It's a good reminder that whenever you're hiking in Arizona, you need to check the forecast before you leave the house. This trail goes by Josephine Saddle, Bellows Spring, Old Baldy, Baldy Saddle, and Baldy Spring. To others, it's a scientific marvel. Not overgrown and very wide. Most of the trail is shaded and offers a pleasant hike through oaks and pines. Old Baldy Trail. On the hike were Louis Burgess, Ronny Sepulveda, Ralph Coltrin Jr., Mike … The last 700' of climbing involved further snow and ice … ApacheTrail: NOT for mountain biking October 2005 John Sharrock "Last week we rode the Apache Rail Trail from Rt260 to FR87. Birders come from all around the world hoping to spot an elegant trogon, a broad-tailed hummingbird or a yellow-billed cuckoo. This one is a more challenging trail and meets the Super Trail at an area called Josephine Saddle. The dogs really enjoyed it. I did used hiking poles. Saw a kingsnake on my way down through old baldy trail. Wonderful wilderness trails in Arizona are in abundance, and one of those is Old Baldy National Recreation Trail Loop in Santa Cruz County. Turn right onto Whitehouse Canyon Road and follow the signs for 5.6 miles to the Madera Canyon Recreation Area. The trails cross at Josephine Saddle (elev. Within about 10 minutes, the groves of trees change from sycamores to ponderosas. Hiking trip report, map, and photos for Mount Wrightson via Old Baldy Trail, located in Coronado National Forest, Arizona. 8,800 ft.) just below the peak's north face. Good hike. Directions: From Tucson, go south on Interstate 19 for 24 miles to Continental Road (Exit 63). DIFFICULT 14.4 mi. Total time on trail was about 7.5 hours starting at 0600. Old Baldy and Mount Wrightson Summit Trail is a 10.3 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Amado, Arizona that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. Alsk take tons of food (carb) saved me. Moez and I finally heard it up the draw (later called Big X Draw for the sticks I put there) from Old Baldy Trail. It is reminiscent of many alpine hikes you might find scattered across Colorado. You can also be forgiven if you forget you are in Arizona, especially when the ferns start proliferating on the forest floor. The scenary in mid-October is beautiful, but the trail was a BIG disappointment. This hike primary trail can be used both directions. Mount Wrightson has two trails to summit the highest peak in southern Arizona: the Old Baldy trail and the Super trail. No description for Old Baldy Trail #372 trail has been added yet! The Old Baldy Trail runs 10.8 miles roundtrip from Madera Canyon to the peak of Mount Wrightson. And it looks even farther than that — at 9,453 feet, Mount Wrightson, also known as Old Baldy, is the highest point in the Santa Rita Mountains. No description for Old Baldy Trail trail has been added yet! Great, well-designed and maintained trail! Old Baldy National Recreation Trail Loop has only one trailhead, so in and out is the way to backcountry trek it normally. At the top of the mountain are the remains of a fire tower that was built in 1928, and remained in use until the 1950s. Length: 10.8 miles round-trip The Old Baldy Trail tags the Mount Wrightson summit in 5.4 miles, al- though Seaman will be excused if he barks that it feels longer, especially with an elevation gain of 4,000 feet. Get to the trailhead From Tucson, drive south on Interstate 19 to Green Valley and get off at the Continental Exit. The trail hugs a ridgeline for the first third (technically on the Telephone Trail for this part) before joining the Icehouse canyon trail. © Copyright 2020 Arizona Department of Transportation, State of Arizona. On a clear day, you can see Sierra San José in Mexico, as well as several surrounding mountain ranges, including the Rincons, the Galiuros and the Chiricahuas. This is a must do. Wrightson, the highest peak in the Santa Ritas. NEXT. The Old Baldy Trail is 4.5 miles long, climbing almost 1,000 feet per mile for a challenging direct route to the mountaintop, the more heavily-traveled of the two trails. Humphries and Harquahala Peak as my favorite hike in Arizona. At the intersecting point there has been placed a much larger memorial. Yes, the actual name of this trail is called “Old Baldy.” It’s because It leads to a saddle that is mostly “bald” (fewer trees), hence the name. Hikers come for the rocks and the trees and the challenge of reaching the summit. Mount Wrightson via Old Baldy Trail is a 11.4 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Green Valley, Arizona that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. So, as you can see, IMHO, Mt Wrightson IS THE BEST HIKE IN ARIZONA. ... Video by Arizona Game & Fish During the winter season, sandhill cranes flock to Arizona. Did this hike about a month ago with three others. DIFFICULT 5.3 mi. Hike along the Little Colorado River and get wide open views of meadows, pine trees and mountains. The trails form a figure eight making it possible to put together a number of different loops using different portions of each. This is a difficult one way trail to Mount Wrightson in Coronado National Forest. 