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 Reporter |
Summary: Mt Wrightson is the highest peak in the Santa Rita Mountains, measuring in at 9453 feet. Old Baldy trail is the shortest route the summit, it is also the steepest and most strenuous. At the parking lot, near the trailhead, a brown sign provides information for the several trails in the area. The first half of the trail leads to Josephine Saddle, the prominent saddle between Baldy Summit and Mt Hopkins. At a mile from the saddle, you will catch your first glimpse of the majestic summit crown. From the saddle the trail continues east, keep an eye open for a trail sign. The next section of trail leads to Baldy Saddle. It passes through sections of steep strenuous switchbacks, which gain elevation rapidly. From the saddle the summit is only a mile away, but the hike is not over yet. The last section is the steepest; you will hardly realize how difficult the hike is, since you will be too busy enjoying the spectacular views from 9400 feet. Trailhead: From Tucson, follow I-10 to the intersection of I-19. Turn right and follow I-19 south to Green Valley, take the Madera Canyon exit (63). Follow signs to the top of Madera Canyon. Trailhead is located at the upper parking lot, at end of Madera Canyon. (Lat:31.69582 Lon:-110.84875) Trail Guides for Mt Wrightson: Old Baldy Trail: Hiking Arizona by Bruce Grubbs and Stewart Aitchision (The Globe Pequot Press) Tucson Hiking Guide by Betty Leavengood (Pruett Publishing Company) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Coronado National Forest, Nogales Ranger District Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Rob Brinkerhoff, who has posted 33 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 3 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Joel on 4/22/2009 I very nice lung busting run to the top. The trail has been getting a little rockier every year, but if you have the lungs, it still can be done in under 1 hour and 15 minutes. My best times have been achieved when the parking area was under 50 degrees in temperature. You will be generating a lot of heat on the way up. Enjoy!
Reviewed by Chuck on 2/21/2009 Hiked with a friend 2/15/09. Very tought hike. Took 4 1/4 hours to get to the top and 3 1/2 hours to get back down mostly due to the knee deep snow and very slippery trail for much of the way...but what a view at the top! Would do it again but without the snow!!! Something I will never forget. 
Reviewed by Michael on 7/26/2008 This is a great summer hike with lots of shade especially early in the morning. The trail is marked very well and about as smooth as they get in the Tucson area. It's a steady and fairly steep incline with lots of foliage and occasional ferns. It can be chilly at the summit, even in summer. It's a good idea to pack a light rain jacket in case of a shower or just to block the wind while taking in the awesome summit views.
Reviewed by Kevin S on 2/25/2008 Hiked this trail on 2-24-08 to the summit. So much snow on final ascent to Mt. Wrightson made the going slow and dangerous but what an experience. Very pretty trail with alot of shade along the way. Many stretches of some serious switchbacks. Great views all around from the top.
Reviewed by Raquel on 12/27/2007 Hiked this on 12/22/07. It was wonderful to be on fresh snow. We took some great pictures of bear tracks. Did not go to the top as the trail was blown over with snow and the snow was just about knee deep. Not a real difficult trail and is really beautiful anytime of the year.
Reviewed by Mike on 11/25/2007 Great hike! Ascent is rather challenging thanks to the high elevation gain. The total distance of the round trip is actually 10.8 miles (determined when adding the distances on all the trail markers and as indicated on the brochures provided at the pay stations). There was snow covering the ground from Baldy Saddle to the peak - what a sight! The view at the top is nothing short of spectacular.
Reviewed by Chris on 11/13/2007 Really loved this hike. It is nice hiking in the shade with pine needles underfoot - no hot rocks to drain one. At the end a beautiful reward of a 360 degree view of southern Arizona.
Reviewed by Ryan on 11/2/2007 A very picturesque hike. The three main legs each have unique traits. First the canyon hike following the canyon streambed up to the saddle (1 of 2). From Josephine saddle, you will ascend through rocky cliffs and boulders to Baldy saddle (2 of 2)which has great views of the East and West. Then the mountain top portion has trail blasted out of the cliff side. A rewarding and excellent end on top of mt wrightson. The trail is well established and easy to follow with moderate traffic. I personnally spotted a black bear in Madera Canyon, very cool. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Arizona Hiking, Arizona Trails, Arizona Hikes, Pima County Hiking, Pima County Trails, Pima County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||