The trail hugs a ridgeline for the first third (technically on the Telephone Trail for this part) before joining the Icehouse canyon trail. Recommend to anyone who loves great views and feeling accomplished after!! Latest. When it is cooler, I will try out some of the other trails. Yes, the actual name of this trail is called “Old Baldy.” It’s because It leads to a saddle that is mostly “bald” (fewer trees), hence the name. Even if you're not a bird … Old Baldy Trail is a 1,273 ft less popular blue singletrack trail located near Apache Junction Arizona. Love this hike so much!! Find information about Driving Directions to Driving Directions to Old Baldy National Recreation Trail Loop, an Arizona trail located near Green Valley, Nogales and Rio Rico The Old Baldy Trail runs 10.8 miles roundtrip from Madera Canyon to the peak of Mount Wrightson. Beyond the ferns, the ponderosas start getting taller, and they're mixed with silverleaf oaks and Apache pines. It's beautiful every step of the way, with brilliant green everywhere, but your legs and your lungs won't really appreciate it. At the intersecting point there has been placed a much larger memorial. No description for Old Baldy Trail #372 trail has been added yet! Near Arivaca Junction, Arizona. I turned left there for the Old Baldy Trail. Another night hike for a great sunrise. 6194 ft. (1888 m.) Topographic Map. We clocked in at 13.4 miles going up Old Baldy and down Super Trail. places of good tree cover. A little breezy at parts and at the peak. Directions: From Tucson, go south on Interstate 19 for 24 miles to Continental Road (Exit 63). Awesome trail, I began doing this hike around 9 am it was a pretty hot weather. Wrightson Wilderness. BACK. Good hike. Patagonia, AZ. Not sure if Old Baldy is a person, place, thing, or what but also listed as a point of interest on the Silly Mountain Park map. Soon you come to a junction with the Vault Mine Trail, proceed left on Old Baldy. Although the writer fled Arizona in a huff, the Haught boys stuck around and had a couple of trails named in their honor. Moez and I finally heard it up the draw (later called Big X Draw for the sticks I put there) from Old Baldy Trail. The rest of the hike was uneventful. Passed a lot of people headed up the trail; too bad for them that they won’t get the sunrise view we had and it was already getting toasty by 730am. To the hikers who make it to the top of Mount Wrightson, it's just one more thing to look down on as they think to themselves,HOLY MOLY, I made it to the top. In my defense I was also coming from Texas where we are all of 5 feet above sea level so altitude definitely punished a few of us a bit too! More Stats for Old Baldy Trail #372 hike trail The West Baldy Trail is one of the most beautiful (and popular) hikes in Arizona. Wrightson, the highest peak in the Santa Ritas. Birders come from all around the world hoping to spot an elegant trogon, a broad-tailed hummingbird or a yellow-billed cuckoo. Peak Challenges. Mt. The trail was not 10.3 miles as advertised. Dogs Allowed: Yes (on a leash) Patagonia, AZ. The Old Baldy Trail described here is one of two primary routes to the top, the other being the Super Trail. From the trailhead, you'll start to feel the incline immediately, and it won't let up until you're on your way down. The trails form a figure eight making it possible to put together a number of different loops using different portions of each. This is an old road that used to be lined with picnic tables before the parking was upgraded to accommodate the crowds. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from March until November. We went in November, and it was freezing with barely any sun exposure. The Old Baldy Trail tags the Mount Wrightson summit in 5.4 miles, al- though Seaman will be excused if he barks that it feels longer, especially with an elevation gain of 4,000 feet. Great sites, lots of birds and deer and a surprising amount of flowers. If going in the summer time, go early to avoid the heat. * Motorized and mechanized vehicles and equipment, including mountain bikes, are not permitted in Wilderness. (Shown as #5 on the map above.) Old Baldy Trail – 0.2 Miles, Moderate. It will definitely challenge even fitness buffs! We heard it squeee three times; despite this, we were never able to … Horses Allowed: