Hiking with Kids Open
Coronado National Forest
4.8(5,683)4.8 out of 5 stars, 5683 reviews Tucson, AZ
About Coronado National Forest
Coronado National Forest offers a peaceful and scenic nature escape with a diverse mix of easy valley hikes perfect for children, challenging trails like Slavin Gulch for older kids, and beautiful scenic drives.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Families seeking a mix of easy walks and challenging hikesPrimitive campers looking for a peaceful getawayToddlers and young children (ideal for the easy, flat valley hikes)Older children and teens (suited for the more challenging trails like Slavin Gulch)
Why families love it
- Stunning scenic views and beautiful valleys to hike through
- A range of trail difficulties from very easy walks to challenging hikes
- Arcadia campground provides picnic tables and restroom facilities
- Great opportunities for wildlife viewing, creeks, and scenic drives
- Slavin Gulch trail
- Arcadia campground picnic area
Insider tips
- Drive slowly and carefully if navigating the forest roads in a small sedan
- Come fully prepared with hiking gear if you plan to reach the waterfall
- Bring all necessary supplies, water, and waste disposal bags for primitive camping
- Locate designated campgrounds like Arcadia if you need picnic tables and restrooms
Good to know before you go
- Attempting rough forest roads at high speeds in low-clearance vehicles
- Unplanned hikes to the waterfall without proper preparation and gear
- Rough and unpaved roads that are difficult for smaller, low-clearance vehicles
- Restroom facilities at Arcadia campground can have a strong, unpleasant odor
- Primitive camping areas require visitors to bring all supplies and manage their own waste
- Crowds
- Peaceful and relaxing, with visible tent and RV campers spread out across the forest
- Value
- High value outdoor experience with free or low-cost access to extensive trails, scenic drives, and camping, though visitors must bring all their own supplies.
- Food
- Bring your own food and water as facilities are primitive; picnic tables are available at Arcadia campground
- Accessibility
- Scenic driving routes allow visitors to enjoy the forest and views without hiking
What parents say
"Absolutely gorgeous, amazing views, good trails"
2 months ago
"Beautiful, peaceful, and relaxing! Great area for sitting back and enjoying nature or going on a hike. The Arcadia campground has picnic tables and portapotty restrooms in a building. They are convenient and have a downfall because sometimes the smell carries through the air."
9 months ago
"Stopped by on the way back home; went on the trail for several miles and enjoyed the views. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get to the waterfall because we weren’t prepared to do any hiking in this unplanned stop so we just drove through the forest instead. Saw many people camping on tents, RVs, and people just driving through like us. Saw animals, creeks and a ranch, but didn’t see public restrooms, picnic areas or playgrounds."
a year ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
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