Josephine Canyon #133

This trail not only provides a great hike or ride, but the drive to the trailhead is well worth taking in its own right. That drive leads through a scenic countryside steeped in history that’s 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 really be primed for a great trip, and you won’t be disappointed. The trail follows Josephine Creek for much of its journey, 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 are usually very cooperative in remaining watchably still. Other animals you might see among the grapevines and sycamores include javelina and 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 Peak loom larger on the horizon as you get closer to them, while Mt. Hopkins with its 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; 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, into Madera Canyon or Temporal Gulch.

At a Glance