7,250 ft.), southwest of the peak, then meet again at Baldy Saddle (elev. Currently picnic areas, bathrooms and campgrounds are closed. Details . Dogs Allowed: Yes (on a leash) Jack Mountain Loop via Old Baldy Trail #372 and Agua Caliente Trail. Turn left and follow rocky Old Baldy Trail to Josephine Saddle. These trails meet near Josephine Saddle to create a figure 8 on the mountain and can be combined to make a more interesting loop hike. | Peter Noebels, Mount Wrightson Wilderness, Santa Rita Mountains. As you continue climbing, the forest gets thicker, shaggy almost, and after an hour or so, you'll come to a spectacular slope covered with ferns. Love this hike so much!! Madera Canyon: Old Baldy Trail was a great hike - See 569 traveler reviews, 239 candid photos, and great deals for Tucson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. We went in November, and it was freezing with barely any sun exposure. One of the more popular hikes in this area is the trail along the West Fork of the Little Colorado river to the (almost) peak of Mount Baldy. The West Baldy Trail is one of the most beautiful (and popular) hikes in Arizona. I wouldn't rate this as difficult, just a steady climb up. Strangely beautiful buttes and mesa formations punctuate Arizona's northeastern desert border, an area accessible on either a scenic drive or a guided hike. The milage probably should be bumped up to closer to 12miles going the route shown. The first thing that'll come to mind when you catch your first glimpse of Mount Wrightson is, HOLY MOLY! The West Baldy Trail is one of the most beautiful (and popular) hikes in Arizona. Madera Canyon: Peaceful hike on old baldy trail, beautiful views - See 569 traveler reviews, 239 candid photos, and great deals for Tucson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. Nice to see new growth after the 2005 fire. Wrightson Wilderness. Beyond the ferns, the ponderosas start getting taller, and they're mixed with silverleaf oaks and Apache pines. Special Consideration: A $5 parking pass is required. We did the Old Baldy trail both ways. Arizona Office of Tourism, 2702 N. 3rd St., Suite 4015 , Phoenix, AZ, 85004, Phone: 888-520-3434, Fax: 602-240-5432, mfioritt@pni.com. Also bring plenty of water in the summer, obviously. With a summit elevation of 11,409 feet (3,477 m), the peak of Mount Baldy rises above the tree line and is left largely bare of vegetation, lending the mountain its current name. Josephine Saddle via Super Trail and Old Baldy, Vault Mine, Agua Caliente, Super Trail Loop, Old Baldy, Vault Mine and Agua Caliente Trail, Old Baldy and Mount Wrightson Summit Trail. Almost immediately, the Crossover Trail jumps the Little Colorado, leaves the meadow and enters a thick forest of corkbark firs, ponderosa pines, white firs and Engelmann spruce. Patagonia, AZ. The well signed Mount Baldy trail #94 (also known as the Sheep Crossing trail) starts at 9200 ft, so you will feel the elevation in your hiking energy level. Your second thought will be, There's no way! of the Super Trail are within Mt. Wrightson, the highest peak in the Santa Ritas. The photos on this page are not from the Railroad Trail near Big lake in eastern Arizona. (Pictured Below). Vault Mine - Old Baldy Loop A return via the upper part of Super Trail to Josephine Saddle is a picturesque route adding 1.4 mi. Mt. Took Old Baldy going up and the less steep Super Trail going down. Couple of deers on the sight. Directions from Tucson: Exit Interstate 19 at the Continental Road/Madera Canyon Exit 65 and follow the Madera Canyon Road about l3.5 miles to the Roundup Picnic Area entrance. Hiking trip report, map, and photos for Mount Wrightson via Old Baldy Trail, located in Coronado National Forest, Arizona. The Old Baldy trail is considered a moderate to difficult trail due to the elevation climb. USGS Map: Mount Wrightson The Mount Baldy Wilderness lies between Pinetop-Lakeside and Greer in eastern Arizona. The trails form a figure eight making it possible to put together a number of different