Redington Pass - AZT #10 • Hike • Arizona • All Triplogs • HikeArizona.COM

Tucson, AZ

Hiking		Feb 16 2025
		mt98dew • Triplogs 2,387

Hiking	22.39 Miles	4,107 AEG

Hiking	22.39 Miles	9 Hrs 47 Mns	2.35 mph
	4,107 ft AEG	15 Mns Break

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Belated post. Car camped at the Molina campground the previous night so I was able to get an early start on the trail. Got started around 6am. Little embarrassed to say that I had troubles getting out of the campground.

That did not bode well. Once I figured out that I briefly had to head north to go south, I was good to go.

Chris had warned me about an early red herring soon after crossing the Catalina Highway. With my “hiccup” in the campground, it was just getting light enough to see the AZ Trail sign across the wash, so I was able to avoid that other (false) trail. After the wash the trail does a steady climb up to the saddle. There was a gate at the top and some decent views to the south and east. I could see the next range of mountains between me and Mica Mountain and was wondering how the trail was going to negotiate that speed bump. Sunrise caught me descending from the saddle. It didn’t seem to bad going down, but it sure felt a lot steeper going back up. My camp wanderings skewed my mileage by about .5 miles (yeah, I know, that’s a lot of camp wanderings).

Around 3 miles I had finished my descent from the saddle (about 900 ft) and came upon water tank that had a mud puddle besides it. At 3.45 I passed through an opening and join a dual track. Shortly thereafter (3.59) I came to a split in the trail. There was trail heading south with a rustic sign called “La Mida Grosa”. The AZ Trail was signed and stayed on the dual track heading east. The AZ Trail kept east and remained relatively flat avoiding the mountain range to the south. At 4.92 the trail leaves the road and becomes a single track. This road departure is well signed, so it is not an issue. The trail continues to head southeast (more east than south) crossing a large wash. The trail remains surprisingly flat passing through some minorly interesting rockscapes. At 5.88 I passed through another gate. At 6.97 I came to another wash with a road just beyond it. There was a nice AZ trail sign/map as well as an individual trail sign stating that the last 6.4 miles of my hike had been courtesy of the Bellota Trail. (This seemed to confirm my extra miles from my camp wanderings).

The trail actually follows the road for a very brief time before becoming a single track (7.17). The signage is very clear for where the AZ Trail joins and leaves the road. There is signage where the trail leaves the road stating there is 4.3 more miles of the Bellota Trail before reaching Redington Rd. This is where you pay the piper. Those mountains that I had been eye-balling for the last 4 miles finally presented themselves and they did it in a rather insidious way. Initially, you don’t even realize you’re hitting the mountain. It feels more like a series of hills that keep going and climbing gradually. Every time I looked up I thought I saw spot where I could crest and start my downward journey only to find another hill that would lead me a little higher. The good news is that climbs were fairly gradual for the most part and that when I finally did crest I was within 1 mile of Redington and it was downhill from there. I touched the Italian Trap trail sign at 11.43 miles and started my return trip. I was amazed and somewhat daunted to learn that the elevation gained and lost at the turn around point was within 10 feet of each other (gain 2077 loss 2068). It certainly didn’t feel like a flat trail.

The return trip wasn’t that bad until the climb up to Molina Pass. That final climbed kicked my

. It was there that I encountered the only other trail user for the whole hike. As I was gasping my way to the top I had a trail runner jog by on his way down. Didn’t see any wildlife on the trail, except for cows. Typically, I only take credit for 1 trail per hike, but since I did an out and back I feel I can claim the AZ Trail going one direction and Bellota Trail going the other.

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Jan 31 2025

mamakatt22

Routes 305
Photos 39
Triplogs 300

female

Joined Feb 02 2020
Shallowater,TX

AZT Reddington Pass East, AZ

Hiking		Jan 31 2025
		mamakatt22 • Triplogs 300

Hiking	10.70 Miles	1,550 AEG

Hiking	10.70 Miles	6 Hrs 26 Mns		2.06 mph
	1,550 ft AEG	1 Hour 15 Mns Break	12 LBS Pack

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markthurman53

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

This was a great day to get out and hike. The weather was very nice and not too warm. Definitely need 4 wheel drive to get to the area we wanted to hike. The trail was in good shape. We spotted a roadrunner and saw some cows. They were complaining about the lack of nutrition because it is so dry. They also wanted a better water supply. We came back along a road Mark wanted to check out and it was kind of steep and rocky in places. A helicopter was flying around. It looked like a military one. This hike makes 87 miles for us in January. We are going back to the West Texas flat lands mid February so we wanted to get as many hikes in as possible.

