Happy Valley Saddle
The campground is open and accepting reservations through Recreation.gov. Happy Valley Road to the trailheads has stream crossings and requires high-clearance or 4WD vehicles. Past fires have left unstable terrain and falling hazards at higher elevations in the Rincon Mountains.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued August 29 at 3:59PM MST until August 29 at 4:00PM MST by NWS Tucson AZ
The storm which prompted the warning has weakened below severe limits, and no longer poses an immediate threat to life or property. Therefore, the warning will be allowed to expire. However, gusty winds are still possible with this thunderstorm.
Flash Flood Warning issued August 29 at 3:55PM MST until August 29 at 6:45PM MST by NWS Tucson AZ
FFWTWC The National Weather Service in Tucson has issued a * Flash Flood Warning for... East Central Pima County in southeastern Arizona... * Until 645 PM MST. * At 355 PM MST, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 0.6 and 1.1 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 1.5 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas. * Some locations that will experience flash flooding include... Tucson, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, South Tucson and Tucson International Airport. This includes the following highways... Interstate 19 between mile markers 60 and 63. Route 86 near mile marker 171. Interstate 10 between mile markers 259 and 267. This includes the following Flash Flood Prone Locations... Drexel Rd east of Alvernon Way.
Flash Flood Warning issued August 29 at 3:31PM MST until August 29 at 6:30PM MST by NWS Tucson AZ
FFWTWC The National Weather Service in Tucson has issued a * Flash Flood Warning for... East Central Pima County in southeastern Arizona... Northwestern Santa Cruz County in southeastern Arizona... * Until 630 PM MST. * At 331 PM MST, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1 and 1.5 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas. * Some locations that will experience flash flooding include... Green Valley, Amado and Arivaca Junction. This includes Interstate 19 between mile markers 29 and 35. This includes the following streams and drainages... Champurrado Wash, Cerro Prieto Wash, Sopori Wash, Banner Wash, Old Junction Wash, Altar Wash, Santa Cruz River and Demetrie Wash.
About
Happy Valley Saddle sits at 6,200 feet in the Rincon Mountains of Saguaro National Park's eastern district, accessible only by foot via a demanding 3.9-mile hike with over 2,000 feet of elevation gain. The campground is reached from Miller Creek Trailhead (2WD accessible) or Turkey Creek Trailhead (high-clearance 4WD required), both located in Coronado National Forest on the east side of the range. The campground offers three designated sites, each accommodating up to six people. Amenities are minimal but include a vault toilet, bear boxes for food storage, fire rings, and tent pads. Water availability is highly unreliable; the creek running past the campground is sandy and water typically disappears below the surface. During wet periods, you may find pooled water by following the creek downstream to exposed rock areas. Campers should carry at least one gallon of water per person per day. The area contains many hazardous dead pine trees from past fires and is frequently affected by winter storms. Despite these challenges, Happy Valley Saddle provides an excellent base for climbing Rincon Peak and offers impressive eastern views during summer months. Campfires are permitted in designated fire rings when no fire restrictions are in effect.
Directions
From Tucson, take I-10 east to Mescal Road (Exit 297). Head south on Mescal Road, then turn right onto Happy Valley Road. Continue approximately 8 miles to Miller Creek Trailhead (2WD accessible) or continue to Turkey Creek Trailhead (high-clearance 4WD only). Both trailheads are in Coronado National Forest. From either trailhead, hike 1.5 miles to the park boundary, then continue to Happy Valley Saddle (3.9 miles total from Miller Creek with 2,000+ feet elevation gain).
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | No |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $4 - $8 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (520) 733-5153 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Photos
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