Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Eventually, the trail on the left side of the wash crosses an iron-pole gate indic-
ating that you're leaving Tucson Mountain Park and entering private property. Build-
ings are visible. The trail soon crosses the wash one more time before arriving at the
Camino de Oeste trailhead.
Nearby Attractions
Gates Pass
(3,120 feet) was named after Thomas Gates, a Western pioneer whose
well-rounded résumé included professional gambler, saloonkeeper, political lobbyist,
historian, prison superintendent, and mine owner. His profitable carbonate mine, in
the Waterman Mountains about 30 miles west of Tucson, led him to establish a route
over a pass through the Tucson Mountains to shorten the journey from his claim to
Tucson. The city was unable to come up with the funds to build a road, so in 1883
Gates funded it himself at a cost of $1,000.
The
Gates Pass Overlook
is a popular stop for drivers and hardy cyclists follow-
ing the historic route. Heading west from Tucson, the overlook is on the right (north)
side of the narrow, winding road (no commercial vehicles, trailers, or large RVs) just
before the crest of the pass. Here, you'll find a sizable parking area (no charge), a re-
stroom, and, at the highest point, a stone gazebo providing superb views into the Avra
Valley west of Tucson; all are wheelchair-accessible. Highlights from the overlook
include thick stands of saguaro, distant views of Old Tucson and the Arizona-Sonora
Desert Museum, and romantic sunset vistas.
Directions
Drive west on Speedway Boulevard, one of Tucson's longest and most important
east-west thoroughfares. (I-10 intersects Speedway at Exit 257.) Speedway becomes
Gates Pass Road at Camino de Oeste, 4.8 miles west of I-10. If you're doing a car
shuttle, turn left (south) on Camino de Oeste and drive 0.7 mile to the Camino de
Oeste trail-head.
Note:
The last 0.2 mile is unpaved and has one-way sections, so use
caution.
Back where Speedway becomes Gates Pass Road, continue west on Gates Pass.
Drive over the pass (the overlook is about 2.5 miles beyond Camino de Oeste), and
