Gates Pass
Gates Pass
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
954 reviews
Excellent
678
Very good
240
Average
33
Poor
1
Terrible
2
jeannaoh
San Francisco, CA286 contributions
Jan 2020
This is the place to watch the sunset if you time it right. We were there 15 min. before sunset & the packing lot is already full, we had to park outside & walked in. The setting of the sun happened very fast within winkle of an eye, but it is the most magical thing to watch.
Written January 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cheri
24 contributions
Apr 2020
It is a narrow and winding road to cross Gates Pass that requires paying attention when driving. But the views are absolutely beautiful and the saguaro as dense as I have seen anywhere. Sunsets can be spectacular as well as the parks and museums on the other side of the pass.
Written April 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Esik
Boston, MA97 contributions
Apr 2022
Stopped by on our way to Arizona-Sonora Desert museum and then came back another day to see sunset from there. View is great, you can hike a bit from there to find an even better spot for the sunset. Parking just before sunset might be tricky (many spots, but even more people coming), so come early.
Written May 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SaltedTraver
Marysville, WA184 contributions
Dec 2020 • Family
We stumbled onto this by accident on our way to the Desert Museum. What a great find! The view was amazing and the hikes/trails were equally good (watch out for the wild critters, big and small).
The pass offers an amazing view of the valley below looking down on Old Tucson Studios (which is closed) as well as the second largest reservation in AZ (sorry, the name escapes me). The vastness of the landscape below is breathtaking.
The hikes are terrific as well. The only reason for the 4-stars is due to the graffiti around the area which really takes away from the beauty of it all. Aside from being raised poorly, why would people do something like that to something so beautiful?
The pass offers an amazing view of the valley below looking down on Old Tucson Studios (which is closed) as well as the second largest reservation in AZ (sorry, the name escapes me). The vastness of the landscape below is breathtaking.
The hikes are terrific as well. The only reason for the 4-stars is due to the graffiti around the area which really takes away from the beauty of it all. Aside from being raised poorly, why would people do something like that to something so beautiful?
Written December 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Empty Nesters
Louisville, KY382 contributions
Jun 2021 • Friends
We stopped at one of the scenic overlooks to watch a beautiful sunset. There are easy trails in the area that will allow you to find the perfect spot to sit and see the sun set over the distant hills. The overlooks close at 8 so you can’t linger too long.
Written June 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heather B
Wilkes-Barre, PA134 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
THIS is what we came to Arizona to see! Being from the northeast, and making our first visit to this part of the country, it felt as though we had come to another planet. Amazing, astounding, otherworldly beauty. Do NOT leave Tucson until you see it.
Written February 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ka4lhs
Tucson, AZ224 contributions
Apr 2020
The overlook viewing area at the top of pass has a great view west ward. Late in the day the sun can change the view. The walk to the the shelter at the west end of the parking lot is easy.
Written April 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Megan M
Yuma, CO93 contributions
Mar 2020
This is a beautiful drive thru the National park. It is said that the sunset is beautiful from here and though I didn't get to see it, I wouldn't doubt it! The road is winding but there are great views for everyone and pullouts to take pictures. My five year old liked to climb the rocks on some of the trails off the main road. He was fascinated by all the cacti.
Written March 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dr. Dan C
Green Valley, AZ557 contributions
Sept 2020 • Couples
We’ve driven this winding road many times over the years. It is very scenic and provides many views of the cactus and fauna. Many view points to view from. It’s one of our favorite drives coming from the Arizona Sonora Museum. I highly recommend this drive.
Written October 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Novaart
Poulsbo, WA478 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
We were so happy to have read the reviews on Gates Pass and spent the better part of a morning hiking up the different trails and exploring amazing scenery. There are so many trails and it is easy to navigate, but the best of all is that there were very few people and they were so spread out that we really did t come across other hikers. We did do our civic duty and pick up trash along the way, I do think it would be a great volunteer activity for a groups of student, boys scouts or girls scouts or some volunteer environmental group. There are public restrooms but as with the majority of hot public restrooms, hold your breath! We will happily come back to do more exploring! Also, after our long morning, we ended up eating lunch at Seis Kitchen which is not too far away and has excellent outdoor dining!!
Written April 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
amandrainorange
Tucson, Arizona
Does anyone know if there are on site grills? Thanks!
Written April 18, 2018
All above are true. There is a couple of parking lots off the road and a covered viewing area but no picnic facilities, no grills or bathrooms. Just parking and trails.
Written April 20, 2018
do you have to walk to Gate's pass? I am handicapped and want a nice sunset without hiking to it.
Written September 7, 2017
You can stay in the parking lot and see the sunset or go to a paved overlook area right next to the lot.
Written September 8, 2017
Would this road be too much for someone susceptible to getting car sick?
Written November 1, 2016
If you travel from Interstate 10 up Speedway towards gates pass you'll be okay. Just do not pass the parking lot at gate pass. The road is extremely curvy after that and the drop-off is tremendous.
Written November 3, 2016
Keep the dog on a leash & near the general viewing area & you should be fine. I really don't remember if there is a sign saying no pets.
But on a leash, for the pets safety from wildlife & sharp slopes,
Written January 15, 2016
We have a 10 pound dog that is kept on a leash. Can we bring our dog to the park?
Written January 14, 2016
I've never seen a dog at Gates Pass but if you continue down the road and turn towards the Desert Museum there are lots of turn off's with paths into the desert. It's great to watch the sunset from the paths too and there would be fewer people around so I think the dog would be ok.
Written January 16, 2016
cinnamin888
Tucson, Arizona
I would love to get married at sunset at this location .. How do i go about this ?
Written June 3, 2015
I would imagine you could contact the park. It appears you are talking about the small parking lot before all the curves up and over?
Written June 4, 2015
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