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Jan 31 2025

markthurman53

Guides 187
Routes 990
Photos 12,079
Triplogs 865

72 male

Joined Jun 27 2015
Tucson, Arizona

AZT Redington Pass East, AZ

Hiking		Jan 31 2025
		markthurman53 • Triplogs 865

Hiking	10.70 Miles	1,550 AEG

Hiking	10.70 Miles	6 Hrs 25 Mns		2.06 mph
	1,550 ft AEG	1 Hour 13 Mns Break	20 LBS Pack

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mamakatt22

Returned to Redington Pass to hike the Eastern section of the Arizona Trail #10. We started along Redington Pass Road and headed north to a wash crossing that we had done before. After a short break we returned to our start point and headed south along the trail to the Italian Spring Trail head at Tanque Verde Creek. On our return trip we took the Italian trap 2 track back to our start point. I wanted to check out the road to see if it was passable and a means of getting to the Italian Spring Trail Head. It is but not sure it is worth it to bypass 2.3 miles of hiking (4.6 round trip). Would probably take as long to drive as the 2.3 miles along the Arizona Trail would take to walk.

Great hike with good weather, the little bit of rain we received a few days ago was barely noticeable, although it did put snow on the Rincons. Very dry and the cattle are complaining. The area around Tanque Verde Creek is interesting even though the creek was dry. Italian Trap area has lots of ranching history and there is a lot to see in this area. The steel water tank at Italian Trap along the creek was empty and the side broken out of it. Ten years ago the tank was full with water being pumped into it. Plan on doing another hike this time from the Chivo Falls North entrance and hike up Tanque Verde Creek to Italian Trap, I remember this was a scenic portion of Tanque Verde Creek.

Italian Trap Tank

26-50% full

White Tank

26-50% full

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Jan 17 2025

markthurman53

Guides 187
Routes 990
Photos 12,079
Triplogs 865

72 male

Joined Jun 27 2015
Tucson, Arizona

AZT Redington Pass West, AZ

Hiking		Jan 17 2025
		markthurman53 • Triplogs 865

Hiking	13.60 Miles	2,680 AEG

Hiking	13.60 Miles	8 Hrs 14 Mns		1.79 mph
	2,680 ft AEG	39 Mns Break	25 LBS Pack

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mamakatt22

Another day and another hike. We had a full day to hike so it meant we could get in a longer hike. This time along a portion of the Arizona Trail from Molino Basin in the Catalina Mountains to Bellota Ranch in Redington Pass. I had done this portion of trail a couple years ago and figured it was about time to do it again.

The trail up the pass between Molino and La Milagrosa Canyon is steep or at least it seemed steep due to the huge stair stepping, some of the worst I've seen. 18 to 24 inch steps are tall for me I can't imagine what they were like for my height impaired partner. What amazes me was that there was a lot of evidence of mountain bikers (must have square tires). After the initial climb over the pass and down to La Milagrosa Canyon the trail becomes easier, following a two track to about Agua Caliente Creek then trail to The Lake. Clear day made for great views to the South and East, Galiuro Mountains, Mount Graham to the East and Rincon Mountains to the South. Extremely dry winter so far made for a very dry desert. There was a trickle of water flowing at West Spring and still a small pool at the Lake. The cattle we saw were grateful for that I'm sure. Agua Caliente Creek was dry

Took our lunch break at The Lake while a group of cows watched us eat. Never enjoyed eating while being watched. On our return trip where the AZT connects back up to the two track we headed to the east along the two track to visit the memorial for Blas Valdez (told Ginny about it so had to show her the site). Born 1864 and died 1918 was a rancher Ranch hand in the Redington Pass area, probably Bellota Ranch. Married with a boat load of kids and is buried in the town of Redington. After this half mile side trip we headed back.

Great hike with great weather. Saw a couple of places off to the south that looked interesting and a vague trail that might need exploring that goes up to a ridge over looking the Molino basin Creek. Told Ginny if it ever rains or snows here we will have to hike upper La Milagrosa Canyon, really nice along the creek and ridge. Saw a pack of hikers on the way in and a pack of mountain bikers on the way out. other than that no one on the trail.

Added two photos of Blas Valdez sent to me from a friend

	West Spring	Quart per minute	Quart per minute
	Creek had a trickle

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Jan 17 2025

mamakatt22

Routes 305
Photos 39
Triplogs 300

female

Joined Feb 02 2020
Shallowater,TX

AZT Reddington Pass West, AZ

Hiking		Jan 17 2025
		mamakatt22 • Triplogs 300

Hiking	13.60 Miles	2,680 AEG

Hiking	13.60 Miles	8 Hrs 13 Mns		1.85 mph
	2,680 ft AEG	51 Mns Break	12 LBS Pack

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markthurman53

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

We enjoyed a day of hiking that was cool but not cold. Such beautiful scenery and the trail is well maintained. There was a group being led on a day hike. They were definitely Jabber walkies. Later we saw some bicyclers. The cattle we saw looked poorly fed but curious about us. It was a pleasant hike and we got back earlier than we have been lately. That is good because it is not the kind of trail that would be safe in the dark. We never want to involve helicopters with hiking:). The lake had some water and there was a spring by the first water tank. Other than that it is so dry.

