Crest Trail (Santa Rita Mountains)

Views are incredible from this sky walking trail along the high rocky backbone of the Santa Rita range. The Crest Trail stretches between Florida Saddle at the head of Florida Canyon and the 9,453 foot summit of Mt. Wrightson, the highest peak in the Santa Ritas and one of the highest in southeastern Arizona. From the high-flying perspective offered by numerous overlooks along this trail, the landmarks that stretch out at your feet include Baboquivari Peak, the sacred mountain of the Tohono O'Odham to the west, the Santa Catalina and Rincon ranges to the north, and the Huachucas, Mustangs and Whetsones to the East. To the south you can see well into Mexico.

In spite of these majestic views, the Crest Trail is rather infrequently used for most of its length. The exception to this is the last mile or so in the vicinity of Baldy Saddle and the summit of Mt. Wrightson. South of the saddle, the Crest Trail connects the Old Baldy Trail and Super Trail to the summit of Mt. Wrightson, referred to as Old Baldy by some. North of Baldy Saddle, the Crest Trail wanders along slightly below and to the east of the actual crest while a number of spur trails branch off to the west to take advantage of overlooks and scale the secondary peaks that make up the crest ridge.

One spur trail that veers off near the top of Florida Saddle is the Armour-Spring Trail #71. This short, lightly traveled footpath leads through a stand of large Douglas-fir to a seep at the base of a cliff. That point marks a jumping-off point for a bushwhack route to the top of Mc Cleary Peak, the 8,637 foot summit that marks the northern limit of the Santa Rita Crest.

3.2 miles of the Crest Trail and all of the Armour Spring Trail are within the Mt. Wrightson Wilderness. Mechanized vehicles, including mountain bikes, are not permitted in Wilderness areas.

Directions from Tucson: Follow directions to the Florida Canyon Trailhead. Travel the Florida Canyon Trail 4.6 miles to the Crest Trail.

Seasonal Information:
Normally Open: Spring through Fall (NOTE: Before visiting this trail, call the Sierra Vista Ranger District for current trail conditions which can vary with season, weather and maintenance status.) .

Cave Canyon Trail - Cave Canyon Trail leads from Cave Creek Basin to Florida Saddle and the northern end of the Santa Rita Crest. Florida Saddle is one of the two main trail hubs in the Santa Ritas.

Florida Canyon Trail - The Florida Canyon Trail provides the most uncrowded access to the upper reaches of the Santa Rita Range of any trail with an easily accessible trailhead.

Gardner Trail - Gardner Trail ascends the eastern slopes of the Santa Ritas, passing through country that is virtually deserted when compared to popular Madera Canyon on the mountain's western slopes.

Old Baldy Trail - This trail leads to the 9,453 foot summit of Mt. Wrightson, the highest peak in the Santa Ritas.

Super Trail - This trail leads to the 9,453 foot summit of Mt. Wrightson, the highest peak in the Santa Ritas.