Gates Pass

Gates Pass is located in Tucson Mountain Park west of the city of Tucson. There is a wayside at Gates Pass right off West Gates Pass Road with a scenic overlook. The Gates Pass scenic overlook offers sweeping views of undulating hills of the Sonoran Desert that is home to giant saguaros. This vista is handicap accessible which allows those with mobility issues to enjoy the views. The trailhead for the Gates Pass Trail is located here.

Gates Pass is named after Thomas Gates who had a mine 35 miles northwest of Tucson in the Waterman Mountains. Going around the Tucson Mountains was a very long journey. In 1883, Gates found a canyon that provided a shorter route through the Tucson Mountains. Gates spent $1,000 of his own money to clear and grade the road that is now Gates Pass Road.

The overlook is a popular stop for visitors heading to the Tucson Mountain District of Saguaro National Park. It is also a great spot for viewing the sunset.