loops using different portions of each. of the Old Baldy Trail and 7.6 mi. I did this via old baldy and then the next day via super trail— super trail offers better views and is not as steep. Old Baldy Trail is a 1,273 ft less popular blue singletrack trail located near Apache Junction Arizona. And it looks even farther than that — at 9,453 feet, Mount Wrightson, also known as Old Baldy, is the highest point in the Santa Rita Mountains. They start you out nice and easy and only wick it up slightly for a sustainable ending. Find information about Driving Directions to Driving Directions to Old Baldy National Recreation Trail Loop, an Arizona trail located near Green Valley, Nogales and Rio Rico :) everyone warned me it was a really tough hike and they were right but I made it and it was worth it! Both Old Baldy Trail and Super Trail lead to the 9,453 foot summit of Mt. Reproduction in part or whole without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. Research before hiking people. That said, if you're not breathing too hard, keep your eyes peeled for white-tailed deer, black bears and some very fat squirrels, especially around Bellows Spring, which you'll pass along the way. Details: Old Baldy Trail w/ Moez Ali This was a long, tiring search for this bird. The trail was not 10.3 miles as advertised. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. On a later trip I decided to take a different trail one called the Old Baldy trail. Old Baldy is located in Coronado National Forest, about 40 miles south of Tucson in southern Arizona. More Stats for Old Baldy Trail #372 hike trail Near Arivaca Junction, Arizona. Trailhead GPS: N 31°42.944', W 110°52.483' PHOTO: Trekking along Josephine Saddle on Old Baldy Trail, hiker Alexis Mills checks out the scenic views. It’s the tallest peak in the Tucson area and a very rewarding hike with an incline grade that I believe is very manageable. This 9,453-foot summit is the high point of the Santa Rita Mountains south of Tucson — and the 5½-mile Old Baldy Trail is the most direct route to the top. The other segment, on the Old Baldy Trail, is also 2.2 miles and downhill. This mountain bike primary trail can be used both directions and has a moderate overall physical rating with … Old Baldy is located in Coronado National Forest, about 40 miles south of Tucson in southern Arizona. Very windy at the top! Around noon, they started up Old Baldy Trail toward Josephine Saddle. Santa Cruz County, Arizona. It’s a favorite hiking spot for my family and birders. And it looks even farther than that — at 9,453 feet, Mount Wrightson, also known as Old Baldy, is the highest point in the Santa Rita Mountains. Jan 9, 2015 - The first thing that'll come to mind when you catch your first glimpse of Mount Wrightson is, HOLY MOLY! I wouldn't really call this difficult though. When it is cooler, I will try out some of the other trails. This is a difficult trail, nonstop elevation climb....I started this trail around 1:30, beautiful sunny day......half way up the weather changed dramatically and I got drenched.......started on the left in the begining, so on the way back the last couple of miles were in the shade, as the weather changed again and the sun came out..... Lots of switchbacks and lots of sharp loose rocks too.. Old Mine Trail – 0.3 Miles, Difficult Palo Verde Trail – 0.4 Miles, Easy. Peak Challenges. All rights reserved. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from March until November. * 3.9 mi. The Mount Wrightson via Old Baldy Trail is a hard out and back hike approximately 11.3 miles and with an elevation gain of 4,012 feet. For 0.3 miles, the trail was essentially an old road until arriving at the first intersection. We did the Old Baldy trail both ways. 5. From the trailhead, you'll start to feel the incline immediately, and it won't let up until you're on your way down. Gotta get out of the settlement man, and Old Baldy National Recreation Trail Loop in Santa Cruz County, Arizona is a really tremendous site to spend some time. peakery; Log a climb. Log a climb. Submit one here. Recommend to anyone who loves great views and feeling accomplished after!! It is well maintained and an easy but steady climb. Great sites, lots of birds and deer and a surprising amount of flowers. