Tumamoc Hill

TUMAMOC HILL

View of Santa Catalina Mountains from Tumamoc Hill

Just about everybody putting one foot in front of the other on Tumamoc Hill does so with a goal in mind, and the volcanic mesa just off Interstate 10 in Tucson holds enough interest to satisfy the physical and mental aims of its assorted visitors. Among the thousands who trudge up the distinctive  3,107-foot mound each year are casual walkers, spandex-clad runners, sightseers and families pushing strollers.  

See-forever views on Tumamoc Hill summit

In terms of popularity, the road/trail within the  860-acre University of Arizona ecological preserve rivals the likes of iconic Phoenix trails like Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak in visitation.

Tumamoc Hill is a wildlife sanctuary

The hill’s magnetic quality can be attributed to numerous factors. It’s close to town, easy to access and the approachable paved trail offers a moderate workout packed with educational opportunities.

Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1975, the U of A Desert Laboratory which sits on a saddle halfway up the hill, is dedicated to ecological preservation and is a center of research, education and finding science-based solutions to challenges faced in the Sonoran Desert.

Tumamoc Hill is home to U of A Desert Laboratory

Visitors interested in augmenting their hike can download the Tumamoc Tour app. It’s an hour-long audio-video companion for smart devices that serves as a virtual docent that expounds upon on the history, ecology, archeology and native wildlife and plants encountered along the way up the hill.  

Colorful brittlebush color the hill's volcanic slopes

Even without the app, strategically-placed interpretive signs illustrate key points of interest such as the Agave Heritage Garden and an overview of the Desert Laboratory complex. 

Tumamoc Hill is an outdoor classroom

One sign explains that the name Tumamoc Hill derives from the Tohono O’odham language and means “Horned Lizard Mountain”.  Specifically, the eponymous reptile is the Regal Horned Lizard, which is the only species that lives on the hill, is an apt ambassador for the dozens of animals that thrive within the sanctuary.

The second half of the hike is steep

The 1.5-mile serpentine road hike that ascends the hill’s north face begins its 700+-foot climb on an easy grade.

An app and signs provide teaching moments

  The going gets demonstrably steeper beyond the Desert Laboratory site where  hikers can refill water bottles, take a break at benches placed at scenic overlooks or make use of the portable restrooms.  Beyond the laboratory, the road turns upward on a series of switchbacks that get more vertical at each turn and reveal vistas of the Santa Catalina Mountains to the north and nearby Sentinel Peak (2,897 feet) that’s better know as “A Mountain”. 

Saguaros line the road up Tumamoc Hill

Distant glimpses of Picacho Peak and Mount Wrightson peer out above the urban grid of downtown Tucson and surrounding suburbs topping out with a see-forever summit panorama.

Mountain vistas abound on Tumamoc Hill

Restored greenhouse at the Desert Laboratory

LENGTH: 3 miles roundtrip

RATING: moderate

ELEVATION:  2,339 – 3,098 feet

GETTING THERE:

From Interstate 10 in Tucson, take the Speedway Blvd./St. Mary’s Road  exit 257. Follow the frontage road south and turn right onto St. Mary’s Road. Continue 0.93 mile to Silverbell Road, turn left and go 0.2-mile to Anklam Road. Turn right on Anklam and go 0.15-mile to the trailhead at Tumamoc Hill Road across from St Mary’s Hospital. Park along the street, not in the medical facilities parking lots.

HOURS: 4 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily

RULES: Pets, bikes and skate boards are not allowed. Hikers must stay on the paved road.

INFO:

https://tumamoc.arizona.edu/tumamoc-hill/overview