Near Blacketts Ridge
Topping out with the city views in the background.
Near Blacketts Ridge
Looking back at the trail and city below at one of the benches approx 3/4 way up.
Near Blacketts Ridge
View looking northeast with North Upper Sabino Road in the distance.

Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
View Map
Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Blacketts Ridge

4.6 (25 Ratings)
A very steep, rocky & technical ascent that rewards with AMAZING views of Tucson.
1.5
mi
Distance
1,409
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
Views

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
1.52mi
Distance
1,409ft
Elevation Gain
16ft
Elevation Loss
45%
Max Grade
4,406ft
High Point
3,012ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
From the Sabino Canyon Visitor Center head to the far east side of the lot and out the dirt path leading due east towards the Phoneline Trail. Once you hit the paved roadway, head right, continuing out to the east. Proceed down the hill and take another right crossing the Sabino Creek over the bridge and look for the Phoneline Trail straight ahead once across. Follow the Phoneline Trail up until you come to the Blacketts Ridge sign and turn right on it up the hill. Follow Blacketts all the way up the switchbacks and ridgeline to the top and signage at the end of Blacketts Ridge Trail. The trail is pretty easy to follow all the way up. This is a very popular hiking and trail running route that culminates in some of the most amazing views of Tucson, Sabino Canyon & Bear Canyon. The route is very steep, extremely rocky, and quite technical in many sections. First timers should plan on it taking longer than the mileage would indicate, so bring appropriate water & supplies as necessary. The descent can be fun but treacherous with the number of larger boulders you'll hop down. Beware of loose footing or catching a toe as the terrain isn't very forgiving. Round trip from the parking lot will be about 5.75 miles and just about 1,800 feet of climbing.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Looking for more condition reports?
View History

Nearby Hike Routes

Seven Falls Out and Back

Hike Route

Seven Falls Out and Back

Swimming
moderate
5.64 mi
+856 ft
Bear Canyon Loop

Hike Route

Bear Canyon Loop

Views
strenuous
17.07 mi
+2,625 ft
Blackett's Ridge

Hike Route

Blackett's Ridge

Views
moderate
5.78 mi
+1,773 ft
Bear Canyon to Seven Falls Trail

Hike Route

Bear Canyon to Seven Falls Trail

Waterfall
moderate
8.44 mi
+1,078 ft
Sabino Lake and Bluff Trail Loop

Hike Route

Sabino Lake and Bluff Trail Loop

Lake
easy
2.35 mi
+117 ft
Sabino Phoneline Sampler

Hike Route

Sabino Phoneline Sampler

Views
moderate
3.95 mi
+614 ft
Contributors
Stephen Woodall