Wildflowers Observation Isolated

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Sep 28 2024

adilling

Guides 2
Routes 267
Photos 9,816
Triplogs 402

62 male

Joined Dec 02 2014
Mesa, AZ

Tucson, AZ

Hiking		Sep 28 2024
		adilling • Triplogs 402

Hiking	11.32 Miles	1,796 AEG

Hiking	11.32 Miles	7 Hrs 10 Mns	2.00 mph
	1,796 ft AEG	1 Hour 31 Mns Break

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DarthStiller

wallyfrack

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Chris is still on his AZT Quest and after reconsidering a 19+ mile hike along Section 3 near Patagonia, we settled for the Bellota Trail portion of the Redington Pass Section #10. I was a little concerned about the weather as it was going to be hot down there. Being up over 4000 ft for the majority of the hike, we thought it would keep the temps in the lower 90's towards the end.

The drive down and the parking for the shuttle took about 4 hours. Chris, Wally and I caravaned to the end of the trail on Redington Pass Road and then drove to the Molina Basin Trailhead to start. We ended up starting about 9am.

I could feel the heat at the start, but looking at the trail, it appeared most of the elevation was at the start climbing up from Mt Lemmon Hwy. The balance was up and down with "a little" climb out at the end.

I was feeling pretty good for most of the hike, making good time. Kinda/sorta keeping up with Wally. But, once we stopped for a lunch break about 1130am, I started feeling the heat. I keep pushing forward and hydrating. I had some powdered electrolytes and energy gels and plenty of water. Once we made it to Bellota Ranch Road, I really started feeling it.

Wally and Chris pulled away and I was moving in slow motion. When the hike started climbing back up I started feeling nauseous and getting a little dizzy. I would find some shade, drink water and rest a little and then start up again. The stops became closer and closer and was not feeling well at all. Around mile 8, the nausea finally got the best of me, and I had a little vomit session. It was almost all water. I found a shady spot, poured some water on my head and ate some of the energy gels I had and a granola bar. I contemplated sending an SOS on my InReach because I wasn't sure if I would be able to hike out. After sitting for what seemed like forever, I started feeling a little better. The nausea and dizziness were gone and started up again. I was going at turtle speed for the rest of the climb up. Looking at the track, it’s really not that bad of a climb, but at the time, it felt never ending. I was relieved to make it to the top of the hill and see Redington Road.

The trail going down was really faint, but I made it to the truck. I think Chris and Wally were happy to see me as they were sitting there for 60-45 minutes, waiting for me.

I learned valuable lessons on this hike. One, I cannot hike in the heat, and I need to avoid any longer hike in the 90's and two, If I didn't hydrate and fuel my body the way I did, it would have been a very bad situation for me (and Chris and Wally, who would have been stranded on Redington Pass Road).

Also, most of this trail was in ok shape, but sections in the middle and towards the end are really faint and hard to follow. Big parts of the trail had tons of catclaw, especially the old road portions. Considering this section is so close to Tucson, I would have expected this to be better maintained. I saw zero mountain bike trails, so that might be why this part of the AZT gets no love? Those biker folks need their groomed trails, you know.

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"Jobs fill your pockets, adventures fill your soul."

instagram: @andydilling

Sep 28 2024

wallyfrack

Routes 93
Photos 7,758
Triplogs 1,691

64 male

Joined Mar 11 2003
AZ

Tucson, AZ

Hiking		Sep 28 2024
		wallyfrack • Triplogs 1,691

Hiking	11.40 Miles	1,796 AEG

Hiking	11.40 Miles	5 Hrs 54 Mns	2.28 mph
	1,796 ft AEG	54 Mns Break

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DarthStiller

The forecast was for record heat and it did not disappoint. The road to the trailhead was Andy smooth but that's not good. The slow shuttle drop gave us a late start so the oven was already warm. We missed a turn early so I was more careful to check the route after that. The 1st 5 miles went okay. I skipped the big lunch and opted for a snack. It warmed up a bit more after the break so the pace slowed a bit. The trail had some confusing intersections and maybe the heat played into that. We hiked at our own pace and watched from time to time for the group which usually works well fell short on this trip. Andy took a break to cool down and made out a bit worn down. The final push was uphill in the heat and a bit taxing under the conditions. Can't wait for the weather to finally cool.

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Sep 28 2024

DarthStiller

Guides 27
Routes 669
Photos 12,096
Triplogs 856

56 male

Joined Jul 05 2006
Mesa, AZ

Tucson, AZ

Hiking		Sep 28 2024
		DarthStiller • Triplogs 856

Hiking	12.64 Miles	1,971 AEG

Hiking	12.64 Miles	6 Hrs 10 Mns	2.15 mph
	1,971 ft AEG	17 Mns Break

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wallyfrack

I was planning on AZT3, but with the unexpected hotter temps this weekend, I decided to do AZT10, which was half the distance and half the drive. Should be much easier. Should be. Not quite.

I had never driven on Redington Road and asked Andy what the condition is like. The Xterra is getting older and last year a mechanic told me to keep an eye on the lower ball joints. Andy assured me that it's smooth and easily passable for any passenger vehicle. This would not be Andy's only miscalculation of the day.

