Arizona Trail Passage 10: Redington Pass

AZT Passage 10: Redington Pass is a 13-mile point-to-point section of the roughly 800-mile Arizona National Scenic Trail. This moderately rated section runs from Redington Road to Gordon Hirabayashi Campground and is located northeast of Tucson, AZ. This section is accessible for runners, hikers, long-distance backpackers, equestrians, and mountain bikers. Passage 10 traverses through the transition zone between the Rincon and Santa Catalina Mountains. This section begins in low rolling grasslands with sweeping views of the rounded Rincons to the south. It features golden grasses, rocky hillsides and granite boulders. In the springtime, wildflowers add color to the landscape, especially the tall, purple flower heads of thistle that adorn the trail. The trail crosses Caliente Creek with shady, large cottonwood trees and a seasonal flow of water. A scenic singletrack trail ascends a steep set of switchbacks to a saddle above Molino Basin with panoramic views. To the east is the San Pedro River Valley and the Rincon Mountains, to the west is Sabino Canyon, and to the north-northwest, Mount Lemmon's sheer cliffs reveal the rocky terrain waiting ahead.There are two campgrounds near the terminus of this section. Molino Basin Campground closes for the summer (usually at the end of April), and the water is shut off at that time. Gordon Hirabayashi Campground is open year-round but has no water.DIRECTIONS:- Redington Road to Bellota Ranch Road to the Lake Trailhead.- From Lake Trailhead the route follows the Bellota Trail (#15).- The trail crosses Caliente Creek, goes through several gates and climbs to the pass above Molino Basin. The trail descends to the Catalina Highway and passes the Molino Basin Campground.- Molino Basin Campground to Gordon Hirabayashi Trailhead.WATERCheck the Arizona Trail Water Report for current information at: https://aztrail.org/explore/water-sources/.ADDITIONAL INFORMATION INFORMATIONArizona National Scenic Trail Association: www.aztrail.orgSaguaro National Park: www.nps.gov/sagu, 1-(520) 733-5142.Coronado National Forest, 1-(520) 749-8700.