Cowhead Saddle Trail

Cowhead Saddle Trail is a 4-mile point-to-point climb from Cowhead Saddle to Manning Camp in Saguaro's Rincon Mountains. It gains about 2,000 feet, from roughly 6,100 feet to the high country near 8,000 feet. Allow around four to five hours for this segment. It's a hard backcountry connection for hikers already making a longer trip; those four miles do not include the long walk to the saddle.

There is no road access at Cowhead Saddle. From the Douglas Spring Trailhead at the east end of Speedway Boulevard, the approach to the saddle is about 8.8 trail miles. The other approach follows Tanque Verde Ridge Trail for about 11 miles from Javelina Picnic Area. These are separate approaches, so plan the whole itinerary and return before setting out.

The climb leaves the saddle through open, sun-exposed slopes with manzanita, oak and juniper, then reaches thicker ponderosa pine forest higher up. The tread is steep and rocky in places, with about 2,000 feet of ascent packed into four miles. At the saddle, look up the route toward the pale rock outcrops; that framed view through the juniper is the trail's best photo stop.

About three miles in, below Helens Dome, northbound junctions lead toward Mica Mountain and North Slope. Keep the route to Manning Camp in mind at these forks. The last stretch reaches Manning Cabin and the campground, where other paths branch away.

Manning Camp sits around 7,920 feet under ponderosa pines, a very different climate from the desert below. Former Tucson mayor Levi Manning built the cabin as a family summer home; the park now uses the camp as a base for fire and natural-resource work. There are six designated sites, and an overnight stay requires a reservation and permit. Water near the cabin is usually available but has dried up before, and there is no confirmed water source along this trail segment. Carry at least a gallon per person per day and treat any surface water.