After 4 hours of driving (including a 30 min drive directly into the sun in heavy traffic along Grant Rd), we finally begin the hike at 9am from Molino Basin. We immediately get on the wrong trail and hike over a quarter mile straight up a good 300'. Fortunately Wally and Andy hadn't got too far ahead when I noticed and could hear me yelling.

Breezes were nice at the first pass after the first (and second climb). Seemed like this might be a nice hike. Views were pretty nice, too.

It was getting near lunch time and I kept expecting to see Andy and Wally to be around the next turn having lunch. I saw a game/cattle trail crossing the trail and decided to check my GPS. It was then I noticed that I had hiked a half mile on the road to Bellota Ranch off of the AZT. Once I got back I noticed the one plastic marker I had seen, but I had missed the 2nd plastic marker that fell down that marked the proper direction to follow the AZT and not take the road. The AZT needs to fix this.

Ate lunch in the shade with Wally and Andy. Had to pick a spot where there were no cow patties. Soon after we found a shadier spot higher up with many rocks and logs to sit on. Murphy strikes again.

Passed Andy and he said the heat was bugging him. I noticed he fell back fast and I waited at the next pass to make sure he was keeping up. Once I saw him I pressed on.

Saw Wally taking his break waiting for us. I caught up to him and we both waited for Andy. Once we saw him, we pressed on again. This was on the last climb southbound that is gradual, but lasts a good 2-3 miles. The heat and rockiness of the trail didn't help matters. Wally and both felt frustrated on the way up and kind of spent once we were done. Andy had similar sentiments. x10.

Last third of a mile the trail fades and braids. I followed the most prominent braid and saw the bike guard crossing several feet to my left. This section really needs some attention by the AZT. Of course this means that it will be re-routed and we'll need to redo this in 10 years. Fun times.

I left out the parts about all the catclaw. By this point in my life I've learned to dress to minimize that (and I think I discovered which of my shirts is catclaw proof

), but my boot laces kept coming untied, even after I did double knots.

Waited for Andy for 45 minutes, thankfully he was ok and made it back ok. he was obviously spent but was visibly recovering as we drove back to Molino Basin as he cooled off in the AC and rehydrated.

Fought traffic thru Tucson into the setting sun on Grant Road. Got home at 8pm, a good 15+ hours after I left. Nice to get this section done. Waiting for the reroute when I have to do it again. I wonder if Andy will be interested.

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Mar 25 2024

Mountain_Rat

Guides 11
Routes 123
Photos 818
Triplogs 257

62 male

Joined Jul 14 2011
Tucson, AZ

Tucson, AZ

Hiking		Mar 25 2024
		Mountain_Rat • Triplogs 257

Hiking	26.78 Miles	4,446 AEG

Hiking	26.78 Miles	10 Hrs 12 Mns		2.83 mph
	4,446 ft AEG	44 Mns Break	20 LBS Pack

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If you ask me, the full moon closest the equinox is the best day of the year to hike, and as per usual I auto-blocked today for a monster hike of some sort. Eventually, I had plans A, B & C in place, waiting on a final selection as things developed. As prepared as I was though, by time to launch the universe had conspired against me and those plans were all out the window. I worked feverishly to rebound and was somewhere around plan R before deciding to just wing this one.

Having highly conflicting weather forecasts, I loaded gear for 3 seasons into my 20 liter pack, along with 3 liters of water. I drove the Redington road for 12 miles in a slow, intermittent drizzle, and I started hiking in the same. I gotta say that my morale was teetering at this point, but I pressed on.

Within an hour or so I had escaped the drizzle which seemed to be contained pretty much south of the main road, and I was now strolling the green foothills under a nicely overcast sky. Aside from occasional spits, the rain fell all around me and the cloud cover kept me from overheating. Things were looking up.

This trail is pretty moderate in elevation gain and offers some really nice views in all directions. Many of those views would be obscured for me today due to cloud cover, but hey, clouds are nice scenery too, so...

As it all played out, this ended up a winner for just wingin' it - I left home in the dark, I came home in the dark, I have a few sore muscles. All marks of a successful spring day outdoors.

Wildflowers Observation None
Present, but still rolled up tight. Any day now.

	Mercer Spring	Gallon + per minute	Gallon + per minute
	Loud and strong flow in the stream

The Lake

76-100% full

	Upper Molino Creek	Medium flow	Medium flow
	Recent rains have it running nicely

	West Fork Molino Creek	Medium flow	Medium flow
	Running very steadily

	West Spring	Gallon + per minute	Gallon + per minute
	Tank was bone dry. I don't think it fills anymore. However, the stream was running strong due to recent rains. Got one foot wet crossing it.

