Mount Wrightson


Mount Wrightson is a peak in the Santa Rita Mountains within the Coronado National Forest, in southern Arizona, United States.
It was named for William Wrightson, a miner and entrepreneur in the region killed by Apaches in the 1865 Battle of Fort Buchanan.

Geography

Mt. Wrightson is the highest point in the Santa Rita Mountains and the Tucson region, lying southeast of the city. Its distinctive pyramid-shaped profile is visible from much of southeastern Arizona and adjoining areas in Sonora, Mexico.
The mountain is known for the views from its barren peak, nearly feet above Tucson.

Flora

Mt. Wrightson's flora includes grassy, high desert chaparral, mixed conifers with Arizona, Apache, and Chihuahua pines, Arizona madrone, aspen, oak brush, and Douglas fir and ponderosa pine near the summit.

Fauna

Fauna on Mt. Wrightson include birds such as the scrub jay and ravens high up near the peak, Coues white-tailed deer, black bear, and mountain lion.

Hiking

The shortest route is the Old Baldy Trail, a steady climb of over over to the exposed summit. The Super Trail, also from the Madera Canyon trailhead, is not as steep but is far longer at. These two trails intersect at Josephine Saddle halfway to the peak, so hikers can choose one route for the lower path and one route for the upper. To reach the trailhead, take exit 63 off of I-19 south of Tucson, and turn east toward Continental. Turn right on Whitehouse Cyn. Rd, following it until it eventually turns into Madera Canyon Road. Parking is plentiful at and below the trailhead, which is at the end of the road.
There are several springs at different locations, including Bog Spring, Sprung Spring, Kent Spring, Armour Spring, Baldy Spring, McBeth Spring and Bellows Spring. Nonetheless, take plenty of water and be aware of wildlife. It is a prime birding area and black bears are common. Two miles into the hike is a saddle which offers an easy dayhike with dramatic views of this peak. It features a Boy Scout Memorial dedicated and maintained for three scouts who died in a storm on Mt. Wrightson November 15, 1958. According to the sign, the plaque was erected by Boy Scout Troop 249 in remembrance of David Greenberg, Mike Early, and Michael J. Lanoue.
The final approach to the summit is north facing and may be impassable without special equipment during the winter due to ice.
The "Florida Fire" in 2005 burned a large expanse of the forest in this area, affecting much of this hike, especially the section between the Walker Basin trail and the Super Trail.