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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 2 of 3 Submit your own review 
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.
Reviewed by Chuck on 4/21/2007 Did this hike with my bro-in-law from Louisiana. Great trip, easy to follow trail. Took the Old Baldy Trail up, and the Supertrail down (at least to the Boy Scout Monument). Pretty day, although a bit windy on the summit. Recommended.
Reviewed by david on 4/8/2007 arpil 8 2007,weather was great for hiking.took the super trail up to old baldy summit and took old baldy trail down.took six hours,the best six hours ive spent in a long time.
Reviewed by damon on 9/18/2006 one of may favorite hikes around tucson. have done the hike many times. enjoy it the most when there is snow to hike and play in. last trip to the santa ritas my friends and i got snowed on the entire hike and had to turn around at baldy saddle because of the amount of snow falling and on the ground. looking forward to reaching the summmit again. best mountain top view around.
Reviewed by Desmond on 7/9/2006 This hike is a shock for most who think of Arizona is only desert. You start in a very nice forest, ~10 degrees cooler than Tucson. There are two trails to the "saddle", the "super trail" is longer less steep. A storm can hit in the summer, bring a pancho. In the winter, a snow storm is possible, see the boy scout memorial at the "saddle". Be careful on the decend!
Reviewed by Bonnie on 4/5/2006 This was my first "summit" hike. I am a casual hiker, but was able to make it to the top in about 6 1/2 hours. Well worth the effort! I will certainly do it again! 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||