White Tank

76-100% full

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Nov 11 2023

fricknaley

Guides 93
Routes 397
Photos 4,984
Triplogs 4,124

49 male

Joined Jun 20 2003
Tucson, AZ

Soldier/AZT/Milagrosa Loop, AZ

Run/Jog		Nov 11 2023
		fricknaley • Triplogs 4,124

Run/Jog	17.00 Miles	3,589 AEG

Run/Jog	17.00 Miles	4 Hrs 17 Mns		4.16 mph
	3,589 ft AEG	12 Mns Break	10 LBS Pack

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Soldier Trail #706

La Milagrosa Ridge

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Revisiting a loop i like that takes in a nice, big area. Changed it up and went up to Shreve Saddle to pay a visit before heading east on the AZT. Nice challenging day. Felt decent, not great

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Dec 31 2022

markthurman53

Guides 187
Routes 990
Photos 12,079
Triplogs 865

72 male

Joined Jun 27 2015
Tucson, Arizona

Agua Caliente Creek Bellota Ranch, AZ

Hiking		Dec 31 2022
		markthurman53 • Triplogs 865

Hiking	10.00 Miles	895 AEG

Hiking	10.00 Miles	4 Hrs 54 Mns	2.28 mph
	895 ft AEG	31 Mns Break

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Rincon Mountains - AZT #9

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One last hike to end the year. My plan was to hike down Agua Caliente Wash from Bellota Ranch to the La Milagrosa Agua Caliente Spur Trail. I started out at the Bellota Ranch Road where the Arizona Trail crosses and headed east to where it crosses Agua Caliente Creek. Super nice trail. Once in the creek I headed downstream. Right from the get go I knew this was not going to be a cake walk. The creek had a moderate flow and usually easy to cross. There was a cattle trail of such but if you are more than 4 feet tall you will do a lot of stooping. A couple places the canyon narrows and requires a side trip up on the side of the creek. I continued downstream for about 1.5 miles and decided this was too rough, I kept hoping the canyon would open up to a nice sandy bottom but it never did. I may have to try heading upstream from the La Milagrosa Agua Caliente spur on my next excursion. Instead of heading all the way back upstream I decided to take a side Canyon and connect up with the Arizona Trail for my return.

I took the jeep trail to Bellota Ranch. I did this route a few years back when I was doing the Arizona Trail. At the ranch I talked to the individual that was living there, He came out to check out what I was doing, taking pictures of the ranch I guess alarmed him. Really nice chap and we talked for about 5 minutes. Wasn't quite done hiking yet so I took a side trip to Chimney Rock. I have never been there before. Easy walk along another jeep trail although it was really muddy. I can say I have been there now but I don't anticipate ever feeling the need to go back. I only say one vehicle on the road and 2 deer hunters all day, kind of strange for Redington pass. I did see a couple of deer along Agua Caliente Creek near Bellota Ranch. Every little stream or creek had water flowing.

	The Lake	51-75% full	51-75% full
	Creek had a light flow

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Oct 07 2022

GrangerGuy

Guides 34
Routes 138
Photos 931
Triplogs 111

68 male

Joined Dec 26 2018
Phoenix, AZ

Saguaro NP to Molino Basin, AZ

Hiking		Oct 07 2022
		GrangerGuy • Triplogs 111

Hiking	36.88 Miles	8,499 AEG

Hiking	36.88 Miles	3 Days 2 Hrs 12 Mns
	8,499 ft AEG		27 LBS Pack

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North Slope Trail - Saguaro NP

Hope Camp Trail

Quilter Trail

Manning Camp Trail

Fire Loop Trail - Mica

Mica Mountain Trail

Italian Spring Trail #95

[ checklist ] Barrel Cactus Coral Bean Desert Cotton Hummingbird Trumpet Morning glory Showy goldeneye Skunkbush Spiny hackberry Spotted knapweed

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In support of the Arizona Trail in a Day fundraiser for the AZT, I volunteered for a segment in the middle of the Saguaro Wilderness. This meant a day walking into the starting point, and two days walking out from the finishing point. As a reminder, walking across the park requires paying a park fee or having an appropriate pass.

Hope Camp Trail
I started at the Loma Alta Trailhead of the Hope Camp Trail. There is a short section of dirt road passable by any car and good parking here. I was surprised there is no outhouse here. This is a popular weekday trailhead for people doing day hikes, apparently. Hope Camp Trail is wide and pretty flat. At about 2.3 miles I met the AZT and …

Quilter Trail
Named after Jake Quilter, an enthusiastic trailworker, who died suddenly while doing trail work. Info on him: [ John "Jake" Quilter ] . According to trail signs, Quilter Trail from Hope Camp Trail to Manning Camp Trail is 5.5 miles, although I measured it at 4.6. It’s always tough to get these right. There was good water where the trail enters the wilderness boundary, at The “Quilter Trail – 1.35mi Water Crossing”. At a signpost pointing right to the abandoned Madrona Camp, begins the …

Manning Camp Trail
Continuing northeast on the Manning Camp Trail, I encountered at seasonal stream flowing cheerfully at several gallons per minute at N 32.1787° W -110.60955°. This trail is flagged for maintenance. It looks like the park service will soon be fixing many places where the trail has become a stream. Thank you, NPS! About 2.3 miles from the Quilter Trail, there is an intersection with the Douglas Spring Trail going off to the left. This intersection is a little confusing. From here the trail heads east and south. The sky was darkening, and rumbling, and I could see I was going to get wet, so I quickened my pace a little to Grass Shack Spring Camp, arriving and getting my tent set up just as it started to rain. Note that camping here requires a paid reservation at Recreation.gov, but it is a nice camp, with good bear boxes that make great tables, and a really nice outhouse. The camp is 3 miles past the end of the Quilter Trail, or 10 miles from the Loma Alta Trailhead.

