FEBRUARY 2023
Mount Wrightson ( O'odham: Ce:wi Duag [4]) is a 9,456-foot (2,882 m) peak in the Santa Rita Mountains within the Coronado National Forest, in southern Arizona, United States. (via Wikipedia)
Mount Wrightson via Old Baldy Trail
11.6-mile out-and-back trail near Patagonia, Arizona. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 7 h 33 min to complete. (via All Trails)
I've been in the Tucson area now for well over a month. After spending a few previous winter vacation time visiting family here, I found it a great spot to be this time of year living on the road. There's less to worry about with freezing temps to break the plumbing in the van as well as not having to be always running the diesel heater. There's plenty of hiking in the area and I have worked out a pretty good system of free places to stay for the night. I've met some wonderful people while I've been here, but soon it'll be time to push off again.
Recently, before traveling to visit a friend in a neighboring town, I was looking at another hiking project, and found Mount Wrightson near Madera Canyon peaked my interest.
After some previous long days out, I realized I needed to double check conditions, gear, etc. since overnight temperatures were plenty cold enough that could make any small emergency a bigger one I would on the trail. I woke up a few times at night thinking about what I should carry.
Microspikes came in handy.
1958 Tragedy. Boy scouts perished in unexpected snowstorm. See story details here.
Mount Hopkins. View about halfway up “Baldy” Mount Wrightson.
View from Baldy Saddle.
Switchbacks on the final push to summit.
It's hard to express what it's like when you find a trail, mostly to yourself with physical challenges, as well as amazing views and weather. It was a long day with snow on the ground from about halfway up to the summit and I was glad I brought my micro spikes. The clouds moved off the summit by the time I got there, but were doing their thing all around the peak. In fact I had snow showers, then graupel then rain before I got back down to the van. It was a chilly day most of the day, and ended up being a damp day at the end, but I was glad I had with me what I needed to keep comfortable. The mountain itself had incredible views, especially with the swirling clouds. Definitely a great day on the mountain!
Snow showers, then graupel, then rain…