
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Petroglyphs - A Tucson Emporium
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MESA Shop
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Rain Crow
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AntiqueModern Tucson
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Grant-Stone Shopping Center
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La Tiendita
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Art House Centro
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Station Pub & Grill
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Li'l Abner's Steakhouse
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Monsoons Tap & Grill
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Dragoon Brewing Company
15.1 km
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The Edge - A Tucson Bar
16.8 km
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Lazy V
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The Jackrabbit Lounge
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Brodies Dark Horse Tavern
18.3 km
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Brother John's Beer Bourbon & BBQ
18.3 km
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Tommy’s Saloon
18.4 km
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Bar Crisol/Exo
18.5 km
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Nightjar
18.6 km
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Short Rest Tavern
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Cobra Arcade Bar Tucson
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