Mt. Wrightson Wilderness, a wilderness area in Arizona's Santa Rita Mountains, is part of the Coronado National Forest. This region is characterized by significant elevation changes, rising from semiarid hills and grasslands to evergreen oak woodlands, pine forests, and mixed-conifer areas at higher elevations. The rugged terrain features deep canyons, lofty ridges, and peaks, providing a diverse environment for several sports like hiking.
Mt. Wrightson Wilderness offers a range of outdoor activities, primarily…
27
Routes
4.6
(27)
Average rating
404
People visited

4.8
(4)
54
hikers
10.1km
03:19
500m
500m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(2)
24
hikers
7.61km
02:42
460m
500m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

12
hikers
9.51km
02:51
370m
210m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

12
hikers
9.51km
02:51
370m
210m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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1
riders
54.2km
05:02
890m
890m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

8
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

5.0
(1)
9
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

5
riders
39.1km
04:34
1,410m
1,410m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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17
riders
51.3km
04:31
1,290m
1,290m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

7
riders
25.9km
02:58
930m
930m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4
riders
33.5km
02:53
550m
550m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Mt. Wrightson Wilderness is a wilderness area primarily offering hiking. It features diverse ecosystems, from semiarid hills to mixed-conifer forests. The area has 2 routes with an average rating of 4.44 stars from 52 ratings.
Popular trails include the Old Baldy Trail and the Super Trail, both leading to the summit of Mount Wrightson. The Old Baldy Trail is a challenging 5.4-mile (8.7 km) climb with over 4,000 feet (1,219 m) of elevation gain. The Super Trail offers a longer but less steep ascent to the summit.
Yes, there are options for less strenuous hikes within the wilderness area. For specific recommendations and details on easier routes, consult the komoot guide Easy hikes in Mt. Wrightson Wilderness.
The wilderness features varied ecosystems, rugged terrain with deep canyons, and panoramic views from lofty ridges and peaks. The summit of Mount Wrightson offers expansive vistas into Mexico. Madera Canyon, at the foot of the wilderness, is known for its biodiversity and serves as a popular starting point.
The wilderness offers a range of trails, some of which are suitable for families. Madera Canyon provides accessible areas and serves as a starting point for various routes. It is advisable to check individual trail descriptions for difficulty and length.
Information regarding specific dog regulations for Mt. Wrightson Wilderness trails should be verified with the managing authority. Generally, wilderness areas within National Forests have specific rules regarding pets to protect wildlife and natural resources.
Mount Wrightson, also known as Old Baldy, has an elevation of 9,452 feet (2,881 meters). It rises approximately 7,000 feet (2,134 meters) from the surrounding desert floor, offering a distinctive pyramid-shaped profile.
Permit requirements for hiking in Mt. Wrightson Wilderness should be confirmed with the Coronado National Forest. Generally, day-use permits are not required for hiking in most wilderness areas, but specific regulations can vary.
The easiest access to the wilderness is through Madera Canyon, which provides paved roads and parking areas. Many popular trails, including those leading to the summit, originate from this area.
Mt. Wrightson Wilderness has been visited by more than 700 komoot users. The routes in the area have received an average rating of 4.44 out of 5 stars from 52 ratings.
Komoot offers several guides for the area, including Hiking in Mt. Wrightson Wilderness and Easy hikes in Mt. Wrightson Wilderness. These guides provide detailed information on routes and activities.
Information about Mt. Wrightson Wilderness can be found on the Coronado National Forest website: fs.usda.gov. The Nogales Ranger District of the Coronado National Forest can be reached at +1 520-761-6000.