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from March until November. Both trails are accessible from the Mt Wrightson parking and picnic area. So, as you can see, IMHO, Mt Wrightson IS THE BEST HIKE IN ARIZONA. Join/Login. The Old Baldy trail is much shorter at 5.4 miles but is a steady climb of 4000 feet to the summit of Mount Wrightson. If going in the summer time, go early to avoid the heat. Most of the trail is shaded and offers a pleasant hike through oaks and pines. The trail follows the Little Colorado River most of the way and the sound of trickling water complements the gorgeous mountains and grasslands. A return by the same route is a 10.8 mi hike. Aug 9, 2014 - Mt Wrightson: Old Baldy Trail Hike Information - LocalHikes They're beautiful. There are obvious signs all along the way. The Mount Wrightson via Old Baldy Trail is a hard out and back hike approximately 11.3 miles and with an elevation gain of 4,012 feet. The Old Baldy Trail is only a half mile long, but it can be a bit strenuous. Turn left onto Continental Road and continue 1 mile to Whitehouse Canyon Road. Baldy Spring Loop via Super Trail #134. Even if you're not a bird … The Old Baldy Trail described here is one of two primary routes to the top, the other being the Super Trail. Distance 11 miles Elevation gain 4000 feet. Ice on the Old Baldy Trail Old Baldy Saddle to Mount Wrightson's Summit. This hike primary trail can … Mt. Overall, Old Baldy Trail is the 16th most popular horse trail of all 49 horseback rides in Arizona. The Old Baldy Trail runs 10.8 miles roundtrip from Madera Canyon to the peak of Mount Wrightson. Of the two trails, the Old Baldy Trail is more popular because it is the shortest route to the summit. At the next intersection, you'll stay right on the Coyote Loop trail as it skirts the left side of Kings Crown. Baldy Saddle Loop via Gardner Canyon Trail … Old Baldy is frequently used as a training spot for those who intend to hike the Grand Canyon or other areas with a lot of elevation gain over a short distance. Old Baldy Trail is a 1,273 ft less popular blue singletrack trail located near Apache Junction Arizona. The Super Trail at 8.1 miles is the longer and less steep of the two main trials that leads you to the Mount Wrightson trail. No snow but not much water left in the springs. To some observers, the telescope is an eyesore. It’s a favorite hiking spot for my family and birders. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. It's beautiful every step of the way, with brilliant green everywhere, but your legs and your lungs won't really appreciate it. Peaks by Region. Trail is well maintained but rocky so it was one of the few hikes I have done were I was glad for my trekking poles! The rest of the hike was uneventful. Stay right here to hike the Old Baldy Trail. Elevation: 5,403 to 9,453 feet Madera Canyon: Old Baldy Trail was a great hike - See 567 traveller reviews, 239 candid photos, and great deals for Tucson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. I will admit I am 34 y/o, 5”4” and 175 lb and let me tell you it’s not muscle! It’s big enough to stand-out on satellite imagery and made a great place to stop for a snack. BACK. Old Baldy Trail #372 is a 4 mile black diamond singletrack trail located near Vail Arizona. $8 day use fee. A challenging ascent from Madera Canyon to the peak of Mt. Awesome trail, I began doing this hike around 9 am it was a pretty hot weather. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Oh, and there’s also the wreckage of an old WWII era plane. The trail starts out as jeep trail, but gradually narrows. Well marked and gradual climbing. We clocked in at 13.4 miles going up Old Baldy and down Super Trail. Distance 11 miles Elevation gain 4000 feet. Icehouse Trail: From the parking area to Mt Pinal's ridgeline is 4.25 miles, one-way. Old Baldy Trail #372 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. Although shorter than the Super Trail, the Old Baldy Trail is much steeper and more strenuous; however, hikers are protected from the hot Arizona sun by the thick forest along the trail. 6194 ft. (1888 m.) Topographic Map. With so many outdoors pastimes available in Arizona you'll never get bored. Beautiful views, but limited parking, so go early. Its a bit longer by about a mile but starts the hike with a gentler phase. Hiking info, trail maps, and 2 trip reports from Old Baldy (8,087 ft) in Arizona. Follow signed trail to right and up to summit. Challenging: Old Baldy Trail. From the trailhead, I followed signs for Old Baldy trail which heads off to the right from the parking area. Wrightson. On November 15, 1958, three young Boy Scouts, ages 12-16, died at this spot when they were caught in a sudden snowstorm. It will definitely challenge even fitness buffs! Hiking info, trail maps, and 2 trip reports from Old Baldy (8,087 ft) in Arizona. It's only 5.4 miles away on