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 Reporter |
Summary: Agua Caliente Hill is uniquely positioned between Tucson's Santa Catalina Mountains, the Rincons Mountains and very close to downtown Tucson. The hike is relavely long and strenuous but the incredible views of both mountain ranges make it worth the effort. The first quarter of the hike follows an old overgrown jeep trail. After following the jeep trail for about 2.5 miles this trail merges with another trail that approaches from Agua Caliente Canyon. After another 0.5 miles you will reach a saddle which is the intersection with yet another trail (official trail), there is a trail marker at this location. The rest of hike follows the obvious ridgline to the top of the peak. The views from the peak are excellent. This is a great location to view Tanque Verde Peak and the Douglas Springs route to Mica Mountain. Trailhead: From downtown Tucson follow Speedway east to its intersection with Wilmot. Follow Wilmot north to Tanque Verde. Follow Tanque Verde for about 7.5 miles to Soldier. Follow Soldier to Prince and turn right, follow Prince for a mile to Wentworth. Turn left on Wentworth and look for a place to park. I followed a dirt road for about a half of a mile to a pullout. This is where the trail begins. Note that are several possible starting points for this hike. If for whatever reason this trailhead is not accessible consult a map for other options. In my opinion this is the best starting point for the hike because few people follow this route so there will be much less traffic on the lower portion of the hike. (Lat:32.27744 Lon:-110.7205) Trail Guides for Agua Caliente Hill: Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Bikes, Horses, Ranger Contact: Coronado National Forest: (520)749-8700 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Rob Brinkerhoff, who has posted 33 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Kevin on 6/10/2007 This is a great trail to hike, especially at night. I have seen everything from rattlesnakes to gila monsters. About a quarter of the way up there is a refreshing water hole for those hikers anxious to take a swim and plenty of high cliffs to jump off. Great place to take friends. 
Reviewed by paulrocco c on 4/30/2007 4/30/07 I wanted to add and recommend that for the warm part of the year, if you can get out and back early, and go to the 3 mile marker--it would be a very nice experience to enjoy. The last challenging last 1.5 miles is in 2 parts(and to me isn't worth it): the peak you think is agua calente is actually half way; once on it you have another steep climb.
Reviewed by paulrocco c on 4/29/2007 04/29/07 we entered from the soldier trail rd>ft lowell>Camino Ancho>Camino ramuda trail head entrance. It is 4.5M to top with another trail marker at the saddle (3 mile mark) It is officially too hot and very buggy (gnat swarms) in late april to enjoy this- a very good cool season hike-great views all the way. Last 1.5 miles is callenging (a real cardio workout!)Log at the end is fun idea! Read others comments-good feelings! We met all very nice people on the way. Verizon cel phone work there byw bonjourno all :) enjoy!
Reviewed by Chuck on 2/24/2007 Took the Northern route in - pretty much a long slog up a jeep trail. There was no doubt about where you were going. Retruned vie the southerly route, I think this was more interesting, with lots of saguaros. I think the eastern trail is longer than the northern route. There was a USGS monument at the summit - right near the campfire and visitor log.
Reviewed by Bryan C. on 2/13/2007 This was indeed a strenuous hike, much as described. The last quarter of the hike gets pretty intense with loose rock, gravel and small boulders. We also froze the last part of the hike- be prepared for wind. Be sure to find the hike log which is in a jar near the campfire site. All in all, the hike was challenging but worth the views while ascending.
Reviewed by Betty G on 2/4/2007 I hiked this trail on February 1, 2007. There is a new trailhead and the trail has been rebuilt. Note the steps at the beginning of the climb. It is a beautiful trail. I had trouble knowing which peak was Agua Caliente Hill. It turned out to be the one (of course) that was the highest in the area and the steepest climb. There are no USGS markers on top of Agua Caliente Hill nor are there any signs indicating that it is the summit. To reach the trailhead go east on Speedway to Houghton. Turn left on Houghton, right on Fort Lowell. Fort Lowell changes to Camino Ancho. Turn left on Camino Remuda and follow to the end. There is a large trailhead, large enough to accommodate horse trailers. A sign indicates the beginning of the trail. 
Reviewed by RLV on 12/28/2006 The directions for getting to this hike need to be changed, it has obviously not been accessible via this rout for some time.
Reviewed by damon on 9/18/2006 aqua caliente canyon is one of my favorite canyons in tucson. i prefer to hiking up aqua caliente canyon to the top where the canyons levels out and then pick up the trail and take it up the ridge and down into milagroso canyon, then hike that canyon down until you have made a full circle. both canyons are beautiful with lots of waterfall areas and specatular canyons walls formations. best time to visit the canyons are summer if there is water in the canyons and in the winter. *warning* if you choose to take this route be prepared to do some mild bouldering up a couple of waterfall areas and some rock hopping up and down the canyons. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Arizona Hiking, Arizona Trails, Arizona Hikes, Pima County Hiking, Pima County Trails, Pima County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
