Heartbreak Ridge Trail

Heartbreak Ridge Trail is a 5.7-mile, point-to-point route from Happy Valley Saddle north to the Fire Loop junction. It climbs over several small summits along the central Rincon ridge and finishes with a steeper ascent through pine woodland below Mica Mountain. The 5.7 miles cover the named ridge only, not the approach to either end or the route needed to exit.

The south end is about 6,080 feet above sea level; the north end is roughly 8,250 feet, a net rise of about 2,160 feet. Expect rolling climbs before the steeper finish. No reliable route-specific hiking time is published; allow about five to six hours for the ridge section, plus the approach and exit.

Neither junction is a road-access trailhead. Miller Creek Trailhead, off Forest Road 35 on Coronado National Forest land, is the east-side vehicle access; reaching Happy Valley Saddle means adding a separate backcountry approach. Published approach distances do not agree, so check a current wilderness map and account for the connector before setting out. Heartbreak Ridge ends at another trail junction rather than returning to a car, so plan the route beyond the Fire Loop end as well.

This is remote wilderness with seasonal, scarce water; carry what you need rather than counting on a spring. Pets are prohibited in the Saguaro Wilderness. Overnight camping requires a wilderness permit and must be at a designated campground. The gravel access roads can be restricted or impassable after heavy rain.