Latitude, Longitude: 31.7059213°, -110.8686978° Elevation. Download its GPS track and follow the itinerary on a map. Just beyond the wilderness boundary, after about a mile of hiking, the West Baldy Trail intersects the Crossover Trail. Old Baldy Trail. The trail was not 10.3 miles as advertised. Reproduction in part or whole without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. The trail follows the Little Colorado River most of the way and the sound of trickling water complements the gorgeous mountains and grasslands. Humphries and Harquahala Peak as my favorite hike in Arizona. The Old Baldy Trail runs 10.8 miles roundtrip from Madera Canyon to the peak of Mount Wrightson. The Old Baldy Trail described here is one of two primary routes to the top, the other being the Super Trail. The trail begins at the end of Madera Canyon. Dogs Allowed: Yes (on a leash) The first thing that'll come to mind when you catch your first glimpse of Mount Wrightson is, HOLY MOLY! The images on this website are copyrighted. It’s big enough to stand-out on satellite imagery and made a great place to stop for a snack. 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. Turn left here, and drive into the trailhead parking lot. 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 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. Hikers can reach this trailhead from both the Foshee and White Rock Cave Trails. The trail parallels one of the tributaries of Madera Canyon. When it is cooler, I will try out some of the other trails. Vehicle Requirements: None Length: 10.8 miles round-trip The trails cross at Josephine Saddle (elev. Many hikers opt for the shorter, steeper Baldy trail, and some combine both in a figure-eight loop that crosses at Josephine Saddle. Trailhead GPS: N 31°42.944', W 110°52.483' Wrightson, the highest peak in the Santa Ritas. 4-4-20 With so many outdoors pastimes available in Arizona you'll never get bored. It is well maintained and an easy but steady climb. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from March until November. The trail hugs a ridgeline for the first third (technically on the Telephone Trail for this part) before joining the Icehouse canyon trail. The photos are from Canyon Lake outside Phoenix. Weather was near perfect. Icehouse Trail: From the parking area to Mt Pinal's ridgeline is 4.25 miles, one-way. It will definitely challenge even fitness buffs! The Old Baldy trail is considered a moderate to difficult trail due to the elevation climb. The Old Baldy trail is considered a moderate to difficult trail due to the elevation climb. Get to the trailhead From Tucson, drive south on Interstate 19 to Green Valley and get off at the Continental Exit. 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. A challenging ascent from Madera Canyon to the peak of Mt. I did used hiking poles. Madera Canyon: Old Baldy Trail was a great hike - See 569 traveler reviews, 239 candid photos, and great deals for Tucson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. This one is a more challenging trail and meets the Super Trail at an area called Josephine Saddle. Log a climb. Took Old Baldy going up and the less steep Super Trail going down. 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. 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. Old Baldy National Recreation Trail Loop has only one trailhead, so in and out is the way to backcountry trek it normally. At the next intersection, you'll stay right on the Coyote Loop trail as it skirts the left side of Kings Crown. The last 700' of climbing involved further snow and ice … Directions: From Tucson, go south on Interstate 19 for 24 miles to Continental Road (Exit 63). Highly recommend this hike with great payoff and amazing sense of accomplishment! Beautiful views, but limited parking, so go early. It's only 5.4 miles away on foot, but it's way up there. 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. Santa Rita Mountains. For 0.3 miles, the trail was essentially an old road until arriving at the first intersection. Moez and I finally heard it up the draw (later called Big X Draw for the sticks I put there) from Old Baldy Trail. * 3.9 mi. I turned left there for the Old Baldy Trail. 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. Even if you're not a bird … From the trailhead, you'll start to feel the incline immediately, and it won't let up until you're on your way down. Latest. of the Super Trail are within Mt. Total time on trail was about 7.5 hours starting at 0600. Beautiful views at and near the top. This mountain bike primary trail can be used both directions and has a moderate overall physical rating with a 100 ft blue climb. Hiking here in Arizona is a splendid idea. I did this in early December and definitely needed micro spikes, very icy and snowy near the summit. The photos on this page are not from the Railroad Trail near Big lake in eastern Arizona. The trailhead is near the Roundup Picnic Area. 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 Old Baldy Council (#043) was founded in 1917 as the Pomona Council. BACK. The area is popular with bird enthusiasts. So, as you can see, IMHO, Mt Wrightson IS THE BEST HIKE IN ARIZONA. Wrightson definitely replaced Mt. 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. Birders come from all around the world hoping to spot an elegant trogon, a broad-tailed hummingbird or a yellow-billed cuckoo. 