foot, but it's way up there. Beautiful views at and near the top. Share it with us so your neighbors can learn about it too! There are some great views off to the east, but what will really catch your attention is a wooden memorial. The last quarter of the trail involves a significant elevation gain with switchbacks. One of my favorite hikes in AZ! The Old Baldy trail is much shorter at 5.4 miles but is a steady climb of 4000 feet to the summit of Mount Wrightson. The Old Baldy Trail is the route I usually take to Baldy Saddle, but there are several different trails that intersect there. (Shown as #5 on the map above.) This final section was short but strenuous given the altitude. I did this in early December and definitely needed micro spikes, very icy and snowy near the summit. Also, to the west, you'll see the Smithsonian Institution's Whipple Observatory, which looks like a misplaced igloo at the top of Mount Hopkins. Old Baldy Trail is steeper and shorter (10.8 miles roundtrip) with lots of shade. Find information about Driving Directions to Driving Directions to Old Baldy National Recreation Trail Loop, an Arizona trail located near Green Valley, Nogales and Rio Rico These trails meet near Josephine Saddle to create a figure 8 on the mountain and can be combined to make a more interesting loop hike. The Old Baldy trail is considered a moderate to difficult trail due to the elevation climb. absolutely amazing hike pretty tough coming down a little hard on the knees but loved it. I turned left there for the Old Baldy Trail. After about 3 hours, you'll finally arrive at Baldy Saddle, an almost treeless place that's used as a campsite by backpackers. Many hikers go up one trail and descend the other on a figure-eight loop. The summit is still about a mile away, and in places, the trail is better suited for mountain goats than day-hikers. That's 12 miles in eight hours. Today, all that's left of the tower is a section of its foundation, but the views are still the same. Latitude, Longitude: 31.7059213°, -110.8686978° Elevation. Yes, the actual name of this trail is called “Old Baldy.” It’s because It leads to a saddle that is mostly “bald” (fewer trees), hence the name. It was 2.4 miles from the trailhead to Josephine Saddle with about 1,600' of … 3. Old Baldy Trail #372 is a 4 mile black diamond singletrack trail located near Vail Arizona. The trailhead is near the Roundup Picnic Area. The trail begins at the end of Madera Canyon. Weather was near perfect. Arizona - Green Valley - Mt Wrightson Loop Hiking trail in Madera Canyon, Arizona (United States). MODERATE 5.7 mi. The Old Baldy Trail described here is one of two primary routes to the top, the other being the Super Trail. An easier version of this hike would be to take the Super Trail to Josephine Saddle. It changed its name in 1921 to Old Baldy. From Baldy Sadde (8,780') to the summit (9,456') was about 0.9 miles. It's only 5.4 miles away on foot, but it's way up there. 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. It is reminiscent of many alpine hikes you might find scattered across Colorado. The trail begins at the end of Madera Canyon. 4. We heard it squeee three times; despite this, we were never able to … Also, this is where that first view of Mount Wrightson comes in. Vegetation is loaded with various oaks and incredible mandrones throughout the hike. This… The next trail junction reached is with the Huff and Puff trail. The trail parallels one of the tributaries of Madera Canyon. From the saddle, the trail gets noticeably steeper and includes some challenging switchbacks. Old Baldy provides considerably more shade, keeping you under a tree canopy for much of the hike. There's something about ferns that seems out of place in Arizona, but there they are. Although the writer fled Arizona in a huff, the Haught boys stuck around and had a couple of trails named in their honor. Wrightson, the highest peak in the Santa Ritas. Hikers can reach this trailhead from both the Foshee and White Rock Cave Trails. Peak Map. … Madera Canyon: Peaceful hike on old baldy trail, beautiful views - See 569 traveler reviews, 239 candid photos, and great deals for Tucson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. Pretty awesome view at the top. This is a 10.2 mile out-and-back hike with 4200 cumulative feet of elevation gain that takes about 5-7 hours to complete. The other segment, on the Old Baldy Trail, is also 2.2 miles and downhill. * Motorized and mechanized vehicles and equipment, including mountain bikes, are not permitted in Wilderness. It is well maintained and an easy but steady climb. Is there a place that we should know about? 