Prison Camp to Sycamore Reservoir Hike (Tucson, AZ)

Because Dan and I enjoy hiking so much, we really appreciate all the opportunities for hitting the trail in the Tucson area. You don’t have to look far to find books, websites, and hiking groups providing information and meet-ups for hikes in the desert, mountains, and flatlands covering all levels of hiking preferences and abilities. Recently we joined a group from our RV Park for a trek into the Catalina Mountains, on the Prison Camp to Sycamore Reservoir Trail. Part of the Arizona Trail, this hike starts from the Gordon Hirabayashi Recreation Site, named for Dr. Gordon Hirabayashi who was imprisoned during World War II for resisting the relocation and internment of Japanese Americans – a conviction that was overturned by the Supreme Court in 1987. 

The hike began in the parking lot near the campground, and ended at the Sycamore Dam, constructed to create the reservoir which provided water for the Prison Camp. The morning started out quite cold, with frozen patches of ground to negotiate, and patches of snow from a recent storm still lingering in shady areas. But before long the sun and the climb warmed things up, and extra layers of clothing started coming off. The dam was our turning point, although for those interested, there are trails that continue on. This was a nice introductory hike in the Catalina Mountains, with a small elevation gain, mountain views, and desert landscapes.