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 Reporter |
Summary: This hike is located in a very remote location and your chances of running into another hiker are very slim. The trail starts out in the Miller Creek streambed. This portion of the hike is forested grassland full of oak trees, manzanita bushes, and sycamores. The next portion of the trail leaves the creek bed and ascends the steep rocky slopes of the Rincons. After about 3 miles you will reach the Happy Valley Saddle. From the saddle, you'll get your first good view of your final destination. For the next mile or so the trail traverses level ground winding through large ponderosa pines and giant alligator junipers. Once you have traversed the length of the saddle, the trail gradually gains elevation until you are within 0.5 miles from the summit. At this point the trail becomes incredibly steep with few switchbacks. Fortunately, this portion of the trail lasts only a short distance. Soon you will be standing on top of one the best summits in the Tucson area. Trailhead: From Tucson, take I-10 east for about 27 miles to the Mescal exit 297. Turn left at the exit and head north. The road turns into FS 35 after a few miles and goes from paved to dirt. The dirt road may or may not be passable by passenger car, it depends on conditions. Keep going another 17 miles until you see a sign that says that the Miller Creek trailhead is to the left. The trailhead is 0.2 miles from the sign. (Lat:32.152 Lon:-110.48333) Trail Guides for Rincon Peak: Miller Creek Trail: Tucson Hiking Guide by Betty Leavengood (Pruett Publishing Company) Exploring Arizonas Wild Areas by Scott S. Warren (The Mountaineers) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Saguaro Nation Park Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Rob Brinkerhoff, who has posted 33 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Cris on 3/14/2008 Wow! Definitely a long hike, plan to arrive early, the 17 mile dirt road egress takes time. One can almost feel the climate change from the desert floor to the alpine summit. The views are gorgeous at the top. Bring at least 5 liters of water. And a camera! 
Reviewed by Jo on 6/26/2007 Wonderful hike! The huge rocks are beautiful. Will definitely go again even tho I broke my left wrist on the second hike.
Reviewed by Viewer on 3/22/2007 I've been atop Rincon, Kimball, Wrightson, and Tanque Verde so far. Rincon's my favorite. I'll try Mica Mountain next time I visit. My little Escort could of made the trip, but I was glad to have mom's jeep for FS35. The steepness wasn't too bad. It was the low humidity that got to this ocean boy. I went through 5 liters of water and could of used more on the last day of winter. Can't contemplate attempting this hike in July, which is why I'll be back home amongst the cool redwoods. Airplane Journal
Reviewed by Robert on 5/2/2006 Hiked 29 April 2006. One of the most beautiful hikes in the Tucson area. However at age 62, hiking with a gallon and a half of water and taking time to enjoy the scenery my hiking time was 13 hours.
Reviewed by Dennis on 3/8/2006 This is the best hike in the Tucson area so far !!! Tremendous scenery especially towards the top made the four hour hike to the top well worth while. The last mile is very difficult because it is so steep and the footing is not good. However, it is best is take this last section slowly and not give up. The trailhead is well mark with a sign reading "Miller Creek Trailhead". The dirt rosd to the trailhead is currently is in fairly good conddition but has a lot of "washboard". A passenger car can easily make it to the trailhead at this time (3-8-06). The length of Mescal road to the trailhead from I-10 is exactly 16.0 miles. The last 13 miles is dirt road.
Reviewed by Roy on 6/1/2004 The hike was worth all the work. The last half mile was incredibly difficult after hiking the first seven and a half miles but well worth it. If I was to ever go again I would definately hike with someone to encourage you on that last half mile. I was hiking by myself and found it extremely difficult to motivate myself to the top. Plan to spend all day on this one. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Arizona Hiking, Arizona Trails, Arizona Hikes, Pima County Hiking, Pima County Trails, Pima County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||