Gates Pass Trailhead

Welcome to the southern Arizona dessert oasis to experience the soul of the Sonoran desert - where saguaro cacti exist as far as you can see and the sunsets look exactly like the state license plate. Tucson is the place to be to enjoy mountains, outdoor recreation and all that the desert can offer. Officially classified as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy and a year-round outdoor playground. Included in this guide is a 2 day itinerary for outdoor activities and enjoying the desert city to the max. We visited in October and the weather was perfect. Be advised that in the summer, hiking in the desert is dangerous and is only recommended early in the morning to avoid heat stroke and other heat related issues. Always carry water with you and know your limits. This guide will also include - How to Get There - Things to Do & See - Where to Stay - Places to Eat - Outdoor activities Be on the look out for scorpions and other desert critters as they are widely popular in this region. We discovered 2 scorpions during our visit.