Pros & cons
PROS
- Distinct pink-soil summit with wide, photogenic views
- Easy to build short or longer loop variations from the same trailhead
CONS
- Hundreds of steps near the summit can feel tedious for some
- Narrow tread and a gate width limit can complicate gear or mobility devices
Park at the Broadway Trailhead along E Broadway Blvd; limited space—arrive early.
Full sun exposure and heat; numerous steep steps near the summit (some up to 12 inches); narrow sections and gate width limit; firm but sometimes sandy footing; be alert around equestrians on designated segments.
Overview
Pink Hill Trail threads through classic Sonoran desert and climbs a small, rosy-soiled knoll for a surprisingly wide panorama. The trail is 1.5 miles one way and most hikers experience it as part of a short loop or an out-and-back to the summit spur. Expect minimal shade, firm desert tread with some sandy stretches, and that signature pink hill at the end.
Route and Terrain
From the Broadway Trailhead, head east on the Shantz Trail to reach Pink Hill. The tread is mostly firm desert soil with some short sandy sections. Typical grade is a gentle 3–4% (with brief pitches up to about 12.6%), and the cross-slope stays modest. The climb to the summit is stair-heavy: dozens of short staircases add up to roughly 500 steps, with the last ~200 feet packed with tight steps (some up to about 12 inches high). The corridor is narrow in places (typical width around two feet, narrowing to about 16 inches in spots), and a gate near parking limits width to roughly 43 inches.
Loops and Variations
If you want more than a simple up-and-down, it’s easy to stitch Pink Hill into mellow loops. A popular sampler (~3.4 miles total) strings Pink Hill with Loma Verde, Cholla, and Cactus Forest for an easy circuit with broad desert views. Want a bit more mileage? A longer loop (~5.1 miles) weaves Cactus Forest, Cholla, Squeeze Pen, and Pink Hill. Both feel mostly flat aside from the stair-stepped summit spur.
Best Time to Hike
Start early. There’s little to no shade and the sun amplifies the heat, especially in warm months. Morning light is kinder for photos and cooler for the step-heavy finish. Parking is limited, so earlier starts also make logistics easier.
Getting There and Crowd Feel
Begin at the Broadway Trailhead. Parking is along E Broadway Blvd and can be tight; arrive early on fair-weather weekends. Trails are well marked and generally well maintained; outside peak times, these loops can feel pleasantly quiet.
Accessibility and Pets
This is not an accessible trail: the narrow tread, gate width, frequent staircases, and variable grades are significant barriers for many mobility devices. Pets are not allowed on this trail.
Tips
Bring ample water and sun protection. Watch your footing on sandy patches and stair segments near the summit. You may encounter equestrians on designated segments—yield appropriately and give plenty of space.
Elevation
1.5 mi · 1 hrWhere it starts
32.2034, -110.7099Near Pink Hill Trail
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayLoma Verde LoopEasy cactus loop with Pink Hill views and a dash of mining historyEasy · 3.8 mi · 1.5 hr
0 mi awayRingtail TrailEasy desert loop with sandy washes, saguaros, and spring bloomsEasy · 3.4 mi · 2.5 hr
0 mi awayWild Dog TrailShort, sunny stroll through dense saguaros with sunset-worthy viewsEasy · 1.9 mi · 45 min
0 mi awayLoma Verde MineSmall signed copper prospect and tailings along an easy loopExhibit
0.7 mi awayCactus Forest TrailFlat, saguaro-packed stroll with lime kilns and Rincon viewsEasy · 10.2 mi · 3.4 hr
1 mi awayMica View Picnic AreaShady ramada with grills and an easy stroll through saguarosPicnic Table · Restroom
1.4 mi awayRincon Mountains OverlookQuick pullout with big views across the cactus forest to the RinconsPullout · Parking
1.5 mi awayCactus Forest OverlookTiny pullout, big saguaro views on the loop drivePullout · Parking
