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Coronado Hiking Trails |
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Old Baldy Trail #372 & Super Trail #134 Loop
Both of these trails lead to the 9,543-foot
summit of Mt. Wrightson, the highest peak in the Santa Ritas. Of the
two, Old Baldy is the shortest and steepest, while the Super Trail
is longer but has a more moderate gradient. The trails form a figure
eight making it possible to put together a number of different loops
using different portions of each.
Old Baldy is the most heavily traveled and also remains
the coolest of the two by keeping a more northerly
aspect and staying in
the trees for almost its entire length. The Super Trail
stays within the same drainage as its steeper cousin
on the lower loop of the “8”,
but it follows a more south-facing slope through a high desert environment.
Above the midpoint of the “8” at Josephine Saddle, the Super
Trail loops around the south side of the mountain through even more arid
country, while Old Baldy switchbacks through thickets of New Mexico locust
on a west-facing slope to Baldy Saddle. The last mile to the summit of
Mt. Wrightson via the Crest Trail #144 is the same no matter which trail
you’ve followed to the saddle.
The views from the summit are, to say the least, breathtaking.
The Santa Catalinas near Tucson, Mt. Graham to the
east, and the high peaks of the Huachucas to the southeast
combine with sweeping views of
the Santa Cruz and San Pedro valleys to form a 360° panorama. Actually,
you don’t even have to go all the way to the top to enjoy great
views. Many of these landmarks are visible from dozens of overlooks along
both trails. And while you’re at it, remember that all that’s
worth seeing here is not in the distance. The birdwatchers heaven that
exists in Madera Canyon extends up the mountain into this area where,
in addition to the birds, you have a chance to see Coues white-tailed
deer, black bear and even mountain lion.
The trails also boast an impressive potpourri of tree species
characteristic of southeastern Arizona including Arizona, Apache and
Chihuahua pines,
as well as Arizona madrone and a variety of oaks.
Attractions:
- Top of the mountain views
- Watchable wildlife
- Diverse habitats
- Mix and match loops
Season: All year. Expect snow in winter at the higher elevations.
Length: 8.1 miles (#134), 4.5 miles (#372)
Elevation: 5,400'-9,450'
Rating: Easy (#134), More difficult (#372)
Use: Heavy
USGS Map(s): Mt. Wrightson
Access: Leave Interstate 19 at the Continental Road/Madera
Canyon Exit and follow the Madera Canyon
Road about 13.5 miles to the Roundup Picnic Area
entrance. Turn left here and drive into the trailhead parking lot.
Notes:
- The Old Baldy-Super Trail Loop was designated a National
Recreation Trail in 1978.
- 3.9 mi. of the Old Baldy Trail and 7.6 mi. of the
Super Trail are within Mt. Wrightson Wilderness.
- Motorized and mechanized vehicles and equipment,
including mountain bikes, are not permitted in
Wilderness. See the Wilderness section
of this guide
for more
wilderness rules and ethics.
- Before visiting this trail, call the Nogales
Ranger District for current trail conditions,
which can
vary with weather and fire restirctions or closures.
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