Arizona Trail Passage 9: Rincon Mountains

AZT Passage 9: Rincon Mountains is a 24-mile point-to-point section of the roughly 800-mile Arizona National Scenic Trail. This challenging section runs from Saguaro National Park to Redington Road and i located east of Tucson, AZ. This section goes through wilderness areas, a national park, and  is accessible for runners, hikers, long-distance backpackers. 

Passage 9 crosses Saguaro National Park and climbs into the Rincon Mountains. This section features a challenging climb with extreme changes in elevation and climate, incredible biodiversity, and spectacular views. 

The route begins in Saguaro National Park, which has some of the world's richest saguaro stands. These iconic cacti are unique to the Sonoran Desert and a special feature of the Arizona National Scenic Trail (AZT).

In the first 14 miles, the trail gains over 6,000 feet of elevation and travels through six different biotic communities: desert scrub, desert grassland, oak woodlands, pine–oak woodlands, pine forests, and mixed-conifer forests. Hundreds of different plant species are supported by this variety of biomes! Like many of the other sky island passages, it is not uncommon to find a snow covered trail in the higher elevations of this section. 

The climb ends at a trail junction just below Mica Mountain, the highest point in the Rincons. From this junction, a short side trip leads to the peak, which would add .4 miles to the total distance of this passage.

From here, the trail descends the north side of the Rincons. After a series of switchbacks the trees begin to thin, giving way to sweeping views across a vast and rugged landscape to the east.

NOTE: 

• Saguaro National Park prohibits backcountry camping and requires permits and reservations for overnight stays. Call or visit Saguaro National Park’s East Visitor Center to get a permit.

• Mountain bikes are prohibited in the Rincon Mountain Wilderness.

DIRECTIONS
From the boundary of Saguaro National Park the trail works its way north up to Hope Camp.

From Hope Camp continue to the Quilter Trail.

Follow the Quilter Trail to Manning Camp Trail.

Follow Manning Camp Trail to the Italian Trap Trailhead and then down to Redington Road.

WATER
Check the Arizona Trail Water Report for current information at: https://aztrail.org/explore/water-sources/.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION INFORMATION

• Arizona National Scenic Trail Association: www.aztrail.org

• Saguaro National Park: www.nps.gov/sagu, 1-(520) 733-5142.

• Coronado National Forest, 1-(520) 749-8700.