Tucson Arizona Hiking
Coronado Hiking Trails
Wilderness of Rock Trail #44

The name of this trail certainly does catch the attention of anyone scanning a trail map or thumbing through a guide book. The “Wilderness of Rock” is extremely popular, and with good reason. Picturesque rock formations and a diversity of settings that range from sub-alpine to high desert to riparian zone attract so many people that this area is being loved to the point of overuse by backpackers and day hikers as well. Trampling of the area is so heavy in some places that the trail has become difficult to follow and hikers have become lost.

As you move through this natural sculpture gallery and see the art works of wind and water from a number of different perspectives, you’ll be amazed at the variety of shapes they can assume. Long distance views are good in this area too. They include Mt. Lemmon, Sabino Basin and Pusch Ridge. Lemmon Creek, near the Marshall Saddle, is a popular destination on this trail. If you camp here, remember to practice sound wilderness ethics and camp at least 200 feet from the water.

Another attraction of this trail is that it can be accessed from a number of different connecting trails. It is possible to plan a hike here that includes any of several other major features of the Santa Catalinas. The possibilities are actually too numerous to list on this page, but the most popular access routes into this area include the Marshall Gulch #3, Aspen #93, Romero #8 and the West Fork #24 trails.

Attractions:
  Spectacular natural sculptures
  Great long distance views
  Access to other trails
  Several loop possibilities
  Arizona Trail segment

Season: Summer, fall
Length: 4 miles
Elevation: 7,000'-8,000'
Rating: More difficult
Use: Heavy
USGS Map(s): Mt. Lemmon

Click for Map

Access: Major access to this area is via the Marshall Gulch Trail #3 in the Marshall Gulch Picnic Area through Summerhaven on top of Mt. Lemmon. Other access is available via the Mt. Lemmon Trail #5, Lemmon Rock Lookout Trail #12 and the Romero Trail #8 from Catalina State Park north of Tucson.

Notes:
This trail is entirely within the Pusch Ridge Wilderness.

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

The only reliable source of water along this trail is Lemmon Creek. Purification of water is recommended prior to use.

When hiking in remote areas go with a companion whenever possible. Always tell someone where you’ve gone and when you expect to return.

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