Did you know that there’s a painted cave in Tucson? In addition to numerous hiking trails, Tucson Mountain Park has homestead ruins, a cave full of petroglyphs, wildflowers, Saguaro cacti, and breathtaking views around every corner. Need I say more? Read on to learn why we think you should add one of the best hikes near Tucson leading to these sites and the Painted Cave in Tucson to your list of places to visit when you’re in Arizona.

Spanning 20,000 acres, Tucson Mountain Park is among the largest natural resource areas owned and managed by a local government in the U.S.
AllTrails/Ronnie Spece
Including the painted cave in Tucson, the park boasts 62 miles of multipurpose trails which are open to hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians.
Ranging in length from 1.4 to 13 miles, diverse trails throughout the park cater to a variety of different skill levels.
AllTrails/Kai Lindstedt
Hikers can traverse expansive canyons, climb mountains, frolic through lush, vibrant wildflowers, and enjoy many more breathtaking sights, such as the infamous painted caves in Arizona.
You can practically see all of Tucson from the Yetman Trail, which manages to provide striking panoramic views despite ascending less than 400 feet.
AllTrails/Randy Pfeifer
Majestic saguaro cacti line the hillsides, making for a picture-perfect scene that begs visitors to stop and revel in Arizona's natural beauty.

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Accessible via a couple of different hiking trails are the ruins of Bowen House, a structure that dates to the 1930s.
AllTrails/Jason Hatter
It was the private residence of a couple who moved out west to start a homestead, and its rugged remains tell the story of a bygone era.
Today, nothing beyond the foundational walls of the home remains - still impressive, though, considering all the monsoons that have battered the area over the past nine decades.
AllTrails/Karen Blocher
You'll also see the old fireplace, in addition to the empty frames of picture windows through which the Bowens gazed out at the surrounding desert landscape.
Last, but not least, one of the most incredible, yet underrated sights in the park is known as the Yetman trail painted cave.
AllTrails/Niki Melchiori
It's located about half a mile off the main trail, but you shouldn't have too much trouble if you just follow the cairns. (Pro-tip: Keep an eye out for two cacti that look like they're whispering to one another. This is where you'll break from the path.) Of course, remember to bring your camera and headlamp, too!

Well, what do you think? Are you ready to explore the Yetman trail painted cave? When you go, be sure to wear shoes with sufficient grip, as some rock scrambling is involved to reach the cave. To help you prepare for this outdoor adventure, also take a look at our Ultimate Hiking Packing List.

The experience is totally worth it, however, as the petroglyphs are so well-preserved and fascinating. Visit the park’s AllTrails page for a list of hikes leading to this painted cave in Arizona and more.

Have you ever been to Tucson Mountain Park? If so, let us know what your favorite trail is in the following comments section. Feel free also to take a look at our previous article to learn about more petroglyphs in Arizona.

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More to Explore

Painted Cave Tucson

Marla S. | July 21, 2023

What are some of the best caves to explore in Arizona? 

In addition to the painted cave in Tucson, here's an overview of some of the best caves to explore in Arizona:

  • Coronado Cave: This cave spans 70 feet wide and 600 feet long. Currently, no permit is required to explore this cave that's based in Southern Arizona.
  • Grand Canyon Caverns: You'll come across diverse features when you explore this cavern that was only discovered in 1999 near Benson, Arizona.
  • Lava River Cave: This impressive site, and once active volcano that erupted nearly 700,000 years ago, is located near Flagstaff.

 

What are some of the best hikes in Tucson?

Aside from the Yetman Trail and painted cave, the following list highlights some of the best hikes in Tucson.

  • Tumamoc Hill: During this 3.1-mile hike, you'll be able to soak in impressive views of Tucson while being out in nature.
  • Valley View Overlook Trail: Be prepared to be wowed by all the cacti when you head to Saguaro National Park to enjoy this easy trail that's just under a mile.
  • Blacketts Ridge Trail: You'll find the trailhead for this difficult hike that's about 6-miles in Sabino Canyon Recreation Area.

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Tucson Mountain Park, 8451 W McCain Loop, Tucson, AZ 85735, USA