The Mount Wrightson area is full of a wide range of hikes including some very easy hikes along with some pretty difficult hikes. But if you’re looking for a hike on the easier side with some great mountain views, you might want to consider the Josephine Saddle via Super Trail and Old Baldy.
In this review article, I’ll break down everything you need to know about the Josephine Saddle via Super Trail and Old Baldy.
Josephine Saddle via Super Trail and Old Baldy Overview
The Josephine Saddle via Super Trail and Old Baldy Loop is a popular moderate hike in the Mount Wrightson area. It offers a pretty mild incline but comes with fantastic views of the neighboring peaks and surrounding forest. It also could be a great warm-up if you are preparing for the climb to the top of Mount Wrightson.
- Distance: 6.21 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,673 feet
- Route Type: Loop
- Pets: Yes
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time needed: 2.5 to 3 hours
Getting to the trailhead
The Josephine Saddle via Super Trail and Old Baldy trailhead is located in Madera Canyon which is home to quite a few other impressive trails and hikes including the hike to Mount Wrightson, the tallest peak in the Tucson area.
When heading down South Madera Canyon Road just keep going to the very end and you’ll eventually see the parking lot for the trailhead. The parking lot was virtually empty when we arrived at sunrise but by the time we finished our hike, the parking spots were almost completely full.
Note that this is a fee required area ($8/day).
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Trail conditions
The trail is very clearly marked so navigating is very easy. The Super Trail is very manageable although had a couple of points there is slight overgrowth. Meanwhile the old Baldy trail is much more rocky and steep so be prepared for that.
Route description
Since this is a loop hike you can choose which direction you would like to go.
I would advise to head up the Old Baldy Trail and head down on the Super Trail. I think that would just be much easier on your knees and it also is the same way that most people hike so you will be going with the flow of traffic.
However, we went up the Super Trail and down the Old Baldy Trail so that is how this review will go.
Once you arrive at the parking lot, you will find the trailheads for the loop on opposing sides. The Super Trail starts off pretty rocky with some large jagged slabs to contend with. This rocky stretch won’t last that long though so don’t worry too much about it.
The Super Trail was very manageable and it never felt like the grade was challenging. You will have a couple of switchbacks here and there but overall I would rank the Super Trail as an easy to moderate trail.
It does not take long for some great views of the surrounding mountains to come into view. For large stretches of the hike, you will have great views.
I will say that a large chunk of the Super Trail is not covered so you will be exposed to the sun. Since we started our hike at sunrise, we had shade the entire time while on the Super Trail and the temperatures were pretty much perfect. If you are hiking in the peak of summer, I recommend an early start.
There’s really not too much to say about the route along the Super Trail. It’s very well marked and easy to follow and just a very chill hike overall. Along the way you’ll encounter a variety of pine, juniper, oak — all of the usual mountain suspects.
Towards the end of the hike at about 3.5 miles in, you’ll come across a spring which was flowing very well in late July. This is known as the “sprung spring” which might be the least creative spring name I’ve came across in Arizona so far.
After you pass the spring, you are extremely close to the Josephine Saddle and will arrive there very shortly.
The Josephine Saddle is where several trails converge in the Mount Wrightson area and it is technically the summit of this hike. Although it is the peak of your route, it does not really have great views and the views are better appreciated along the route.
If you wanted to, you could continue on to the summit of Mount Wrightson via the Old Baldy Trail or continue along with the Super Trail. Just like the lower portion, the upper portion of the Super Trail is the much longer route but less steep route towards the summit of Mount Wrightson.
Many people who summit Mount Wrightson like to come back down on the Super Trail because it is more scenic. However, the Super Trail is also known for being less well-kept so consider that.
After spending a minute or two hanging out at the saddle, we decided to head back down on the Old Baldy Trail. After such a smooth experience on the Super Trail, the rockiness of the Old Baldy Trail really stuck out. It’s not horrible but I definitely would have preferred to head up that way.
The Old Baldy Trail doesn’t quite have the same views but you still get some decent looks at the peak of Mount Wrightson and it is still a beautiful forest trail.
Final word
Overall, this was a fun hike. It’s a hike with great views and it is long enough and has enough elevation gain that you will get a little workout out of it.