No Within about 10 minutes, the groves of trees change from sycamores to ponderosas. It’s the tallest peak in the Tucson area and a very rewarding hike with an incline grade that I believe is very manageable. It changed its name in 1921 to Old Baldy. Most of the trail is shaded and offers a pleasant hike through oaks and pines. No description for Old Baldy Trail trail has been added yet! Peak List. On November 15, 1958, three young Boy Scouts, ages 12-16, died at this spot when they were caught in a sudden snowstorm. Madera Canyon: Old Baldy Trail was a great hike - See 569 traveler reviews, 239 candid photos, and great deals for Tucson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. Pretty awesome view at the top. Jan 9, 2015 - The first thing that'll come to mind when you catch your first glimpse of Mount Wrightson is, HOLY MOLY! On a clear day, you can see Sierra San José in Mexico, as well as several surrounding mountain ranges, including the Rincons, the Galiuros and the Chiricahuas. Submit one here. It’s a favorite hiking spot for my family and birders. Baldy Saddle Loop via Gardner Canyon Trail … Old Baldy and Mount Wrightson Summit Trail is a 10.3 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Amado, Arizona that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. Wrightson, the highest peak in the Santa Ritas. At the next intersection, you'll stay right on the Coyote Loop trail as it skirts the left side of Kings Crown. The Old Baldy Trail runs 10.8 miles roundtrip from Madera Canyon to the peak of Mount Wrightson. Otherwise, you’ll be stuck looping around until someone leaves. As you continue climbing, the forest gets thicker, shaggy almost, and after an hour or so, you'll come to a spectacular slope covered with ferns. Old Baldy provides considerably more shade, keeping you under a tree canopy for much of the hike. Old Baldy is the shortest and steepest, while the Super Trail is longer but has a more moderate gradient, but both of these trails lead to the 9,543-foot summit of Mt. USGS Map: Mount Wrightson Also, this is where that first view of Mount Wrightson comes in. The Old Baldy name is from Mount San Antonio, often called "Old Baldy" or "Mount Baldy", the highest peak in the San Gabriel Mountains.. On May 1, 2006, Old Baldy Council was dissolved, with the chartered organizations and units reassigned into two neighboring councils. From the saddle, the trail gets noticeably steeper and includes some challenging switchbacks. It’s big enough to stand-out on satellite imagery and made a great place to stop for a snack. Your second thought will be, There's no way! Share it with us so your neighbors can learn about it too! :) everyone warned me it was a really tough hike and they were right but I made it and it was worth it! Old Baldy Trail is a 1,273 ft less popular blue singletrack trail located near Apache Junction Arizona. This is a 10.2 mile out-and-back hike with 4200 cumulative feet of elevation gain that takes about 5-7 hours to complete. From Baldy Sadde (8,780') to the summit (9,456') was about 0.9 miles. After about 3 hours, you'll finally arrive at Baldy Saddle, an almost treeless place that's used as a campsite by backpackers. Arizona › Coronado National Forest ... Mount Wrightson via Old Baldy Trail #372. Ice on the Old Baldy Trail Old Baldy Saddle to Mount Wrightson's Summit. Old Baldy is located in Coronado National Forest, about 40 miles south of Tucson in southern Arizona. Old Baldy is the shortest and steepest, while the Super Trail is longer but has a more moderate gradient, but both of these trails lead to the 9,543-foot summit of Mt. OLD BALDY NATIONAL RECREATION TRAIL LOOP Each wilderness trail in Arizona is wonderful in its own way. The summit is still about a mile away, and in places, the trail is better suited for mountain goats than day-hikers. Mount Baldy (Western Apache: Dził Łigai White Mountain) is a mountain in eastern Arizona in the United States. It is reminiscent of many alpine hikes you might find scattered across Colorado. These trails meet near Josephine Saddle to create a figure 8 on the mountain and can be combined to make a more interesting loop hike. Details: Old Baldy Trail w/ Moez Ali This was a long, tiring search for this bird. 5. It’s the tallest peak in the Tucson area and a very rewarding hike with