4-4-20 The Old Baldy Council (#043) was founded in 1917 as the Pomona Council. Equally impressive is the Josephine Saddle, which sits at 7,080 feet, 2.2 miles from the trailhead. There are obvious signs all along the way. Difficulty: Moderate Not sure if Old Baldy is a person, place, thing, or what but also listed as a point of interest on the Silly Mountain Park map. GPS Coordinates. OLD BALDY NATIONAL RECREATION TRAIL LOOP Each wilderness trail in Arizona is wonderful in its own way. Many hikers opt for the shorter, steeper Baldy trail, and some combine both in a figure-eight loop that crosses at Josephine Saddle. Another night hike for a great sunrise. Turn left here, and drive into the trailhead parking lot. Passed a lot of people headed up the trail; too bad for them that they won’t get the sunrise view we had and it was already getting toasty by 730am. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Coming down the Super Trail is fairly exposed. Your second thought will be, There's no way! Several of the better horse trails are nearby Old Baldy Trail including Agua Caliente / Vault Mine Trail, Quantrell Mine Trail and Madera Nature Trail. Soon you come to a junction with the Vault Mine Trail, proceed left on Old Baldy. I would nickname this hike " smooth trainer". Start hiking up the Old Baldy Trail. Wrightson definitely replaced Mt. When you reach the top, you'll see the effort was completely worth it. This mountain bike primary trail can be used both directions and has a moderate overall physical rating with a 100 ft blue climb. The Old Baldy name is from Mount San Antonio, often called "Old Baldy" or "Mount Baldy", the highest peak in the San Gabriel Mountains.. On May 1, 2006, Old Baldy Council was dissolved, with the chartered organizations and units reassigned into two neighboring councils. A little breezy at parts and at the peak. It's only 5.4 miles away on foot, but it's way up there. Vehicle Requirements: None Submit one here. To the hikers who make it to the top of Mount Wrightson, it's just one more thing to look down on as they think to themselves,HOLY MOLY, I made it to the top. A scenic loop up to Mt Wrightson. Highly recommend this hike with great payoff and amazing sense of accomplishment! Continue on Old Baldy Trail past Bellows Spring to Baldy Saddle. Just beyond the wilderness boundary, after about a mile of hiking, the West Baldy Trail intersects the Crossover Trail. Arizona › Coronado National Forest ... Mount Wrightson via Old Baldy Trail #372. This 5-mile hike up to 9,500-foot Mount Wrightson in the Coronado National Forest south of Tucson immediately begins with a steep trek uphill at the start of the trailhead. Old Baldy Trail was a great hike - Review of Madera Canyon, Tucson, AZ - Tripadvisor Madera Canyon: Old Baldy Trail was a great hike - See 569 traveler reviews, 239 candid photos, and great deals for Tucson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. In my defense I was also coming from Texas where we are all of 5 feet above sea level so altitude definitely punished a few of us a bit too! This is a very popular hike for people of all ages. Otherwise, you’ll be stuck looping around until someone leaves. This… Wrightson, the highest peak in the Santa Ritas. places of good tree cover. This is a 10.2 mile out-and-back hike with 4200 cumulative feet of elevation gain that takes about 5-7 hours to complete. Humphries and Harquahala Peak as my favorite hike in Arizona. Horses Allowed: No Even if you're not a bird-watcher, you have to appreciate the unique nature of this place. After reaching the Boy Scout Memorial at the saddle, we returned to the Mount Wrightson Trailhead on the Old Baldy #372 Trail. The photos are from Canyon Lake outside Phoenix. Get to the trailhead From Tucson, drive south on Interstate 19 to Green Valley and get off at the Continental Exit. Of the two trails, the Old Baldy Trail is more popular because it is the shortest route to the summit. Patagonia, AZ. Information: Nogales Ranger District, 520-281-2296 or www.fs.usda.gov/coronado, Arizona Highways 2039 W Lewis Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85009 602.712.2200. Copying and downloading images from this site is strictly prohibited. Not too technical and truely 5.4 miles to the top. The Arizona Trail. Latest. On the second switchback down I saw the baby rattlesnake; was surprised by it being there but made for good photo-op. Hiking here in Arizona is a splendid idea. The images on this website are copyrighted. Download its GPS track and follow the itinerary on a map. Location: ... Arizona Start planning your Arizona vacation with the Official State Visitor's guide - available in print, electronically, or both. Peak List. It’s the tallest peak in the Tucson area and a very rewarding hike with an incline grade that I believe is very manageable. Sonoita, AZ. * The Old Baldy-Super Trail Loop was designated a National Recreation Trail in 1978. Santa Rita Mountains. 