Backpack Trail Guide

Trails / Arizona / Southern Arizona

Mount Wrightson via Old Baldy Trail (Baldy Saddle)

Mount Wrightson Wilderness, Coronado National Forest, Nogales Ranger District (Madera Canyon, south of Tucson)

Mount Wrightson is the highest point in the Santa Rita Mountains south of Tucson, a landmark visible from much of southeastern Arizona. Arizona Highways says locals call it “Mount Baldy.” The Old Baldy Trail climbs from Madera Canyon through oak and pine forest to two saddles, and the upper one, Baldy Saddle, is a known backpacker campsite about a mile below the summit.

It’s a steep climb of more than 4,000 feet, and the saddle can be windy. One trip report says the mountain sees heavy day use but few backpackers.

The hike

The trail starts at the Mount Wrightson Picnic Area at the end of Madera Canyon Road. The Forest Service’s directions: from Tucson, go about 35 miles south on I-19 to the Continental Road exit in Green Valley, turn east, then follow the Madera Canyon/White House Canyon Road about 13.5 miles to the end. It says two National Recreation Trails, Old Baldy #372 and the Super Trail #134, both climb to the top of Mount Wrightson, and that the trailhead is day use only with no overnight camping.

Arizona Highways gives the numbers: the Old Baldy Trail is 10.8 miles round trip and the Super Trail 16.2. Wikipedia calls Old Baldy a steady climb of more than 4,000 feet in 5.4 miles to the exposed summit, and the Super Trail less steep but far longer. WildPathsAZ notes the Forest Service describes Old Baldy as steeper but more shaded and the Super Trail as more gradual with less shade.

Third Eye Mom describes the start as wide and a bit rocky until the woods, then the first of many switchbacks. Arizona Highways describes ferns giving way to taller ponderosas mixed with silverleaf oaks and Apache pines. At 2.2 miles comes Josephine Saddle, at 7,080 feet, where many trails converge. Wikipedia says the saddle holds a Boy Scout memorial to three scouts who died in a storm on the mountain on November 15, 1958. WildPathsAZ reminds hikers to stay on the Old Baldy Trail at the junctions here.

Above Josephine Saddle, the views open up, according to Stav is Lost, and the trail passes Bellows Spring before switchbacking toward Baldy Saddle. AllTrails reviewers describe the trail above Josephine Saddle as narrow and overgrown in places, with some erosion and bear scat.

Arizona Highways describes arriving at Baldy Saddle after about three hours: an almost treeless spot used as a campsite by backpackers, with the summit still about a mile away. It warns the final stretch is steep and rocky, better suited for mountain goats than day hikers, and that one misstep could ruin your day. Third Eye Mom puts Baldy Saddle at about 8,750 feet, and Arizona Highways gives the summit as 9,453 feet.

The saddle can be harsh. A Wilderness Need trip report describes reaching Baldy Saddle just before sundown and finding gale-force winds that discouraged a summit attempt. On a later trip, the same writer passed campers still asleep at Baldy Saddle in the morning and reached the peak before the day hikers arrived. The report says visitor use is heavy for day hiking, especially to the peak, but not for backpacking.

Wikipedia lists several springs on the mountain, including Bellows, Baldy, and McBeth Springs. Wilderness Need found Baldy Spring dry on one trip and dropped to McBeth Spring instead.

For another sky-high southern Arizona overnight, see the Chiricahua Crest Trail.

Tips

Camping

Camping is dispersed in the Mount Wrightson Wilderness, away from the day-use trailhead. Arizona Highways and Wilderness Need both describe backpackers camping at Baldy Saddle. Dogs are allowed on a leash and horses aren’t allowed on the Old Baldy Trail, per Arizona Highways. Contact the Nogales Ranger District (520-281-2296, per Arizona Highways) for current rules and fire restrictions.

Inside Intel: Baldy Saddle is the overnight spot. Arizona Highways calls it an almost treeless place used as a campsite by backpackers, and Wilderness Need’s writer found campers sleeping there among the conifers. Camping there puts you a mile from the summit for sunrise, ahead of the day-hiking crowds. Pitch your tent with wind in mind: the same writer was turned back at the saddle by gale-force winds.

Trail facts

The Lowdown

Wind on Baldy Saddle:

The almost treeless saddle below Mount Wrightson can get gale-force wind, so bring a tent that stays put. See which tents held up in testing.

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Where this comes from

This page draws on the sources below, along with other guides and trip reports. Links go to the original pages.

Before you go: This page is based on published trail guides, trip reports, and reviews, along with official park and agency information where we could find it. It’s meant to help backpackers discover new trails, not to replace current, official information. Conditions, closures, permits, campsites, and water sources change, and some details here may be out of date or wrong. Confirm everything with the managing agency and check current conditions before you head out, and don’t rely on this page alone for safety or navigation. Backcountry travel involves risk.