Water is a must, I took 1.5 gallons in my pack. Those hours of discomfort lugging my gear were well worth it. Go to 1-19 South and continue on towards Nogales. I was certain to be on the mountain that night. Mount Wrightson via Old Baldy Trail is a 11.4 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Green Valley, Arizona that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. Old Baldy Trail, built in 1928, climbs 4,345 feet in 5.4 miles. Turn left and go under the freeway. From the Highest Point Between Tucson and Mexico: A Hike up Mount Wrightson Tucson is surrounded by mountains. A hike to Mt. Trails in the Wilderness crisscross forests, canyons and ridgetops, accessing panoramic views and cool, shaded glades. You will enjoy absorbing the peaceful nature energy from the place, and will be relaxed by the sound of the birds chirping, and the clean, fresh air. (photo Mitch Stevens) Accompanying us was hiker extraordinaire Bill Bens; who had climbed Mount Wrightson over 130 times. The first thing that'll come to mind when you catch your first glimpse of Mount Wrightson is, HOLY MOLY! The trails form a figure eight making it possible to put together a number of different loops using different portions of each. I hurriedly threw my bag together despite heat warnings playing on the radio. Living in Arizona has been a real blessing. Wrightson is the highest point in the Santa Rita Mountains. I’d encourage anybody try it. Hiking to the peak of Mt Wrightson from the nearest lot takes 3-4 hours each way. Hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails are popular in the area and vary from paved and gentle walking paths, to steep, strenuous trails leading to the top of 9,453-foot Mt. Just be careful not to disturb or harm them. The next milestone, Baldy Saddle is a couple thousand more feet up. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Travel: There are three Green Valley exits from I-19. However, I didn’t want to leave my gear laying down below. However, this day was important, I had a mission to place a memorial photo on the summit. My core equipment was moved from off trail bag to larger overnight bag. The night hike is surreal, especially with a full moon. Both hikes are within the Mount Wrightson Wilderness. And it looks even farther than that — at 9,453 feet, Mount Wrightson, also known as Old Baldy, is the highest point in the Santa Rita Mountains. Overall I’d agree with Mt. Humphries and Harquahala Peak as my favorite hike in Arizona. Wrightson Wilderness range from well-used pathways to primitive routes. An in-depth view of what it's like to arrive and hike Mt. This trail goes by Josephine Saddle, Bellows Spring, Old Baldy, Baldy Saddle, and Baldy Spring. You can also go during the winter months, but you must be prepared for snow, ice, and rain. Make sure to go in a group of 3 or more, read the trail head for … On the way back, views of the La Sal Mountains and Elephant Canyon open up before the trail returns to Devil's Kitchen. At an altitude of 9,456', Mount Wrightson is the highest mountain near Tucson. After all, climbing up this mountain will let you pass through different ecological zones ranging from the remains of the Sonoran desert to the Ponderosa pines and the majestic Douglas Firs. Wrightson … Looking at the seemingly infinite number of jagged peaks jut off towards the horizon in all directions. The views from the peak are stunning but it's not necessary to go all the way up to get great views. Wrightson being a fine classic that for those into hiking this is a must-do in the southern Arizona, but if I ever do it again (which I won’t) the route will be in-and-out via the Old Baldy Trail. Mount Wrightson Mount Wrightson is a 9,456-foot peak in the Santa Rita Mountains within the Coronado National Forest, in southern Arizona, United States. It had been on my to do list for some time, and now that temperatures in Arizona were rising, it was time to start looking to the higher elevations to escape the heat. Some other Tucson must-visit places include these museums, and the beautiful murals located downtown. Best Hiking Trails in Mount Wrightson Wilderness. What’s not to love about this beautiful hike? He has walked these trails during full moon occurrences and after winter storms with the aid of crampons. We had made a blazing fast push for the summit. The Mount Wrightson via Old Baldy Trail is a hard out and back hike approximately 11.3 miles and with an elevation gain of 4,012 feet. Wrightson, seen easily from all of Tucson. Mt. After reaching the Boy Scout Memorial at the saddle, we returned to the Mount Wrightson Trailhead on the Old Baldy #372 Trail. Wrightson – Hiking Tucson’s Loftiest Summit The spirit of the Boy Scouts lives on at Mt. 2. Guest post by Mitch Stevens. I had hoped to make it on the trail in the early morning. From the Highest Point Between Tucson and Mexico: A Hike up Mount Wrightson Tucson is surrounded by mountains. The shortest route is the Old Baldy Trail, a steady climb of nearly 4000 feet over 9 miles round-trip to the exposed summit. The normally mild weather of southern Arizona was interrupted by an arctic cold front, plunging … Baldy