Super Trail to Mount Wrightson - Five Star Trails Tucson - page 204

Apaches in 1865. Nearby Mount Hopkins is named after Gilbert Hopkins, a mining
engineer who was killed in the same attack.
A remarkable natural feature of the summit is ladybugs. Most of the year you
won't see any, but in early summer (around June) these familiar red insects with the
black spots swarm the summit by the thousands to breed. Don't worry—they don't
bite!
Nearby Attractions
While it's possible to climb Mount Wrightson with a dawn departure from Tucson,
some hikers prefer to stay nearer the mountain. You can camp (see Hike 30 ) or stay
in one of three rustic lodges in Madera Canyon. These offer standard rooms with kit-
chenettes, and guests bring their own food. None of them are luxurious, but they do
offer a pleasant getaway from the desert. The nearest stores and restaurants are in
Green Valley, 15 miles away. During the spring and early-summer birding seasons,
reservations are advised.
The largest and best-known lodge is Santa Rita Lodge (520-625-8746, santar-
italodge.com ), with about a dozen rooms and cabins, mostly in the $110-$130 range
at press time. A small store sells souvenirs, maps, books, drinks, and snacks, and a
bird-watching station is open to the public. The tiny Madera Kubo (520-625-9208,
maderakubo.com ) has four Hobbit-sized cabins (two with spiral stairways) and
a souvenir shop. Rates are $110 for one night or $95 for multiple nights. The
Chuparosa Inn (520-393-7370, chuparosainn.com ) has four nice rooms in the
$150-$200 range and serves a Continental breakfast.
Directions
From Tucson, follow the directions to the Visitor Information Station and Proctor
Parking Area, as detailed in the next hike . Continue south on Madera Canyon Road
for 2.3 miles to the Mount Wrightson Picnic Area and trailhead. Observe speed limits
and drive carefully on this narrow road, which has one-lane bridges and pedestrian
traffic. Drive all the way around the large parking area to the trailhead.