Even if you're not a bird-watcher, you have to appreciate the unique nature of this place. This trail goes by Josephine Saddle, Bellows Spring, Old Baldy, Baldy Saddle, and Baldy Spring. amazing!!! The trail hugs a ridgeline for the first third (technically on the Telephone Trail for this part) before joining the Icehouse canyon trail. Mt. 8000' Gardner Canyon Trail Cave Creek Canyon Trail Sawmill Canyon Trail 9þring Q 2 SadÙle 7080 2.2 6000' / Sylvester Spring 0 5900' Bog Springs Old Baldy Trail Bellows spring 8200' Creek Kent Spring Baldy Spring Baldy Elev. I turned left there for the Old Baldy Trail. Note: Hike statistics were recorded with Gaia GPSapp. Views were amazing! Not overgrown and very wide. There are millions of ladybugs on the summit ready to greet you when you get there. It is well maintained and an easy but steady climb. 4-4-20 As seen in the Wrightson Wilderness map, several trails ascend Mt Wrightson. Thanks to previous reviews I had mittens and an extra jacket! beautiful views from the top. This route goes up the Old Baldy Trail to the saddle, then from the saddle to the summit of Mt Wrightson, then back down, taking the Super Trail down from the saddle to the start. Beautiful views at and near the top. 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. Old Baldy Trail #372 Difficult. DIFFICULT 2.6 mi. Old Baldy Trail- Crest Trail- Foursprings Trail- Kent Spring Trail- Pipeline Route- Super Trail 12.1 mi/3750′ gain Santa Rita Crest with Mt. Wrightson (as does the Super Trail). Not for begginers once half way up mountain the air gets very thin and it's hard to breathe so if your barely starting I wouldn't recommend it. DIFFICULT 14.4 mi. Very windy at the top! Great trail! A little cool at the top but once we got moving back down, warmed up quickly. It's only 5.4 miles away on foot, but it's way up there. ... Mount Wrightson Winter Hike of Old Baldy Trail. Did this hike about a month ago with three others. DIFFICULT 5.7 mi. There is over 4000 feet of elevation gain... do the math... dress warm in cooler seasons. Otherwise, you’ll be stuck looping around until someone leaves. Pretty awesome view at the top. 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. Not too technical and truely 5.4 miles to the top. By the time I hit the summit at over 8,000ft the temperature was cold. This is a difficult one way trail to Mount Wrightson in Coronado National Forest. Great day hike with plenty of opportunities to see wildlife. You can choose from two trails if you want to reach the top of Mount Wrightson. This trail is well maintained and nice to walk on. However, with its four-wheel-drive access, the Madera Canyon options are more appealing coming from Tucson. consistently steep. Josephine Saddle via Super Trail and Old Baldy, Vault Mine, Agua Caliente, Super Trail Loop, Old Baldy, Vault Mine and Agua Caliente Trail, Old Baldy and Mount Wrightson Summit Trail. Old Baldy is the name by which those familiar with the Santa Rita Mountains know the centerpiece of this 25,260-acre Wilderness. Its a bit longer by about a mile but starts the hike with a gentler phase. In my defense I was also coming from Texas where we are all of 5 feet above sea level so altitude definitely punished a few of us a bit too! Icehouse Trail: From the parking area to Mt Pinal's ridgeline is 4.25 miles, one-way. Old Baldy and Mount Wrightson Summit Trail is a 10.3 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Amado, Arizona that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. Of the two trails, the Old Baldy Trail is more popular because it is the shortest route to the summit. Great sites, lots of birds and deer and a surprising amount of flowers. The Old Baldy trail is considered a moderate to difficult trail due to the elevation climb. Wildlife was a treat to see, woodpeckers, squirrels, and deer. Also bring plenty of water in the summer, obviously. We went in November, and it was freezing with barely any sun exposure. It’s the tallest peak in the Tucson area and a very rewarding hike with an incline grade that I believe is very manageable. Arizona - Green Valley - Mt Wrightson Loop Hiking trail in Madera Canyon, Arizona (United States). Spectacular views! Directions from Tucson: Exit Interstate 19 at the Continental Road/Madera Canyon Exit 65 and follow the Madera Canyon Road about l3.5 miles to the Roundup Picnic Area entrance. I wouldn't really call this difficult though. :) everyone warned me it was a really tough hike and they were right but I made it and it was worth it! Wrightson to the right I have been doing a … was anticipating much harsher places of good tree cover. Old Baldy Trail #372 Difficult. Wrightson, the highest peak in the Santa Ritas. Our hiking poles were necessary especially on the trek down. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. Mount Wrightson via Old Baldy Trail #372. 5. The rest of the hike was uneventful. (Shown as #5 on the map above.) Recommend to anyone who loves great views and feeling accomplished after!! Beautiful hike with alittle snow at the top. Highly recommend this hike with great payoff and amazing sense of accomplishment! Old Baldy and Mount Wrightson Summit Trail is a 16.6 kilometer heavily trafficked loop trail located near Amado, Arizona that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from March until November. 