4.8
(4)
55
hikers
03:19
10.1km
500m
Hiking
Embark on a moderate hiking loop that takes you through diverse landscapes on the Josephine Saddle via Super Trail and Old Baldy route. You will cover 6.3 miles (10.1 km) and gain 1626 feet (496 metres) in elevation, typically taking about 3 hours and 18 minutes to complete. The Super…
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through protected areas
Please check local regulations for:
Waypoints
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
9.70 km
222 m
162 m
Surfaces
9.66 km
311 m
106 m
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Elevation
Highest point (2,150 m)
Lowest point (1,660 m)
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Tuesday 2 June
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This route was planned by komoot.
This loop trail is generally completed in 2.5 to 3 hours, though the total duration can vary based on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery. The komoot tour data estimates it takes around 3 hours and 18 minutes.
The loop is rated as moderate. The Super Trail #134 offers a more gradual incline, while the Old Baldy Trail #372 is significantly steeper and rockier. Many hikers find it easier on the knees to ascend the steeper Old Baldy Trail and descend the more gradual Super Trail.
The trailhead is located in Madera Canyon. There is an $8 daily fee required to park in Madera Canyon. Restrooms are available at the trailhead.
While there is an $8 daily fee for parking at the Madera Canyon trailhead, specific hiking permits for the trails themselves within the Mount Wrightson Wilderness are generally not required for day use. Always check the latest regulations from the USDA Forest Service for any updates.
The trail can be enjoyed year-round, but spring and fall offer the most pleasant temperatures. Summer can be hot, especially on the south-facing slopes of the Super Trail, while winter may bring snow, particularly at higher elevations, making for a different, potentially more challenging experience.
Yes, the trails in the Mount Wrightson Wilderness are generally dog-friendly. However, always ensure your dog is on a leash and that you pack out all waste to preserve the natural environment for everyone.
You'll experience diverse scenery, from high desert environments with pine, juniper, and oak trees on the Super Trail #134 to thicker forests of ponderosas, oaks, and sycamores on the Old Baldy Trail #372. Higher up, you'll find mixed conifer forests and spectacular slopes covered with ferns. After Josephine Saddle, the views open up significantly, offering vistas of Mount Wrightson and Madera Canyon.
The area is known for its diverse wildlife. You might spot various birds (Madera Canyon is a 'birdwatcher's heaven'), Coues white-tailed deer, and potentially black bears. Mountain lion sightings are rare but possible.
A significant point is Josephine Saddle, where several trails converge. Here, you'll find a wooden memorial to three Boy Scouts who died in a snowstorm. Sprung Spring, near Josephine Saddle, provides a water source, though purification is necessary. The loop also offers access to Mount Wrightson, the tallest peak in the Tucson area, for those looking to extend their hike.
Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Sky Islands Traverse, the Super Trail #134, and the Old Baldy Trail #372.
Yes, Sprung Spring is located near Josephine Saddle and can provide a water source. However, it is crucial to purify any water collected from natural sources before drinking.