Mount Wrightson - Hiking The Peak

Hiking The Peak

The shortest route is the Old Baldy Trail, a steady climb of nearly 4000' over 5.4 miles to the exposed summit. The Super Trail, also from the Madera Canyon trailhead, is not as steep but is far longer (8.1 miles). These two trails intersect at Josephine Saddle (7,080 ft.) halfway to the peak, so hikers can choose one route for the lower path and one route for the upper. To reach the trailhead, take exit 63 off of I-19 south of Tucson, and turn east toward Continental. Turn right on Whitehouse Cyn. Rd, following it until it eventually turns into Madera Canyon Road. Parking is plentiful at and below the trailhead, which is at the end of the road.

Take plenty of water and be aware of wildlife. It is a prime birding area and black bears are common. There is a saddle two miles into the hike which offers an easy dayhike with dramatic views of this peak.

The last mile or two to the summit may be impassable without special equipment during the winter due to ice. Even if the mountain looks clear from the lower part of Super Trail or Old Baldy, this view from the southwest is deceptive; the final approach is along the north slope of the mountain, which receives very little sunlight during the winter and is thus far more prone to ice.