After a little time to relax on the summit and grabbing a few photos I departed and made it back to the upper parking lot by around 6:10pm." We’ll review and let you know when it’s approved. Last mile from Baldy Saddle to summit was very difficult as deep snow sapped the energy from me. Trails in the Wilderness crisscross forests, canyons and ridgetops, accessing panoramic views and cool, shaded glades. The first thing that'll come to mind when you catch your first glimpse of Mount Wrightson is, HOLY MOLY! Trail lies in the Mt.Wrightson Wilderness Area. To see the weather forecasts for the other elevations, use the tab navigation above the table. The Super Trail, also from the Madera Canyon trailhead, is not as steep but is far longer. (520) 202-2700 Mt Wrightson, at 9,456 ft elevation, is the highest point in the Santa Rita Mountains and in the Tucson vicinity. I chose this hike as my first hike with the bf. A peak’s prominence, also known as topographic prominence or relative height, is a measure of how distinct a peak is from other peaks. Coming down was fast but treacherous with deep drifts of snow and icy declines. Enter your email and we’ll send password reset instructions: Mount Wrightson is the highest peak in Tucson, Arizona area. However, with its four-wheel-drive access, the Madera Canyon options are more appealing coming from Tucson. Mount Wrightson Wilderness is situated southeast of Madera Canyon, close to Bellows Spring. Mount Wrightson, 9,453', and Josephine Peak, 8,478', Santa Rita Mountains Essence: Circumnavigate and climb Mount Wrightson, indisputably supreme in the Santa Rita Mountains. (520) 388-8436, Nogales Ranger District Note: Hike statistics were recorded with Gaia GPSapp. The Sonoita area’s 4,970 foot elevation, high rolling grasslands, surrounded by spectacular mountains and canyons, provide some of Arizona’s most beautiful weather and landscapes. Also, Old Baldy is shadier. Mt. Also, Old Baldy is shadier. Known for the spectacular view from its barren peak, nearly 7,000 feet above Tucson some 30 miles north. Miles are rather long and the elevation gain is substantial but the superior trail mitigates the effort. 20 summits • 10.3 mi • 4,249 ft gain • 8 hr 0 min, 1 summit • 7.6 mi • 3,878 ft gain • 3 hr 2 min, "Drove to Madera Canyon, arriving at 7:25am, snagging the last parking spot in the whole lot. Purification of water is recommended. Forest Service Home | USDA.gov | recreation.gov | Recreation Customer Service Standards | USA.gov | Whitehouse.gov, Plug-Ins | FOIA | Accessibility Statement | Privacy Policy | Important Notices | Information Quality, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coronado/recarea/?recid=25766. Ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir inhabit higher reaches of the area while lower and more exposed slopes are covered with oak woodlands. Mount Wrightson: Santa Rita Mountains: 9,457 ft 2882 m: 4,591 ft 1399 m: 38.8 mi 62.5 km 10 Kaibab Plateau high point: Kaibab Plateau: 9,224 ft 2812 m: 3,610 ft 1100 m: 69.1 mi 111.2 km Wrightson Wilderness a popular destination point. It's only 5.4 miles away on foot, but it's way up there. —. The summit offers outstanding views of southern Arizona and Sonora, Mexico. At 9,456 feet, Mount Wrightson is the tallest peak in the vicinity of Tucson Arizona. (520) 388-8300, Douglas Ranger District  Fun day and the last hike before I leave for Mount Rainier!!" Note that since many peaks in peakery still have unknown prominence, the ranks are subject to change as new prominence info is added. Location: 40 miles south of Tucson, 70 miles northwest of Nogales. My dad was excited about making this climb and was glad that he pushed through and got to the summit and back with no problems besides sore toes. Wrightson's distinctive pyramid-shaped profile is visible from much of southeastern Arizona and adjoining areas in Mexico. —, "Went to the top with my dog Ted. I immediately took the Old Baldy trail up, starting at 7:35, which was very clear and a fairly even grade most of the way up. The trail begins at the end of Madera Canyon. Mount Wrightson Mount Wrightson is a 9,456-foot peak in the Santa Rita Mountains within the Coronado National Forest, in southern Arizona, United