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Santa Rita Mountains

The prominent summit of 9453-foot Mount Wrightson crowns the Santa Rita Mountains south of Tucson. This unit of the Coronado National Forest is protected within the Mount Wrightson Wilderness. Because this sky island range is close to the Sierra Madre Mountains of northern Mexico, it forms a haven for rare birds normally seen only south of the international border. Several permanent streams further enhance the wildlife possibilities and contrast with the desert vegetation in the 3000- to 4000-foot valleys flanking the Santa Rita Mountains. Trails run the length of the crest and down the flanking ridges and canyons. Although the range is small, several rewarding overnight trips are possible in the Santa Rita Mountains.

Featured Trips

1 Paria Canyon

MAPS West Clark Bench, Bridger Point, Wrather Arch, Water Pockets, Ferry Swale, Lees Ferry U.S.G.S.

SEASON April–June, Mid-September through October.

BEST April–May, October.

WATER The Paria River generally flows below Buckskin Canyon, but the water is silty and must be filtered. You’ll find several unnamed springs between miles 10 and 25.