Everything is breathtaking! Mt. As you look south, however, the highest and most distinctive peak is Mt. If you go during the Winter months be prepared for snow, ice or rain. Mount Wrightson Weather (Days 0-3): Mostly dry. Trail lies in the Mt.Wrightson Wilderness Area. Hike Summary. This is a difficult one way trail to Mount Wrightson in Coronado National Forest. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. This is an almost 15 mile round trip hike. Geography. The mountain is known for the views from its barren peak, [citation needed] nearly 7,000 feet (2,100 m) feet above Tucson. There's free camping outside of the National Forest as … Hiking to the peak of Mt Wrightson from the nearest lot takes 3-4 hours each way. We said it before and we’ll say it again. Turn left and go under the freeway. From the Highest Point Between Tucson and Mexico: A Hike up Mount Wrightson Tucson is surrounded by mountains. The Nature trail starts at the Santa Rita Lodge and makes its way on the west side of Madera Creek and continues for 2.7 miles to the Mount Wrightson picnic area. While crowds of people climb Wrightson every year very few ascend Josephine. Wrightson. The climb to Josephine Peak is off-trail and rugged. You can always turn back and there are plenty of places to rest … 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. 10.8 miles r/t summit elevation 9,453' elevation change 4,033' Its a bit longer by about a mile but starts the hike with a gentler phase. The Forest Service later built the 8.1-mile Super Trail with long switchbacks and a contour around Wrightson. Facebook; Twitter; Email; directions Driving Directions. Mt. The trails form a figure eight making it possible to put together a number of different loops using different portions of each. 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. However, that was 10 years ago. Trails within the Mt. Mt. He has walked these trails during full moon occurrences and after winter storms with the aid of crampons. Detailed 6 day mountain weather forecasts for climbers and mountaineers planning expeditions. It had been on my to do list for some time, and now that temperatures in Arizona were rising, it was time to start looking to the higher elevations to escape the heat. Tucson Property Executives Independent Sales Associate Matthew Jeschke 7355 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ 85704. It was 12:30 PM and I was just reaching the trail head. The Mount Wrightson hike is intermediate but forgiving. You can always turn back and there are plenty of places to rest given time. Tucson may be cooler compared to other areas, but you can never be too careful. Wrightson being a fine classic that for those into hiking this is a must-do in the southern Arizona, but if I ever do it again (which I won’t) the route will be in-and-out via the Old Baldy Trail. Wrightson. (photo Mitch Stevens) Accompanying us was hiker extraordinaire Bill Bens; who had climbed Mount Wrightson over 130 times. I pushed through the burn, making frequent stops. While Mount Lemmon seems to get all of Tucson's fame and glory, lesser known Mount Wrightson is perhaps a more fun and scenic climb thanks to the lack of development on its summit and heavily shaded trail to shield you you from the Arizona heat. It’s big enough to stand-out on satellite imagery and made a great place to stop for a snack. If we tell you that this is one of the greatest hikes in Tucson, would you believe us? There are two trails to the summit from Madera Canyon, the Old Baldy Trail and the Super Trail. The road into Madera canyon is paved and open all year. Living in Arizona has been a real blessing. I ditched my sleeping gear at the saddle so I could move faster and rushed up the final trail to the summit, roughly a mile farther. The trail to the summit of Mount Wrightson is one of Tucson’s best, and a great summer hike. She is a sweet little grass-topped prominence with superior views of the big-boned bastion to the north. This trail can best be described as a "nice stroll" and very well maintained with a bit of elevation gain through a typical shaded oak-juniper forest of this elevation. Best Hiking Trails in Mount Wrightson Wilderness. The Super Trail, also from the Madera Canyon trailhead, is not as steep but is far longer. Both trails are accessed from the Madera Canyon trailhead. We had made a blazing fast push for the summit. The hike begins right next to the parking lot at the Madera Canyon Trailhead, which is at the end of the Madera Canyon Road. Surely that's enough of a reason to hike it but the real draw is the Madrean Sky Island environment which is exceptionally unique. Wrightson – Hiking Tucson’s Loftiest Summit The spirit of the Boy Scouts lives on at Mt. This is actually a challenging climb. Hiking Trails (10) Reviews (20) 1. My Dad and I hiked Mt. Follow the Old Baldy Trail (10-mile hike) if you prefer going through the forest with switchbacks. At 9,456 feet, Mount Wrightson is the tallest peak in the Santa Rita Mountains and Tucson, Arizona region. Use this Trail goes by Josephine Saddle at 2.2 miles I was certain to on. For `` Old Baldy # 372 Trail ll be happy that you actually braved this hike would be to the... Of ice cleats for your boots to hike Mount Wrightson trailhead on radio... About halfway up to get great views get great views loops using different of. You mess with them for breathtaking 360 degree views United States ),. Through my headlamp Redfield Canyon ( Links to Part 2 and Part 3 ) Road into Canyon! 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