Saturday morning, I began my commitment to Arizona Trail in a Day, leaving camp around 6:15 am. In 4.6 miles, arrived at Manning Camp, another place where you could camp after making the reservation at Recreation.gov. This camp is a backcountry camp for maintenance and fire crews, and is really well appointed with faucets delivering running water, giant wood furniture, picnic tables, solar showers, cabins, covered corrals, and a propane stove that would serve dozens. It’s a puzzle to me why there isn’t a circle drawn around this place excluding it from the wilderness. No one was around. I enjoyed a hot lunch (using my own stove) at their picnic table, and then continued NE on the …

South Fire Loop Trail
You only go about 0.1 mile on this trail before it bears off to the right, with the AZT / Mica Mountain Trail continuing straight.

Mica Mountain Trail
A quarter mile up this trail, I encountered something I had never seen before, a chronolog.io photo stand. The idea here is you set your camera on the stand and take a picture, which you email to their upload site and they add it to their time lapse photo series. Unfortunately, at 8000’, my brain doesn’t work quite so good, and I am “icon-challenged” in any case,

so I put my camera on the stand backwards. If you are in doubt, take pictures both ways and sort it out when you get home. At 1.5 miles from Manning Camp, I took the short detour left on…

North Fire Loop Trail
… arriving at the summit of Mica Mountain, my high point for the trip. Then back the way I came to the intersection with the Mica Mountain Trail. There is quite the trail network up here, and the trail labeling is imperfect up here, and people have scratched edits on the signs so you don’t lose the AZT. Mostly I was following my GPS, so I had no issue. I continued straight on the north Fire Loop Trail, which seems to be marked Mica Mountain Trail, past the intersection with the Bonita Trail and turning left on the…

North Slope Trail
I headed down this trail 0.6 mi to Italian Spring, which is a large grassy puddle, with good water. Just as I finished up stocking up my water and having a snack, the skies opened up with thunder and lightning and hail. Not my favorite thing on mountain ridges, but I hoped that the radio tower on Mica Mountain would be a better target than me. Hail stings on bare skin. I headed as fast as I could down…

Italian Spring Trail #95
I was much slower than a couple other parties of younger folks dashing from the storm, including an unauthorized dog, but there was no point in rushing and getting hurt. Once out of Saguaro National Park, and entering the Rincon Mountains Wilderness, I had completed my section of Arizona Trail in a Day, but I just kept walking until the rain stopped, setting up camp on a flat spot with great views.

Sunday, October 9, I was in no hurry to leave camp, and continued down the hill, with my pruning shears and saw handy. I trimmed a lot of catclaw and mesquite that was encroaching on the trail, but eventually ran out of time for this. Just before exiting the wilderness, I encountered a seasonal stream flowing vigorously, which I have added to the water sources.

Where FR 37 comes in from the left to go to Italian Trap Tank, there is a wide sandy wash flowing that had to be forded, but never more than an inch or two deep. I’m confused as to whether this is the beginning of the Italian Spring Trail or if Italian Spring Trail #95 begins at Reddington Road and follows the alignment of the AZT. Even the Far Out app shows this location as the transition from AZT Passage 9 to Passage 10, while the AZ Trail webpage shows the dividing line at Reddington Road.

From here it was clear I would have to push to get to my intended camp at The Lake where the trail crosses Bellota Road. I picked up a gallon of water I had cached at Reddington Road and pressed on the …

Bellota Trail #15
The hike through the rolling meadows of the Reddington Pass area is beautiful, and far different from the high rocky wilderness to the south. I watched numerous storms meandering through the area, but none hit me. A lot of target shooting goes on in the area, and even after dark

. I wished I was wearing my orange hunting season hiking gear as I walked along the ridge top. I arrived at The Lake just before 6 pm, set up my tent, and had dinner in the dark. A great horned owl serenaded me all evening. As I sat there, a helicopter and fixed wing plane came in and circled for about 20 minutes, looking in the dark for who knows what?

Monday morning, I was walking toward Molino Basin at first light. It is nice rolling country, and I watched the moon set and the sun rise as I went. Took a long break at West Spring, and then made the thousand foot climb up over the pass to Molino Basin.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

Wildflowers Observation Light

	Carolyn's Creek	Medium flow	Medium flow
	Flowing at gallons per minute of clear, cool water.

	Fletch's Creek	Medium flow	Medium flow
	Flowing at gallons per minute across trail.

