Wrightson is the highest point in the Santa Rita Mountains. It's only 5.4 miles away on foot, but it's way up there. The Crest Trail stretches between Florida Saddle at the head of Florida Canyon and the 9,453-foot summit of Mt. When combined with Old Baldy Trail, it forms a figure eight, making it possible to put together several different loops, using other portions for ascent or descent. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. The Multiple Mirror Telescope at the Whipple Observatory on Mt. It was named for William Wrightson, a miner and entrepreneur in the region killed … The trail begins at the end of Madera Canyon. Shortly before getting to Baldy Saddle, we took the Super Trail and looped around Wrightson until we got back to the Old Baldy Trail at Josephine Saddle. Many of these landmarks are visible from dozens of overlooks along both trails. (520)  749-8700, Sierra Vista Ranger District A map at the trailhead showed it is 6.1 miles up the Super Trail while the steeper Old Baldy Trail only about 5.4 miles. Mt. From PHX (I-10 & AZ-51) 152 mi - about 2 hours 31 mins, From TUC (Jct 1-10 & Grant) 42.3 mi - about 55 mins, From FLG (Jct I-17 & I-40) 295 mi - about 4 hours 37 mins. Old Baldy is the most heavily traveled and also remains the coolest of the two by keeping a more northerly aspect and staying in the trees for almost its entire length. There are two primary trails that take you up Mt Wrightson. Most people hike to the summit via the trails from Madera Canyon, taking either the Old Baldy Trail, or the slightly longer but less steep Super Trail. 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. Wrightson. Super Trail is a 4.5 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Green Valley, Arizona that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail became a bit more rocky and we encountered some snow patches on the trail, one of which required us to walk on the edge of it since the snow itself was very hard and not suitable to walk on. 1192 West Saddleview Rd. HAZ uses cookies . 2646 E. Commerce Center Pl. 0.5 mile up the trail is another trail intersection, stay to the left. (520) 388-8300, Douglas Ranger District  There are three main ways to approach this scenic area, the most direct and most demanding of which is via the Very Steep/Vault Mine Trailout of Mt Wrightson Picnic Area at the end of Madera Canyon Road. Hereford, AZ 85615 Wrightson Picnic & Trailheads z Elev. Douglas, AZ 85607 Above the midpoint of the “8” at Josephine Saddle, the Super Trail loops around the south side of the mountain through even more arid country, while Old Baldy switchbacks through thickets of New Mexico locust on a west-facing slope to Baldy Saddle. Directions to Mount Wrightson and Hiking Basics. At 9,456 feet, Mount Wrightson is Tucson's tallest peak (Mount Ian is slightly … Wrightson, the highest peak in the Santa Ritas. Mt. The birdwatchers heaven that exists in Madera Canyon extends up the mountain into this area where, in addition to the birds, you have a chance to see Coues white-tailed deer, black bear and even mountain lion. (520) 388-8436, Nogales Ranger District The trails also boast an impressive potpourri of tree species characteristic of southeastern Arizona including Arizona, Apache and Chihuahua pines, as well as Arizona madrone and a variety of oaks. Actually, you don’t even have to go all the way to the top to enjoy great views. Wrightson, the highest peak in the At an altitude of 9,456', Mount Wrightson is the highest mountain near Tucson. Of the two, Old Baldy is the shorter and steeper, while the Super Trail is longer, but has a more moderate gradient. Super is not as steep, but is longer and less popular. "Round Up" Lot (Mount Wrightson Picnic Area): Super Trail, Carrie Nation Trail, Vault Mine Trail, Old Baldy Trail Follow the road to its very end, high up in Madera Canyon, where there are two lots, and upper and lower lot for parking. Wrightson. Gulch Trail Super Trail 2.5 Mt. Both paths are equidistant and meet up at Kent Springs after 2 miles. Both of these trails lead to the 9,543-foot summit of Mt. One is called the Super Trail and the other, Old Baldy Trail. The Super Trail stays within the same drainage as its steeper cousin on the lower loop of the “8”, but it follows a more south-facing slope through a high desert environment. The last mile to the summit of Mt. This trail goes by McBeth Spring, Riley Saddle, Mount Wrightson, Baldy Saddle, Old Baldy, Bellows Spring, Josephine Saddle, Sprung Spring, and Mt. 5700 N. Sabino Canyon Rd. Mount Wrightson and Mount Hopkins were named in their honor. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Mount Wrightson is a 9,456-foot (2,882 m) peak in the Santa Rita Mountains within the Coronado National Forest, in southern Arizona, United States. 1256 miles away. 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. Sabino Canyon TrailDEX Filter Areas A to Z Easy Hikes in Season Dog Hikes in Season Map Hikes in Season. Like the Old Baldy Trail, it is well signed and well maintained. 4070 South Avenida Saracino Includes the popular Madera Canyon. Hands down, one of the greatest hikes in Tucson is to the top of Mount Wrightson. The Super Trail runs 13.5 miles roundtrip from Madera Canyon to the peak of Mount Wrightson. Either way, you take the Crest Trail to the summit for breathtaking 360 degree views. Surely that's enough of a reason to hike it but the real draw is the Madrean Sky Island environment which is exceptionally unique. Tucson, AZ 85701 Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Unlike its massive northern neighbor Mount Lemmon, Wrightson has a distinct rocky peak (as a matter of fact, it was named Mount Baldy at one time for this very reason) that offers ar… Of the two, Old Baldy is the shortest and steepest, while the Super Trail is longer but has a more moderate gradient. (520) 547-7510. I really like this descent -- it is a gentler descent than going back the Old Baldy Trail, and you have a nice view of … At 9,456 feet, Mount Wrightson is the tallest peak in the vicinity of Tucson Arizona. 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