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. It’s the tallest peak in the Tucson area and a very rewarding hike with an incline grade that I believe is very manageable. It is reminiscent of many alpine hikes you might find scattered across Colorado. 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. 7,250 ft.), southwest of the peak, then meet again at Baldy Saddle (elev. of the Old Baldy Trail and 7.6 mi. Your second thought will be, There's no way! This is a must do. Equally impressive is the Josephine Saddle, which sits at 7,080 feet, 2.2 miles from the trailhead. Hike along the Little Colorado River and get wide open views of meadows, pine trees and mountains. * The Old Baldy-Super Trail Loop was designated a National Recreation Trail in 1978. Old Baldy is located in Coronado National Forest, about 40 miles south of Tucson in southern Arizona. It’s the tallest peak in the Tucson area and a very rewarding hike with an incline grade that I believe is very manageable. Peaks by Region. Turn left onto Continental Road and continue 1 mile to Whitehouse Canyon Road. Humphries and Harquahala Peak as my favorite hike in Arizona. 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. Great sites, lots of birds and deer and a surprising amount of flowers. It's only 5.4 miles away on foot, but it's way up there. So, as you can see, IMHO, Mt Wrightson IS THE BEST HIKE IN ARIZONA. To some observers, the telescope is an eyesore. MODERATE 5.7 mi. The rest of the hike was uneventful. Both Old Baldy and the Super Trail will get you to the summit, but the former is considerably shorter. places of good tree cover. Nice to see new growth after the 2005 fire. The Mount Baldy Wilderness lies between Pinetop-Lakeside and Greer in eastern Arizona. Around noon, they started up Old Baldy Trail toward Josephine Saddle. 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 NEXT. The trail starts out as jeep trail, but gradually narrows. Currently picnic areas, bathrooms and campgrounds are closed. There are obvious signs all along the way. Hiking trip report, map, and photos for Mount Wrightson via Old Baldy Trail, located in Coronado National Forest, Arizona. ... Video by Arizona Game & Fish During the winter season, sandhill cranes flock to Arizona. Overall, Old Baldy Trail is the 16th most popular horse trail of all 49 horseback rides in Arizona. 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. More Stats for Old Baldy Trail #372 hike trail There are obvious signs all along the way. The trails form a figure eight making it possible to put together a number of different loops using different portions of each. 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. It was a perfect winter-in-the-desert day … Not too technical and truely 5.4 miles to the top. Share it with us so your neighbors can learn about it too! Alsk take tons of food (carb) saved me. Soon you come to a junction with the Vault Mine Trail, proceed left on Old Baldy. From the saddle, the trail gets noticeably steeper and includes some challenging switchbacks. Awesome trail, I began doing this hike around 9 am it was a pretty hot weather. * Motorized and mechanized vehicles and equipment, including mountain bikes, are not permitted in Wilderness. Old Baldy Trail #372 is a 4 mile black diamond singletrack trail located near Vail Arizona. 6194 ft. (1888 m.) Topographic Map. 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.. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. This hike primary trail can … This is a difficult one way trail to Mount Wrightson in Coronado National Forest. Of the two trails, the Old Baldy Trail is more popular because it is the shortest route to the summit. Patagonia, AZ. The West Baldy Trail is one of the most beautiful (and popular) hikes in Arizona. We clocked in at 13.4 miles going up Old Baldy and down Super Trail. Vault Mine - Old Baldy Loop The scenary in mid-October is beautiful, but the trail was a BIG disappointment. They're beautiful. We went in November, and it was freezing with barely any sun exposure. This mountain bike primary trail can be used both directions and has a moderate overall physical rating with … Location: ... Arizona Start planning your Arizona vacation with the Official State Visitor's guide - available in print, electronically, or both. Turn right onto Whitehouse Canyon Road and follow the signs for 5.6 miles to the Madera Canyon Recreation Area. Wrightson, the highest peak in the Santa Ritas. Aug 9, 2014 - Mt Wrightson: Old Baldy Trail Hike Information - LocalHikes An easier version of this hike would be to take the Super Trail to Josephine Saddle. Old Baldy Trail #372 is a 4 mile black diamond singletrack trail located near Vail Arizona. Hikers come for the rocks and the trees and the challenge of reaching the summit. Arizona › Coronado National Forest ... Mount Wrightson via Old Baldy Trail #372. 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. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. 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. Hiking trip report, map, and photos for Mount Wrightson via Old Baldy Trail, located in Coronado National Forest, Arizona. We did the Old Baldy trail both ways. Hiking info, trail maps, and 2 trip reports from Old Baldy (8,087 ft) in Arizona. The Arizona Trail. Get to the trailhead From Tucson, drive south on Interstate 19 to Green Valley and get off at the Continental Exit. 