Tortolita Mountains Hiking Tour: 11 Trails from Ritz Dove Mountain

Eleven trails wind through the Sonoran desert with ancient petroglyphs and desert vistas at every turn.

A guided hiking tour in Tucson's Tortolita Mountains starting from the Ritz Dove Mountain with 11 different trails suited to every skill level. Your guide discusses the desert's flora and history, helps with balance and gait as needed, and points out ancient petroglyphs along the route. The tour runs roughly two hours and includes hiking poles.

The experience

The Tortolita Mountains offer 11 different trails, so your guide customizes the route to match your fitness level and what you want from the morning. Experienced guides know the Sonoran desert terrain and spend time making sure the hike fits your needs. They'll help with balance, gait or any physical adjustments as you walk. The guides carry wilderness first aid and CPR training, so you're moving through the landscape with someone who knows both the land and how to keep you safe.

You'll see ancient petroglyphs scattered across the rock and take in the desert vistas that open up as you climb. The guides talk through the flora you pass: what grows here, why it survives in this heat, and the history layered into the terrain. Hiking poles are available if you want them, and the whole experience is built around what works for your body and your pace that day.

What’s included

• Experienced guide with wilderness first aid and CPR training.
• hotel pickup.
• hiking poles available on request.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

AgesAdult (7 to 80 years) · Under 7: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcome

Operated by South West Guided Adventures

Is this one for you?Pickup from your hotel means you don't need a car to reach the trailhead, and the 11 trails let your guide match the route to your fitness level on the day, so whether you're recovering from travel or ready to push, the hike adjusts to you.

Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How do I get to the Tortolita Mountains trailhead from my hotel in Tucson?

Hotel pickup is included, so your guide meets you at your accommodation and drives you to the Ritz Dove Mountain departure point. If you're staying at the Ritz itself, you simply meet your guide there.

What are the ancient petroglyphs like in the Tortolita Mountains?

The petroglyphs are scattered across the rock faces throughout the trails. Your guide points them out and discusses their place in the area's history as you hike.

Can I do this hike if I'm not in great shape?

The 11 trails range across different skill and energy levels, so your guide picks one that matches your fitness. The guides also help with balance and gait during the hike, and they customize the route to what works for you that day.

What's the Sonoran desert like in the Tortolita Mountains?

The Sonoran desert in this range is known for its distinctive flora and dramatic vistas. Your guide discusses what plants grow here and why, and you'll see the landscape open up as you climb.