Manning Camp

About

Manning Camp represents one of the most rewarding backcountry experiences in southern Arizona. Situated at 8,000 feet in the Rincon Mountains within the Saguaro Wilderness, this remote camp offers temperatures typically 15-20 degrees cooler than Tucson, with lows commonly below 40 degrees even into late May. The six campsites are nestled among ponderosa pines near the historic Manning Cabin, built in 1905 by former Tucson Mayor Levi Manning. The journey to Manning Camp is itself a remarkable experience, requiring a minimum 10-mile hike with over 5,500 feet of elevation gain. Depending on your starting trailhead, routes can extend to 18 miles. Along the way, hikers pass through distinct biomes, from saguaro-studded desert through oak woodlands and riparian zones to the cool pine forests at the summit. A ranger is typically stationed here from April through September. Each campsite features a fire ring with grill, and food storage lockers protect against wildlife. Water is virtually always available from a perennial spring near the cabin, though the spring itself is fenced and water must be collected a short distance downstream. All water should be filtered or treated. The camp has vault toilets but no showers. Maximum stay is limited to 5 consecutive nights at Manning Camp, with a 10-day total for all wilderness camps combined.

Directions

Manning Camp is accessible only by foot via several trails from the Rincon Mountain District. The most common routes are the Douglas Spring Trail from the east side or the Tanque Verde Ridge Trail, both requiring 10-18 miles of hiking with 5,500-6,500 feet of elevation gain. Access the trailheads from the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center area east of Tucson.