This trail not only provides a great hike or ride, but the drive to the trailhead is well worth taking in its own right. It leads through scenic countryside, steeped in history, and dotted with ranches, mines, and ghost towns. The temptation is great to do a lot of exploring along the way, but the signs that tell you not to trespass are serious. Look and enjoy and keep on driving.

Once you get to the Josephine Canyon Trail, you should be primed for a great trip and you won't be disappointed. The trail follows Josephine Creek for much of its length and, if the creek is running, you'll be treated to waterfalls and cascades flowing through a riparian area lush with greenery. Keep an eye out for nature's residents here. Deer are quite plentiful in the area, and usually cooperate by remaining watchable still. Other animals you might see among the grapevines and sycamores include javelina, coatimundi, and, of course, the members of the diverse songbird population for which the Santa Ritas are famous.

The trail steepens as the canyon climbs the mountainside, with an occasional switchback thrown in for good measure. Mt. Wrightson and Josephine Saddle loom larger on the horizon as you get closer to them, while Mt. Hopkins, with its alabaster observatory shining in the sun, dominates the view to the west. As you near Josephine Saddle, turn around and look at the canyon you've just traveled through as it frames good views of the Sonoita area and the Patagonia Mountains. Once you reach Josephine Saddle, you can choose from a number of trails that lead to the summit of Mt. Wrightson, or into Madera Canyon or Temporal Gulch.

2.3 miles of this trail are within the Mt. Wrightson Wilderness
Mechanized vehicles, including mountain bikes, are not permitted in Wilderness.

Directions: From Patagonia, From 4th Avenue and Arizona Highway 82, drive north 2 blocks. Turn left on Pennsylvania Avenue. Cross Sonoita Creek and continue west through the Nature Conservancy area to the National Forest boundary where the road you're traveling becomes Forest Road 143. Bear left at the Squaw Gulch intersection; then 5 miles farther, turn right at a Y. Continue to Alto Townsite (about a mile), then beyond 2 more miles to a point where Forest Road 143 turns left toward 1-19 and becomes the Bull Spring Road. Head right here on Forest Road l33 about 2 miles to the trailhead.

The trail follows Josephine Creek for much of its length and, if the creek is running, you'll be treated to waterfalls and cascades flowing through a riparian area lush with greenery.