Near Rincon Peak
December is fine time to hike Rincon Peak.
Near Rincon Peak
The rocky summit of Rincon Peak rises out of ponderosa pine forests.
Near Rincon Peak
Rincon Peak View.
Near Rincon Peak
Looking east over Happy Valley with Little Rincons in the distance.
Near Rincon Peak
Looking at Rincon Peak from the start of the trail, near Happy Valley Campground.

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Driving Directions
Hike Route

Rincon Peak

4.8 (11 Ratings)
Long, tough, rewarding route to Rincon Peak offering great views of southern Arizona.
14.7
mi
Distance
4,722
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
BirdingViewsWildlife
Access Issues
Pedestrians only (no dogs, horses, mountain bikes) allowed on the trail.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
14.75mi
Distance
4,722ft
Elevation Gain
4,722ft
Elevation Loss
75%
Max Grade
8,481ft
High Point
4,201ft
Low Point
Path Type
There and Back
Description
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.

Route Conditions

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Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
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Contributors
Alex Herreid