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! Wrightson’s distinctive pyramid-shaped profile is visible from much of southeastern Arizona and adjoining areas in Mexico. Another night hike for a great sunrise. Nice to see new growth after the 2005 fire. Lots of switchbacks! The Super Trail #134 has more switchbacks providing a less strenuous ascent. You can always turn back and there are plenty of places to rest given time. absolutely amazing hike pretty tough coming down a little hard on the knees but loved it. The Super Trail is not as steep. Passed a lot of people headed up the trail; too bad for them that they won’t get the sunrise view we had and it was already getting toasty by 730am. Mount Wrightson via Old Baldy Trail is a 18.3 kilometer heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Green Valley, Arizona that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. I wouldn't rate this as difficult, just a steady climb up. Beautiful views, but limited parking, so go early. In 1958, the Baldy Trail was the only trail leading from Madera Canyon to the top of Mount Wrightson (also known as Old Baldy). The trails form a figure eight making it possible to put together a number of different loops using different portions of each. It will definitely challenge even fitness buffs! Once we stopped moving, while waiting for sunrise, things got windy and cooler than I like but survivable. At 9,456 feet, Mount Wrightson is the tallest peak in the Santa Rita Mountains and Tucson, Arizona region. Wrightson Picnic & Trailheads z Elev. 8780' Elev. I’d encourage anybody try it. weather conditions, but just an inch of fresh powder on the ground and 0 to 5mph winds made for a truly exceptional hiking day. Prepare a good amount of snacks to replenish the energy you'll burn on this hike. Recommend good shoes or boots- especially the return trip will be hard on toes & ankles. A steady climb, that levels off a bit half way up to the first saddle. At 9,456 feet, Mount Wrightson is the tallest peak in the vicinity of Tucson Arizona. The temperature was in … An easier version of this hike would be to take the Super Trail to Josephine Saddle. We clocked in at 13.4 miles going up Old Baldy and down Super Trail. Of the two, Old Baldy is the shortest and steepest, while the Super Trail is longer but has a more moderate gradient. Download its GPS track and follow the itinerary on a map. I recommend trekking poles if you have bad knees because the descend is nonstop downhill impact on your joints. Awesome trail, I began doing this hike around 9 am it was a pretty hot weather. Old Baldy and Mount Wrightson Summit Trail, Josephine Saddle via Super Trail and Old Baldy, Vault Mine, Agua Caliente, Super Trail Loop, Old Baldy, Vault Mine and Agua Caliente Trail. Old Baldy is not terribly steep so if you’re like me and hate elevation gain you’ll not suffer as bad as you might think. And the views... AH-mazing! There are LOTS of switchbacks and it is all incline. 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… These trails meet near Josephine Saddle to create a figure 8 on the mountain and can be combined to make a more interesting loop hike. I thought the last mile was going to be harder to climb but was a nice, moderate finish! Trail lies in the Mt.Wrightson Wilderness Area. There are two trails to choose from to reach the top of Mount Wrightson (or Mount Ian if you prefer to climb that peak). I stayed on the Old Baldy trail as it swung around to Wrightson’s north face and entered a wide open burn area with stunning views of jagged cliffs and rock formations high above. This is a must do. Distance: 11.3 miles Great, well-designed and maintained trail! If it’s windy, take another jacket for the top and my gloves were a life saver. Alsk take tons of food (carb) saved me. This is a very popular hike for people of all ages. Although shorter than the Super Trail, the Old Baldy Trail is much steeper and more strenuous; however, hikers are protected from the hot Arizona sun by the thick forest along the trail. I did this via old baldy and then the next day via super trail— super trail offers better views and is not as steep. 8600' O 0.4 0.6 0.4 Chuparosa Inn Kubo. Follow the Old Baldy Trail (10-mile hike) if you prefer going through the forest with switchbacks. Couldn’t believe that I saw a lot of people with just a bottle of water and then complaining when arriving at the first pike being thirsty, no water and with youth teens. Most of the trail is shaded and offers a pleasant hike through oaks and pines. Trail is well maintained but rocky so it was one of the few hikes I have done were I was glad for my trekking poles! Love this hike so much!! While the Super Trail up Mount Wrightson is longer, its figure eight brother trail, the Old Baldy Trail, remains a favorite among visiting hikers. Trail was in good shape mostly. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. For those who want to get there faster and have a more challenging hike, follow the Old Baldy Trail, a ten-mile hike through the forest with switchbacks weaving you up to the top. However, there is lots of flora and fauna to enjoy along the way. 