March Itinerary 2.5 days to hike and explore

Question

Hello!

Hoping someone can help us with plans for March 12-13, half day March 14.

We're flying in/out of Phoenix and renting a car, arriving in Tuscon March 11 dinnertime-ish.

Our primary goal is hiking/walking/exploring nature so we will definitely do Saugaro National Park West and the ASDM, as I see suggested in this forum.

While we like to hike, we're novice/intermediate (i.e., maybe 5-6 miles/day, and no mountain climbing or extreme terrain). We will also look forward to some good dinner/drinks within walking distance from hotel (Doubletree Convention Center). We originally planned on adding the east side of Saguaro Natl Park (Mica, Javelina, Freeman Homestead), but some forum experts are saying maybe not?? Do you have better recommendations without toooo much driving? I see Catalina State Park, Sabino Canyon Recreational Area, Tuscon Botanical Gardens, and Tumarac Hill as some other options. I'm trying to figure out if it's worth it to drive up to Catalina/Sabino...are they that different than Saguaro East/West? Thanks in advance for any guidance!

Jenni

Answer

For a short March trip focused on hiking and exploring nature in Tucson, you can structure your 2.5-day itinerary to maximize your experience while keeping driving manageable.

Day 1 – March 11 (Arrival Evening):

Check in at DoubleTree Convention Center.
Enjoy dinner nearby; downtown Tucson has good walkable options like Cafe Poca Cosa, El Charro Café, or modern southwestern cuisine at The Coronet.
Optional: Short evening stroll around the hotel/downtown to get a feel for the city.

Day 2 – March 12:

Focus on Saguaro National Park West (Tucson Mountain District) and nearby attractions.

Hike one or two moderate trails: e.g., Valley View Overlook (1.5 miles roundtrip) and Signal Hill Trail (0.5 miles, petroglyphs).
Drive or bike the Bajada Loop Drive for scenic desert views.
Visit Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (adjacent to Saguaro West) for a combination of botanical, zoological, and geological exhibits; plan 2-3 hours here.

Day 3 – March 13:

Option to explore east side of Saguaro National Park (Rincon Mountain District) or nearby Catalina State Park/Sabino Canyon. Since your time is short and you want to limit driving, here are some recommendations:

Saguaro East: Mica View Loop or Freeman Homestead trails are scenic and less crowded, good for short 1-3 mile hikes.
Sabino Canyon: Offers tram access if you prefer an easy introduction to desert canyons, with multiple trail options (1-6 miles). Tram also gives flexibility for shorter or longer hikes.
Catalina State Park: Convenient if you want a peaceful morning hike before heading back; options include Romero Pools Trail or Canyon Loop (2-4 miles).

For your March 14 half-day:

Quick hike or visit to Tucson Botanical Gardens or Tumamoc Hill (1-2 miles, gentle climb, excellent city views).
Brunch downtown before heading back to Phoenix or to the airport.

Summary & Recommendations:

If you prioritize hiking without excessive driving, staying near Saguaro West and East is sufficient. Catalina or Sabino are nice, but may feel repetitive if you already explore both Saguaro districts.
Sabino Canyon offers a more “canyon” environment, which contrasts with the open desert of Saguaro, so if you enjoy varied scenery, consider it over Saguaro East.
Keep each hike to 5-6 miles maximum per day, especially for a novice/intermediate pace, so you have energy for exploring museums or botanical gardens in the afternoons.
Evening options in downtown Tucson are plentiful and walkable from your hotel, so plan dinner there each night to avoid extra driving after full days of hiking.

Overall, your plan is realistic for 2.5 days, mixing iconic desert landscapes, moderate hiking, and cultural experiences. Prioritize Saguaro West + Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and either Saguaro East or Sabino Canyon for variety.

March Itinerary 2.5 days to hike and explore

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