	Grass Shack Spring	Gallon + per minute	Gallon + per minute
	The stream flows vigorously through the camp, by all the campsites.

	Italian Spring	Dripping	Dripping
	Pretty pool of water in the grass. Good source.

	Manning Camp Spring	Gallon per minute	Gallon per minute
	I collected water at the faucet at the cabin. There was water everywhere.

	Quilter Trail - 1.35mi Water Crossing	Heavy flow	Heavy flow
	Lots of water flowing in the ravine today, just where the Quilter Trail crosses into the wilderness.

	The Lake	51-75% full	51-75% full
	Plenty of water in the Lake, although I did not check it out for drinking quality.

	West Spring	Dripping	Dripping
	There was good water in a pool at the spring.

1 archive

Mar 20 2022

RedwallNHops

Guides 1
Routes 269
Photos 613
Triplogs 1,360

50 male

Joined Dec 22 2003
Tucson, AZ

Rincon Mountains - AZT #9

Tucson, AZ

Hiking		Mar 20 2022
		RedwallNHops • Triplogs 1,360

Hiking	15.35 Miles	3,150 AEG

Hiking	15.35 Miles
	3,150 ft AEG

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A friend was in town to do this segment so we decided to join him to do something shoulder friendly. A lot easier with a daypack.

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Mar 06 2021

RedwallNHops

Guides 1
Routes 269
Photos 613
Triplogs 1,360

50 male

Joined Dec 22 2003
Tucson, AZ

AZT sections 9 and 10, AZ

Backpack		Mar 06 2021
		RedwallNHops • Triplogs 1,360

Backpack	38.00 Miles	9,144 AEG

Backpack	38.00 Miles	2 Days
	9,144 ft AEG

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Started at Camino Loma Alta. Made pretty good time getting up to Manning. Nice calm night in the campground. an early start on Sunday with temps in the 20s..brrr. A little snow on the ground but nothing too bad. Got to Reddington road and we were wishing we had dropped a car there instead of at prison camp. Luckily passage 10 was pretty fun and not too hard. By the time we got to Molino, I decided to stay with the packs while the others went on to Prison camp to get the car. I wasn't too motivated since I'm not ticking off AZT segments.

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Feb 14 2021

fricknaley

Guides 93
Routes 397
Photos 4,984
Triplogs 4,124

49 male

Joined Jun 20 2003
Tucson, AZ

La Milagrosa Ridge

La Milagrosa Ridge

Tucson, AZ

Run/Jog		Feb 14 2021
		fricknaley • Triplogs 4,124

Run/Jog	15.80 Miles	2,212 AEG

Run/Jog	15.80 Miles	3 Hrs 36 Mns		4.56 mph
	2,212 ft AEG	8 Mns Break	5 LBS Pack

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Soldier Trail #706

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big loop i like using catalina highway up to soldier trail, soldier to hirabiyashi, AZT out to la milagrosa ridge.

it was chilly and cloudy at the beginning. i kinda struggled all day after two difficult nights at work. tried to just keep it moving, even if ugly.

tough day but a fun route

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hi

Nov 29 2020

johnlp

Guides 1
Routes 14
Photos 7,202
Triplogs 5,208

68 male

Joined Mar 16 2008
chandler,az

Tucson, AZ

Backpack		Nov 29 2020
		johnlp • Triplogs 5,208

Backpack	27.00 Miles	4,700 AEG

Backpack	27.00 Miles	2 Days
	4,700 ft AEG

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trekkin_gecko

Kelly and I decided to do an out and back on AZT #10 so we wouldn't need to find a shuttle. Plan was to locate a place to camp a little over half way, then day hike to the north end of the segment and back to camp hauling our cached water.
The first day was cool and breezy. Excellent hiking conditions. The trail is in good shape and scenery is above average. Good views of the Rincons and Catalinas. Saw some mountain bikers and a few hikers near Catalina highway. Mostly by ourselves. Spotted three whitetail deer including a buck.
As we set up camp and ate dinner the wind began to pick up. We had no idea there was a high wind advisory beginning at 2 AM lol. The wind blew 15-20 mph all night. Our tents held up fine. Thankfully temps stayed up in the forties. The previous morning we recorded 28 degrees along Reddington Rd.
After being in our tents for over ten hours we got up had coffee, ate a snack, packed up and headed out wearing all of our cold weather clothing. The wind was now blowing 25 mph with gusts to 45 trying to knock us off the trail. We still made pretty good time and got back to the car before 10 AM. Besides the wind it was a very nice hike.
We stopped in Tucson for breakfast then headed home. Another fun trip. Thanks Kelly!

	West Spring	Dripping	Dripping
	Pool under nearest cottonwood tree.

