Timeline
06:40
Drive to Tucson Mountain Park and park near the trailheads. The higher-elevation trails offer the best vantage point for the sunrise.
07:25
Stand on a higher-elevation trail and watch the sun rise toward the WSW. The golden light starts about 17 minutes before, giving you soft light to photograph the saguaros.
08:25
Check the route to the nearest breakfast spot once the park is closed to early hikers or head back to town. No food options are listed in the immediate park area for this time.
Local tip
The park is free, but arrive early to secure parking. The view is best from the higher trails.
Check before you go
- Sunrise on January 15 is at 07:25.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Tucson (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).