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.
Flood Watch issued October 29 at 10:44AM MST until November 2 at 5:00AM MST by NWS Tucson AZ
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...A portion of Southeast Arizona, including the following areas, Baboquivari Mountains, Catalina and Rincon Mountains, Dragoon and Mule and Huachuca and Santa Rita Mountains, Galiuro and Pinaleno Mountains, South Central Pinal County, Southeast Pinal County, Tohono O'odham Nation, Tucson Metro Area, Upper Gila River Valley, Upper San Pedro River Valley, Upper Santa Cruz River Valley/Altar Valley and White Mountains of Graham and Greenlee Counties. * WHEN...From Saturday evening through early Monday morning. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Low-water crossings may be flooded. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - A strong weather system approaching the area will bring widespread to numerous showers Sunday, November 1. Moderate to locally heavy rainfall with rainfall totals 0.5 to 1 inch possible in the valleys and 1 to 2+ inches possible in the mountains. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
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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