Run along a gorgeous ridge with stupendous views of the Tucson Mountains and Saguaro National Park.

Statistics

1 - 2

hrs

228

m

228

m

7

max°

Difficulty

FATMAP difficulty grade

Moderate

Description

More than just a single peak, Brown Mountain consists of several small summits along a low ridge measuring 1.5 miles long.

The route mapped here is a quick but beautiful 4.6-mile lollipop that traverses the entirety of the ridge on visually-stunning, exposed singletrack. The recommended route wraps around the base of the mountain to reach the northwestern end of the ridge.

You'll then climb onto the ridge and traverse up and down the several small summits on your way back to the trailhead.

The singletrack along the base is narrow and twisty, ducking beneath towering saguaro cacti and through the beautiful undergrowth that has made the Sonoran Desert so famous.

As you climb toward the top of Brown Mountain, you'll enjoy expansive views of the Tucson Mountains all around you.

Despite being located right on the edge of the second-largest city in Arizona, this small mountain range is protected by Tucson Mountain Park and Saguaro National Park.

While Brown Mountain isn't technically inside the national park, the western section of Saguaro National Park begins just to the north and is visible from the entire route.

Take your time and savor the views as you traverse the ridgeline—you earned this reward! The final descent off the mountain is steep and technical, dropping through a series of tight, rocky switchbacks that could challenge some runners.

While this trail is bike-legal and you may encounter mountain bikers out here, the short, steep climbs and tight switchbacks on the descent make it most ideal as a hiking or trail running route.