The Rincon Mountain District is located at the eastern edge of Tucson, Arizona; the east side of the park was the first side created between the two. What is unique about this park is that it starts off in the Sonoran Desert and gradually gives way to the High Alpine Forest of the Rincon Mountains. The highest peak in this range is Mica Mountain, at an elevation of 8,666 feet. While this side of the park has fewer Saguaros than its counterpart they remain larger in size, due to higher amounts of rainfall and run off from the Rincon Mountains.
The key feature of this district is its 8.3 mile loop, which connects its two picnic areas and central trails. Recently after a lengthy road re-pavement and widening project, and refurbishment of the Visitor Center, the Rincon District is fully open once more.
Hiking on this side of the park is readily accessible to visitors, there are trail heads present at the east end of Speedway and Broadway, these trail heads are commonly used by horses and get heavy usage on the weekends. Off the park's loop road there are several additional trail heads.
And at the southern boundary of the park is the Hope Camp Trails which are also commonly used for horses. Access to the Hope Camp Trails is found at the end of Camino Loma Alta; however the road is no longer paved for the last couple hundred yards. This section of the park was added in 1991 when Congress authorized the purchase of 4,011 acres.
The East Unit is open to camping however it is confined to backcountry sites; the shortest hike to one is 5.9 miles to Douglas Springs Campground. Fees for campsites are $6.00 a night. While there is not spots for RV’s overnight in the park, Colossal Cave Mountain Park which is ten miles down Old Spanish Trail from the park can provide such space.
Use regulations to be aware of are dogs are not allowed on the trails, and must be on a leash at all times, and bikes are confined to the loop road and the Cactus Forest Trail.
The key feature of this district is its 8.3 mile loop, which connects its two picnic areas and central trails. Recently after a lengthy road re-pavement and widening project, and refurbishment of the Visitor Center, the Rincon District is fully open once more.
Hiking on this side of the park is readily accessible to visitors, there are trail heads present at the east end of Speedway and Broadway, these trail heads are commonly used by horses and get heavy usage on the weekends. Off the park's loop road there are several additional trail heads.
And at the southern boundary of the park is the Hope Camp Trails which are also commonly used for horses. Access to the Hope Camp Trails is found at the end of Camino Loma Alta; however the road is no longer paved for the last couple hundred yards. This section of the park was added in 1991 when Congress authorized the purchase of 4,011 acres.
The East Unit is open to camping however it is confined to backcountry sites; the shortest hike to one is 5.9 miles to Douglas Springs Campground. Fees for campsites are $6.00 a night. While there is not spots for RV’s overnight in the park, Colossal Cave Mountain Park which is ten miles down Old Spanish Trail from the park can provide such space.
Use regulations to be aware of are dogs are not allowed on the trails, and must be on a leash at all times, and bikes are confined to the loop road and the Cactus Forest Trail.
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