|
Mount Wrightson - Later Afternoon |
Mount Wrightson - Early Morning Fog |
|
Summer Monsoon Rains |
Mount Wrightson
|
Mount Wrightson - Later Afternoon |
Mount Wrightson - Early Morning Fog |
|
Summer Monsoon Rains |
The above photographs were all taken from Mountain Vista Studios, LLC
Mount Wrightson
Mt. Wrightson is the second tallest mountain in the Coronado National Forest. The forest covers 1,780,000 acres of Southeastern Arizona and Southwestern New Mexico. Elevations range from 3000 feet to 10,720 feet in twelve widely scattered mountain ranges or "sky islands" that rise dramatically from the desert floor, supporting plant communities as biologically diverse as those encountered on a trip from Mexico to Canada.
The Old Baldy Trail is probably the best way up, the total Length is10.8 miles round trip. The highest elevation is 9453 feet, starting elevation 5420 feet (Elevation Change 4033 feet).
The best seasons to hike are Spring, Summer and Fall. Hiking time is about 6 hours and dogs (on leashes) are allowed. This is a popular hike to one of the most scenic mountain peaks around Tucson. The trail is in good condition the whole way up, (Check for trail closures since the July '05 Florida Fire.) The views are great, and you will always meet interesting people on the trail and at the summit. Everyone should do this hike at least once. The hike is not very long in terms of horizontal distance, but there is quite a bit of elevation gain. The effort is worth it however, once you get to the top there is a 360 degree view of all of Southern Arizona, and into Mexico. In the monsoon season be sure to start out early since you don't want to be on the summit in the afternoon if there is any chance of thunderstorms. The summit is very exposed and lightning is a real risk up there.
There is snow on the upper parts of the trail quite early in the Fall and late in the Spring. If you go in early spring or late fall be prepared to tromp through lots of snow. There is an alternate route to the top from Madera Canyon using the Super Trail, but it is quite a bit longer than the Old Baldy Trail route. Don't take the Super Trail thinking it will be easier because it is less steep. The extra horizontal miles will wipe out any advantage you get from the more gradual grade, and you can always cope with steepness by just going slower.
Mt Wrightson Links
http://www.summitpost.org/show/mountain_link.pl/mountain_id/1364
http://www.summitpost.org/mountains/gmap.pl/mountain_id/1364
Other Interesting Links
Made in the U.S.A.
©2001-2009, Mountain Vista Studios, LLC
