Mount Wrightson
Mountain Arizona's Santa Rita Range high point and trailhead
Santa Rita Mountains summit near Tucson, popular for day hikes, seasonal wildflower displays and broad views over the Sonoran Desert.
Mount Wrightson is the highest peak in the Santa Rita Mountains of southern Arizona, United States, rising to about 9,453 feet (2,880 meters). It is a prominent summit within the Coronado National Forest.
The mountain is a well-known hiking and backpacking destination with maintained trails that gain substantial elevation to a rocky summit offering broad views of the Santa Rita range and, on clear days, distant views toward the surrounding desert and mountain ranges. Day hikes and multi-day routes reach the summit from commonly used trailheads.
Long known to Indigenous peoples of the region, the peak is now managed for recreation and conservation by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Coronado National Forest. The surrounding area has been used for recreation and occasional lookout activities.
The mountain sits in the Santa Rita Mountains of southern Arizona, within Coronado National Forest and near the town of Patagonia, southeast of Tucson.
- Elevation: 9,453 ft (2,880 m), the highest point in the Santa Rita Mountains.
- Trail access: Trailheads in Madera Canyon and near Patagonia provide the most common approaches; expect steep, exposed sections near the summit.
How to Get to Mount Wrightson #
Mount Wrightson is most commonly accessed from trailheads in Madera Canyon, roughly a one-hour drive south of Tucson, Arizona. Take AZ-83 to the Madera Canyon turn-off and follow Coronado National Forest signage to designated parking and trailheads.
Trails are well-marked; the Old Baldy/Arizona Trail route is the most direct to the summit. Check Coronado National Forest notices for any seasonal restrictions or trail alerts.
Tips for Visiting Mount Wrightson #
- Begin early on the Old Baldy/Arizona Trail route from Madera Canyon to avoid midday heat and enjoy more wildlife activity.
- Prepare for steep, exposed sections on the final ascent; traction footwear recommended in wet weather.
- Check Coronado National Forest notices for trail closures and wildfire alerts before visiting.
Best Time to Visit Mount Wrightson #
Fall through spring (October-May) avoids the worst of Arizona's summer heat and is the preferred hiking window.
Weather & Climate near Mount Wrightson #
Mount Wrightson's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Mediterranean - Warm-Summer Mediterranean climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -2°C to 25°C. Moderate rainfall (793 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 1°C. Light rainfall.
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May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 5°C. The driest month with just 12 mm.
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June
June is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 9°C. Light rainfall.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 25°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (155 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (144 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm).
