Rincon Mountain Wilderness
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Rincon Mountain Wilderness is located in the state of Arizona and is a popular destination for hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, and nature lovers.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The wilderness area covers approximately 42,000 acres and is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, mountain lions, and black bears.
One of the main reasons to visit Rincon Mountain Wilderness is the stunning natural beauty of the area. The wilderness is known for its rugged mountains, lush forests, and scenic vistas, making it a great place for hiking, camping, and exploring. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of recreational activities, such as birdwatching, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
Some of the specific points of interest to see in Rincon Mountain Wilderness include the Rincon Mountains Visitor Center, where visitors can learn about the area's history and geology, and the Mica View Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Other notable attractions include the Tanque Verde Ridge Trail and the Saguaro National Park East.
Interesting facts about the area include that Rincon Mountain Wilderness is home to one of the largest populations of endangered Mexican spotted owls in the United States. Additionally, the area is known for its diverse plant life, including giant saguaro cacti, mesquite trees, and juniper bushes.
The best time of year to visit Rincon Mountain Wilderness is during the fall and winter months when temperatures are cooler and the weather is more mild. However, visitors should be prepared for changes in weather, as the area can experience sudden rainstorms and high winds at any time of year.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Happy Valley Campground
|
||
Grass Shack Spring Campground
|
||
Spud Rock Campground
|
||
Manning Campground
|
||
Juniper Basin Campground
|
||
Manning Camp
|
Saguaro National Park
Wilderness Saguaro
Colossal Cave Mountain Park