Hiking to the Summit of Mount Wrightson via Old Baldy Trail in Tucson

Introductory Overview

Hiking to the summit of Mount Wrightson via the Old Baldy Trail is a quintessential adventure in Southern Arizona. As the highest peak in the Santa Rita Mountains, Mount Wrightson towers at an impressive 9,456 feet, rewarding hikers with panoramic views that stretch across Arizona into Mexico. This trail is particularly unique due to its challenging elevation gain and stunning biodiversity. It's considered an iconic hike for Tucson residents and visitors alike, offering a mix of beautiful terrain, a rich mix of flora and fauna, and a peak with unobstructed vistas. For hikers seeking an unforgettable, vigorous trek, the Old Baldy Trail is an excellent choice.

### Adventure Guide to Hiking to the Summit of Mount Wrightson via Old Baldy Trail

Trail Details:
The Old Baldy Trail spans approximately 10.8 miles round trip with a strenuous elevation gain of over 4,000 feet. Starting at the Madera Canyon Recreation Area, this well-maintained trail features shaded oak and pine forests, steep switchbacks, and open ridges. The summit rewards you with expansive views of the Sonoran Desert, the Santa Cruz Valley, and even the Sierra Madre in Mexico on clear days.
Josephine Saddle:
About 2.2 miles into your ascent, you'll reach Josephine Saddle, a historic rest point with a small clearing where hikers can pause to catch their breath. This saddle holds historical significance, as it was the site of a tragic 1958 scouting accident. It's a poignant reminder of the rugged and unpredictable nature of the mountains.
Summit Experience:
The final ascent is steep and invigorating, leading to a rocky pinnacle dotted with hardy wildflowers. Along the way, you'll pass through unique vegetation zones, from vibrant scrub to alpine-like forests. The 360-degree summit views make the effort worthwhile, offering one of the most iconic views in southern Arizona.

Local Insights

The mountain is named after William Wrightson, a mining pioneer in Arizona. The area is also part of an Important Bird Area, making it a hotspot for birdwatchers seeking unique species like elegant trogons and black-throated gray warblers.

Visitor Tips

Timing: Early spring and fall provide the best hiking conditions. Summer can be excessively hot, even at elevation, and snow may cover the higher sections in winter.
What to Bring: Sturdy hiking boots, adequate water (minimum 3 liters), snacks, sunscreen, and layered clothing.
Driving Directions: From Downtown Tucson, take I-19 south to Continental Road exit, and follow signs to Madera Canyon. The drive takes about 1 hour.

Adventure Map

Reviews

Julian Lyonsa month ago

Epic hike from Madera Canyon. My wife and I have hiked a lot together, and this has to be one of the top 5 we've done. The views from the top in all directions were epic. We unexpectedly stumbled upon this hike by exploring the Madera Canyon area and seeing the option on a map. Highly recommend the hike, but don't do it on a whim, it's a doozy! It took us just under 5 hrs to do the 12 mile version of the hike with right at 4,000 ft of elevation gained.

Ameliaa year ago

It’s been a goal for a long while to hike all the way to the top of Mt. Wrightson, and it was well worth it. It took about 6.5 hours round trip (including several short breaks). Still some patches of snow in early May, but the trail is unobstructed. Beware the birds at the top trying to knock you off your balance! Absolutely stunning 365 views. A variety of terrains and plant life along the way to keep things interesting. Aside from it being a long hike, there is nothing technically difficult about it. The trail is well-maintained and well-traveled but not at all crowded. An incredibly rewarding hike!

Jay Cole6 years ago

Great trails all over around here. Things to explore and see. It is beautiful out here. Some of the trails provide shade while others are more out in the open. Come prepared as some of the trails out here are more difficult than others. Will have a great time out here if you are a hiker or bird watcher.

David Mendoza7 years ago

Spectacular views, gorgeous scenery all around. Definitely worth the time and effort to hike to the top. I ran into a small rattle snake about a mile and a half from finishing up at the trail head. It was about 2:30 PM, so the afternoon heat must have made it active. Please be careful and watch your step.

Stryder Staffa6 years ago

I love this Mountain! It has the best views, the most delicious springs, most diverse wildlife and best maintained trails. This peak is over 9,000 feet and it shows. With a full 360° view it is truly stunning. I highly recommend going up the baldy trail and down the super trail. It gives you the most complete tour of Wrightson itself, but the Florida Trail gives you the true Santa Rita experience. These mountains are all beautiful and pristine so pack it in, pack it out. And as always bring plenty of water. When the sun goes down up there it usually gets really windy so dress warm. If you plan on camping there are plenty of spots scattered throughout the mountain, but the good spot is at Baldy Saddle. From there you can see Green valley and out the backside of the mountains as well, and there is a nice fire pit but check the fire danger rating with the local rangers and always fully extinguish your fires before leaving or going to bed. Happy hiking.

Hiking

Hiking to the Summit of Mount Wrightson via Old Baldy Trail in Tucson