Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
911.00 ft (277.67 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
5.50 mi (8.85 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Molino Basin Trail #11 is a 5.5-mile out-and-back trail in the lower foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains that runs between the Molino Basin campground and the Gordon Hirabiyashi campground. It traverses through dry grasslands with scenic, open views of Molino Basin and the surrounding rocky, jagged, peaks. The trail is easy, accessible, and great for families and kids. Located just 40 minutes from Tucson, Arizona, this is a popular trail used by runners, hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians, as well as being part of the 800-mile Arizona National Scenic Trail. 

Common vegetation includes desert grasses, oaks, and mesquite. 

Molino Basin Campground has a limited number of parking spaces that are free of charge for hikers using the Arizona National Scenic Trail. Otherwise, there may be a fee per vehicle for parking. For more information please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coronado/recreation/recarea/?recid=25674&actid=70. The trailhead features bathrooms but visitors should plan to bring plenty of water. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Coronado National Forest, Permits and Fees: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/coronado/passes-permits/recreation/?cid=fswdev7_018712

 

 

 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring

Parking Pass

Car fee

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Scenic Views. Gentle terrain.

Cons

Can get crowded.

Trailhead Elevation

4,373.00 ft (1,332.89 m)

Highest point

4,917.00 ft (1,498.70 m)

Features

Vault toilet
Backcountry camping
Wildlife
Wildflowers

Typically multi-day

No

Suitable for

Biking
Horseback

Permit required

No

Location

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