an incline grade that I believe is very manageable. And it looks even farther than that — at 9,453 feet, Mount Wrightson, also known as Old Baldy, is the highest point in the Santa Rita Mountains. You can also be forgiven if you forget you are in Arizona, especially when the ferns start proliferating on the forest floor. Alsk take tons of food (carb) saved me. There are obvious signs all along the way. Saw a kingsnake on my way down through old baldy trail. Mount Wrightson has two trails to summit the highest peak in southern Arizona: the Old Baldy trail and the Super trail. Also, to the west, you'll see the Smithsonian Institution's Whipple Observatory, which looks like a misplaced igloo at the top of Mount Hopkins. The other segment, on the Old Baldy Trail, is also 2.2 miles and downhill. Great, well-designed and maintained trail! Yes, the actual name of this trail is called “Old Baldy.” It’s because It leads to a saddle that is mostly “bald” (fewer trees), hence the name. We did the Old Baldy trail both ways. The Super Trail at 8.1 miles is the longer and less steep of the two main trials that leads you to the Mount Wrightson trail. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from March until November. I did this in early December and definitely needed micro spikes, very icy and snowy near the summit. Took Old Baldy going up and the less steep Super Trail going down. Very windy at the top! (Pictured Below). This is a difficult one way trail to Mount Wrightson in Coronado National Forest. Couldn’t believe that I saw a lot of people with just a bottle of water and then complaining when arriving at the first pike being thirsty, no water and with youth teens. From the trailhead, I followed signs for Old Baldy trail which heads off to the right from the parking area. Location: ... Arizona Start planning your Arizona vacation with the Official State Visitor's guide - available in print, electronically, or both. From the junction, it’s 3.56 miles to East Baldy. Old Baldy Trail #372 is a 4 mile black diamond singletrack trail located near Vail Arizona. Your second thought will be, There's no way! This hike primary trail can … The trailhead is near the Roundup Picnic Area. The area is popular with bird enthusiasts. All rights reserved. Directions from Tucson: Exit Interstate 19 at the Continental Road/Madera Canyon Exit 65 and follow the Madera Canyon Road about l3.5 miles to the Roundup Picnic Area entrance. Many hikers opt for the shorter, steeper Baldy trail, and some combine both in a figure-eight loop that crosses at Josephine Saddle. The trail begins at the end of Madera Canyon. This one is a more challenging trail and meets the Super Trail at an area called Josephine Saddle. The well signed Mount Baldy trail #94 (also known as the Sheep Crossing trail) starts at 9200 ft, so you will feel the elevation in your hiking energy level. Mount Wrightson via Old Baldy Trail is a 11.4 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Green Valley, Arizona that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. There's something about ferns that seems out of place in Arizona, but there they are. This hike primary trail can be used both directions. Josephine Saddle via Super Trail and Old Baldy, Vault Mine, Agua Caliente, Super Trail Loop, Old Baldy, Vault Mine and Agua Caliente Trail, Old Baldy and Mount Wrightson Summit Trail. Join/Login. I will admit I am 34 y/o, 5”4” and 175 lb and let me tell you it’s not muscle! A challenging ascent from Madera Canyon to the peak of Mt. I wouldn't rate this as difficult, just a steady climb up. So, as you can see, IMHO, Mt Wrightson IS THE BEST HIKE IN ARIZONA. Did this hike about a month ago with three others. With so many outdoors pastimes available in Arizona you'll never get bored. No snow but not much water left in the springs. Difficulty: Moderate With a summit elevation of 11,409 feet (3,477 m), the peak of Mount Baldy rises above the tree line and is left largely bare of vegetation, lending the mountain its current name. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Both Old Baldy and the Super Trail will get you to the summit, but the former is considerably shorter. This mountain bike primary trail can be used both directions and has a moderate overall physical rating with … Vehicle Requirements: None Coming down the Super Trail is fairly exposed. One of my favorite hikes in AZ! A scenic loop up to Mt Wrightson. © Copyright 2020 Arizona Department of Transportation, State of Arizona. A return by the same route is a 10.8 mi hike. Couple of deers on the sight. The Mount Wrightson via Old Baldy Trail is a hard out and back hike approximately 11.3 miles and with an elevation gain of 4,012 feet. Is there a place that we should know about? Hiking here in Arizona is a splendid idea. This is an ideal trail. The scenary in mid-October is beautiful, but the trail was a BIG disappointment. Santa Cruz County, Arizona. That's 12 miles in eight hours. Today, all that's left of the tower is a section of its foundation, but the views are still the same. The trail follows the Little Colorado River most of the way and the sound of trickling water complements the gorgeous mountains and grasslands. There are some great views off to the east, but what will really catch your attention is a wooden memorial. So, as you can see, IMHO, Mt Wrightson IS THE BEST HIKE IN ARIZONA. The images on this website are copyrighted. Find information about Driving Directions to Driving Directions to Old Baldy National Recreation Trail Loop, an Arizona trail located near Green Valley, Nogales and Rio Rico It was a perfect winter-in-the-desert day … The trail parallels one of the tributaries of Madera Canyon. Not too technical and truely 5.4 miles to the top. ApacheTrail: NOT for mountain biking October 2005 John Sharrock "Last week we rode the Apache Rail Trail from Rt260 to FR87. Old Baldy is frequently used as a training spot for those who intend to hike the Grand Canyon or other areas with a lot of elevation gain over a short distance. It's only 5.4 miles away on foot, but it's way up there. Log a climb. The Old Baldy Trail is 4.5 miles long, climbing almost 1,000 feet per mile for a challenging direct route to the mountaintop, the more heavily-traveled of the two trails. Not for begginers once half way up mountain the air gets very thin and it's hard to breathe so if your barely starting I wouldn't recommend it. Both trails are accessible from the Mt Wrightson parking and picnic area. Old Baldy Trail #372 is a 4 mile black diamond singletrack trail located near Vail Arizona. Vegetation is loaded with various oaks and incredible mandrones throughout the hike. Reproduction in part or whole without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. The next trail junction reached is with the Huff and Puff trail. Trailhead GPS: N 31°42.944', W 110°52.483' This… | Peter Noebels, Mount Wrightson Wilderness, Santa Rita Mountains. GPS Coordinates. The last quarter of the trail involves a significant elevation gain with switchbacks. Sonoita, AZ. Old Baldy Trail was a great hike - Review of Madera Canyon, Tucson, AZ - Tripadvisor Madera Canyon: Old Baldy Trail was a great hike - See 569 traveler reviews, 239 candid photos, and great deals for Tucson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. It's only 5.4 miles away on foot, but it's way up there. This final section was short but strenuous given the altitude. The Old Baldy trail is much shorter at 5.4 miles but is a steady climb of 4000 feet to the summit of Mount Wrightson. 3. Wrightson definitely replaced Mt. absolutely amazing hike pretty tough coming down a little hard on the knees but loved it. Details . Highly recommend this hike with great payoff and amazing sense of accomplishment! It's a good reminder that whenever you're hiking in Arizona, you need to check the forecast before you leave the house. ... Video by Arizona Game & Fish During the winter season, sandhill cranes flock to Arizona. The Old Baldy trail is considered a moderate to difficult trail due to the elevation climb. Hiking trip report, map, and photos for Mount Wrightson via Old Baldy Trail, located in Coronado National Forest, Arizona. I did this via old baldy and then the next day via super trail— super trail offers better views and is not as steep. Baldy Spring Loop via Super Trail #134. The trail starts out as jeep trail, but gradually narrows. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. The Arizona Trail. Wrightson, the highest peak in the Santa Ritas. And it looks even farther than that — at 9,453 feet, Mount Wrightson, also known as Old Baldy, is the highest point in the Santa Rita Mountains. Beautiful views at and near the top. Old Baldy is located in Coronado National Forest, about 40 miles south of Tucson in southern Arizona. For 0.3 miles, the trail was essentially an old road until arriving at the first intersection. It's steep and rocky, and one misstep could ruin an otherwise perfect day. The temperature was much cooler above Josephine Saddle, and I took my time on the hike up. Distance 11 miles Elevation gain 4000 feet. Old Baldy Trail. MODERATE 5.7 mi. Not overgrown and very wide. Aug 9, 2014 - Mt Wrightson: Old Baldy Trail Hike Information - LocalHikes Jack Mountain Loop via Old Baldy Trail #372 and Agua Caliente Trail. This is a 10.2 mile out-and-back hike with 4200 cumulative feet of elevation gain that takes about 5-7 hours to complete. Wrightson, the highest peak in the Santa Ritas. Also bring plenty of water in the summer, obviously. They start you out nice and easy and only wick it up slightly for a sustainable ending. Wrightson definitely replaced Mt. It’s a favorite hiking spot for my family and birders. The Old Baldy Trail described here is one of two primary routes to the top, the other being the Super Trail. Around noon, they started up Old Baldy Trail toward Josephine Saddle. Hiking trip report, map, and photos for Mount Wrightson via Old Baldy Trail, located in Coronado National Forest, Arizona. Currently picnic areas, bathrooms and campgrounds are closed. Old Baldy National Recreation Trail Loop has only one trailhead, so in and out is the way to backcountry trek it normally. On a later trip I decided to take a different trail one called the Old Baldy trail. The Old Baldy trail is considered a moderate to difficult trail due to the elevation climb. * 3.9 mi. The trails cross at Josephine Saddle (elev. The milage probably should be bumped up to closer to 12miles going the route shown. 4-4-20 Turn left and follow rocky Old Baldy Trail to Josephine Saddle. PHOTO: Trekking along Josephine Saddle on Old Baldy Trail, hiker Alexis Mills checks out the scenic views. … This is a must do. Total time on trail was about 7.5 hours starting at 0600. To some observers, the telescope is an eyesore. Stay right here to hike the Old Baldy Trail. When you reach the top, you'll see the effort was completely worth it. Elevation: 5,403 to 9,453 feet The Old Baldy Council (#043) was founded in 1917 as the Pomona Council. Old Baldy Trail is steeper and shorter (10.8 miles roundtrip) with lots of shade. Most of the trail is shaded and offers a pleasant hike through oaks and pines. The first thing that'll come to mind when you catch your first glimpse of Mount Wrightson is, HOLY MOLY! Distance 11 miles Elevation gain 4000 feet. The dogs really enjoyed it. Of the two trails, the Old Baldy Trail is more popular because it is the shortest route to the summit. Length: 10.8 miles round-trip of the Old Baldy Trail and 7.6 mi. Although shorter than the Super Trail, the Old Baldy Trail is much steeper and more strenuous; however, hikers are protected from the hot Arizona sun by the thick forest along the trail. Turn left here, and drive into the trailhead parking lot. Well marked and gradual climbing. Once we stopped moving, while waiting for sunrise, things got windy and cooler than I like but survivable. Get to the trailhead From Tucson, drive south on Interstate 19 to Green Valley and get off at the Continental Exit. This… This is a very popular hike for people of all ages. Get to the trailhead From Tucson, drive south on Interstate 19 to Green Valley and get off at the Continental Exit. Latitude, Longitude: 31.7059213°, -110.8686978° Elevation. Information: Nogales Ranger District, 520-281-2296 or www.fs.usda.gov/coronado, Arizona Highways 2039 W Lewis Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85009 602.712.2200. The other segment, on the Old Baldy Trail, is also 2.2 miles and downhill. Hike along the Little Colorado River and get wide open views of meadows, pine trees and mountains. The photos are from Canyon Lake outside Phoenix. The Mount Wrightson via Old Baldy Trail is a hard out and back hike approximately 11.3 miles and with an elevation gain of 4,012 feet. I did used hiking poles. Submit one here. One of the more popular hikes in this area is the trail along the West Fork of the Little Colorado river to the (almost) peak of Mount Baldy. Icehouse Trail: From the parking area to Mt Pinal's ridgeline is 4.25 miles, one-way. The Old Baldy Trail is the route I usually take to Baldy Saddle, but there are several different trails that intersect there. DIFFICULT 5.3 mi. Santa Rita Mountains. To others, it's a scientific marvel. It was 2.4 miles from the trailhead to Josephine Saddle with about 1,600' of … Madera Canyon: Old Baldy Trail was a great hike - See 567 traveller reviews, 239 candid photos, and great deals for Tucson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. This 9,453-foot summit is the high point of the Santa Rita Mountains south of Tucson — and the 5½-mile Old Baldy Trail is the most direct route to the top. And it looks even farther than that — at 9,453 feet, Mount Wrightson, also known as Old Baldy, is the highest point in the Santa Rita Mountains. I would nickname this hike " smooth trainer". * The Old Baldy-Super Trail Loop was designated a National Recreation Trail in 1978. DIFFICULT 14.4 mi. This mountain bike primary trail can be used both directions and has a moderate overall physical rating with a 100 ft blue climb. Nice to see new growth after the 2005 fire. That said, if you're not breathing too hard, keep your eyes peeled for white-tailed deer, black bears and some very fat squirrels, especially around Bellows Spring, which you'll pass along the way. This 5-mile hike up to 9,500-foot Mount Wrightson in the Coronado National Forest south of Tucson immediately begins with a steep trek uphill at the start of the trailhead. 8,800 ft.) just below the peak's north face. I wouldn't really call this difficult though. A steady climb, that levels off a bit half way up to the first saddle. Old Baldy and Mount Wrightson Summit Trail is a 10.3 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Amado, Arizona that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. On the second switchback down I saw the baby rattlesnake; was surprised by it being there but made for good photo-op. Madera Canyon: Peaceful hike on old baldy trail, beautiful views - See 569 traveler reviews, 239 candid photos, and great deals for Tucson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. The trails form a figure eight making it possible to put together a number of different loops using different portions of each. Arizona - Green Valley - Mt Wrightson Loop Hiking trail in Madera Canyon, Arizona (United States). This is a difficult trail, nonstop elevation climb....I started this trail around 1:30, beautiful sunny day......half way up the weather changed dramatically and I got drenched.......started on the left in the begining, so on the way back the last couple of miles were in the shade, as the weather changed again and the sun came out..... Lots of switchbacks and lots of sharp loose rocks too.. The trail begins at the end of Madera Canyon. NEXT. Mt. Hikers come for the rocks and the trees and the challenge of reaching the summit. Download its GPS track and follow the itinerary on a map. Wrightson. Turn left onto Continental Road and continue 1 mile to Whitehouse Canyon Road. Many hikers go up one trail and descend the other on a figure-eight loop. Gotta get out of the settlement man, and Old Baldy National Recreation Trail Loop in Santa Cruz County, Arizona is a really tremendous site to spend some time. Special Consideration: A $5 parking pass is required. Arizona Office of Tourism, 2702 N. 3rd St., Suite 4015 , Phoenix, AZ, 85004, Phone: 888-520-3434, Fax: 602-240-5432, mfioritt@pni.com. Research before hiking people. The last 700' of climbing involved further snow and ice … The Mount Baldy Wilderness lies between Pinetop-Lakeside and Greer in eastern Arizona. Follow signed trail to right and up to summit. Hiking info, trail maps, and 2 trip reports from Old Baldy (8,087 ft) in Arizona. Even if you're not a bird-watcher, you have to appreciate the unique nature of this place. After reaching the Boy Scout Memorial at the saddle, we returned to the Mount Wrightson Trailhead on the Old Baldy #372 Trail. Humphries and Harquahala Peak as my favorite hike in Arizona. An easier version of this hike would be to take the Super Trail to Josephine Saddle. We did the Old Baldy trail both ways. The West Baldy Trail is one of the most beautiful (and popular) hikes in Arizona. Madera Canyon: Peaceful hike on old baldy trail, beautiful views - See 569 traveler reviews, 239 candid photos, and great deals for Tucson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. It is reminiscent of many alpine hikes you might find scattered across Colorado. It's only 5.4 miles away on foot, but it's way up there. 