Location and surroundings
Red Hill lies in Pinal County, Arizona, in the United States, and belongs to the Tortolita Mountains of the Huachuca Area in the broader Southeast Arizona Ranges. It is the highest of the two named peaks in its range, and the range itself is the high point of the Tortolita Mountains. The terrain around the summit is typical of the Sonoran-borderland hills: dry slopes, rocky ridges, and open desert vegetation rather than forested alpine ground.
Neighbouring peaks
- Signal Peak — 1,324 m, 5.9 km NW
- Black Hills — 1,216 m, 6.9 km NW
- Ray Spring Hill — 1,379 m, 11.9 km S
- American Flag Hill — 1,475 m, 12.8 km S
- Alto Hill — 1,415 m, 13.6 km SW
- Oracle Hill — 1,597 m, 14.7 km SW
- Martinez Mountain — 1,109 m, 16.1 km NE
- Lookout Mountain — 908 m, 16.5 km N
Red Hill is lower than all of the nearby named peaks listed here except Martinez Mountain and Lookout Mountain. Its nearest higher neighbour is Signal Peak, which rises 5.9 km to the northwest and is the closest higher summit in the area.
The view from the summit
Within 25 km, the highest peaks include Rice Peak at 2,289 m, 21.3 km south; Maverick Mountain at 2,136 m, 24.8 km east; Biscuit Peak at 1,980 m, 24.3 km east; Apache Peak at 1,960 m, 17.2 km south; Little Table Mountain at 1,890 m, 21.6 km northeast; and Table Mountain at 1,871 m, 21.2 km northeast. These are the main larger summits that frame the wider horizon around Red Hill.
The range
Red Hill belongs to the Tortolita Mountains, whose high point is this peak itself. The range has 2 named peaks, and Red Hill ranks first by elevation in it. In the wider mountain hierarchy, it sits inside the North American Cordillera and the Intermountain West, then the Southwest Basins and Ranges, Southeast Arizona Ranges, and Huachuca Area. No higher summit is listed for the Tortolita Mountains because Red Hill is the range high point.
Access and starting points
The nearest settlement is Mammoth, a village 5.3 km northeast of the summit. From there, the rough walking line is about 6.9 km on foot with 330 m of ascent, which suggests roughly 1.5–2.5 hours by Naismith's rule; the real route may be longer depending on the line chosen. OpenStreetMap also shows one communication mast within 10 km, 9.8 km southeast of the top.
Climate and weather
Climate estimates from NASA POWER for 2001–2020 suggest that the summit is warm in summer and mild in winter. The warmest month is June, at about 29 °C, and the coldest is January, at about 8 °C. Mean temperatures stay above freezing in every month. Around the mountain, annual precipitation is about 300 mm, with the wettest month in July at about 65 mm and the driest in May at about 5 mm. Summer heat, sun exposure, and sudden storm runoff are the main hazards.
Best time to visit
Because the summit stays above freezing all year, Red Hill can be climbed in any season, but the most comfortable periods are usually the cooler months and the drier parts of the year. The summer monsoon brings the wettest conditions, especially in July, while May is the driest month. In practice, spring and autumn often offer the best balance of temperature and daylight, while summer outings need early starts, extra water, and care with heat and thunderstorms.
Nature and wildlife
The Tortolita Mountains sit in a dry Arizona hill country where desert scrub, cacti, and scattered rocky outcrops are typical. Lower slopes often support heat-tolerant shrubs and grasses, while the higher ground is more open and stony. Wildlife in this kind of terrain commonly includes lizards, birds of prey, small mammals, and larger desert animals that move through the washes and ridgelines. Visitors should expect exposed ground, strong sun, and little shade on the ascent.
Guides and organised ascents
For a peak like Red Hill, a certified guide is usually not essential for experienced hikers, but it can be useful for visitors who want route-finding help, heat management, or local mountain knowledge. In the United States, the national mountain guide association is the American Mountain Guides Association, an IFMGA/UIAGM member, and the national alpine club is the American Alpine Club. Examples of established guiding companies working in the mountains of the country include RMI Expeditions and Exum Mountain Guides. Some peaks in the country require permits or registration, depending on the land agency.
Safety and preparation
Red Hill is not a high alpine summit, but the desert setting still demands preparation. Carry enough water, protect against sun and heat, and plan for loose rock, steep slopes, and limited shade. In warm months, start early and avoid the hottest part of the day. Mobile coverage may be available near the summit area, but it can fail in folds of terrain or behind ridges. For mountain rescue and other emergencies in the United States, the number is 911.
Interesting facts
Red Hill is the highest of the two named peaks in the Tortolita Mountains, so it is the range high point. Its nearest higher peak is Signal Peak, 5.9 km to the northwest. The summit is also part of a wider landscape where several much higher peaks lie within 25 km, including Rice Peak and Maverick Mountain. Despite its modest height compared with those neighbours, it is the top point of its own small range.
FAQ
How high is Red Hill? Red Hill rises to 1,048 m.
Where is Red Hill? It is in Pinal County, Arizona, in the United States, within the Tortolita Mountains.
What range is Red Hill part of? It belongs to the Tortolita Mountains, which are part of the Huachuca Area in the broader mountain chain listed for southeastern Arizona.
What is the nearest higher peak? The nearest higher peak is Signal Peak, 5.9 km northwest of Red Hill.
Is there water on the way to Red Hill? Plan to carry your own supply. For a day outing in this dry terrain, 1.5–3 litres is a sensible range, more in hot weather.
Are there huts on Red Hill? OpenStreetMap shows no hut or shelter within 2 km of the top, so hikers usually plan the ascent as a day trip or carry their own tent.
How long does it take to walk up Red Hill from Mammoth? From Mammoth, the rough walking estimate is about 1.5–2.5 hours, based on 6.9 km on foot and 330 m of ascent; the real path may take longer.
Will my phone work on Red Hill? One communication mast is mapped within 10 km, 9.8 km southeast of the summit. On an open top, a signal is likely, but it can fail in valleys or behind ridges. 112 reaches emergency services over any available network, and maps should be downloaded before you go.