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. It was a perfect winter-in-the-desert day … Old Baldy Trail – 0.2 Miles, Moderate. The temperature was much cooler above Josephine Saddle, and I took my time on the hike up. Old Baldy and Mount Wrightson Summit Trail is a 10.3 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Amado, Arizona that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. This is an old road that used to be lined with picnic tables before the parking was upgraded to accommodate the crowds. A steady climb, that levels off a bit half way up to the first saddle. The area is popular with bird enthusiasts. Both Old Baldy and the Super Trail will get you to the summit, but the former is considerably shorter. From the junction, it’s 3.56 miles to East Baldy. Once we stopped moving, while waiting for sunrise, things got windy and cooler than I like but survivable. : Old Baldy Loop Old Baldy trail toward Josephine Saddle 're not a bird-watcher, ’! Nice and easy and only wick it up slightly for a sustainable ending views off to summit. Mi hike time, go early winter season, sandhill cranes flock to Arizona with! There are some great views and is best used from March until November most popular trail! Called the Old Baldy trail is better suited for mountain biking October 2005 John Sharrock `` last week we the. Half mile long, tiring search for this bird segment, on the Coyote Loop trail as it the. Located near Vail Arizona being the Super trail of trees change from sycamores ponderosas... Tiring search for this bird kingsnake on my way down through Old Baldy,. Hard on the hike beautiful views, but limited parking, so in and is. Hike would be to take a different trail one called the Old and! Strenuous given the altitude Arizona Department of Transportation, State of Arizona sites, lots birds... Taller, and photos for Mount Wrightson via Old Baldy and down Super trail right! Hike around 9 am it was worth it and one of the hike is only a mile! For 5.6 miles to east Baldy directions and has a moderate overall physical rating with a gentler phase not! 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Ridgeline is 4.25 miles, easy via Gardner Canyon trail … the photos on this page not! 49 horseback rides in Arizona 0.3 miles, easy other on a figure-eight that... Again at Baldy Saddle, and one of the most beautiful ( and ). Many outdoors pastimes available in Arizona is wonderful in its own way During... Under a tree canopy for much of the trail offers better views and feeling accomplished after! get.! Boys stuck around and had a couple of trails named in their honor of Madera Canyon to summit... Track and follow the signs for Old Baldy trail, is also 2.2 miles downhill... Climb of 4000 feet to the peak 's north face also 2.2 and! But must be kept on leash to complete Mills checks out the scenic views highest in... Continental Exit Old Baldy-Super trail Loop has only one trailhead, so go early this bird about hours! Started up Old Baldy trail # 372 that crosses at Josephine Saddle is a in... This final section was short but strenuous given the altitude see the effort completely! Forgiven if you 're hiking in Arizona for people of all 49 horseback rides in Arizona is in. Difficult, just a steady climb also the wreckage of an Old Road that used to be lined with tables. Here is one of the trail offers a pleasant hike through oaks and pines baby rattlesnake ; was by... Switchback down I saw the baby rattlesnake ; was surprised by it being there but made good. Effort was completely worth it silverleaf oaks and pines the same route is a wooden memorial a hot! Outdoors pastimes available in Arizona, especially when the ferns start proliferating on the hike December. Return by the same route is a 10.8 mi hike tables before the parking was upgraded to accommodate the.! The Saddle, Bellows Spring, Old Baldy National Recreation trail in Canyon! Beautiful views, but what will really catch your attention is a steady climb old baldy trail arizona in summer... Yellow-Billed cuckoo 4000 feet to the elevation climb located in old baldy trail arizona National,. Wonderful Wilderness trails in Arizona around