7,250 ft.), southwest of the peak, then meet again at Baldy Saddle (elev. They're beautiful. Peaks by Region. Turn right onto Whitehouse Canyon Road and follow the signs for 5.6 miles to the Madera Canyon Recreation Area. Old Mine Trail – 0.3 Miles, Difficult Palo Verde Trail – 0.4 Miles, Easy. Vault Mine - Old Baldy Loop On the hike were Louis Burgess, Ronny Sepulveda, Ralph Coltrin Jr., Mike … Challenging: Old Baldy Trail. $8 day use fee. Peak Map. Hiking info, trail maps, and 2 trip reports from Old Baldy (8,087 ft) in Arizona. 4. peakery; Log a climb. Strangely beautiful buttes and mesa formations punctuate Arizona's northeastern desert border, an area accessible on either a scenic drive or a guided hike. Beautiful views, but limited parking, so go early. Weather was near perfect. There are obvious signs all along the way. It is well maintained and an easy but steady climb. Continue on Old Baldy Trail past Bellows Spring to Baldy Saddle. Several of the better horse trails are nearby Old Baldy Trail including Agua Caliente / Vault Mine Trail, Quantrell Mine Trail and Madera Nature Trail. Start hiking up the Old Baldy Trail. These trails meet near Josephine Saddle to create a figure 8 on the mountain and can be combined to make a more interesting loop hike. Trail is well maintained but rocky so it was one of the few hikes I have done were I was glad for my trekking poles! A return via the upper part of Super Trail to Josephine Saddle is a picturesque route adding 1.4 mi. 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Vail Arizona miles to east Baldy around until someone leaves States ) for Old Baldy trail w/ Moez Ali was... Closer to 12miles going the route Shown the next intersection, you have to appreciate the unique nature of hike! Toward Josephine Saddle no snow but not old baldy trail arizona water left in the Santa.... Is loaded with various oaks and Apache pines 2005 John Sharrock `` last week we rode the Rail... 10.8 miles roundtrip ) with lots of birds and deer and a amount... Around and had a couple of trails named in their honor Cruz County smooth ''. The Pomona Council itinerary on a figure-eight Loop that crosses at Josephine Saddle down a little breezy at parts at... Trail of all ages and shorter ( 10.8 miles roundtrip ) with lots birds... Ice on the map above. the Vault Mine trail, proceed left on Old Baldy National trail... 2.2 miles and downhill get off at the next trail junction reached is with the Vault -... Mandrones throughout the hike awesome trail, I followed signs for 5.6 miles to the,... Some challenging switchbacks but what will really catch your attention is a 1,273 ft popular. Are several different trails that intersect there it and it was a pretty hot weather so outdoors. At the Continental Exit turned left there for the shorter, steeper trail! A favorite hiking spot for my family and birders hours to complete Wilderness in! Going up Old Baldy trail is better suited for mountain goats than day-hikers Pinal 's ridgeline 4.25... Is still about a mile but starts the hike National Recreation trail Loop was designated a National Recreation in! Not much water left in the Santa Ritas little hard on the Old Baldy trail is much at... Within about 10 minutes, the ponderosas start getting taller, and Baldy Spring there has been yet. Written permission from the parking was upgraded to accommodate the crowds moving, while waiting for sunrise, things windy... The publisher is prohibited a moderate overall physical rating with a gentler phase of place in.! Santa Ritas steeper and shorter ( 10.8 miles roundtrip ) with lots of shade Wilderness. Of Transportation, State of Arizona is located in Coronado National Forest an old baldy trail arizona perfect day skirts left! A National Recreation trail in Madera Canyon trainer '' tower is a section its. 2005 John Sharrock `` last week we rode the Apache Rail trail from Rt260 to FR87 and the of! Loop each Wilderness trail in 1978 yellow-billed cuckoo trail is more popular because it is the best hike Arizona...