Begin on the Rincon Wilderness Trail, which provides access to the Italian Springs Trail, and then goes to the top of the Rincon Mountains. The first 1.6 miles of the Rincon Wilderness Trail pass through grasslands sprinkled with mesquite trees. At the end of this section, a faint path comes in from the left. This side path leads a short distance to the Park Tank. The Italian Spring Trail continues to the right.
After going through rolling hills with mesquites, oaks, and junipers, the trail crosses a streambed which fills with water during summer monsoons and which may have water during the winter. The trail narrows here and begins to climb into an area of large rock formations, pine trees, and alligator junipers. After the trail enters the Saguaro National Park, it climbs steeply and ponderosa pines begin to appear. The trail continues through a burn area which has been filled in with a thick brush. Italian Spring Trail ends at the spring which is also the junction with the North Slope Trail.
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The Italian Spring Trail is a part of the Arizona Trail system.
Attractions
Rolling grasslands, stands of ponderosa pine, alligator junipers, and oaks, access to Saguaro National Park, an Arizona Trail segment, and access to North Slope Trail.
When hiking several trails on a single "hike", log it with a generic name that describes the hike. Then link the trails traveled, check out the example.
WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
Permit $$
no fees or permits reported
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Coronado Forest MVUMs are rarely necessary to review unless mentioned in the description or directions Coronado Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs)
Directions
Road
Strictly 4x4
To hike Access to the trailhead requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle. From Tucson, drive east on Tanque Verde Road until it becomes Redington Pass Road, a gravel road. Travel 9.6 miles from the beginning of the gravel to FR 37. After about a half-mile, the road appears to fork - stay to the left. At the junction of FR 4424 and FR 37, bear left and take FR 37. At the barbed wire flexible gate, bear left when the road seems to fork after going through the gate. A short while later the road drops into the bottom of a sandy wash. The trailhead is on the opposite bank of the wash.
Route Editor
Route Scout
After going through rolling hills with mesquites, oaks, and junipers, the trail crosses a streambed which fills with water during summer monsoons and which may have water during the winter. The trail narrows here and begins to climb into an area of large rock formations, pine trees, and alligator junipers. After the trail enters the Saguaro National Park, it climbs steeply and ponderosa pines begin to appear. The trail continues through a burn area which has been filled in with a thick brush. Italian Spring Trail ends at the spring which is also the junction with the North Slope Trail.
