Mt. Wrightson

azhiker96 · Joined: 05 Jan 2003 Posts: 1419

Mt. Wrightson has never disappointed me. Sunday was no exception to the rule. First, here are some pointers if you are going to do this hike. They are working on the highway down in Tucson. The exit for I-19 comes up quickly and without good signage. I did this hike the last two weekends and nearly missed the turnoff both times. Otherwise, remember that the hike starts in Madera Canyon. The exit from I-19 is well signed for Madera Canyon. Just follow the signs. There is a $5 fee to park in the canyon so be prepared. Another thing, the two parking lots at the trailhead are closed. We managed to squeeze into the closest lot which was still about 1/2 mile below the trailheads. That's fine though because it let me have a new experience which I'll explain later.

I hiked with two of my wife's friends, Kim and Brenda. Kim is training for a hike into Havasu in 3 weeks. Brenda just loves hiking and had never been to Madera Canyon before. Once we'd paid and parked, there were ribbons marking an alternate trail which roughly follows the creek up to the trailheads. Yes, I said creek...with water! It was great to hike along this temporary goat path while the waterfalls and ripples in the creek serrenaded us.

Once we got to the old road, we took the Old Baldy trail up to Josephine saddle. That is the steeper but shorter route. It's also almost entirely shaded by trees. Along the way we saw numerous flowers, butterflies, lizards, and a healthy blacktail rattlesnake.

The snake had just crossed the trail and was heading uphill. I stepped closer to take some photos. He gave a couple of short buzzes, just to let me know that he didn't want to be my lunch. Otherwise, he was very well behaved. We took a few photos and then watched him work his way up the mountain.

We made one stop on this trail and then a longer stop at Josephine saddle to refuel and let the legs recharge. Then we headed down the Super trail. This trail is about a mile longer than the Old Baldy trail. However, it's not as steep. After .2 of a mile we passed Sprung Spring. The water was flowing nicely and was cold. We all still had plenty of water and no filter so I left tasting it for a future trip.

The trial continued down with a few cactus added to the mix of Ponderosa pine, Arizona White Oak, Manzanita, and grasses. The Super trail is not heavily travelled so the grasses and bushes tend to brush your legs as you pass. It's generally shaded but does have a few open spots where you can enjoy a view of the mountain and valley.

The temperatures were great, staying in the 70s for most of the hike. As we finished the hike, Brenda and I stopped at the Chuparosa Inn to check on the accomodations and pricing. Kim continued on down to the car. As Brenda and I walked the road down to the car, she spotted a bear.

It was a single black bear, about the size of a healthy rotweiler (spelling?). It was moving from the creek towards the road so I moved forward and got my camera ready to catch him crossing the road. As I waited, I saw him working his way up the brush towards me. When he was about 100 feet away I got a clear shot and snapped his picture. The flash got his attention and he started to move towards me to check me out. That's when I put some anger in my voice and loudly told him "NO, NO!" He beat feet to the creek and we had a clear path to continue on home. That's the first bear I've seen in the wild. What a glorious day!http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/azhiker96/vwp?.dir=/Mt.+Wrightson&.dnm=littlesnake+tongue.jpg&.src=ph&.done
http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/azhiker96/vwp?.dir=/Mt.+Wrightson&.dnm=littlebear.jpg&.src=ph&.view=t&.hires=t

sam_hikes · Joined: 07 Apr 2003 Posts: 383

Sounds like a great hike and awesome pic's of both a bear and a rattler Spinning

desertgirl · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 3350 Location: Chandler, AZ

Looks like you had a great hike ... I love this hike. Hoping to hit up Bog Springs next weekend if things pan out as I am hoping!

BTW your link of the bear photo seems to have a problem. Can you pl. repost the link Question

I'd love to see your bear encounter
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Tom Treks · Gear Addict Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 3347

Try this one...

http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/azhiker96/vwp?.dir=/Mt.+Wrightson&.dnm=littlebear.jpg

Nice pic collection azhiker96!!

I'm especially interested in the Ridgeline. Any more?

sam_hikes · Joined: 07 Apr 2003 Posts: 383

Arizonaheat · Posted: 9/16/2003, 7:47 pm Post subject:

Great report George and nic pics. I would like to see that rattler one, full resolution.

I'm always up for the Ridgeline,( one of my favorties and most hiked) will probably do it several times this season including some alternate routes in which I will probably solo due to the uncertainity
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Our lives are not determined by what happens to us but by how we react to what happens, not by what life brings to us, but by the attitude we bring to life.

azhiker96 · Joined: 05 Jan 2003 Posts: 1419

As you guys can tell, I had some problems trying to post the picture links. I'll have to see if GTG can tutor me. Smile

I'm up to my ears in preparation for Havasupai Oct 10-12. After that, the weather and I should both be ready for some more extreme adventures. Smile

sam_hikes · Joined: 07 Apr 2003 Posts: 383

azhiker96... I had a few questions and sent you a PM. Thanks

desertgirl · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 3350 Location: Chandler, AZ

azhiker96 · Joined: 05 Jan 2003 Posts: 1419

Desertgirl,
We are hiking in on Friday. I plan to setup camp and get oriented to my surroundings. On Saturday I will hike down to the Colorado, visiting the falls along the way. I will be glad to check on Beaver Canyon and will let you know what they say.
Very Happy

sam_hikes · Joined: 07 Apr 2003 Posts: 383

See links below regarding construction which has moved Mt Wrightson parking area.

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado/news/2003/090903_roundup_update.pdf

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado/news/2003/RoundupClosureMap.pdf

Looks like they got lots of rain today & yesterday... Anyone been up there?

sam_hikes · Joined: 07 Apr 2003 Posts: 383

here's another link about the construction too.

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado/news/2003/090403_Roundup_renovation_starts.pdf

azhiker96 · Joined: 05 Jan 2003 Posts: 1419

FYI, They are serious about the parking. Last weekend I saw two cars who had gone past the last parking area and parked off the road. Each one had two tickets. One for parking in a no-parking area and one for failing to purchase the $5 use permit. BTW, if you have a Golden Eagle parks pass it will be accepted which will save you $5.
Have fun!

sam_hikes · Joined: 07 Apr 2003 Posts: 383