Hiking Project Logo
Climb
MTB
Hike
Trailrun
Ski
Limited Time70% OffonX Backcountry

Pusch Peak Trail

Difficult Difficult
 4.4 (27)
  1. Areas
  2. AZ
  3. …Southern Arizona and Tucson
  4. …Tucson
  5. Oro Valley
Explore in 3D
Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.
Previous Next

“A short but tough climb on Pusch Ridge's westernmost peak overlooking the Oro Valley and Tucson. ”

Victor Othon
Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Google Map
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

1.9

Miles

3.0

KM

Point to Point

5,332' 1,625 m

High

2,726' 831 m

Low

2,605' 794 m

Up

0' 0 m

Down

27%

Avg Grade (15°)

75%

Max Grade (37°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views · Wildlife

Description

This trail starts at the Linda Vista Loop Trailhead but intersects the loop trail right down the middle. At just under .7 miles and 380 ft gain in elevation, an "unmaintained trail" sign will designate the beginning of the "real" route up to the peak. We're talking about 25% grade climbing up loose rocks and ankle-biting bushes, shrubs and cactus. This definitely requires long pants and good boots.

In just over 1.25 miles, you'll climb over 2,300ft in elevation on your way up to the peak through a well defined trail. There are a couple of points where the trail isn't defined because you're climbing over exposed rock face, but it's relatively easy to figure out once you've climbed over the rock face. Once you've climbed to the peak, it's a track back down the same way you came up. Keep in mind the loose rocks and possible dry vegetation that might make your steps down the mountain very unstable.

Due to the technicality of the route, this is not a trail for the novice hiker. This will definitely test your leg muscles. Bring electrolyte replacement, plenty of water, and snacks if you're going to be up there for a few hours.

Flora & Fauna

Hikers will see typical southwest Arizona desert vegetation and animals, almost all of it bristly and unfriendly. However, this area has possible ram sightings.

Contacts

Land Manager: USFS - Coronado National Forest Office

Shared By:

Victor Othon with improvements by Eric Jackson
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 27 votes

#1

in Oro Valley

#180

Overall
  4.4 from 27 votes
5 Star
48%
4 Star
44%
3 Star
7%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1

in Oro Valley

#10

in Arizona

#180

Overall
171 Views Last Month
11,985 Since Dec 12, 2016
Difficult Difficult
0%
0%
0%
0%
68%
32%
Add a Photo

Photos

You really can't go wrong with the views of Tucson and Oro Valley from the Pusch Peak Trail.
Dec 12, 2016 near Oro Valley, AZ
View south at peak
Dec 8, 2020 near Oro Valley, AZ
In the shade of the mountains heading up Pusch Peak
Feb 28, 2021 near Oro Valley, AZ
Rocky peaks rising over Tucson.
Feb 28, 2021 near Oro Valley, AZ
Look southwest almost to peak.
Dec 8, 2020 near Oro Valley, AZ
Gorgeous views of Oro Valley await all who enjoy the Pusch Peak Trail.
Dec 12, 2016 near Oro Valley, AZ

0 Comments

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jan 30, 2024
Dan Shemon
4.2mi — 2h 18m
Sep 25, 2022
Nate B
May 12, 2022
Mary Anderson
Very steep uphill but trail in good condition. Got lost 3 times. Saw 2 snakes that quickly slithered away. Great 360 views and could see Mt. Kimball. 5.5mi — 6h 30m
Aug 6, 2021
Josh Gibbel
Trail in good condition
May 23, 2021
Charles Paige
Feb 19, 2021
Ryan W
Jan 4, 2021
Charles Paige
1h 50m
Dec 31, 2020
Freddie Sanchez
Great way to end the year. We started around 10:30 and the parking lot was full. It was a great day for a hike with the weather in the mid 50s an… 4mi — 4h 02m

Nearby Recommended Routes

Welcome

Join the Community! It's FREE

Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started