Gates Pass
Gates Pass
4.5
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16 within 10 kms
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
951 reviews
Excellent
675
Very good
240
Average
33
Poor
1
Terrible
2
s s
El Paso, TX5 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Family
Absolutely beautiful. A must do if you are in the area. And huge Lou’s it is free. Drive up park your car and watch the sunset. Beautiful houses on the drive up. Saw javalina. Drive slow. Winding road and you may see wildlife
Written October 24, 2023
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.
Eric K
Wisconsin22 contributions
Feb. 2023 • Family
It's free to park, and the area is really fun. A ton of hiking opportunities. It's close to Old Tuscon town and the Sonoran Desert Museum. We stopped there a couple of times. I would suggest a sunset viewing. It was very relaxing.
Written March 5, 2023
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.
orcasgal
Orcas Island, WA511 contributions
Dec. 2022
We returned to Tucson via Gates Pass, and it was well worth going this route. The top of the pass has a wonderful view.
Written February 4, 2023
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.
OutdoorKidz
Saint Louis, MO869 contributions
Jan. 2023
Pretty cool area to take in the desert views and absorb the pleasant scenes. An extensive network of trails for all skill levels can be explored for an up-close desert experience.
Written January 25, 2023
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.
Carol R
Austin, TX124 contributions
Dec. 2022
A wonderful drive, just dont be in a rush ! Very scenic views, and places to take hikes. It winds over a mountain pass, and plenty of saguaros to see.
Written January 5, 2023
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.
Janie R
Cincinnati, OH47 contributions
Nov. 2022 • Couples
If you’re heading over to the Desert Museum from Tucson, be sure to take Gates Pass. It is a beautiful scenic drive that you don’t want to miss!
Written December 2, 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.
Beany_from_Brooklyn
Brooklyn, NY130 contributions
Aug. 2022 • Family
We loved this place for the climbing and sights. At sunset there is no better place to be but high up watching the sun set. We heard wild coyotes in the canyon below, saw reptiles and met some great people. Great for all ages. Many couples come because it is romantic and the kids love to climb even my 10 year old.
Highly recommend!
Highly recommend!
Written August 19, 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.
TravelingSoccerLoon
Saint Paul, MN3,188 contributions
Feb. 2022
You will most likely travel through Gates Pass if you are driving from Tucson to Saguaro National Park West or to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. It is scenic at any time but is most spectacular at sunset. Large parking lot but it can fill easily. I avoided coming on a weekend and was able to find a spot with a 5-minute walk to the observation point right before sunset. There will always be many others here experiencing the view but it was still beautiful.
Written August 18, 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.
Esik
Boston, MA77 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.
SuzyM
Austin, TX58 contributions
Apr. 2022
Great drive through the hills and saguaro cactus. The views are incredible as you drive from Tucson to the Saguaro Cactus National Park West.
Written April 24, 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.
Leslie C
Denver, CO2 contributions
How many parking spaces?
Catherine M
Tucson, AZ33 contributions
There is plenty of parking
amandrainorange
Tucson, AZ
Does anyone know if there are on site grills? Thanks!
StonebridgeDapper
Saint Paul, MN10 contributions
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.
lollie4281
Conroe, TX28 contributions
do you have to walk to Gate's pass? I am handicapped and want a nice sunset without hiking to it.
Pukster27
Tucson, AZ95 contributions
You can stay in the parking lot and see the sunset or go to a paved overlook area right next to the lot.
Would this road be too much for someone susceptible to getting car sick?
Johnny G
8 contributions
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.
147kathyt
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico5 contributions
Are small pets allowed here?
swimfish
Tucson, AZ27 contributions
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,
147kathyt
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico5 contributions
We have a 10 pound dog that is kept on a leash. Can we bring our dog to the park?
BKTX24
12 contributions
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.
cinnamin888
Tucson, AZ
I would love to get married at sunset at this location .. How do i go about this ?
Hillbillie12
Dothan, AL36 contributions
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?
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Claim your listingGATES PASS - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Gates Pass
- Hotels near Gates Pass:
- (3.53 km) Cat Mountain Lodge & Roadside Inn
- (11.46 km) El Presidio Inn Bed and Breakfast
- (12.57 km) The Armory Park Inn
- (12.04 km) The Blenman Inn
- (14.79 km) Adobe Rose Inn
- Restaurants near Gates Pass:
- (12.17 km) 5 Points Market and Restaurant
- (11.51 km) Café à La C'Art
- (12.31 km) Cup Cafe in Hotel Congress
- (4.60 km) Signature Grill
- (4.10 km) Los Nopales