Overview
Mica Mountain is the highpoint of the Rincon Mountains. It is located just east of Tucson, and together with Mount Lemmon, creates a formidable barrier on the north and east sides of the city. The Rincon Mountains are located in Saguaro National Park and the Coronado National Forest.Mica Mountain is a huge mountain. It towers almost 6,300' above Tucson. Mica Mountain has gentle slopes and many trails. Thousand of people traverse the slopes of Mica Mountain every year. A climb of Mica Mountain from almost any direction will involve long distances and high elevation gains, and will test the endurance of almost any climber. The high elevations of the Rincons have scrub oak, Ponderosa Pine, and Douglas Fir, and the lower slopes are home to a classic Sonoran Desert landscape. Climbers will travel through several different life zones on the way to the top. Although the summit of Mica Mountain has no views, the nearby Spud Rock offers good views of Tucson and the surrounding area. Mica Mountain was named for the numerous Mica rock deposits that are located on the mountain. The new field of Prominence has made Mica Mountain an important mountain. With a prominence of 4,608', Mica Mountain makes an impressive appearance on the Arizona Prominence Map.
Getting There
There are at least three ways to approach Mica Mountain. You can approach it from Tucson via Speedway Boulevard, and take the Douglas Springs Trail. You can approach it from the north via Forest Roads 4417 and 4424, and take Forest Trail 95 to the top. Or, you can come in from the southeast via Forest Roads 35 and 4408, and take the Turkey Creek Trail. You should contact Saguaro National Monument and the Coronado National Forest for maps and access information.Mountain Conditions
Contact the Coronado National Forest, Santa Catalina Ranger District, at 520-749-8700, or the Saguaro National Park, Rincon Mountain District, at 520-733-5153.Forest Service Map: Coronado National Forest (Safford and Santa Catalina Ranger Districts)
Topo Maps: Mica Mountain; Tanque Verde Peak; Happy Valley.