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“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson

Nov 29 2020

trekkin_gecko

Guides 10
Routes 673
Photos 7,281
Triplogs 4,660

67 female

Joined Nov 17 2008
phoenix, az

Tucson, AZ

Backpack		Nov 29 2020
		trekkin_gecko • Triplogs 4,660

Backpack	27.00 Miles	4,700 AEG

Backpack	27.00 Miles	2 Days
	4,700 ft AEG		19.6 LBS Pack

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johnlp

john and i decided to get one more azt segment in this year
we did redington pass as an in & out backpack/day hike combo
the passage now starts at redington road rather than italian trap trailhead according to the arizona trail website
left town early, and cached two gallons of water at molino basin trailhead just in case
set out around 0800 in upper 40s, quickly shedding layers
the entire day offered beautiful hiking weather, warming into the 60s
took a break at west spring, where we found a pool of water, and on the return, water in the spring box
had we known that, we might have started from gordon hirabayashi, which is a much easier drive
we had found a decent campsite a mile back from the spring, so we hid most of our gear there and day hiked the rest
good uphill to a saddle overlooking molino basin, then down to the campground and on to gordon hirabayashi
both the bellota and molino basin trails were smooth with good footing
enjoyed the sky island terrain throughout the hike
took another break at gordon hirabayashi
on the return, picked up three liters of water each, then our gear and on to the campsite
once the sun dropped, temps fell quickly
john climbed a nearby ridge for views of the sunset and of tucson
an almost full moon lit things up nicely
backpacking this time of year means a long time in the tents
it had been breezy all day, but the wind really kicked up early morning
we could barely heat water for coffee, had lara bars for breakfast, crammed our gear into packs and took off around 0645
a challenge fighting the wind on the way back

good thing we didn't know there was a high wind warning beforehand, and glad it wasn't like that sunday
nice to have less than eight miles to finish, and we were eating breakfast at snooze by 1100
this was one of my favorite passages so far
always a good trip with lp, especially with an opportunity to practice backpacking
thanks, john! one more green checkmark for the azt

	West Spring	Dripping	Dripping
	water in a pool below the spring, and in the spring box

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hazhole

Nov 22 2020

ttretta

Photos 71
Triplogs 40

60 female

Joined Jul 28 2015
Gilbert, AZ

Italian Spring Trail to Spud Rock

Tucson, AZ

Backpack		Nov 22 2020
		ttretta • Triplogs 40

Backpack	15.35 Miles	3,150 AEG

Backpack	15.35 Miles
	3,150 ft AEG

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Last day of my 4 day trek through passages 8, 9 and 10. Got a super early start from my campsite at mile 153.5, and walked a couple of hours in the dark. Had a real good scare from some deer staring me down. I was yelling at the top of my lungs, worried it was a bear or mountain lion!! There was absolutely no water anywhere on this passage, so had to really limit my eating so I didn't get too thirsty as I was still carrying water from Italian Spring the day before. It got me through to the end. The climb to the saddle overlooking Catalina Highway was tough, and seeing the mountain bike tire tracks was hair raising, imagining riding up or down that rugged, rocky terrain. When I saw the highway, I was so relieved. But then the final 1.5 miles of climbing back to my truck at Gordon Hirabayashi campground seemed like forever. But got it done. Left 3 gallons of water at that trailhead.

The Lake

Dry

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1 archive

Nov 01 2020

Mountain_Rat

Guides 11
Routes 123
Photos 818
Triplogs 257

62 male

Joined Jul 14 2011
Tucson, AZ

Italian Spring Trail to Spud Rock

Tucson, AZ

Hiking		Nov 01 2020
		Mountain_Rat • Triplogs 257

Hiking	21.92 Miles	5,456 AEG

Hiking	21.92 Miles	11 Hrs 10 Mns		2.16 mph
	5,456 ft AEG	1 Hour Break	13 LBS Pack

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Rincon Mountains - AZT #9

Italian Spring Trail #95

Fire Loop Trail - Mica

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LindaAnn

I’m not sure how, but Linda roped me into this one a while back

Despite all the preparation I made for it, this hike really beat me down. In fact, I’m pretty sure that somehow I did the final few miles “out of body”, and that Linda must have dragged my lifeless shell back to the truck. I will say that the weather was very accommodating; neither too hot nor too cold, neither too cloudy nor sunny, a comfortable breeze most of the trip. It was really the right day for a long hike like this.

The difficulty aside, it was really great to get into the Rincons again. I love this range, as I’m sure many do, but any adventure into these mountains requires a full day commitment at a minimum. As brutal as it is/was/will be, this is one for your list over which you’ll have no (long term) regrets.

It was great hiking and chatting with Linda again. I don’t know how she does it - leaving home at 03:00, hiking pre-dawn to sunset, all the while putting up with my complaining, then traveling another 3 hours to finish the day – but I’m glad she did, it was wonderful day and certainly one to remember.

	Park Tank	26-50% full	26-50% full
	Could see water from the trail a few miles above. Looked clean from my view.

	White Tank	26-50% full	26-50% full
	From a distance, I could see it had a good amount of water.

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1 archive

May 12 2020

clyde_joelle

Triplogs 43

70 female

Joined Jan 01 2019
Sierra Vista