What an amazing hike! DIFFICULT 2.6 mi. The weather was cool to start, about 55 degrees at the trailhead. The rest of the hike was uneventful. I would nickname this hike " smooth trainer". Total time on trail was about 7.5 hours starting at 0600. That's 12 miles in eight hours. Great sites, lots of birds and deer and a surprising amount of flowers. I’d encourage anybody try it. Our hiking poles were necessary especially on the trek down. 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. Distance: 11.3 miles Note: Hike statistics were recorded with Gaia GPSapp. Wrightson to the right I have been doing a … Vault Mine Trail. The trail begins at the end of Madera Canyon. Arizona - Green Valley - Mt Wrightson Loop Hiking trail in Madera Canyon, Arizona (United States). You can choose from two trails if you want to reach the top of Mount Wrightson. An easier version of this hike would be to take the Super Trail to Josephine Saddle. The Super Trail had not yet been built. 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. Old Baldy Trail- Crest Trail- Foursprings Trail- Kent Spring Trail- Pipeline Route- Super Trail 12.1 mi/3750′ gain Santa Rita Crest with Mt. You can always turn back and there are plenty of places to rest given time. Follow the Old Baldy Trail (10-mile hike) if you prefer going through the forest with switchbacks. Wrightson, the highest peak in the Santa Ritas. consistently steep. They start you out nice and easy and only wick it up slightly for a sustainable ending. 3. Wildlife was a treat to see, woodpeckers, squirrels, and deer. (Shown as #5 on the map above.) Great trail! It will definitely challenge even fitness buffs! It's 2.2 miles from the Old Baldy trailhead to Josephine Saddle. Another night hike for a great sunrise. Plenty of room at the top to have lunch. Incredible view at the top. If it’s windy, take another jacket for the top and my gloves were a life saver. Highly recommend this hike with great payoff and amazing sense of accomplishment! And the views... AH-mazing! Beautiful views at and near the top. NEXT POST Aztec Peak Winter Hike, Sierra Ancha, Arizona. 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. I'll definitely do this one again. The summit offers outstanding views of southern Arizona and Sonora, Mexico. In 1958, the Baldy Trail was the only trail leading from Madera Canyon to the top of Mount Wrightson (also known as Old Baldy). This is an ideal trail. However, there is lots of flora and fauna to enjoy along the way. A little ice still on the ground in some areas. 8600' O 0.4 0.6 0.4 Chuparosa Inn Kubo. DIFFICULT 5.7 mi. Turn left here, and drive into the trailhead parking lot. As seen in the Wrightson Wilderness map, several trails ascend Mt Wrightson. This was the most beautiful part of the hike, and I took my time heading up the switchbacks to the impressive rock face above. It's only 5.4 miles away on foot, but it's way up there. 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. Definitely wear shoes with good ankle support and good traction. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from March until November. 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. weather conditions, but just an inch of fresh powder on the ground and 0 to 5mph winds made for a truly exceptional hiking day. Technically the shortest ascent to the summit is via the Garden Canyon Trail #143. Lots of different foliage. Coming down the Super Trail is fairly exposed. By the time I hit the summit at over 8,000ft the temperature was cold. places of good tree cover. Hiking trip report for Mount Wrightson via Old Baldy Trail, located in Coronado National Forest, Arizona. Pretty awesome view at the top. I turned left there for the Old Baldy Trail. :) everyone warned me it was a really tough hike and they were right but I made it and it was worth it! The trail was fairly rocky with a lot of dirt and sand making some parts slippery. but a very manageable hike! 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. ... Mount Wrightson Winter Hike of Old Baldy Trail. Water is a must, I took 1.5 gallons in my pack. There are two trails to choose from to reach the top of Mount Wrightson (or Mount Ian if you prefer to climb that peak). Either way, you take the Crest Trail to the summit for breathtaking 360 degree views. Prepare a good amount of snacks to replenish the energy you'll burn on this hike. The Super Trail is not as steep. Research before hiking people. 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… Old Baldy is a nice trail but very rocky. This is a very popular hike for people of all ages. