One of Mount Lemmon’s most beloved hiking areas is getting a major upgrade.
Beginning Monday, July 6, 2026, the Marshall Gulch Picnic Area and Trailhead near Summerhaven will temporarily close as the Coronado National Forest begins an important maintenance and reconstruction project designed to improve safety, parking, circulation, and the long-term health of this heavily used recreation area.
For anyone who has spent time on Mount Lemmon, Marshall Gulch needs little introduction. Tucked just down the road from Mount Lemmon Lodge, this scenic area is one of the most popular gateways into the forest, providing access to some of the mountain’s most iconic trails, including:
- Marshall Gulch Trail #3
- Sunset Trail #90
- Aspen Trail #93
With cool mountain air, towering trees, seasonal water, shaded picnic areas, and trail connections that showcase some of the best of the Santa Catalina Mountains, Marshall Gulch has long been a favorite for hikers, families, photographers, birders, and visitors looking to experience the quieter, forested side of Mount Lemmon.
What’s Happening at Marshall Gulch?
The Forest Service has announced that the Marshall Gulch Picnic Area and Trailhead will close from July 6 through July 26, 2026, while initial tree remediation and safety work takes place.
Once that first phase is complete, the area is expected to reopen with a pedestrian path allowing hikers to access the trails. However, the larger improvement project will continue, with completion expected by December 2026.
During the project, picnic facilities and restrooms will remain closed.
Why the Project Matters
Marshall Gulch welcomes approximately 160,000 visitors each year, making it one of the busiest recreation sites on the Coronado National Forest. Anyone who has visited on a summer weekend knows how quickly the area can become congested, especially with the current one-way, dead-end parking layout.
This project is designed to make the area safer, more efficient, and more resilient for years to come.
Planned improvements include:
- A new loop road to replace the current dead-end parking configuration
- Improved vehicle circulation to reduce congestion
- Maintenance and replacement of the asphalt parking area
- Two new bridges over Sabino Creek designed for 100-year flood events
- A new restroom facility
- Replacement of picnic sites
- Restoration work along Sabino Creek and Marshall Gulch
- Improved recreation infrastructure for hikers and day visitors
While the total parking capacity will increase only slightly, from 30 to 32 vehicles, the biggest improvement will be how traffic moves through the site. A loop road should make the area easier to navigate and reduce the backup and turning issues that can occur when the lot is full.
Trail Access During Construction
During the initial closure from July 6 to July 26, visitors should avoid the Marshall Gulch Picnic Area and Trailhead.
After the first phase of work is complete, the Forest Service expects to provide a pedestrian path for trail access. Even so, visitors should be prepared for a different experience than usual. Construction activity, closed facilities, limited amenities, and temporary detours may affect plans throughout the project timeline.
Hikers are encouraged to use the newly constructed Pima County Federal Lands Access Program parking area south of Summerhaven during construction.
This new parking area is a helpful option for visitors heading into Summerhaven, stopping at Mount Lemmon Lodge, or accessing nearby recreation areas while improvements are underway at Marshall Gulch.
Arizona Trail Detour Information
A temporary detour is also in place for the Arizona National Scenic Trail, affecting portions of:
- AZT Passage 11
- AZT Passage 12
- The Pusch Ridge Wilderness Bypass
The temporary bypass uses Mint Springs Trail #20, connecting East Carter Canyon Road to Marshall Saddle.
Arizona Trail users should review current detour information before beginning their hike and should not rely solely on older maps or saved routes.
What Visitors Should Know Before Heading Up the Mountain
If you’re planning a trip to Mount Lemmon this summer or fall, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Marshall Gulch Picnic Area and Trailhead will be closed July 6–26, 2026.
- Picnic and restroom facilities will remain closed for the duration of the larger project.
- Trail access may be available after the initial closure via a pedestrian path.
- Construction is expected to continue through December 2026.
- Use the new parking area south of Summerhaven when visiting the area. (Click here to watch the video on the new parking area)
- Check official Forest Service updates before you go.
- Bring extra water, snacks, sun protection, and layers.
- Have a backup hiking plan in case access is limited.
- Expect more demand at nearby trailheads and parking areas.
Good News for the Future of Mount Lemmon Recreation
Short-term closures are never convenient, especially at a place as loved as Marshall Gulch. But these improvements are a meaningful investment in one of Mount Lemmon’s most important recreation areas.
The project is intended to protect natural resources, restore areas along Sabino Creek and Marshall Gulch, improve traffic flow, modernize aging infrastructure, and create a better visitor experience for the thousands of people who come here each year.
For guests staying at Mount Lemmon Lodge, this is also a reminder of what makes Summerhaven so special: some of Southern Arizona’s best hiking, forest scenery, and outdoor recreation are just minutes away from the Lodge.
As the project moves forward, visitors will still have plenty of ways to enjoy the mountain. From scenic drives and forest walks to dining on the deck, exploring Summerhaven, visiting nearby overlooks, or discovering alternative trails, Mount Lemmon remains one of Arizona’s most refreshing high-elevation escapes.
Stay Updated
Because construction timelines and trail access can change, visitors are encouraged to check official Coronado National Forest updates before heading to Marshall Gulch.
For questions about the project, the Forest Service can be reached at:
You can also follow the Coronado National Forest on Facebook for current updates.
Mount Lemmon is always changing with the seasons, and this project is one more step toward preserving the mountain experience for future generations. We look forward to seeing these improvements take shape and welcoming visitors as they continue to explore, hike, dine, and stay here in Summerhaven.
