Mt. Wrightson Wilderness
Old Baldy is the name by which those familiar with the Santa Rita Mountains
know the centerpiece of this 25,260-acre Wilderness. Towering more than 7,000
feet over the surrounding savannas and deserts, Mt. Wrightson’s distinctive
pyramid-shaped profile is visible from much of southeastern Arizona and adjoining
areas in Mexico.
Located within the Wilderness are the headwaters of Madera
Canyon, one of the most famous birdwatching areas in the Southwest. The diversity
which characterizes this desert oasis extends into other, more out of the
way, habitats within the Wilderness, serving as a powerful attraction to nature
lovers who value wildlife watching as a vital element of their wilderness
experience.
Trails within the Mt. Wrightson Wilderness range from well-used pathways
to primitive routes. A few of the most popular access points are located
within
the Madera Canyon Recreation Area, where roads and parking areas are paved.
Trails in the Wilderness crisscross forests, canyons and ridgetops, accessing
panoramic views and cool, shaded glades. Ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir
inhabit higher reaches of the area while lower and more exposed slopes
are covered
with oak woodlands.
The Santa Ritas were once the site of extensive mining activity. Evidence
of that is visible along several of the trails. That colorful history,
added to
the area’s plentiful wildlife and magnificent scenery have made the Mt.
Wrightson Wilderness a popular destination point.
Attractions:
High peaks and sweeping views
Diverse flora and fauna/unsurpassed birdwatching
Historic mining and ranching area
Maps: Coronado National Forest Recreation Map (Nogales and Sierra Vista
Ranger Districts).
USGS Quads: Mt. Wrightson, Mt. Hopkins, Helvetia.
Location: 40 miles south of Tucson, 70 miles northwest of Nogales.
(Straight line distances, not road mileages.)
Elevation: 3,700'-9,453'
Access: Access is available at several points along paved Forest
Road 70 in Madera Canyon. FR 183, a dirt road which is suitable
for most
passenger cars,
leads to Agua Caliente trailhead. Trailheads are also located
at the end
of FR’s 62A, 4084, 92, 165, 785, and 72.
Trails in Wilderness: Major trails in the Wilderness include
the Old Baldy #372, Super #134, Florida Canyon #145, Crest
#144, Agua
Caliente
#140,
East Sawmill Canyon #146, Cave Canyon #149, Walker Basin
#136, Josephine Canyon
#133, and Temporal Gulch #595. Other trails in the Wilderness
include #71, #77, #91, #141, #143, #137, #156 & #157.
Notes:
Motorized and mechanized vehicles and equipment, including
mountain bikes, are not permitted in Wilderness. Please
abide by Wilderness
rules and
observe NO TRACE! ethics.
When traveling in remote areas use a topographic map and
compass, go with a companion whenever possible, and always
tell someone
where you’ve gone
and when you expect to return.
Water is available year-round at a limited number of
springs and streams only. Purification of water is
recommended prior to use.
During dry
periods, carry
your own.
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