Near the trailhead
At the top of the Switchback Trail
Typical scenery at the top of the range
Reddington Pass and the Catalina Mountains from Spud Rock
Sunset at Manning Camp
In my opinion, this is one of the best hikes in the Tucson area. I don’t visit this trail often because it is very remote and the trail takes a long time to hike, but when I do hike this trail it’s a special treat.
General information and history:
This is a long and challenging backcountry trail on the east side of the Rincon Mountains. Access to the trailhead requires a long drive on dirt roads but the fantastic scenery and remoteness of the hike make it well worth the drive. In my opinion, the hike is best done as a one or two night backpacking trip with a few friends, but I have done it as a solo day hike. The hike gains approximately 4000’ in elevation as it takes you from the grasslands of the Rincon foothills to the cool pines at the top of the range, offering towering views of the Galiuros to the east, the Santa Ritas to the south and the Catalinas to the north.
Manning Camp is the site of an old homestead. The area was homesteaded by the Manning family of Tucson, who built the cabin that still stands today. The family built a wagon road up from Tucson to haul supplies for the construction of the cabin. The family’s homestead rights were revoked shortly after they finished the cabin and the area became public land.
Star rating: 5 out of 5 stars.
Last updated: February, 2009.
Trail last visited: September 2006.
Trail rating: 4 (Difficult). Due to length, elevation gain and remoteness. With the exception of the first portion of the hike in the foothills and the last portion of the hike near the top of the range, this is a strenuous hike over sometimes difficult terrain.
Type: Out-and-back.
Time to complete: It takes me 3.5 to 4 hours to reach Manning Camp on a day hike (so at least 9 hours round trip with a nice break). At least 6 hours to reach Manning Camp if I am carrying a fully loaded backpack.
Elevation: 4300 feet to 8300 feet.
Elevation gain: 4000 feet.
Length: Approximately 7 miles one-way.
Best times to go: Spring and fall.
Points of interest: Manning Camp which includes a small lake, cabin and horse corral. Unique geology and expansive views.
Special considerations: Remote area—don’t expect to see many other hikers if any. Bring plenty of water and food. Conditions on mountains can change rapidly, with thunderstorms possible.
Directions to the trailhead:
Head east out of Tucson on I-10, take exit 297 (J-6 Ranch/Mescal) and turn left. After about 2 miles, the road turns to dirt. When you reach the National Forest Boundary the road becomes FR35. After approximately 16.5 miles, turn left on FR4408 (just before you reach FR4408, you will pass the Miller Creek Trailhead on the left—also a great hike!). The last 1.6 miles of FR4408 becomes a four-wheel drive road, but it is in good condition and any four-wheel drive vehicle with a good driver should be able to reach the parking area at the end.
The trail:
The hike starts at approximately 4300 feet elevation on a grassy ridge at the end of a short four-wheel drive road. Looking up on the mountainside, you can see a prominent cliff just below the top of the range. This is Reef Rock—keep this in mind as a point of reference—you will pass near it later in the hike. The trail rambles through the grasslands, going up and down a few small hills before crossing through a gate at the National Park Boundary and then taking you to a metal sign-in box on a small saddle where the foothills meet the base of the mountains at approximately 1.5 miles from the parking area.
Beyond the sign-in box, the climb begins. At this point you are making a steep climb through an area that burned in a wildfire in the mid-90’s. The area continues to recover nicely, but the fire damage is still evident. Approximately 1 mile past the sign-in box, you reach Mudhole Spring and the tree line, having climbed over 1000 feet since leaving the parking area.
Past Mudhole Spring, the trail continues to climb steeply, but is generally well-shaded for the remainder of the hike. After climbing for another couple of miles and passing through another small burn area, the trail reaches Deer Head Spring at 7200 feet. Water is usually present at Deer Head Spring and forms a small stream that runs downhill away from the spring.
Just past Deer Head Spring, the Turkey Creek Trail ends at the Deer Head Spring Trail. From this point on, there are numerous trail junctions and it is important to have a good map. Bear right on the Deer Head Spring Trail and after approximately 0.5 miles you will reach Spud Rock Campground (see note below about campgrounds in Saguaro National Park) at an elevation of 7400 feet in a small clearing near the base of Reef Rock (you could see it from the parking area—remember?).
From Spud Rock Campground, bear left on the East Slope Trail for a short distance until you reach the Switchback Trail, then bear right on the Switchback Trail. The Switchback Trail is less than 0.5 miles long, but climbs very steeply, making numerous switchbacks (you should have known what you were in for when you saw the name!). Enjoy the expansive views to the east as you work your way up the Switchback Trail—nothing but mountains and valleys as far as the eye can see! When you reach the top of the Switchback Trail, look to your left to catch a glimpse of Rincon Peak at 8482 feet.
At the top of the Switchback Trail, you have climbed to just over 7600 feet and have reached the top part of the range. There is still some climbing to do, but things level out considerably from here on. Bear right on the Heartbreak Ridge Trail for 0.7 miles and then bear left on the Fire Loop Trail for 0.6 miles, topping out at almost 8400 feet before dropping down to meet the Mica Mountain Trail. Along the way, take in the beautiful pine forest, and interesting rock formations. Keep an eye out for views of Vail and southeast Tucson.
Bear left on the Mica Mountain Trail and follow it approximately 0.1 miles into Manning Camp at 8000 feet elevation. Walk quietly and watch for deer as you head towards Manning Camp. I have seen many deer in this area. As you enter Manning Camp (32 12’ 24N, 110 33’ 16W), you will see the historic Manning Cabin—an authentic century old log cabin (the cabin is used by the Park Service and is not open to the public). Climb the rope in the tree in front of the cabin by the hitchin’ post. Horses are not an uncommon sight here. There is a large corral next to cabin for the folks who prefer to reach Manning Camp on horseback. Stroll over behind the cabin and check out the small lake which feeds a perennial stream.
If you are doing this as a day hike, resist the temptation to linger too long. It’s along way back to your car! Hopefully, you took my advice and made a backpack trip to Manning Camp. In that case, kick back and relax for a while. Then be sure to check out the sights around Manning Camp. There is a fairly extensive trail network near Manning Camp. Numerous short hikes can be done using Manning Camp as a base camp. Be sure to visit Spud Rock (32 13’ 08N, 110 33’ 02W), a rocky outcropping north of Manning Camp that affords spectacular views of the Redington Pass area and the Tucson valley (Mica Mountain is the highest point in the Rincons at 8666 feet, but it is a short rounded hill with no view because of the numerous trees. Unless you want to brag about reaching the top of the Rincons, stick with Spud Rock, the view is much better. I also recommend Mica Meadow—a grassy meadow that sits near the top of Reef Rock.
To return to your car, follow the same path down as you came up.
Happy Trails,
Arizona Explorer