States.It was named for William Wrightson, a miner and entrepreneur in the region killed by Apaches in the 1865 Battle of Fort Buchanan. John owned a small business in Tucson and was an ultra-marathon runner at over 50 years in age. The Crest Trail leads both to the summit of Mt. Made Josephine Saddle in just under an hour and the Baldy Saddle a little more than an hour later, after stopping several times to photograph some short-horned lizards along the trail. I join in a conversation with a 72-year old man, Dave, who was a professional ski instructor and hiking enthusiast. Needless to say, it was my first time saying "Let's head down" without signing the summit register. Tallest peak within the vicinity of Tucson, so why not? Non-hiker (but athletic) bf. He shared a ton of stories and happened to be completing 18 miles that very day; he's in incredible shape. Wrightson's distinctive pyramid-shaped profile is visible from much of southeastern Arizona and adjoining areas in Mexico. In the Movies Wrightson, Mount, Arizona 9,453' John Kirk 04-26-2014: John Kirk 04-26-2014: John Kirk 04-26-2014: John Kirk 04-26-2014 Wrightson and along the Santa Rita Crest to Florida Saddle where you can turn east again on Cave Canyon Trail #149 to Cave Canyon Road and back to Gardner Canyon Road via the short and appropriately named Cave Gardner Cutoff Trail #10. Mount Wrightson Wilderness is situated southeast of Madera Canyon, close to Bellows Spring. Mount Wrightson is the highest peak in Tucson, Arizona area. The range contains Madera Canyon, one of the world’s premier birding areas. Water is available year-round at some springs and streams. What went wrong? At 9,456 feet, Mount Wrightson is the tallest peak in the Santa Rita Mountains and Tucson, Arizona region. This was the highest peak my dad has ever hiked, and he hadn't been doing any training, so he really had to take his time. And probably several more. The Santa Ritas were once the site of extensive mining activity. Mt Wrightson being the highest summit in close to Tucson, I opted for it. My dog was in hog heaven as this was his first time in the snow. I hate not completing tasks; I would have crawled to the top wee into the night, but it wasn't really a choice I w..." —, "My dad and I left Gilbert around 2:45 am and made the 2+ hour drive to Madera Canyon. I also met John and Danny, who were co-workers. This table gives the weather forecast for Mount Wrightson at the specific elevation of 2881 m. Our advanced weather models allow us to provide distinct weather forecasts for several elevations of Mount Wrightson. Tucson, AZ 85706 Mount Wilson Observatory’s Cosmic Cafe Cafe offers a variety of fresh-made sandwiches and other treats and souvenirs to visitors to the Observatory. Trail lies in the Mt.Wrightson Wilderness Area. Mount Wrightson is displayed on the Mount Wrightson USGS quad topo map. Located about 40 miles south of the city in the lush Coronado National Forest of the Santa Rita Mountains, Mount Wrightson and lesser known neighbor Mount Ian comprise the backdrop of any pictures taken in Tucson. I think we had about 2 more miles to the top, but it was mid-afternoon. 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. Tips: Highest point in the Santa Rita Mtns. Old Baldy is the name by which those familiar with the Santa Rita Mountains know the centerpiece of this 25,260-acre Wilderness. The summit was fairly crowded with about 10 people. The views on this hike were great, and for much of the trail you can see your destination. —, "While visiting family, decided on a hike. are just south of Tucson, Arizona Start Elevation: 5,420 feet End Elevation: 9,453 feet Elevation … Anyone who is interested in visiting Mount Wrightson can print the free topographic map and street map using the link above. (520) 378-0311, Tucson Interagency Fire Center At the summit the weather was perfect. The original lookout was built around 1909 and was extremely rudimentary. I did not want to log this in, but it'll serve as a reminder to go back and complete. Located within the Wilderness are the headwaters of Madera Canyon, one of the most famous birdwatching areas in the Southwest. 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