was renamed Wrightson for a miner killed by Apaches in 1865. You’ll get a glimpse of the area, even seeing views of Mexico, and you will be thoroughly impressed by Arizona’s ecological diversity. The views from the peak are stunning but it's not necessary to go all the way up to get great views. Hikerguy > Arizona Hiking > Looking Southeast at dawn from Mount Wrightson's northeast flank. Wrightson (9,453ft/2,881m) in the Santa Rita range. After reaching the Boy Scout Memorial at the saddle, we returned to the Mount Wrightson Trailhead on the Old Baldy #372 Trail. Mt Wrightson Hiking trail in Madera Canyon, Arizona (United States). The Arizona Trail is routed through Kentucky Camp. About 20 minutes south of Tucson, exit on Continental Road (there's an obvious sign for Madera Canyon Recreation Area). Wrightson is the highest point in the Santa Rita Mountains and the Tucson region, lying 40 miles (64 km) southeast of the city. Wrightson. There … My Dad and I hiked Mt. It was a perfect winter-in-the-desert day for a hike … Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Wrightson by way of Madera Canyon Trails. The start of the Old Baldy Trailhead is rocky, but it’s wide so you won’t have a hard time when you’re climbing up with your friends. But if you want an easier trail, you should just take the Super or Loop Trail (13.1-mile … This gps track follows the shortest route to the summit, which is along the Old Baldy Trail. Each one curiously looking back at me. Wrightson. Fantastic Hike to the Peak of Mt. The Nature trail starts at the Santa Rita Lodge and makes its way on the west side of Madera Creek and continues for 2.7 miles to the Mount Wrightson picnic area. But if you want an easier trail, you should just take the Super or Loop Trail (13.1-mile hike), which is less trafficked, but also longer. If you are not familiar with this wonder, Mount Wrightson is a 9,456-foot or 2,882-meter peak located in the Santa Rita Mountains within the Coronado National Forest, in … No such luck, my entire hike was in the blazing sun with not a single drop of rain. I’d encourage anybody try it. Your second thought will be, There's no way! Hike to the top and you'll be rewarded with a 360-degree view from the highest point between Tucson and Mexico. Two… The trail climbs a bit less steeply for 0.3 miles to the signed junction for Armour Spring (0.4 miles down the spur trail), there is … As you look south, however, the highest and most distinctive peak is Mt. I've always wondered exactly how to hike up to it, a man well-versed in the Santa Ritas showed me the way. This is a glorious hike stating from Madera Canyon which is filled with Arizona Live Oaks, Junipers, and in this monsoon season yellow columbines that nod in the breeze. Eventually, you’ll reach the top. You can come for just one hike or stay one or two nights to enjoy the area. Well, Mount Wrightson is a challenging but “pretty good” climb that will treat you to sensational views. Although it is much cooler than in Tucson, summer months can still be hot so … Mount Wrightson is the highest mountain in the vicinity of Tucson, Arizona, and with a good trail all the way to the summit, it is a deservedly popular hiking objective. This trail can best be described as a "nice stroll" and very well maintained with a bit of elevation gain through a … The summit offers outstanding views of southern Arizona and Sonora, Mexico. If you go during the Winter months be prepared for snow, ice or rain. Reviewed August 6, 2013 . Mt. By Josephine Saddle at 2.2 miles I was doubting my resolve. Wrightson Hiking trail in Madera Canyon, Arizona (United States). Mount Wrightson is the largest mountain visible from Tucson, rising to over 9400’ from the desert floor. It’s the tallest peak in the Tucson area and a very rewarding hike with an incline grade that I believe is very manageable. Weather and Snow National Weather Service Forecast NOAA Snow Depth Map Lists that contain Mount Wrightson: USA Lower 48 Top 100 Peaks by Prominence (Rank #78) Top 10 Prominence Grid for U.S. States (Rank #88) USA Lower 48 Peaks with 4000 feet of Prominence (Rank #78) Top 10 County High Points Grid for U.S. States (Rank #110) 2000-foot Prominence CoHPs - 48 States (Rank #56) CoHP … I hope you too have the experience to enjoy life in Arizona as I have. It’s like god’s playground with rich history, vast public lands, and countless places to explore. As you look south, however, the highest and most distinctive peak is Mt. Wrightson, the highest peak in the Santa Ritas. DIFFICULT 6.1 mi. Hiking Trails (10) Reviews (20) 1. This trail goes by Josephine Saddle, Bellows Spring, Old Baldy, Baldy Saddle, and Baldy Spring. If you have knee trouble, you might want to go up the shorter and steeper Old Baldy and come down the longer and more gradual Super Trail. The road into Madera canyon is paved and open all year. It’s big enough to stand-out on satellite imagery and made a great place to stop for a snack. Wrightson in the Santa Rita Mountains. Wrightson going up … A wooden memorial stands alongside the trail about halfway up to the summit. Wrightson. The view is spectacular and I could now share it with