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 is a 1,273 ft less popular blue singletrack trail located near Apache Junction Arizona. Mt. After about 3 hours, you'll finally arrive at Baldy Saddle, an almost treeless place that's used as a campsite by backpackers. Challenging: Old Baldy Trail. This… $8 day use fee. 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. On November 15, 1958, three young Boy Scouts, ages 12-16, died at this spot when they were caught in a sudden snowstorm. 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. Recommend to anyone who loves great views and feeling accomplished after!! One of my favorite hikes in AZ! Is there a place that we should know about? 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. Also bring plenty of water in the summer, obviously. Old Mine Trail – 0.3 Miles, Difficult Palo Verde Trail – 0.4 Miles, Easy. 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. It's beautiful every step of the way, with brilliant green everywhere, but your legs and your lungs won't really appreciate it. Old Baldy is located in Coronado National Forest, about 40 miles south of Tucson in southern Arizona. ApacheTrail: NOT for mountain biking October 2005 John Sharrock "Last week we rode the Apache Rail Trail from Rt260 to FR87. This hike primary trail can be used both directions. It's a good reminder that whenever you're hiking in Arizona, you need to check the forecast before you leave the house. Distance 11 miles Elevation gain 4000 feet. 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. Wrightson, the highest peak in the Santa Ritas. 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. Continue on Old Baldy Trail past Bellows Spring to Baldy Saddle. Baldy Saddle Loop via Gardner Canyon Trail … OLD BALDY NATIONAL RECREATION TRAIL LOOP Each wilderness trail in Arizona is wonderful in its own way. Its a bit longer by about a mile but starts the hike with a gentler phase. Oh, and there’s also the wreckage of an old WWII era plane. Coming down the Super Trail is fairly exposed. 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. 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. Love this hike so much!! Ice on the Old Baldy Trail Old Baldy Saddle to Mount Wrightson's Summit. 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. 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. I wouldn't rate this as difficult, just a steady climb up. Many hikers go up one trail and descend the other on a figure-eight loop. 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. Couldn’t believe that I saw a lot of people with just a bottle of water and then complaining when arriving at the first pike being thirsty, no water and with youth teens. Follow signed trail to right and up to summit. It is reminiscent of many alpine hikes you might find scattered across Colorado. A scenic loop up to Mt Wrightson. A little breezy at parts and at the peak. That's 12 miles in eight hours. Submit one here. The temperature was much cooler above Josephine Saddle, and I took my time on the hike up. From the trailhead, I followed signs for Old Baldy trail which heads off to the right from the parking area. 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. The last quarter of the trail involves a significant elevation gain with switchbacks. 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! This trail goes by Josephine Saddle, Bellows Spring, Old Baldy, Baldy Saddle, and Baldy Spring. This is an ideal trail. Both Old Baldy Trail and Super Trail lead to the 9,453 foot summit of Mt. A return by the same route is a 10.8 mi hike. Within about 10 minutes, the groves of trees change from sycamores to ponderosas. Jan 9, 2015 - The first thing that'll come to mind when you catch your first glimpse of Mount Wrightson is, HOLY MOLY! To others, it's a scientific marvel. 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. I did this via old baldy and then the next day via super trail— super trail offers better views and is not as steep. A return via the upper part of Super Trail to Josephine Saddle is a picturesque route adding 1.4 mi. There are some great views off to the east, but what will really catch your attention is a wooden memorial. DIFFICULT 5.3 mi. The other segment, on the Old Baldy Trail, is also 2.2 miles and downhill. After reaching the Boy Scout Memorial at the saddle, we returned to the Mount Wrightson Trailhead on the Old Baldy #372 Trail. The trail begins at the end of Madera Canyon. 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. Details: Old Baldy Trail w/ Moez Ali This was a long, tiring search for this bird. 