UN 3330 "Little Cat Mountain"

Overview

While not nearly as striking as its larger sibling to the southeast, Cat Mountain, UN 3,330, nicknamed “Little Cat Mountain,” is a scenic and rustic little peak in the Tucson Mountains west of Tucson, Arizona. Cloaked in a prickly blanket of Sonoran Desert flora, including Cholla and Saguaro, this close-to-town will bring delight to those willing to push their way to the summit.

Unmarred by a formal trail, the hiker must brave a steep, rocky and very faint footpath through vampire desert plants to reach the top of “Little Cat Mountain.” A surprisingly airy perch greets the visitor to the apex of this petite desert peak: The western slopes of “Little Cat Mountain” drop abruptly to the floor of the Sonoran Desert, while hot desert air rushes up to the summit block.

Views from the top include the Gates Pass area peaks Golden Gate Mountain and Bren’s Benchmark, but the best treat of all is the gnarly hulk of big sibling Cat Mountain rising from the desert floor to the southeast.

AZ Rank: 4,765^th highest peak in Arizona
Prominence: 420 feet
USGS Quad: Cat Mountain
Trails Illustrated Map: #237 Saguaro National Park

Getting There

Tucson Mountain Park resides 13 miles to the west of Tucson, Arizona in Pima County. The park can be reached via Gates Pass Road or by taking Ajo Road to Kinney Way.

Red Tape

There is no entry fee for Tucson Mountain Park. The park is open daily 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Click here for full rules governing use of Pima County Parks.

Camping

The only nearby campground is the 130-site Gilbert Ray Campground, located in Tucson Mountain Park.

The proximity of “Little Cat Mountain” to the Tucson Metro area means lodging options are virtually unlimited. Visit the Trip Advisor site covering Tucson, AZ, for more information about area accommodations.

Weather & Seasons

As with most lower elevation hikes in the Tucson area, hiking "Little Cat Mountain" would be most comfortable in the fall, winter or spring. March and April are primo wildflower viewing months.

Summer temperatures in this part of the Sonoran desert can be worse than uncomfortable; they can be downright dangerous! According to the United States National Weather Service, the record high temperature for Tucson, Arizona, set on 26^th June 1990, was 117 degrees Farenheit / 47 degrees Celsius.

Month	Avg High	Avg Low	Rain
January	64.5 F	38.9 F	0.99 in.
February	68.4 F	41.6 F	0.88 in.
March	73.3 F	45.1 F	0.81 in.
April	81.5 F	50.5 F	0.28 in.
May	90.4 F	58.6 F	0.24 in.
June	100.2 F	68.0 F	0.24 in.
July	99.6 F	73.4 F	2.07 in.
August	97.4 F	72.4 F	2.30 in.
September	94.0 F	67.7 F	1.45 in.
October	84.0 F	57.0 F	1.21 in.
November	72.3 F	45.1 F	0.67 in.
December	64.6 F	39.2 F	1.03 in.

External Links

Tucson Mountain Park

PDF Map of Tucson Mountain Park

Images

View UN 3330 "Little Cat Mountain" Image Gallery - 22 Images