robsjourney.com: Mount Wrightson

Mount Wrightson

Hiked Mt. Wrightson today (Sunday) via the Old Baldy Trail. Unsure of trail conditions and still new to the Tucson area, I scouted the trail Saturday; hiking about 3/4 of the way. Based on yesterday’s scouting, I returned this morning with trekking poles and my mountaineering boots; meant to also bring micro spikes but forgot:) There was 3-4 inches of snow; packed on the trail due to previous hikers. The trail was mostly snow-covered rock in most areas but bare ground appeared where the sun made it through the trees. Much of the trail was icy which could be treacherous, especially on the way down. Trekking poles or micro spikes were essential for safety.

Enjoyable hike; went through desert, deciduous, and coniferous ecosystems; lots of nice views. TH at 5450’ AMSL and summit 9453’ AMSL; 10.8 miles RT = 742’ vertical per mile - very similar to last week’s Mt. Kimball hike.

The trail begins at the Mt. Wrightson Picnic Area in the Madera Canyon Recreation Area, part of the Coronado National Forest. Concerned about ice, I hiked with my ice axe and packed a helmut just in case; no need for either. It was cool this morning (about 20 degrees at the TH around 7:15). It took 3 hours to summit and 2.5 to return to the parking lot.

The summit provides beautiful views of the Green Valley area, surrounding mountains, and the Mt. Hopkins Observatory. Hikers on the Old Baldy Trail pass two saddles - Josephine and Old Baldy. A boy scout troop erected a monument to 3 teenagers who lost their lives in 1958 at the Josephine saddle; caught in a storm, they died of hypothermia. Very sad but doesn’t seem to prevent people from being unprepared; Many people I came across were hiking in shorts and tennis shoes and without adequate water. Disappointing to see designated wilderness treated so poorly by the public. Dogs running unleashed, dog feces, orange peel, and other trash littered parts of the trail; mostly at Josephine Saddle and below.

On the summit!