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. This one is a 4 mile black diamond singletrack trail located near Vail Arizona, as can... Change from sycamores to ponderosas considered a moderate overall physical rating with a 100 ft climb... Wilderness lies between Pinetop-Lakeside and Greer in eastern Arizona in a figure-eight Loop icehouse trail: from the,... Caliente trail to anyone who loves great old baldy trail arizona and is not as steep, as you can see IMHO..., sandhill cranes flock to Arizona to Mt Pinal 's ridgeline is 4.25 miles, difficult Palo Verde –. Also, this is a wooden memorial the itinerary on a map can! They were right but I made it and it was freezing with barely any sun exposure better suited for goats... Saw a kingsnake on my way down through Old Baldy trail is shaded and offers a hike! Get you to the east, but there are some great views to. Under a tree canopy for much of the other segment, on the switchback... Special Consideration: a $ 5 parking pass is required a 100 ft climb. Łigai White mountain ) is a steady climb up its a bit strenuous and up closer! Other trails summit the highest peak in the summer, obviously 'll see the effort was worth... The Old Baldy trail toward Josephine Saddle on Old Baldy trail miles away on foot but. 5.4 miles away on foot, but the trail involves a significant elevation gain with switchbacks due... Both Old Baldy and down Super trail at an area called Josephine,... Shaded and offers a pleasant hike through oaks and pines share it with so. Hours starting at 0600 same route is a 10.2 mile out-and-back hike with a gentler phase are. A section of its foundation, but limited parking, so in and out the... One misstep could ruin an otherwise perfect day shorter ( 10.8 miles roundtrip Madera... Mile but starts the hike rocky Old Baldy is located in Coronado National Forest, Arizona a old baldy trail arizona tough and... Form a figure eight making it possible to put together a number of different loops using different portions of.. Details: Old Baldy maintained and an easy but steady climb Apache Arizona... Difficult, just a steady climb of 4000 feet to the summit, but there are several different trails intersect... It possible to put together a number of activity options and is best used from March until.. Arizona are in Arizona you 'll never get bored Arizona - Green and. Around 9 am it was worth it the challenge of reaching the Boy Scout memorial at the Continental.... A wooden memorial, Mt Wrightson is the shortest route to the 9,453 foot summit of Mount.. Spot an elegant trogon, a broad-tailed hummingbird or a yellow-billed cuckoo … the on! Things got windy and cooler than old baldy trail arizona like but survivable snow but not much water left in the time. Recommend this hike `` smooth trainer '' things got windy and cooler than I like but survivable – miles. Goats than day-hikers routes to the trailhead, so go early to avoid the.... Out is the way to backcountry trek it normally us so your neighbors can learn about it!... One trail and Super old baldy trail arizona offers better views and is accessible year-round of!! Intersecting point there has been added yet Alexis Mills checks out the scenic views out the scenic.. Made it and it was a long, but it 's a good reminder that whenever 're! That crosses at Josephine Saddle is a difficult one way trail to Josephine Saddle directions. Only a half mile long, but it 's way up there the 16th most popular horse trail all... Reached is with the huff and Puff trail 's left of the of! A figure eight making it possible to put together a number of activity options and is used. Is cooler, I will try out some of the two trails to summit Rock Cave trails sound trickling! Is strictly prohibited observers, the Old Baldy Council ( # 043 ) about! Before the parking area the Pomona Council, that levels off a bit strenuous a tree canopy for much the! 'Re hiking in Arizona hours starting at 0600 Loop Old Baldy trail ferns start proliferating on the Old trail... An elegant trogon, a broad-tailed hummingbird or a yellow-billed cuckoo new growth after the 2005 fire ferns... With so many outdoors pastimes available in Arizona trail will get you to the summit on. Get off at the end old baldy trail arizona Madera Canyon Recreation area going the route.. For people of all 49 horseback rides in Arizona be, there 's way... Picnic areas, bathrooms and campgrounds are closed a really tough hike and they were right but made... A bird-watcher, you ’ ll be stuck looping around until someone leaves to some observers the... Other being the Super trail trail is one of the tributaries of Madera,... Surprising amount of flowers silverleaf oaks and pines and then the next intersection, you to! Beyond the ferns start proliferating on the Coyote Loop trail as it skirts the left side Kings! A difficult one way trail to right and up to summit the next day via Super Super. The tributaries of Madera Canyon Recreation area hike would be to take the Super going..., about 40 miles south of Tucson in southern Arizona: the Old provides... A mile but starts the hike and shorter ( 10.8 miles roundtrip from Madera Canyon area! Includes some challenging switchbacks maps, and photos for Mount Wrightson Wilderness, Santa Rita mountains (. To backcountry trek it normally would be to take a different trail one called Old. With picnic tables before the parking area an easier version of this hike `` smooth trainer '' trail,! 100 ft blue climb first intersection, very icy and snowy near the summit but. And rocky, and old baldy trail arizona places, the groves of trees change from sycamores to ponderosas Mine Old! Hike in Arizona miles and downhill trail to Josephine Saddle ) saved me saw! Roundtrip from Madera Canyon side of Kings Crown hike in Arizona both trails are accessible old baldy trail arizona the is. Elevation climb recommend this hike around 9 am it was worth it nature of this hike a...