Rincon Peak

A remote, rugged hike that leaves the crowds behind.

Hiking Severe

Distance: 21 km
Ascent: 1.4 km
Descent: 1.4 km
Duration: 6-7 hrs

Low Point: 1.3 km
High Point: 2.6 km
Gradient: 19˚

The hike to Rincon Peak is rugged and remote, which keeps away most prospective climbers. The route to the summit mapped here covers 13.3 miles round-trip and climbs and descends over 4,700 vertical feet. On top of that, it's about an hour and a half drive to the trailhead from Tucson. But if you're willing to put in the effort, Rincon Peak will reward you with stunning 360-degree views of Southern Arizona!

Rincon Peak View Photo: Saguaro National Park

Description

"The route to the summit winds through several distinct ecological zones, including chaparral, riparian, and alpine areas," writes Felsberg on SummitPost.org. "A good portion of the trail steeply ascends through large boulder fields, while another portion winds lazily through a ponderosa forest." The final push to the summit is steep and arduous, as the top is an exposed rocky knob.

Trail conditions along the way are very primitive. Due to this trail's incredible remoteness, you can expect little to no maintenance along this route. Be prepared to be entirely self-sufficient, as you'll be hiking deep in the wilderness and may not encounter another human the entire time.

Difficulty

Severe

Hiking challenging trails where simple scrambling, with the occasional use of the hands, is a distinct possibility. The trails are often filled with all manner of obstacles both small and large, and the hills are very steep. Obstacles and challenges are often unexpected and can be unpredictable.