Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Overview
This is a newer, longer, and more gradual route to ascend the 4,000 feet from the trail-
head to Mount Wrightson's summit. But what it gains in being less steep is lost in dis-
tance—it's not an easier trail. The lower sections have some attractive riparian areas,
and pine forests provide shaded hiking up to Josephine Saddle, where the Super Trail
coincides briefly with the Old Baldy Trail. Then the Super Trail almost circumnavig-
ates the mountain as far as Baldy Saddle, where it again overlaps with Old Baldy for
the last 0.9 mile to the summit, including the steepest section of this route.
Using the intersection with Old Baldy at Josephine Saddle, hikers can create a
number of loops or a figure-eight, so that several ascents can be made without repeat-
ing exactly the same path.
Route Details
Begin from the northeast end of the extensive Mount Wrightson Picnic Area, at the
far south terminus of the Madera Canyon Road. When you enter the picnic and park-
ing area, drive almost all the way around it to a restroom at the northeast corner. The
trail begins behind this restroom; you'll find a Super Trail map board at the trailhead.
(Several other trails depart from this parking area, so make sure you're on the right
one.)
Head east from the parking lot and soon follow the right bank of Madera Creek
about 0.3 mile. Here, the trail crosses the creek at a point marked by three majestic
Arizona sycamores, then continues up the other side heading west briefly. (There
