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Miller Creek Trail
For a bit of a challenge, take this moderately difficult trail into the backcountry.
Plan Around Miller Creek Trail
A good stop is not just something to read about. Once it belongs on the day, move into a saved trip and build the route around it.
Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Miller Creek Trail Details
Getting to the Miller Creek trailhead takes a bit more effort than some of the others in Saguaro National Park, but it is still mostly accessible by light truck or car. From I-10, take exit 297 and go north on the paved road for two miles, when it turns into graded gravel. When you enter the Coronado National Forest, the road will change names to USFS Route 35. The Miller Creek Trailhead turnoff is 16 miles north of I-10. Once you reach the trail, however, you'll quickly realize why this area is called Happy Valley – it's filled with vegetation, wildlife, and running water, and is one of the park's secret gems. For the first mile, the trail follows along Miller Creek and passes through heavy vegetation before beginning a steady climb to the junction with Heartbreak Ridge Trail. Combine the Miller Creek Trail with the Rincon Peak Trail to lengthen your hike and summit Rincon Peak. If you're planning on hiking the Miller Creek Trail, keep in mind that after heavy rainfall access to the trailhead may be restricted or impassable; plan accordingly.
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
9 miles
Estimated time
3 hours
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Miller Creek Trail
Compare nearby parks around Miller Creek Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Miller Creek Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Miller Creek Trail while the map context is still fresh.
0.1 mi away
Rincon Peak Trail
Combine this trail with the Miller Creek Trail for the shortest route to the top of Rincon Peak.
10.1 mi away
Quilter Trail (Arizona Trail)
This trail extends outside of the park, where its name changes to the Arizona Trail.
12.0 mi away
Ridge View Trail
This quick, 1.6-mile trail climbs to a scenic view of the canyons of Tanque Verde Ridge.
12.1 mi away
Hope Camp Trail
The park's newest trail is multi-use, meaning it is open to hikers, bicyclists, and horseback riders.
12.4 mi away
Tanque Verde Falls
Situated on the floor of the Tanque Verde Canyon in Tucson is this spectacular 80-foot waterfall.
