Atascosa Lookout Trail Hiking

This moderate trail is located near Nogales and the border with Mexico, but you won’t find any issues around this well traveled tourist hike. While the trail is only 4.5 miles long, it gets its ‘moderate’ rating from the 1600+ elevation gain up to the top— and most of that comes at you quickly.

The hike doesn’t mess around with getting to the lookout, as you’ll start with a 1000+ foot gain within the first mile. You’ll get some spectacular views of the high desert along the way though, especially at a point where the trail levels out and you can take a moment to breath and appreciate the wide landscape shots below. Once you tackle the final portion up after that, you’ll come to the old fire lookout station where you’ll encounter even better views and even be able to see into Mexico. Take your time admiring the sights before heading back down with a far easier return journey.