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In 1884, Levi Manning emigrated from Mississippi to Tucson, Arizona, and after some years established L.H. Manning and Company. He later expanded his business interests with ranching and acquired a 160-acre homestead in the Rincon Mountains. There, at an elevation of 8,000 feet, amid pine forest near a perennial spring, he selected a site for what would become his family’s summer home. Manning hired local workers to build an 11-mile wagon road to the site, which was used to transport the tools and materials used to construct his remote, five-room retreat. However, Manning would only enjoy his mountain getaway for a couple summers before his homestead was absorbed into the newly-formed Coronado National Forest in 1907.
For the next half-century, the Manning Cabin was used mostly by Forest Service fire and trail crews. During this time, it went through various states of disrepair and reconstruction. From the late 1950s until the late 1970s, the cabin was largely abandoned until it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. One again restored and back in operation, the Manning Cabin serves as a base for area research and backcountry rangers. The cabin is not open to the public, but visitors can hike to the cabin and pitch their tents in the nearby Manning Camp. This small campground has six tent sites that can accommodate up to six people each. Camping here requires obtaining a Saguaro National Park backcountry permit, which can be acquired at a park visitor center, or by mailing in a request form in advance.
There are several hiking trails that can be used to get to Manning Camp. All are long, and all are difficult. The trail from Happy Valley is 9.8 miles (one-way), and gains a total of 4,700 feet of elevation. This trail starts at the Miller Creek trailhead, near the eastern border of the park, and requires driving an unmaintained forest road; 4WD and/or a high-clearance vehicle are recommended. From the Loma Alta trailhead, in the southwest corner of the Rincon Mountain Unit, the route is 13.5 miles (one-way), and gains more than 5,700 feet of elevation. The trails to Manning Camp climb through a mix of desert scrub, oak woodlands and conifer forests. This area is home to black bears and mountain lions; store all food in the camp’s bear-proof lockers. Hikers should follow LNT guidelines, and treat all backcountry water sources.
Really nice backcountry campsites with a historic cabin, very reliable high quality water source. It's a beautiful place to spend a night or two right near the Mica Mountain summit. Don't miss spud rock if you're up here!
Manning Camp was such a welcome sight by the time I got there. I have hiked there directly before, but this time I hiked from Alta Loma Trail Head through Happy Valley, stopped off at Rincon Peak and then took Heartbreak Ridge across to Manning. It was such an intense hike that by the time I got to Manning I was exhausted. Manning did not disappoint. I was able to relax and camp quite peacefully. The wind was whipping but the campground sits in a recessed area so it didn't bother me at all. The spring right there is great and is often flowing but just in case bring plenty of water. There are bear boxes up there that make it especially nice, but do not leave any trash in them. Always "pack it in, pack it out." Happy hiking.
Well maintained with a couple of spotless restrooms, there is a constant water source (although sterilization recommended) just behind the site from a few small waterfalls and pools. Most sites have fire rings and there are plenty of flat spots covered with pine straw to pitch tents. It is about 8000 feet so can get cold at night in winter/spring. There is a helipad which affords fantastic views of Southern Tucson and even as far as the Mexican border. The sunsets can be fantastic so bring a camera (posted a few pics).
A visit to Manning Camp is well worth the challenging hike up. This backcountry camping area can only be accessed by foot or on horseback, and sits within sitting distance of the historic Manning Cabin, which is currently used administratively by the National Park service. From spring through fall, you may encounter the Manning Camp ranger, or other Park service staff who are friendly and knowledgeable. Otherwise, you are likely to have the place to yourself. Stop by the visitor center for a camping permit before you hike up, though.
While camped at Manning, you will find ample opportunity to hike and explore the beautiful forest with it's long views, wild flowers, and wildlife.
Be sure to walk out to the helispot for sunset over the Tucson basin!
A truly special place in Coronado National Forest high in the Rincons. There is truly no easy way to get there. It's at 8000ft elevation with no road access. There are campsites and a Ranger Station with some seasonal water spigots and a small horse stable. It's 15miles one way and 6000ft of climbing from Loma Alta Trailhead.
