Rincon Peak

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Views · Wildlife

Rincon Peak is similar to Mt. Wrightson in the Santa Rita Mountains. Both are prominent peaks easily seen from Tucson. Both routes are long and strenuous, and both offer spectacular views across southern Arizona.

The last 1/2 mile up to Rincon Peak is very steep.

Exit I-10 at Mescal Road (Exit 297). Head north on Mescal Road which eventually becomes FR35. A high clearance vehicle is necessary. Begin your outing at the Miller Creek trailhead.

The Miller Creek Trail heads in a westerly direction from the trailhead. After about a mile, the trail enters Saguaro National Park East. After approximately four miles, the Miller Creek Trail intersects the Rincon Peak trail. Please beware that the Rincon Peak trail and Heartbreak Ridge tail overlap for a little bit. Signage usually shows Miller Creek trail connecting with Rincon Peak trail, but information could exist showing the Miller Creek trail leading to the Heartbreak Ridge trail for a short distance then Rincon Peak trail. The Rincon Peak Trail is an "in and out" trail to Rincon Peak. The round trip mileage from the Miller Creek trailhead to Rincon Peak and back is 16.2 miles.

An option to break up the route would be to take the Miller Creek trail to the Happy Valley Campground, set up camp and take a lighter pack to Rincon Peak, heading back to Happy Valley Campground to spend the night. Visitors could then return to the trailhead the next day. Please remember camping is only allowed in designated areas within Saguaro National Park. One must have a permit to camp anywhere in Saguaro NPS.

Just to be safe, plan on carrying all your water. There might be water in various places along the trail, but no guarantee.

Visitors pass through several transition zones on the way to Rincon Peak.