Mount Wrightson

Mount Wrightson is the highest peak in the Santa Rita Mountains, standing at 2,881 meters and forming a distinctive pyramid shape. The summit is visible from communities across southeastern Arizona and across the border into Sonora, Mexico.

The peak was named after William Wrightson, a mining entrepreneur who died during the Battle of Fort Buchanan in 1865. This name reflects the era of early European settlement and the conflicts that marked that period in Arizona.

The mountain held spiritual importance for Apache groups who lived in the surrounding region before European settlement. This indigenous connection remains visible in local place names and the way the land is spoken about by people living nearby.

Two main hiking routes lead to the summit: the Old Baldy Trail and the Super Trail, which meet at Josephine Saddle. The Old Baldy Trail is the shorter option, while the Super Trail takes longer and allows hikers to approach from different starting points.

The summit is known for seasonal gatherings of ladybugs that appear after the first snow melts in November. This natural phenomenon creates a surprising encounter that many hikers do not expect when reaching the top.

Location: Santa Cruz County

Elevation above the sea: 2,881 m

GPS coordinates: 31.69615,-110.84809

Latest update: December 10, 2025 15:55