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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 2 Submit your own review 
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.
Reviewed by Chuck F on 10/22/2007 Spectacular views in every direction! Well worth it! Taking the super-trail back down is much easier on the knees, but adds 3+ miles & the forest is burnt out most of the way from Baldy Saddle to Josephine Saddle. Not a problem in late October, but the southern exposure would make for a very HOT descent in the summer. Old Baldy Trail is on the northern slope & much cooler. Don't count on any of the springs having water. It's hit or miss. I drank 3 liters of water in October.
Reviewed by DesertDoofus on 6/16/2007 Well groomed trail and everyone from 8 to 80 years old hiking. Buggy at the top. All uphill, but downhill never felt so good!
Reviewed by Mike on 4/26/2007 My friend and I had the axceptionally good timing of being on the mountain after a fresh snow in April. Breathtaking views, great getaway from all of the desert hikes around here. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||