Getting Oriented
Redington Pass crosses the saddle between the Santa Catalina Mountains and the Rincon Mountains, the two ranges that frame Tucson on the north and east. The road leaves Tucson at the east end of Tanque Verde Road, climbs to about 4,600 feet at the pass, and descends to about 3,200 feet in the San Pedro River Valley. The eastern terminus is the small ranching community of Cascabel and connecting dirt roads that lead to Benson and SR-77.
Trail Overview
Thirty miles point-to-point. The first dozen miles are graded dirt that smaller crossovers manage in dry weather. The middle six miles include rocky descents and a few off-camber ledges where 4WD makes the run more comfortable. The eastern half down to the San Pedro is graded again. Several side roads break off into the Coronado NF for dispersed camping and hiking access into the Rincon Mountain Wilderness.
Points of Interest
- Reddington Pass. The named saddle at about 4,600 feet, with views east to the San Pedro Valley and west back over Tucson.
- Tanque Verde Falls. Seasonal falls in the wash below the western start. Off-trail and not a developed site, but a popular stop.
- Bellota Trail. USFS hiking trail north into the Catalina backcountry, with a corral and stock trailhead at the road's high point.
- Italian Trap. Side track and rocky climb off the main road, popular with local 4WD clubs as a harder optional loop.
- San Pedro River. The eastern descent ends at the river, one of the last free-flowing rivers in Arizona.
Where to Camp
Dispersed camping is allowed on Coronado NF land along the route with the standard 14-day stay limit. Several signed dispersed sites cluster around the Bellota Trail and the high saddle. Closest developed campgrounds are at Catalina State Park (on the western side of the Catalinas, off SR-77) and Coronado NF's Sycamore Canyon campground east of the San Pedro.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip
- Air down before the rocky middle section. Sidewalls suffer at street pressure on the embedded volcanic rock.
- Avoid the route in wet weather. The saddle drainages flood and the clay surface goes greasy.
- Carry a tire repair kit. The route punctures sidewalls regularly.
- Cell service drops at the pavement end. Use an offline map.
- The Santa Catalina Ranger District (520-749-8700) handles current conditions and seasonal closures around the Bellota corral.
