Are dogs allowed on Cerro Pelon?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Cerro Pelon but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike Cerro Pelon?

No, Cerro Pelon does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Cerro Pelon?

Cerro Pelon is rated difficult. It is 8.7 miles long with 879 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

What is the best season to hike Cerro Pelon?

Cerro Pelon is best hiked in fall, winter, and spring. Conditions vary year to year — check the trail status and weather forecast before your visit.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See Arizona trail conditions

DifficultLoop

Arizona

Cerro Pelon

Tubac, Arizona

8.7 mi

Distance

879 ft

Elev. Gain

3h 12m

Est. Time

Loop

Route Type

Difficult

Difficulty

About This Trail

Cerro Pelon is an 8.7-mile loop trail located near Tubac, Arizona. With a moderate elevation gain of 879 feet and a maximum elevation of 1082 meters, the trail features a dirt surface and challenging terrain, making it suitable for experienced hikers. The trail's location in the arid landscape of southern Arizona suggests potential exposure to hot and dry conditions, especially in the summer months. Hikers can experience the distinct landscapes of the region, with possible views of desert vegetation and distant mountain ranges. Known for its difficulty, this trail requires good preparation and proper hydration.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Hazards & Warnings

steep elevation gainexposure to heat

Elevation Profile

Min:970 ft

Max:1,082 ft

268 ft

Trail Details

Route Type: Loop
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

We don't have curated agency sources for this trail in our cache yet. Outdoors is not the permitting authority — confirm conditions, permits, and access with the managing agency before you go. If you know who manages this trail, please tell us.

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

Highlights

desert landscapeloop trail

Reviews

No reviews yet

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Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.

Hunt context