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ForestMatters, LLC

Butterfly Trail

Coronado National Forest, Arizona · 3 min read

Distance
5 mi
Elevation Gain
800 ft
Difficulty
moderate
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
May through October
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
5 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
Vault Toilet
Parking
Fee Required
Cell Service
Limited
Water
None
Camping
None
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • High-elevation meadows above 8,000 feet with mountain wildflowers
  • Mixed conifer forest of ponderosa, Douglas fir, and Engelmann spruce
  • Outstanding butterfly diversity matching the trail's name
  • Cooler temperatures even during hot Tucson summers
  • Views across the Santa Catalina high country

Overview

The Butterfly Trail traverses the high country of the Santa Catalina Mountains in Coronado National Forest, staying above 8,000 feet throughout its length and providing a completely different experience from the desert canyon hikes at the mountain's base. The name reflects the extraordinary butterfly diversity of the sky island high country, where Sonoran and temperate species overlap and where dozens of butterfly species can be found in a single summer morning.

The trailhead sits on the Catalina Highway, making this one of the most accessible high-elevation walks in the range.

The Route

Miles 0.0 to 1.5: Highway to Meadow

The trail departs the Catalina Highway pullout and heads northwest through mixed conifer forest. The first mile is relatively level before the trail opens into the first meadow clearing at mile 1.5.

Miles 1.5 to 2.5: Meadow Traverse

The central section of the trail crosses high meadows with wildflower displays from July through September and views across the upper mountain terrain. Douglas fir and Engelmann spruce frame the meadow edges.

Miles 2.5 to 5.0: Return

Retrace the route back to the Catalina Highway. The drive from the trailhead either up to Summerhaven or down to Tucson offers additional views of the life zone transitions.

When to Hike

July through September for monsoon wildflowers and maximum butterfly activity. The high elevation keeps temperatures comfortable during Tucson's hottest months.

May through June for spring flowers in the meadow sections.

October for clear views and fall color in the aspen groves near the meadow edges.

November through April snow is likely; the trail is open but requires appropriate footwear.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 2 liters of water; there is no water source on the trail. Afternoon thunderstorms during monsoon season (July through September) can develop quickly; plan to be off exposed meadow terrain by noon. A light rain jacket is practical in monsoon season.

Trailhead Access

The Butterfly Trail pullout is on the Catalina Highway approximately 20 miles from Tucson. The recreation area entry fee ($10/vehicle as of 2026) applies. The America the Beautiful Pass covers this fee. Vault toilet near the pullout. Dogs must be leashed.

Nearby

Mt. Lemmon Via Wilderness of Rocks provides the big-day summit experience from the same Catalina Highway corridor. Sabino Canyon to Seven Falls accesses a completely different zone of the mountain from the Tucson side.

Check monsoon forecasts and trail conditions at checking conditions before you go. Practice Leave No Trace principles in the meadow areas where foot traffic can compact fragile soils.

Trailhead Parking

Butterfly trailhead pullout on the Catalina Highway near Mt. Bigelow summit road. Recreation area fee required.

← Back to Coronado National Forest

More Trails in Coronado National Forest

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Carr Peak Trail

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Carr Peak Trail climbs 5.4 miles out and back through the Huachuca Mountains to 9,223-foot Carr Peak, with views across the San Pedro River Valley and south into Mexico from one of Coronado National Forest's sky island summits.

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Chiricahua Wilderness Loop

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The Chiricahua Wilderness Loop is an 8.5-mile circuit through pine forest and canyon terrain in the heart of the Chiricahua Mountains, one of the most remote sky island settings in Coronado National Forest.

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Cochise Stronghold Trail

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Cochise Stronghold Trail covers 4.5 miles out and back into the rocky granite canyon that served as the home base of Chiricahua Apache leader Cochise in the 1860s-1870s, in the Dragoon Mountains of Coronado National Forest.

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This 12.0-mile out-and-back route climbs through the Wilderness of Rocks, a dramatic granite landscape in the Santa Catalina Mountains, to reach the forested summit area of 9,157-foot Mt. Lemmon.

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Mt. Wrightson Trail

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The Mt. Wrightson Trail climbs 9.0 miles out and back to the 9,453-foot summit of Mt. Wrightson in the Santa Rita Mountains, the highest point in the range and the best summit hike in Coronado National Forest.

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Sabino Canyon to Seven Falls

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The Sabino Canyon to Seven Falls route covers 9.0 miles out and back through the Santa Catalinas, following Bear Canyon to a series of cascading pools in a narrow canyon above Tucson.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called the Butterfly Trail?
The Butterfly Trail is named for the extraordinary butterfly diversity in the Santa Catalina high country. The sky island environment supports species from both Sonoran Desert and temperate mountain communities, creating one of the highest butterfly species counts of any comparable area in North America.
How long does the Butterfly Trail take?
The 5.0-mile out-and-back takes most hikers 2.5 to 3.5 hours.
Is the Butterfly Trail dog friendly?
Dogs are permitted and should be leashed. The trail is accessible for most trail-conditioned dogs.