Mt. Wrightson via Madera Canyon

Another early morning. You've got to get out there early if you want to beat the heat.

I pulled into the parking lot and got on the trail just as the sun began to illuminate the canyon. I hit the trail and started the climb. And I mean climb. With the exception of Josephine and Baldy saddles, it was a consistent ascent... from 5,420 to 9,453 feet above the sea. The forest was alive with birdsong. Madera Canyon is a hotspot of bird diversity and a popular Sky Island stop for birders from all over the world.

I followed the Old Baldy Trial through a forest of oak trees as I climbed towards Josephine saddle. Along the way I spotted Swainson's thrushes, spotted towhees, and a myriad of difficult to identify warblers flitting through the trees. I had the privilege of being the first person on the trail and that provided me with a great opportunity. As I made my way up the trail, I came upon a black bear skulking through the forest. It was a great treat for me. To make it even better, as I sat on a downed log at Josephine saddle, a wild turkey came right up to me! I just sat still as the old gobbler strutted around me and off into the forest.

The rest of the climb was draining. I slogged it up the mountain side, back and forth along the switchbacks. Luckily I was shielded from the early morning sunshine for most of the climb. A gentle breeze kept me cool all the way until Baldy saddle. On the final ascent I was completely exposed to the sun and it was getting really hot. But it was well worth the discomfort when I hit the peak. Unobstructed views in every direction. I could see all the way north to Picacho Peak and south into Mexico.

It was a great hike and I'll definitely be back.