Pets allowed
Not Allowed
Elevation Gain
380.00 ft (115.82 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
3.14 mi (5.05 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.

The Rock Wren Trail is an easy hike located in the Tucson Mountain Park near Tucson, Arizona. This out and back trail travels in the Tucson Mountains and provides views of Cat Mountain. This hike is 3.14 miles long and gains 380 feet of elevation.

This hike begins at Richard Gesner Starr Pass Trailhead. This trailhead has a large parking area and a trail map, but has no other amenities. Begin hiking south on Rock Wren Trail. You will be traveling mostly uphill for the first 0.4 miles. After another 0.1 miles, you will reach a junction with Starr Pass Trail. Stay right to continue on Rock Wren Trail.

You will now be traveling uphill again for the next 0.5 miles, and you will reach the highest point along the trail. The trail travels amongst saguaros, ocotillo, palo verde, and various other Sonoran Desert plants. You will have views of Tucson, and also some peaks of the surrounding Tucson Mountains. The most striking views are of Cat Mountain. After reaching the highest point of the trail, enjoy the next 0.4 miles of downhill hiking. Hike uphill for 0.2 more miles before reaching a junction with the Yetman Trail. Turn around and retrace your steps from here to return to the trailhead.

The Rock Wren Trail is open year-round from dawn to dusk. There are no associated fees to hike at Tucson Mountain Park. Dogs are not allowed on this hike. This trail is also shared with bikers. This hike can get very hot and there are not any reliable water sources on this trail, so be sure to bring plenty of water. This trail is best to use in the fall, winter, and spring. The Rock Wren Trail is an easy way for hikers to explore the beauty of the Tucson Mountains.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Mountain Views.

Cons

No Shade.

Trailhead Elevation

2,743.00 ft (836.07 m)

Highest point

2,896.00 ft (882.70 m)

Features

Big vistas

Typically multi-day

No

Suitable for

Biking

Permit required

No

Location

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