my friends. An in-depth view of what it's like to arrive and hike Mt. Wrightson and other nearby peaks. I ditched my sleeping gear at the saddle so I could move faster and rushed up the final trail to the summit, roughly a mile farther. After camping the previous night just outside Madera Canyon, Zosia Zgolak and I got up well before dawn on 7 April 2018 and drove to the trailhead as per the following directions: Hiking in Tucson – 5 Awesome Adventures Part 1 – Mt. The Super Trail, also from the Madera Canyon trailhead, is not as steep but is far longer. Tucson may be cooler compared to other areas, but you can never be too careful. Nothing like watching the peak’s 9400 ft shadow extend along the jagged valley floor. Haze or not, views at the summit couldn’t possibly disappoint. It’s big enough to stand-out on satellite imagery and made a great place to stop for a snack. On Top of Tucson’s Highest Peak: Hike to Mount Wrightson Hands down, one of the greatest hikes in Tucson is to the top of Mount Wrightson. While crowds of people climb Wrightson every year very few ascend Josephine. It was 12:30 PM and I was just reaching the trail head. Wrightson & Redfield Canyon (Links to Part 2 and Part 3). I was certain it would be cooler in Madera Canyon. Seasonal Popularity. I intended to combine the two trails to make a loop, but after summiting Mt. We said it before and we’ll say it again. Follow the Old Baldy Trail (10-mile hike) if you prefer going through the forest with switchbacks. Weather and Snow National Weather Service Forecast NOAA Snow Depth Map Lists that contain Mount Wrightson: USA Lower 48 Top 100 Peaks by Prominence (Rank #78) Top 10 Prominence Grid for U.S. States (Rank #88) USA Lower 48 Peaks with 4000 feet of Prominence (Rank #78) Top 10 County High Points Grid for U.S. States (Rank #110) 2000-foot Prominence CoHPs - 48 States (Rank #56) CoHP … Old Baldy is the shortest and steepest, while the Super Trail is longer but has a more moderate gradient, but both of these trails lead to the 9,543-foot summit of Mt. Wrightson's distinctive pyramid-shaped profile is visible from much of southeastern Arizona and adjoining areas in Mexico. There … It’s always spectacular at sunset. 20 reviews link Copy Link. You can hike to the top of Mount Wrightson year round however the best times to hike is in the Spring and Fall. Make sure to go in a group of 3 or more, read the trail head for list of essential equipment, and have a great time! It was named for William Wrightson, a miner and entrepreneur in the region killed by Apaches in the 1865 Battle of Fort Buchanan. Rocky Mount Wrightson looms above the treeline Pretty much the entire 2.5 miles from the parking lot to Josephine Saddle is shaded by pine and oak forest, making the many switchbacks to the first notable destination on the hike much easier. Mount Wrightson Weather (Days 0-3): The weather forecast for Mount Wrightson is: Mostly dryMild temperatures (max 7°C on Mon afternoon, min 2°C on Wed afternoon)Winds decreasing (strong winds from the W on Tue afternoon, calm by Thu morning). Mount Wrightson is most often hiked from Madera Canyon, North of the summit. Then again, maybe it’s just blessed by Mother Nature, but the views along the way and at the top are really impressive. An easier version of this hike would be to take the Super Trail to Josephine Saddle. I couldn’t make out any figures so I powered on my high intensity flashlight. Follow the trail until you reach the woods and the first of many switchbacks winding you up to the Josephine Saddle (at 7,100 feet). Its a popular place for hiking, camping and … Mount Wrightson Weather (Days 0-3): Mostly dry. Review of Madera Canyon. She is a sweet little grass-topped prominence with superior views of the big-boned bastion to the north. Santa Rita Mts. Mild temperatures (max 7°C on Mon afternoon, min 2°C on Wed afternoon). Mild temperatures (max 8°C on Sat morning, min 1°C on Fri morning). After approximately 20 miles, take the Continental Road Exit towards Madera Canyon Recreation Area. Taking a shortcut straight up the mountain and running with a full load out on my back. In February of 2020, I hiked the Old Baldy Trail to the summit. Its a bit longer by about a mile but starts the hike with a gentler phase. It had been on my to do list for some time, and now that temperatures in Arizona were rising, it was time to start looking to the higher elevations to escape the heat. Follow the signs or markers and drive through the forest until you arrive at the Madera Canyon Recreation Area. The hardest push was those few feet to baldy saddle. Wrightson. Trails within the Mt. On November 15, 1958, three boys ages 12 to 16, were caught in a ferocious blizzard and died there. I threw my sleeping gear in just in case. Mt. The Mount Wrightson hike is intermediate but forgiving. The Nature trail starts at the Santa Rita Lodge and makes its way on the west side of Madera Creek and continues for 2.7 miles to the Mount Wrightson picnic area. I knew in peak physical condition I could make the summit in under 3 hours with full load. While Mount Lemmon seems to get all of Tucson's fame and glory, lesser known