Very Steep/Vault Mine #77

This trail earned its descriptive name from the fact that it climbs 1,400 feet in a distance of a little over one half mile. This heart thumping climb leads from upper Madera Canyon to the vicinity of Agua Caliente Saddle, where that trail branches off toward Josephine Saddle and a number of other trails that crisscross the upper slopes of the Santa Ritas. Agua Caliente’s trailhead is located in a canyon of the same name on Mt. Hopkins’ western flank. From that point, accessible via the Mt. Hopkins Road, the trail proceeds up a remote desert canyon toward the mountain’s forested upper slopes. If you arrange a shuttle in advance, a trip that stretches between this trailhead and the VS/VM trailhead in Madera Canyon makes a good long day. A loop that doesn't require a shuttle takes you up the VS/VM trail to Agua Caliente Saddle, then northeast to Josephine Saddle and back to the Roundup parking area via the lower end of either Old Baldy or Super Trail.

At a Glance

Usage:	Light
Restrictions:	Motorized and mechanized vehicles and equipment, including mountain bikes, are not permitted in Wilderness.
Operated By:	Nogales Ranger District

General Information

Directions:

Very Steep/Vault Mine: Leave Interstate 19 at the Continental Exit/Madera Canyon Road. Turn east and follow the Madera Canyon road (FR 62) about 13.5 miles to the Mt Wrightson Picnic Area entrance then turn left into the trailhead parking lot. Agua Caliente: Leave Interstate 19 at the Canoa Road Exit. Take the east frontage road 3 miles south to Elephant Head Road and turn east 1.6 miles to the Mt. Hopkins Road. Drive 4.5 miles to FR 183. Turn north on this dirt road about 2.4 miles to the trailhead at the canyon.

Activities

Day Hiking

Access to Mt. Hopkins. Great views, Stream side to desert diversity, Physically challenging. 1.5 miles of the Very Steep/Vault Mine Trail and 4.7 miles of the Agua Caliente Trail are within the Mt. Wrightson Wilderness. USGS Map(s): Mt. Wrightson, Mt. Hopkins