Recreation Region: Rincon Mountains

Rincon Mountain Wilderness

The 38,590-acre Rincon Mountain Wilderness borders Saguaro National Park on three sides and remains pleasantly remote despite its close proximity to Tucson. One reason for its seclusion is that, except for a few rough 4-wheel drive roads on the Wilderness’ northwest side and some trails leading into it from the Park, access is limited to two trails off the Mescal Road (Forest Road 35) on the area’s eastern side. This road, which leads through the communities of Mescal and Happy Valley, is generally passable to passenger vehicles. The Rincon Mountain Wilderness is rugged and steep, with many deep canyons and rocky ridges. Portions of the area are difficult to reach on foot and virtually impassable on horseback. The Miller Creek Trail and Turkey Creek Trail are closed to horses in the Park. Elevations range between 3,880 and 7,325 feet on the Forest, reaching 8,482 feet at the summit of Rincon Peak in the Park. Settings in the Forest range from desert grassland to pinyon, juniper, and oak woodlands. Trails into the wilderness offer quality opportunities for solitude among the area’s secluded canyons and remote ridges. Both Turkey and Miller Creeks are good examples of desert riparian habitats. The trails that lead into these areas continue into the Saguaro National Park and link up with an extensive trail system there.

General Information

Year-round

Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are prohibited. This includes the use of motor vehicles, motorboats, motorized equipment, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft, including helicopters and drones, unless provided for in specific legislation.

Dogs and horses are not permitted on portions of this trail within the Saguaro National Park. Saguaro National Park restrictions: No hunting, weapons, pets, or bicycles. For more information on the National Park, contact Saguaro National Park.

Dogs are only permitted on Forest Service land and prohibited from entering the National Park.

Entrance to the Sabino Canyon Visitor Center

Address: 5700 N. Sabino Canyon Rd., Tucson, AZ 85750
Phone: (520) 749-8700
Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday (Closed on federal holidays)

Getting There

Elevation

7,325 feet

Directions

To Turkey and Miller Creek trails, drive east 39 miles from Tucson on Interstate 10 to the Mescal road exit (#297). Drive north on the Mescal Road which becomes FR 35 to the trailheads (16 miles). To Italian Spring Trail, take Tanque Verde road east. The road changes to Redington Pass Road; continue east approximately 8 miles. Turn south on FR 37 (4-wheel drive).