Nice to hike in the desert but not a lot of signage. Go early in morning, gets hot quickly. Can do many different lengths of hikes. The "scenic view" lot has a few signs identifying animals, plants and geologic history but not very much to read. More

Dont miss a sunset drive through this area on the west side of Tucson More

I live in NE Tucson, but Gates Pass, and Saguaro West is STUNNING. The road (Speedway just turns into it heading west), and soon enters the park, the houses all start to disapear and the beauty of gates pass comes alive. Right before you crest the hill, there is a lookout on the RIGHT, this is a MUST SEE, park... More

Nothing rivals the saguaro studded mountains at Gates Pass for a romantic sunset. More

We drove through Gates Pass dodging the hearty souls on bicycles -- it is hard to keep your eyes on the road with such commanding views from all angles. More

Short trip outside town. good views of Tucson. Parking lot at top of pass. More

Beauty of the southwest is found here. Quiet contemplation surrounds this gorgeous area. More

I drove through here enroute to the Desert Museum, and was so glad I did so. It is absolutely beautiful, particularly when seen in the golden evening sunshine, and there are plenty of places to pull over and take photos. More

Gates, funnily enough, became the prison superintendent. He commissioned this pass to carry goods quicker across the Tucson Mountains. It is a windy road not suitable for RVs, but winding through the saguaro cactus with the sunset glow making the mountains red is like magic. Hiking trails abound too, and the scenic vista is not to be missed. More