Mount Wrightson is perhaps a more fun and scenic climb thanks to the lack of development on its summit and heavily shaded trail to shield you you from the Arizona heat. ParkFlo's rating The Mount Wrightson via Old Baldy Trail is a hard out and back hike approximately 11.3 miles and with an elevation gain of 4,012 feet. Its distinctive pyramid-shaped profile is visible from much of southeastern Arizona and adjoining areas in Sonora, Mexico.. Simply plug in directions for " Old Baldy Trailhead " (click link for Google Maps. Technically the shortest ascent to the summit is via the Garden Canyon Trail #143. (Note: There is a $5 fee to park in the lot since you are visiting a National Forest). You might see Whitetail and Mule Deer, Black Bear, Coati, Wild Turkey, or even a fox. The trail to the summit of Mount Wrightson is one of Tucson’s best, and a great summer hike. Mt. Surely that's enough of a reason to hike it but the real draw is the Madrean Sky Island environment which is exceptionally unique. There were deer in the high mountain meadow I was traversing. I had a moderate pack on my back with 35 lbs of gear. Prepare yourself mentally if you want to go, because the peak may always seem “too far.” Just remember that the leg-burning hike will be worth it. So, as you can see, IMHO, Mt Wrightson IS THE BEST HIKE IN ARIZONA. The thought had crossed my mind to sleep on the ground at the peak. The Super Trail, also from the Madera Canyon trailhead, is not as steep but is far longer. Hikerguy > Arizona Hiking > Sunrise from Mount Wrightson, Santa Rita Mountains, Arizona. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Geography. Mt. However, that was 10 years ago. Mt. Mount Wrightson Loop Trail is a 13.1 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Green Valley, Arizona that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. This is actually a challenging climb. There's free camping outside of the National Forest as … This is a difficult one way trail to Mount Wrightson in Coronado National Forest. Turn right and follow the sign for the Crest Trail and Mt. Download its GPS track and follow the itinerary on a map. Precious daylight was fading as the evening drew on. 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I made it back to my truck around 4 hours after I had left the summit and on home for some much needed R&R. What’s not to love about this beautiful hike? Mount Wrightson Wilderness is a protected area in Arizona. Sprung Spring Loop via Super Trail #134 and Old Baldy Trail #372 . Wrightson on March 16th, 2017 and enjoyed some great scenery and views. Mountain (climbing) weather forecasts for 3 elevations of Mount Wrightson, Santa Rita Mountains, Intermountain West, United States. On Nov. 15, 1958, six Boy Scouts from Tucson started out on a day hike from Madera Canyon to Mount Baldy, now known as Mount Wrightson, in the Santa Rita Mountains. Hike: There are numerous ways to make this hike. From Tucson, drive south on I-19 toward Nogales. Old Baldy and the Super Trail from Madera Canyon intersect here. Wrightson. Both trails are accessed from the Madera Canyon trailhead. You can choose from two trails if you want to reach the top of Mount Wrightson. It was named for William Wrightson, a miner and entrepreneur in the region killed by Apaches in the 1865 Battle of Fort Buchanan. They will only bother you if you mess with them. The mountain is known for the views from its barren peak, [citation needed] nearly 7,000 feet (2,100 m) feet above Tucson. Either way, you take the Crest Trail to the summit for breathtaking 360 degree views. It was a perfect winter-in-the-desert day for a hike – clear, cool, bug-free, and sunny. Keep your eyes open because you can see the abundant wildlife that lives in elevated areas. Located in the Santa Rita Mountains in Southern Arizona, Mt. Play As. The climb to Josephine Peak is off-trail and rugged. The hike begins right next to the parking lot at the Madera Canyon Trailhead, which is at the end of the Madera Canyon Road. This trail can best be described as a "nice stroll" and very well maintained with a bit of elevation gain through a typical shaded oak-juniper forest of this elevation. Hike to the top and you'll be rewarded with a 360-degree view from the highest point between Tucson and Mexico. You can always turn back and there are plenty of places to rest given time. The former is steeper and shorter, while the latter seems to pretty much circumnavigate most of Mt. Trail lies in the Mt.Wrightson Wilderness Area. I’d encourage anybody try it. Located about 40 miles south of the city in the lush Coronado National Forest of the Santa Rita Mountains, Mount Wrightson and lesser known neighbor Mount Ian comprise the backdrop of any picture taken in Tucson. Download its GPS track and follow the itinerary on a map. Look at it from afar (maybe from nearby Mount Ian) and you’ll be in awe of its pleasing and beautiful profile. The shortest route is the Old Baldy Trail, a steady climb of nearly 4000 feet over 9 miles round-trip to the exposed summit. It is best to hike Mount Wrightson during Spring and Fall. 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