A hiker stands on a rock cairn atop Rincon Peak's 8,482-ft. summit. photo: Matthew J. Nelson
The Rincon Mountains are the least visited of Tucson’s mountains, and if you travel around to the east side of the range you’ll find a wild wilderness just a short distance from downtown. As soon as you leave the Tucson Basin and make your way along the dirt road between the Rincons and the Little Rincons, it feels like you’re a thousand miles away from civilization. The road passes through dense oak woodland where a flowing creek nourishes giant sycamore trees, creeping grape vines and the myriad animals that call this seldom visited place home. No wonder it’s named Happy Valley.
If you’re interested in camping for the weekend, head for Turkey Creek. If you’re just out for the day you won’t find a better hiking route than the Miller Creek Trail. The well-defined path crosses the creek numerous times, where you’ll enjoy colorful leaves covering the forest floor in early November.
Over the next four miles your hiking legs will be tested, as the trail climbs steeply over rocky terrain through oak and manzanita. Soon you’ll see your first ponderosa pine, a sign that you’re getting closer to the top of the aptly named Heartbreak Ridge.
At the top of the Miller Creek Trail, head left (south) and enjoy the slight downhill section that delivers you to Happy Valley Saddle and the Rincon Peak Trail. This is a great destination for most hikers. The tall trees provide ample shade and it’s easy to find a soft place to rest for an hour, or the entire afternoon. The impressive rocky crown just to the south is Rincon Peak. It is over three miles away and the 2,000-foot elevation gain makes for a serious challenge. Some say it’s the toughest day hike around Tucson.
If you’ve got energy and time, go for it. The summit of Rincon Peak (8,482 ft.) rivals any vista in Southern Arizona.
Making Your Escape
Drive east on I-10 toward Benson. Exit Mescal Road, turn left and go for 16 miles. Stay on this road (Forest Road 35) until you come to a fork in the road with a sign for Turkey Creek (to the right) and Miller Creek (to the left).
The local Sierra Club group has posted a useful trail guide at Arizona.SierraClub.org/trail_guide/hike13.htm
Matthew J. Nelson is a local outdoor educator, guide and conservationist.
