Think you’ve experienced all the best hiking trails Arizona has to offer? Not so fast—we have one more for your bucket list. Blackett’s Ridge Trail isn’t easy by any stretch of the imagination, but it features some of Tucson’s most breathtaking views.

Nestled in the sprawling Coronado National Forest, Blackett's Ridge Trail is among the most popular hikes in the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area.
AllTrails/Brady West
It's six miles long, and rated as hard on AllTrails—but don't let that dissuade you. The breathtaking views at the end are worth every drop of sweat!
The hike starts off easy, so you'll have plenty of time to get your bearings before Mother Nature kicks things up a notch.
AllTrails/Gayle Turner
You'll find the trailhead just to the right of the Visitor Center.
Your patience will surely be tested, as there are false peaks from the trailhead all the way up to the summit.
AllTrails/Gayle Turner
The total elevation gain is just under 1800 feet, so don't get too excited upon seeing a "peak"—chances are, it's just the beginning!

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Quite a bit of rock scrambling means poles or hiking sticks are highly encouraged.
AllTrails/Apoorva Chaubal
Most of the tricky sections are in the middle 1/3 of the hike, so once you start nearing the end, it's smooth sailing.
Upon finally reaching the (true) peak, you'll enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape.
AllTrails/Brady West
You can practically see the entire city of Tucson from up here!
Straight ahead, a distant Thimble Peak rises up in the most majestic way possible.
AllTrails/Gayle Turner
Appreciate its beauty and give yourself a pat on the back—all your hard work is done!
It's a long way down, so take some time to relax before descending back to the trailhead.
AllTrails/Brady West
Pro-tip: bring a picnic lunch to nosh on while marveling at the incredible scenery!

To learn more about the hike, visit its AllTrails page.

Have you ever hiked Blackett’s Ridge Trail? If so, tell us all about your experience in the comments section below, and check out our previous article to learn more about the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area.

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Blacketts Ridge Trail, Tucson, AZ, USA