Hutch's Pool
Tucson, Arizona
| Address: | 5700 N Sabino Canyon Rd, Tucson, AZ 85750, USA |
| GPS: |
32°18'37.8"N 110°49'20.7"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | Arizona |
| Trail Length: | 15.80 miles |
| Trail Type: | Out & Back |
| Hike Difficulty: | Intermediate |
| Elevation Gain: | 2450 feet |
| Trails/Routes: | 1.0-7.5 mi |
Trails Rocks
Hike and Swim
Hutch's Pool is a popular destination near Tucson, Arizona. Famed for its cool water in the desert heat, the pool is an 8-mile hike round trip into the canyons and mountains of Sabino Canyon Recreation Area. Though the hike officially begins at the Sabino Canyon Recreation Trailhead, to get there, you need to travel an additional 3.8 miles from the parking lot by the visitor's center, potentially making a 16 mile round trip in total (though the path from the parking lot to the trailhead is paved, and has several areas to stop and rest.) There are spectaular views of the desert landscape along the trail, and an abundance of cacti.
The hike itself has little shade, so sunscreen and a hat are encouraged. Though Hutch's Pool is refreshing and a welcome relief from the warm sun, the cooling effects will have worn off by the time you're well on your way, so bring plenty of water. As with most hikes in Arizona, it is best advised to plan your hike from October through May, avoiding the excessive heat of summer.
As the trail is located within Catalina State Park, there is a $5 day pass required per vehicle. In addition, an optional tram ride to the trailhead (Stop #9) is $10 for adults, $5 for children age 3-12.
Mapped Route/Trail Distances
| Tram Route to Hutch's Pool (One Way) | 7.5 miles Round Trip |
| Sabino Canyon Trail (One Way) | 2.9 miles Round Trip |
| Sabino Canyon Trail (One Way) | 2.2 miles Round Trip |
| Arizona Trail from Sabino Canyon to Hutch's Pool (One Way) | 2.2 miles Round Trip |
| Arizona Trail from Sabino Canyon to Hutch's Pool (One Way) | 1.0 miles Round Trip |
More Information
Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
Read More
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Tucson, Arizona
- Head west on E Broadway Blvd toward S Country Club Rd (39 ft)
- Turn right at the 1st cross street onto N Country Club Rd (1.0 mi)
- Turn right onto E Speedway Blvd (2.0 mi)
- Turn left onto N Swan Rd (5.0 mi)
- Turn right onto E Sunrise Dr (4.1 mi)
- Turn left onto N Sabino Canyon Rd (364 ft)
- Turn right at N Pantano RdPartial toll road(486 ft)
- Turn leftToll road(312 ft)
- Turn right at N Pantano RdToll road(52 ft)
- Turn leftToll roadDestination will be on the left(151 ft)
There are two options to get to the trail down to Hutch's Pool. The first is to hike along the paved road for 4 miles until you reach the official trailhead. The second is to pay $10 for a tram ride that will take you to the trailhead from the visitor center parking lot and back. Many prefer the tram, especially after the long hike back from the pool, but it is not necessary to return to your vehicle.
Added by camilledupar
Trails
Distance ?
7.5 miles Round TripElevation Gain ?
601 feetReal Ascent ?
883 feetReal Descent ?
282 feetAvg Grade (2°)
3%Grade (-25° to 21°)
-46% to 37%Distance ?
2.9 miles Round TripElevation Gain ?
423 feetReal Ascent ?
876 feetReal Descent ?
453 feetAvg Grade (3°)
6%Grade (-33° to 37°)
-65% to 75%Distance ?
2.2 miles Round TripElevation Gain ?
-62 feetReal Ascent ?
400 feetReal Descent ?
462 feetAvg Grade (-1°)
-1%Grade (-27° to 29°)
-51% to 55%Distance ?
2.2 miles Round TripElevation Gain ?
60 feetReal Ascent ?
266 feetReal Descent ?
206 feetAvg Grade (1°)
1%Grade (-17° to 15°)
-31% to 27%Distance ?
1.0 miles Round TripElevation Gain ?
76 feetReal Ascent ?
194 feetReal Descent ?
118 feetAvg Grade (2°)
3%Grade (-32° to 17°)
-62% to 31%Elevation differences are scaled for emphasis. While the numbers are accurate, the cut-away shown here is not to scale.