How to Hike the Redington Pass

Hike the Redington Pass in Tucson, Arizona and experience landscape and sights like grass-covered, rounded hills, mountainous views and steep rocky switchbacks. The Redington Pass is one of the 43 passages of the 800-mile Arizona Trail that connects canyons, deserts, forests and mountain ranges. Prepare thoroughly before embarking on this challenging adventure to get the most out of your hiking experience.

Things You'll Need

  • Hiking gear and supplies
  • Camping permit, if necessary
  • Redington Pass topographic map
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Instructions

    • 1

      Prepare hiking gear and supplies. Bring sufficient water and food when crossing the Redington Pass, which spans 15.7 miles. The National Park Service recommends hikers crossing the Saguaro Wilderness Area to bring at least one gallon of water for each hiker per day. Bring additional water if you plan on hiking during the summer, as temperatures can reach high extremes. Expect scarce water on the trail throughout the year. Other items to bring include navigation tools, sun protection, extra clothing, flashlight, first-aid supplies, matches, knife and extra food. Wear protective footwear. Bring a tent and obtain a camping permit from the National Park Service if staying overnight.

    • 2

      Obtain a Redington Pass Trail topographic maps from the Arizona Public Lands Info Center. Contact them at (602) 417-9300 or (800) 986-1151.

    • 3

      Choose an ending and starting point for your hike. The Redington Pass's southern trailhead is located at Italian Trap Trailhead with GPS coordinates of 32.28317° North, 110.56849° West. The northern trail head starts at Gordon Hirabayashi Trailhead on Catalina Highway with GPS coordinates of 32.33581° north, 110.71972° west.

    • 4

      Share the trail with other hikers, cyclists, horseback and ATV riders. Stay on marked trails and be cautious of illegal immigrant and smuggling activities in the region. Be cautious around wildlife. Animals you may see include black bears, Africanized bees and mountain lions.