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. The trail hugs a ridgeline for the first third (technically on the Telephone Trail for this part) before joining the Icehouse canyon trail. 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! Great, well-designed and maintained trail! Trail was in good shape mostly. 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. You can see waves of mountain ranges for miles! my GPS only clocked me at 10, however, having done the old baldy trail there and back. 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! May 27, 2019 Caleb Bruner. A little breezy at parts and at the peak. The milage probably should be bumped up to closer to 12miles going the route shown. Awesome trail, I began doing this hike around 9 am it was a pretty hot weather. Its a bit longer by about a mile but starts the hike with a gentler phase. 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. The trail was not 10.3 miles as advertised. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. 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! Old Baldy is the name by which those familiar with the Santa Rita Mountains know the centerpiece of this 25,260-acre Wilderness. Did this hike about a month ago with three others. The trail starts out as jeep trail, but gradually narrows. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. I thought the last mile was going to be harder to climb but was a nice, moderate finish! Old Baldy Trail #372 Difficult. Took Old Baldy going up and the less steep Super Trail going down. This is a difficult one way trail to Mount Wrightson in Coronado National Forest. Mt Wrightson, at 9,456 ft elevation, is the highest point in the Santa Rita Mountains and in the Tucson vicinity. At 9,456 feet, Mount Wrightson is the tallest peak in the vicinity of Tucson Arizona. Recommend good shoes or boots- especially the return trip will be hard on toes & ankles. 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. However, with its four-wheel-drive access, the Madera Canyon options are more appealing coming from Tucson. Icehouse Trail: From the parking area to Mt Pinal's ridgeline is 4.25 miles, one-way. Towering more than 7,000 feet over the surrounding savannas and deserts, Mt. The trails form a figure eight making it possible to put together a number of different loops using different portions of each. Also, Old Baldy is shadier. Can view it here for reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYRZHaLUhZc&list=PLmZertFtUJJhyNH3OsKA7GLmt4fB7c8uR&index=17. Old Baldy Trail #372 Difficult. 2. Mount Wrightson via Old Baldy Trail #372. 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. 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. It is up, up, up all the way so be ready for all the elevation gain. 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. Good trail with a little snow and ice on the trail towards the top. Mt. amazing!!! Incredible hike. While the Super Trail up Mount Wrightson is longer, its figure eight brother trail, the Old Baldy Trail, remains a favorite among visiting hikers. 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. Download its GPS track and follow the itinerary on a map. This trail goes by Josephine Saddle, Bellows Spring, Old Baldy, Baldy Saddle, and Baldy Spring. I wouldn't really call this difficult though. Wrightson (as does the Super Trail). $8 day use fee. Both trails are accessible from the Mt Wrightson parking and picnic area. Wrightson. the trail was fairly busy by my standards but today is also Black Friday so a lot of people were out. I didn't bring gloves and so my fingers lost fine motor control and were feeling numb. Jack Mountain Loop via Old Baldy Trail #372 and Agua Caliente Trail. I did used hiking poles. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. We went in November, and it was freezing with barely any sun exposure. South of Tucson and east of Amado, the Old Baldy Trail (#372) leads to the 9,453 summit of Mt. Lots of switchbacks! Good hike. Otherwise, you’ll be stuck looping around until someone leaves. On the second switchback down I saw the baby rattlesnake; was surprised by it being there but made for good photo-op. 