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. Research before hiking people. 4. The Super Trail, also from the Madera Canyon trailhead, is not as steep but is far longer at 8.1 miles (13.0 km). 2. If going in the summer time, go early to avoid the heat. 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. Water is a must, I took 1.5 gallons in my pack. The wide footpath is interspersed … Technically the shortest ascent to the summit is via the Garden Canyon Trail #143. The summit offers outstanding views of southern Arizona and Sonora, Mexico. Also, Old Baldy is shadier. The Super Trail had not yet been built. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from March until November. 3. NEXT POST Aztec Peak Winter Hike, Sierra Ancha, Arizona. What to bring: plenty of water (no less than 2 liters but more is better and make sure to start hydrating days before), fuelings/food, walking stick, really good hiking shoes, hat (the sun it bright and direct on top), sunblock and $8 for park fee. Either way, you take the Crest Trail to the summit for breathtaking 360 degree views. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. This is a 10.2 mile out-and-back hike with 4200 cumulative feet of elevation gain that takes about 5-7 hours to complete. Reaching the summit made it worth it! I did used hiking poles. It's 2.2 miles from the Old Baldy trailhead to Josephine Saddle. Start hiking up the Old Baldy Trail. A few stats: Old Baldy Trail and the Super Trail form a figure eight, with the upper loop wrapping around the dome of Mount Wrightson. This is an ideal trail. Both trails are accessed from the Madera Canyon trailhead. May 27, 2019 Caleb Bruner. I would nickname this hike " smooth trainer". Good trail with a little snow and ice on the trail towards the top. One of my favorite hikes in AZ! The other main trail to Mount Wrightson was the Gardner Canyon Trail that started in Gardner Canyon and intersected the Baldy Trail at Baldy … Wrightson, the highest peak in the Santa Ritas. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. There are obvious signs all along the way. The Old Baldy Trail described here is one of two primary routes to the top, the other being the Super Trail. From this point, it's 1.8 miles to Baldy Saddle via Old Baldy Trail, and 3.3 miles via the Super Trail. On Nov. 15, 1958, six Boy Scouts from Tucson started out on a day hike from Madera Canyon to Mount Baldy (Mount Wrightson) in the Santa Rita Mountains. Coming down the Super Trail is fairly exposed. Wrightson, the highest peak in the Santa Ritas. For 0.3 miles, the trail was essentially an old road until arriving at the first intersection. Weather was near perfect. Mt Wrightson, at 9,456 ft elevation, is the highest point in the Santa Rita Mountains and in the Tucson vicinity. The weather was cool to start, about 55 degrees at the trailhead. I'll definitely do this one again. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. On the second switchback down I saw the baby rattlesnake; was surprised by it being there but made for good photo-op. 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 trails form a figure eight making it possible to put together a number of different loops using different portions of each. The Old Baldy Trail runs 10.8 miles roundtrip from Madera Canyon to the peak of Mount Wrightson. Couple of deers on the sight. but a very manageable hike! Fun fact: the temperature drops 5.4 degrees for every 1000 feet in elevation. Wrightson. Incredible view at the top. The dogs really enjoyed it. At 0.3 mile, Old Baldy curves sharply around to the left and crosses into the Mount Wrightson Wilderness. Hiking trip report for Mount Wrightson via Old Baldy Trail, located in Coronado National Forest, Arizona. Good hike. Definitely wear shoes with good ankle support and good traction. Can view it here for reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYRZHaLUhZc&list=PLmZertFtUJJhyNH3OsKA7GLmt4fB7c8uR&index=17. The Mount Wrightson hike is intermediate but forgiving. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Lots of different foliage. Saw a kingsnake on my way down through old baldy trail. the trail was fairly busy by my standards but today is also Black Friday so a lot of people were out. Views through the trees … I didn't bring gloves and so my fingers lost fine motor control and were feeling numb. It is located in Madera Canyon, part of the Santa Rita mountains and the Coronado National Forest, and it's a popular excursion approximately 30-minutes south of Tucson. The trail begins at the end of Madera Canyon. Incredible hike. Started at 11:30 am. 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. You can see waves of mountain ranges for miles! Mount Wrightson: Trailhead to Josephine Saddle From the trailhead, I followed signs for Old Baldy trail which heads off to the right from the parking area. Nickname this hike about a month ago with three others, 2019 DD Demers was nice. Ankle support and good traction a figure eight making it possible to put a..., bathrooms and campgrounds are closed hiking poles were necessary especially on the ground in areas... Is shaded and offers a pleasant hike through oaks and pines there but for... 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