Arizona Trail: Passage 8 - Rincon Valley

This passage is generally considered easy to moderate or intermediate in difficulty, making it one of the shorter and easier sections of the Arizona Trail. It features predominantly singletrack with some short ascents and descents, followed by a longer, gradual descent.

The passage officially begins at the Gabe Zimmerman Trailhead. This trailhead offers parking and includes memorials to the victims of a 2011 shooting in Tucson.

The ideal seasons for hiking this passage are fall, winter, and spring. Summers can be very hot, making these cooler months more enjoyable for exploration.

A permit is needed if you plan on deviating from the main Arizona Trail route within the Cienega Creek Natural Preserve. The trail also passes through Colossal Cave Mountain Park, which may have its own fees for cave tours or specific park facilities, but generally not for simply hiking through on the Arizona Trail.

While the Arizona Trail is generally dog-friendly, specific regulations may apply within protected areas like the Cienega Creek Natural Preserve and Colossal Cave Mountain Park. It's always best to check with the park or preserve management for their current pet policies before you go.

You'll traverse diverse landscapes including thornscrub, semi-desert grassland, and desert scrub. The trail features tall saguaros, especially as you head north, and passes through two significant riparian corridors: Cienega Creek Natural Preserve and Rincon Creek. The Cienega Creek Natural Preserve is particularly lush with a perennial stream and cottonwood trees.

Key highlights include the vibrant Cienega Creek Natural Preserve, the impressive Colossal Cave Mountain Park (where you can take guided cave tours), and the vast desert landscapes with Gigantic Saguaros. You'll also pass by La Selvilla Picnic Area & Trailhead and Pistol Hill – Saguaro National Park.

Yes, the route is part of the Arizona Trail and also passes through sections of the Sky Islands Traverse and the Arizona Trail // Rincon.

Water sources along the trail often require purification before use. It's advisable to carry sufficient water for your hike and be prepared to treat any water you collect.

The biologically diverse environment offers opportunities to spot unique wildlife such as coati and Cooper's hawks, especially in the riparian areas like Cienega Creek Natural Preserve, which is known for its diverse bird population.

The area is rich in history. Archaeological evidence in Cienega Creek Natural Preserve suggests human activity for thousands of years. The trail also crosses old railroad tracks and passes the site of the former Cienega Creek station on the Butterfield Overland Mail route. Colossal Cave Mountain Park itself has a fascinating past, used by native peoples and as an outlaw hideout.