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. Wrightson’s distinctive pyramid-shaped profile is visible from much of southeastern Arizona and adjoining areas in Mexico. This is a must do. beautiful views from the top. Started at 11:30 am. I will admit I am 34 y/o, 5”4” and 175 lb and let me tell you it’s not muscle! This trail is well maintained and nice to walk on. Not too technical and truely 5.4 miles to the top. A couple of icy patches the last 0.9 miles. Of the two, Old Baldy is the shorter and steeper, while the Super Trail is longer, but has a more moderate gradient. 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. One of my favorite hikes in AZ! Alsk take tons of food (carb) saved me. Views were amazing! From this point, it's 1.8 miles to Baldy Saddle via Old Baldy Trail, and 3.3 miles via the Super Trail. The Old Baldy trail is considered a moderate to difficult trail due to the elevation climb. This is a difficult trail, nonstop elevation climb....I started this trail around 1:30, beautiful sunny day......half way up the weather changed dramatically and I got drenched.......started on the left in the begining, so on the way back the last couple of miles were in the shade, as the weather changed again and the sun came out..... Lots of switchbacks and lots of sharp loose rocks too.. Most of the trail is shaded and offers a pleasant hike through oaks and pines. The Old Baldy Trail described here is one of two primary routes to the top, the other being the Super Trail. Very windy at the top! The temperature was in … 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. The Mount Wrightson hike is intermediate but forgiving. The Old Baldy trail is much shorter at 5.4 miles but is a steady climb of 4000 feet to the summit of Mount Wrightson. Also bring plenty of water in the summer, obviously. Recommend to anyone who loves great views and feeling accomplished after!! 4.5 (20) ... Old Baldy to Mt Wrightson summit 10mi — 5h 45m Jun 2, 2019 DD Demers. Love this hike so much!! For 0.3 miles, the trail was essentially an old road until arriving at the first intersection. Great day hike with plenty of opportunities to see wildlife. 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. DIFFICULT 14.4 mi. But if you want an easier trail, you should just take the Super or Loop Trail … 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. Well marked and gradual climbing. Wrightson Picnic & Trailheads z Elev. I wouldn't rate this as difficult, just a steady climb up. The other main trail to Mount Wrightson was the Gardner Canyon Trail that started in Gardner Canyon and intersected the Baldy Trail at Baldy … The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from March until November. We clocked in at 13.4 miles going up Old Baldy and down Super Trail. The Super Trail, also from the Madera Canyon trailhead, is not as steep but is far longer at 8.1 miles (13.0 km). At 9,456 feet, Mount Wrightson is the tallest peak in the Santa Rita Mountains and Tucson, Arizona region. The Old Baldy Trail runs 10.8 miles roundtrip from Madera Canyon to the peak of Mount Wrightson. The Super Trail #134 has more switchbacks providing a less strenuous ascent. 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. 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. It’s the tallest peak in the Tucson area and a very rewarding hike with an incline grade that I believe is very manageable. Reaching the summit made it worth it! Wrightson, the highest peak in the Santa Ritas. Both trails are accessed from the Madera Canyon trailhead. There are obvious signs all along the way. Wrightson, the highest peak in the Santa Ritas. I did this in early December and definitely needed micro spikes, very icy and snowy near the summit. Baldy Saddle Loop via Gardner Canyon Trail … 4.5 (20) ... Agua Caliente; Previous Next “ A challenging ascent from Madera Canyon to the peak of Mt. Views through the trees … absolutely amazing hike pretty tough coming down a little hard on the knees but loved it. 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. Once we stopped moving, while waiting for sunrise, things got windy and cooler than I like but survivable. Arizona Office of Tourism, 2702 N. 3rd St., Suite 4015 , Phoenix, AZ, 85004, Phone: 888-520-3434, Fax: 602-240-5432, mfioritt@pni.com. A scenic loop up to Mt Wrightson. There are LOTS of switchbacks and it is all incline. Nice to see new growth after the 2005 fire. 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. A little cool at the top but once we got moving back down, warmed up quickly. Old Baldy Trail #372 & Super Trail #134 Loop Both of these trails lead to the 9,543-foot summit of Mt. Of the two trails, the Old Baldy Trail is more popular because it is the shortest route to the summit. 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