Also, temperatures in Madera Canyon and atop Mount Wrightson are sure to be cooler than Tucson, but they can get hot in the afternoon, especially during the summer. I need to get caught up on the posts and do better about writing them. Directions to Mount Wrightson and Hiking Basics. The views from the peak are stunning but it's not necessary to go all the way up to get great views. Hiking Wrightson alone is a good challenge, but the trail system in the area provides a great double-activation opportunity for hams who want a tough but rewarding day. Just a few feet past Kent Spring the trail splits. I think he had “Jet Lag” or some bad junk food on the way down. 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. He's now a full-time nomad and travels the American West in an RV with his wife Kim and daughter Maia, doing hikes along the way. I'm not sure if this is a seasonal occurrence as it was my first summit, but if you go up there, be prepared for LOTS of bugs. If you are not familiar with this wonder, Mount Wrightson is a 9,456-foot or 2,882-meter peak located in the Santa Rita Mountains within the Coronado National Forest, in southern Arizona, United States. Web Map Links Mt Wrightson Hike and SOTA Activation My interest in the Summits On The Air program continues to grow, and as a result I've become fascinated with the idea of hiking some of the local area peaks in Southern Arizona. Fantastic Hike to the Peak of Mt. I would rate it as difficult. Mount Wrightson is One of Tucson’s Highest Peaks. Note: Hike statistics were recorded with Gaia GPSapp. There are occasional sightings of black bear in the Santa Ritas and mountain lions are known to inhabit the area as well. From Mt. The first thing that'll come to mind when you catch your first glimpse of Mount Wrightson is, HOLY MOLY! Located in the Santa Rita Mountains in Southern Arizona, Mt. Hiking. The path is also well-maintained and, for the most part, clear of obstacles. There are numerous springs on the Mount Wrightson trail system, but they run dry during certain times of the year, so hedge your bets. There's free camping outside of the National Forest as … The Arizona Trail is routed through Kentucky Camp. Mount Wrightson can be hiked via the shorter, steeper Old Baldy Trail or longer Super Trail. The "Super Trail" loop around Mt. Cross three one-lane bridges. Mt Wrightson hike When we bought our house in Tucson while we were still full-timing in the Airstream, I explained to everyone that we never intended to spend summers here. Living in Arizona has been a real blessing. Mount Wrightson is One of Tucson’s Highest Peaks. That was sad. It was a beautiful hike down, though, and I'll definitely come back again in a few months when it gets colder. Read my Best Hikes in Tucson article or check out our individual Tucson Hiking Guides. You can start this trail at Bog Springs Campground, Madera Picnic Area, or the Madera Ampitheatre. 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. If you go during the Winter months be prepared for snow, ice or rain. I told her you are a true Renaissance Man! Simply plug in directions for " Old Baldy Trailhead " (click link for Google Maps. On Nov. 15, 1958, six Boy Scouts from Tucson started out on a day hike from Madera Canyon to Mount Baldy, now known as Mount Wrightson, in the Santa Rita Mountains. It was an 8 hour hike. The Mount Wrightson hike is intermediate but forgiving. The summit trail is steep and fairly exposed, but the switchbacks offer plenty of opportunities to catch your breath. Date of experience: October 2017. Wrightson. Comment on Work and Life Balance, Mount Wright Day Hike by @jimmie_vanagon Hey Jim, Dennis here. I need to get caught up on the posts and do better about writing them. Hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails are popular in the area and vary from paved and gentle walking paths, to steep, strenuous trails leading to the top of 9,453-foot Mt. To the left is the Bog Spring loop. Wrightson trailhead. From there the trail climbs steeply for a half mile. 