Tucson Arizona Hiking
Coronado Hiking Trails
Esperero Trail #25

There are a number of reasons to visit this trail. Because it’s easy, however, is not one of them. Many hikers start out along this trail that includes several miles of hard climbing because it leads to “The Window”, a 15 by 25 foot hole in a fin-like ridge that extends out from Window Peak on Pusch Ridge. For those who get all the way to the top, this notable creation of gravity and frost frames an unforgettable view of Tucson and the mountains and valleys beyond. For those who choose to stop at points of interest which can be reached with less effort, there are plenty of rewards as well.

Esperero Canyon Trail starts at the Cactus Picnic Area in the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area or just opposite Sabino Canyon Shuttle Stop #1, where Rattlesnake Canyon joins Sabino Canyon. If you come on any except the hottest days of summer, you’ll be surprised at the amount of wildlife there is to see in the desert. From its starting point, the trail passes through stands of outrageously shaped saguaro cactus as it climbs up and over a low ridge into Bird Canyon. This serves as a warm-up for the lung-busting scramble up a particularly rocky section of the trail that takes you up and over a second ridge and finally drops you into Esperero Canyon. The trail then dodges its way up-canyon into Geronimo Meadow, crossing the creek on several occasions. Water can be found along this stretch during the wettest times of the year and sometimes at Mormon Springs, but don’t count on it!

Above Geronimo Meadow, the trail climbs steeply up and out of the canyon to the ridge near Window Peak, and finally to the Window itself. Take care when you get there. There is a sheer drop of over a hundred feet just outside that window.

Attractions:
  Desert canyon
  Access to top of Pusch Ridge
  Spectacular views
  Watchable wildlife

Season: Fall, winter, spring
Length: 10.1 miles
Elevation: 2,700'-7,400'
Rating: More difficult
Use: Moderate
USGS Map(s): Sabino Canyon, Mt. Lemmon

Click for Map

Access: From Tanque Verde Road in Tucson turn north on Sabino Canyon Road and follow it 4 miles to the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area Visitor Center. From the Visitor Center you can either follow the paved road or a foot trail to the Cactus Picnic Area and the Esperero Canyon Trailhead.

Notes:
9 miles of the trail are in the Pusch Ridge Wilderness.

Motorized and mechanical vehicles and equipment, including mountain bikes, are not permitted in Wilderness. See the Wilderness section of this guide for more wilderness rules and ethics.

Don’t camp on private land in Bird Canyon.

This trail is long and steep, not a good one for summer hiking.

No dogs allowed.

Before using this trail, call the *Santa Catalina Ranger District for current trail conditions which can vary with season, weather and maintenance status:
*Santa Catalina Ranger District
5700 N. Sabino Canyon Rd
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 749-8700
(520) 749-8700 TTY
(520) 749-7723 FAX