Pusch Ridge Wilderness Area protects the rugged front range of the Santa Catalina Mountains above north Tucson. The trails are steep, exposed, and often beautiful, with desert slopes rising quickly toward rocky ridges and wide views over the city.
This is a good choice if you want a more serious walk than the city's easier desert paths. Wildlife is a real part of the draw, but the rules are strict: no mountain bikes, horses, or dogs are allowed in the wilderness area.