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. Directions: From Tucson drive south on I-10 until you reach the I-19 exit. Along the way, I saw Turkey, Mule Deer, various lizards and a Tarantula. Lemmon. Mount Wrightson - Santa Rita Mountains. Hiking to the peak of Mt Wrightson from the nearest lot takes 3-4 hours each way. Wrightson. His docile female The hike was pretty cool. It’s the tallest peak in the Tucson area and a very rewarding hike with an incline grade that I believe is very manageable. I'm glad now I never led this hike with the hiking club as no one would have joined me. I came across some bobcat tracks in the snow. The shortest route is the Old Baldy Trail, a steady climb of over 4,000 feet (1,200 m) over 5.4 miles (8.7 km) to the exposed summit. Both paths are equidistant and meet up at Kent Springs after 2 miles. All the pictures I took on the hike. Snow was 6-9" of powder on a good incline so I put my New Hampshire hiking skills to the test. Rocky Mount Wrightson looms above the treeline Pretty much the entire 2.5 miles from the parking lot to Josephine Saddle is shaded by pine and oak forest, making the many switchbacks to the first notable destination on the hike much easier. Both sections of dirt climb through beautiful country - remote in the case of FR 143 and popular in the case of Box Canyon. This is a hike that must be done by any avid hiker, but I doubt I'll be doing it any time soon. As seen in the Wrightson Wilderness map, several trails ascend Mt Wrightson. As you look south, however, the highest and most distinctive peak is Mt. This is a difficult one way trail to Mount Wrightson in Coronado National Forest. From the Super Trail go about 1/4 mile. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. On Saturday, September 10, 2016 I was able to spend the day hiking and playing radio, and I had more fun than I even imagined. Water is a must, I took 1.5 gallons in my pack. Just enough other hikers to enjoy a conversation at the summit. The start point listed in the description is good for the Bog Spring/Kent Spring Loop but a better starting point for the Four Springs Trail is the Super Trail from the parking lot at the top of the road. We went up old baldy and down old baldy. Its a popular place for hiking, camping and bird watching so its best to get there early, any time of year. A male alpine goat that had been harassing hikers in the Mt. Hiking in Tucson – 5 Awesome Adventures Part 1 – Mt. If you’re slogging this hike in one day, you may want to take the slightly shorter route through Taylor Meadows. With a small creek, hiking trails, and seclusion from other campers this location seems more like back country then car camping...PHOTOS/ MATT NAGER An in-depth view of what it's like to arrive and hike Mt. This loop is a total of 12 miles long if you don’t visit the Mt. Mount Wrightson Loop Trail is a 13.1 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Green Valley, Arizona that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. Wrightson … On Saturday, September 10, 2016 I was able to spend the day hiking and playing radio, and I had more fun than I even imagined. Mount Wrightson can be hiked via the shorter, steeper Old Baldy Trail or longer Super Trail. This is a glorious hike stating from Madera Canyon which is filled with Arizona Live Oaks, Junipers, and in this monsoon season yellow columbines that nod in the breeze. Views where amazing. I’d encourage anybody try it. Super Trail is a great trail, especially if you want to mix in some running. I took my 2 older kids 13 and 15, they found it difficult but worthwhile. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. I started out taking Old Baldy trail up to the saddle, and then took Super. The prominence of Wrightson provides wonderful views with a great summit. everything was very gradual up and down. Mount Wrightson is most often hiked from Madera Canyon, North of the summit. We lunched at Shovel Saddle at 8000' (2600' elevation gain) and then headed back as weather was moving in. Distance 11 miles Elevation gain 4000 feet. You'll know you're on the pipeline trail because there is 2" galvanized pipe on the side of the trail. Mount Wrightson Loop Trail is a 21.1 kilometer lightly trafficked loop trail located near Green Valley, Arizona that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. Water is a must, I took 1.5 gallons in my pack. This is a difficult one way trail to Mount Wrightson in Coronado National Forest. Wrightson in the Santa Rita Mountains. Beautiful view from the top. Don't let the short distance fool you, be prepared....bring lots of H20, protein foods to include raw honey, bagels, nuts, etc...and of course pack enough for at least an overnight in case of emergency. Note: Hike statistics were recorded with Gaia GPS app. icy chunks from the trees all over up top made it hard coming down. Take at least two gallons of water for … This trail can end in a few places, though my preference is to stop at either the Amphitheater Parking Area or Mt. 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