Sunset Trail

Storm. February 2014.

Overview

The Sunset Trail #90 is a short hike with good views of Sabino Canyon, sections of nice shade from big trees and access to the Marshall Gulch Trailhead. This is a great variation/alternate start for the Aspen Trail and Marshall Gulch Trail.

Hike Stats

Out and Back
2.6 miles
500' Elevation Gain
500' Elevation Loss
Highest Elevation: 7,800'
Lowest Elevation: 7,450'

Location

This hike is located in the Santa Catalina Mountains near Tucson, Arizona.
Start/End: Sunset Trailhead (Top of the Mountain Hikes)

Details

Fee: No
Dogs: Yes
Bikes: Yes

Drive

36.5 miles from Speedway and Campbell
1 Hour and 10 Minutes from Speedway and Campbell
Vehicle Access: Paved Roads/Passenger Car (Mountain Road - be careful of weather conditions!)

Sunset Trail Elevation Profile

Driving Directions

Suggested driving directions from the Speedway and Campbell intersection in Tucson to the Sunset Trailhead:

Drive East on Speedway (5.0 miles)
Left on Wilmot and continue on Tanque Verde (4.3 miles)
Left on Catalina Highway (27.1 miles)
Signs will help you find this trailhead on the down-mountain side of the Highway.

Google Maps Directions from the Speedway and Campbell intersection in Tucson to Sunset Trailhead.

The start of the Sunset Trail. June 2014.

Trail Notes

[CueListWarning/]

0.0 miles, 7750′: Start from the Sunset Trailhead [Waypoint TH SS]
From the trailhead take the lower road (to the left) – there is usually a trail sign here to help you start on the correct road. If you cross a gate or head immediately uphill you have taken the wrong road… The road soon becomes dirt.
At the first intersection/parking area stay right/on the ‘main’ road.
0.25 miles, 7800′: At a junction take road 8A to the left. [Waypoint J 8A 8B]
0.35 miles, 7750′: At a signed junction the trail leaves the dirt road to the right. [Waypoint J FR8A SS]
1.0 miles, 7500′: The trail makes a sharp turn as it crosses a drainage – be careful not to follow the unofficial trail up the drainage. [Waypoint SS01]
The trail soon enters Sabino Canyon, in places it can be difficult to discern the ‘official’ trail but all the possibilities stay in or near the canyon bottom.
1.3 miles, 7450′: The trail ends at the south end of the Marshall Gulch Trailhead. The Aspen Trail and Marshall Gulch Trail both leave from this trailhead. [Waypoint MG TH]