Arizona · Hiking · Near Oracle

Bug Springs Trail

Bug Springs TrailPhoto: theojones2, Public Domain Dedication (CC0) (via Flickr)
8.8 mi
round trip
250 ft
climb
6,294 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–Nov
best months

Is Bug Springs Trail open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Santa Catalina Ranger District. It doesn't name Bug Springs Trail, so check the source for the area it covers.

As of · Source: USFS · Santa Catalina Ranger District. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Bug Springs Trail is an out-and-back hike of about 8.8 miles in Arizona's Santa Catalina Ranger District, part of the Coronado National Forest. The route climbs from a low point of about 4,976 feet to a high of around 6,294 feet, a total gain of 250 feet. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trail is rated moderate. The hike starts at the Lower Bug Spring parking area. Bikes and horses are both allowed, so it works for riders and for equestrians as well as for hikers. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Mt Lemmon Willow Canyon show May highs around 71°F and October highs around 68°F, while summer runs near 80°F and winter near 50°F. Climbers will find Paradox Rock and The Pyramid just a tenth of a mile away. General Hitchcock campground is about 0.4 miles off, and the Maverick Spring Trail #704 is about 1.7 miles away.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    General Hitchcock

    Campground

    Campground · 0.4 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Butler Hall

    Fast food

    On your way back · 3 mi
  • If it rains

    Wildlife Viewing Area

    Viewpoint

    On your way back · 16 mi

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

More in Oracle
  • Best time to go · Mar–Nov

    Best time to visit Bug Springs Trail

    Best months: March–November. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      50° / 34°

    2. Feb

      50° / 33°

    3. Mar

      55° / 37°

    4. Apr

      62° / 43°

    5. May

      71° / 51°

    6. Jun

      80° / 60°

    7. Jul

      80° / 63°

    8. Aug

      79° / 62°

    9. Sep

      75° / 59°

    10. Oct

      68° / 49°

    11. Nov

      59° / 40°

    12. Dec

      49° / 33°

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Mt Lemmon Willow Canyon, AZ, 0.9 mi away at 7,027 ft. The station sits about 700 ft higher than this place, so expect it a little warmer here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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Map and trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors