redington pass and the rincons by bocmaxima
The Rincons Mountains could be considered the younger, overlooked cousin of the Catalinas. This is not to say that they're any younger in geologic age, but rather they're slightly smaller and less dramatic, but are much more isolated and desolate.There are three ways into the Rincons:
The best way is to hike. The Douglas Spring Trail, starting from the end of Speedway Boulevard, takes you into the beautiful yucca-lined grassland representing the foothills of the Rincons. After about 6.5 miles, you hit the Douglas Spring campground and have the chance to continue to Rincon Peak. This a really nice trail to do as a long day hike (going all the way to the peak is an overnighter) and is not very crowded past two or three miles. Keep in mind that there is no water on the trail, except what you may find in the creeks.
You can also drive in on two different roads.
Redington Road starts paved from the end of Tanque Verde Road on the far eastern side of town past the horse ranches and cactus nurseries. It quickly becomes a windy, narrow, gravel and dirt road. Once you pass the more popular Tanque Verde Falls parking lots, you're in a very desolate part of the Rincons. You'll see ATVers, horseback riders, hunters and people just out there to shoot, but they'll taper off the further you go. At about 12 miles, you hit the Italian Spring and Arizona Trail. If you head south, you will eventually meet the Douglas Spring Trail mentioned above and can gain access into the heart of the Rincons. The road eventually heads back down into the desert and hits San Pedro Road at the village of Redington.