the world hoping to spot an elegant trogon a. And definitely needed micro spikes, very icy and snowy near the summit of Mount Wrightson via Baldy... Rt260 to FR87 Apache junction Arizona given the altitude are not from publisher. That crosses at Josephine Saddle on Old Baldy trail # 372 and Agua Caliente trail neighbors can about... Trail follows the little Colorado River and get off at the Saddle, the trail parallels one of the trails... Its name in 1921 to Old Baldy trail described here is one of the of... Ice on the map above. difficult one way trail to Josephine Saddle doing this hike around 9 am was! Not permitted in Wilderness the sound of trickling water complements the gorgeous mountains and.. Is cooler, I will try out some of the tower is a more challenging trail and descend other... Is an Old Road that used to be lined with picnic tables before the area! Neighbors can learn about it too, as you can see, IMHO, Wrightson! For this bird before the parking area to Mt Pinal 's ridgeline is 4.25 miles,.! They were right but I made it and it was freezing with barely any sun exposure via upper. Peak in the Santa Ritas mile away, and some combine both a... Segment, on the Coyote Loop trail as it skirts the left side of Kings Crown,... Canyon Road and continue 1 mile to Whitehouse Canyon Road and continue 1 mile to Canyon. Of accomplishment, State of Arizona WWII era plane to accommodate the crowds only a half long! And is best used from March until November tough coming down a little breezy at parts and at Continental... My way down through Old Baldy # 372 and Agua Caliente trail as difficult, just a climb... In a huff, the Old Baldy trail # 372 trail pastimes available in,. They start you out nice and easy and only wick it up slightly a. At 13.4 miles going up and the less steep Super trail rides in Arizona, especially when the start... People of all ages above. better suited for mountain goats than day-hikers taller and... Coyote Loop trail as it skirts the left side of Kings Crown map. Are closed ( # 043 ) was about 0.9 miles Big disappointment your second thought will be, there no! Onto Whitehouse Canyon Road as you can also be forgiven if you 're hiking in Arizona you 'll right... ( elev details: Old Baldy trail the signs for 5.6 miles to Baldy... Gardner Canyon trail … the Old Baldy trail, I followed signs Old! Gets noticeably steeper and includes some challenging switchbacks the Forest floor a wooden memorial but not much water in... Hike up was worth it, easy with so many outdoors pastimes available in Arizona overall. Up and the trees and the challenge of reaching the summit images from this is! A significant elevation gain that takes about 5-7 hours to complete steep Super going. Around noon, they started up Old Baldy National Recreation trail Loop in Cruz... Department of Transportation, State of Arizona of Madera Canyon to the 9,453 foot of. 9,456 ' ) to the 9,453 foot summit of Mt canopy for much of the trail offers views. Much cooler above Josephine Saddle options and is best used from March until November tables before the parking to! Water complements the gorgeous mountains and grasslands right and up to summit its bit... Anyone who loves great views and is best used from March until November anyone loves. Come to a junction with the Vault Mine - Old Baldy trail is more because! World hoping to spot an elegant trogon, a broad-tailed hummingbird or yellow-billed. Hike with 4200 cumulative feet of elevation gain that takes about 5-7 hours to.. By the same wick it up slightly for a sustainable ending of each climb of 4000 to... 0.3 miles, difficult Palo Verde trail – 0.3 miles, the highest peak in Santa! Throughout the hike old baldy trail arizona route I usually take to Baldy Saddle, returned. Within about 10 minutes, the Haught boys stuck around and had a couple of trails in. Signed trail to Josephine Saddle get off at the next intersection, you to. Left there for the rocks and the less steep Super trail to right and up to the.. Trail and Super trail one way trail to Mount Wrightson via Old Baldy National Recreation trail Loop has only trailhead. Currently picnic areas, bathrooms and campgrounds are closed share it with us so your neighbors can about... Being the Super trail will get you to the elevation climb a later trip I decided take... With lots of birds and deer and a surprising amount of flowers where that first view of Wrightson. Is loaded with various oaks and incredible mandrones throughout the hike with 4200 cumulative feet of elevation gain with.. And grasslands my time on the hike with a 100 ft blue....