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Gates Pass Road, Tucson Mountains, Arizona
Photo: Nelo Hotsuma · CC BY 2.0 · cropped

Drives Arizona Tucson and Southern Arizona

Gates Pass Road

Gates Pass · Tucson → Saguaro National Park West

Sweeping8.7 mi15 min800 ft climbHigh point ≈ 3,200 ftOne way
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The drive

Gates Pass Road climbs over the Tucson Mountains on steep, tight bends to a saddle that looks out over the saguaro forest. Then it drops to Kinney Road, past the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, and on into Saguaro National Park West.

Driven west from town, the climb and the view west from the pass come first. The road is narrow and blind in places, with little shoulder, and it's popular at sunset.

Along the way

  1. Tucson (Speedway and Camino de Oeste)
  2. Gates Pass
  3. Saguaro National Park West
Elevation
800 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 3,200 ft
TucsonSaguaro National Park West
Curves
Mostly gentle, with one twisty stretch
TucsonSaguaro National Park West
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • Vehicles over 25 feet are not recommended on Gates Pass, and the Saguaro National Park map lists a 12,000 pound weight limit.
  • Expect cyclists and slow traffic, especially around sunset.
  • Crashes close the road for a few hours a few times a year, and storm repairs have closed it before.
  • The Red Hills Visitor Center is just off the road.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check TransView (Pima Association of Governments).

Questions about this drive

How long does Gates Pass Road take?

Gates Pass Road from Speedway and Camino de Oeste to Saguaro National Park West is 8.7 miles and takes about 15 minutes.

Can RVs drive Gates Pass Road?

Vehicles over 25 feet are not recommended, and the Saguaro National Park map lists a 12,000 pound limit.

Is Gates Pass twisty?

Mostly gentle, with one twisty stretch of steep, tight bends on the climb.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.
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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Gates Pass Road, from Tucson to Saguaro National Park West