This Rincon Mountain Wilderness trail provides access to the top of the Rincons. The first 1.6 miles of the trail is through grasslands sprinkled with mesquite trees. At the end of this section, a faint path comes in from the left. This side path leads a short distance to the Park Tank. The Italian Spring Trail continues to the right.

After going through rolling hills with mesquites, oaks, and junipers, the trail crosses a streambed which is usually dry in summer but may have water during the winter. The trail narrows here and begins to climb into an area of large rock formations, pine trees and alligator junipers. After the trail enters the Saguaro National Monument, it climbs steeply and ponderosa pines begin to show up. The trail continues through a burn area thick with underbrush which has grown up since the fire. Italian Spring Trail ends at the spring which is also the junction with the North Slope Trail. The Italian Spring Trail is a part of the Arizona Trail system.

Two miles of this trail are within the Rincon Mountain Wilderness. Motorized and mechanized vehicles and equipment, including mountain bikes, are not permitted in Wilderness.

Water is questionable on this trail. Purification of any water found is recommended prior to use.

Directions: From Tucson, Drive east on Tanque Verde Road until it becomes Redington Pass Road. Travel 9.6 miles from the beginning of the gravel to FR 37. After about a half mile, the road appears to fork - stay to the left. At the junction of FR 4424 and FR 37, bear left and take FR 37. At the barbed wire flexible gate, bear left when the road seems to fork after going through the gate. A short while later the road drops into the bottom of a sandy wash. The trailhead is on the opposite bank of the wash.

Elevation: 4,000 feet

Ending Elevation: 7,980 feet

Elevation Gain: 3,980 feet

Distance: 6.4 miles

Usage: Light

Difficulty: Moderate

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