Once you summit Wasson Peak, it’s all downhill from there! Apache Peak Loop via Hugh Norris Trail. 2021 Wasson Peak: Type of Hike: Day hike: Trailhead: King Canyon Tail: Hiking Companions: Hiked with a partner: Road Conditions : Road suitable for all vehicles: Bug Status: No bugs: Snow Conditions: Snow free: Trail Conditions: Trail in good condition: King Canyon parking lot is still under construction so I had to park … EASY 2.9 mi. Cold when we started out at 7 AM, one of three cars in the parking lot. Last 1 mile gets steep but views are worth it. 360 vista on top. We hiked up on the King Canyon trail and came back on the Goldmine trail. Turn right onto the Hugh Norris as it roller-coasters gently to the top of Wasson Peak. Head west on Speedway until you get to Gates Pass Rd. We started before sunrise and were shaded until near the top. We didn’t have to pay or anything. EASY 2.4 mi. Be prepared for a lot of loose gravel. Elevation change is about 2400 ft incl. At the junction (3 miles from parking lot) with the Hugh Norris Trail, take the right fork to the top of Wasson Peak just a short 1/3 of a … I have not hiked Wasson for quite a while, time to check that it's still there. Start at the El Camino del Cerro. Great west side summit. Take lots of water! Very fun hike. From here keep heading west to North Kinney Rd. Nice hard sand trail for the 1st 2 miles back down the other side then gets rocky. Be aware that the climb is tough, ~12%, and pretty rocky. Careful coming down to make sure and go back towards the King Canyon Trailhead - … Once you summit Wasson Peak, it’s all downhill from there! You'll continue along King Canyon Trail until you reach the saddle. This trail is a 7.4 mile loop over the summit of Wasson Peak. You can also purchase a park specific annual pass for $45. Kings Canyon Trail — Images by kenne Wildflower Slideshow by kenne Panorama of Wasson Peak Near The Top SCVN guided hike to Wasson Peak via Kings Canyon trail, which is about a seven mile (ro… Saguaro National Park West. I’m not a newbie but not a pro! The trails down are longer but less steep than the trails up. Wasson Peak is the eminent peak of the west unit of Saguaro National Park, west of Tucson, and one of the best desert-mountain hikes in the state. You might see a couple cairns, and there are signs at intersections. Mam-a-Gah via King Canyon Trail. This trail has great views, plenty of wildlife, and is the high point of the Tucson Mountains. This Wasson Peak Loop Trail … The Bighorn fire spoiled the westward view but the rest was beautiful. Return on the King Canyon Trail to the junction with the Sendero Esperanza Trail by the Mam-A-Gah picnic area (2.6 miles). The trail head is closed for construction of a new parking lot so parking was a challenge. The trail starts as an old jeep road as it slowly climbs 0.9 miles to the Mam-a-gah picnic area (JCT_1R on the map). Wasson Peak via Sweetwater Trail… We work 2L camelbacks and that worked great. The trail curls under the white outcrop seen below, one of the knobs accessible to off-trail hikers. 9. Hiked late September and we were done by 11:30am. We prefer hiking up those rocks instead of down (and avoid the risk of sliding). We prefer hiking up those rocks instead of down (and avoid the risk of sliding). Challenging, gorgeous views, hot, rocky, so many saguaro! To reach Wasson Peak, continue up the King Canyon King’s Canyon Trail is the most direct route towards Wasson Peak, the high point of Saguaro National Park West, located in the Tucson Mountain Range. Sun, Jan 20, 2013, 10:00 AM: Length: 9.2 miles: Round TripTrail Head El: 2800'Saddle El: 3840'Peak El: 4687'Elevation Gain:1887'Rated: C - … Located on the western outskirts of the city, in the heart of Saguaro National Park West, this beautiful trail rises to the top of Wasson Peak (the highest summit in the Tucson Mountain Range). In southern Arizona trails to the very top of mountains are few so expect to encounter numerous locals and visitors taking advantage. Loved the trail on the way back—So. Pro tip: When you get to the stairs, take them. Look right – your destination, the peak, is but 0.3 miles distant. Holi cannoli I loved this hike! It was a bit hazy so the views at the top were limited but still nice. The peak is notable for its forest of saguaro cactus, which cover the mountain from base to peak. As others pointed out, there are more rock on the King Canyon trail. We started from the King Canyon trailhead. Wasson Peak via Sweetwater Trail. Wasson peak is the highest peak in the Tucson Mountains and it can be reached via different trails. At the Sweetwater intersection we turned left and continued on the steep section of Kings Canyon Trail about another mile to the short side trail to the top of Wasson Peak. busy in weekends mostly empty on weekdays. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round. After a short drive from Gilbert Ray Campground , we pulled into an unmarked parking lot just past the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum . Saguaro National Park charges a fee to enter. ... Mam-a-Gah via King Canyon Trail. If you choose the wash expect some scrambling up old cement barriers- remnants of the days of … Turn right at the intersection, following the sign towards the King Canyon Trailhead. The Wasson Peak Trail starts at a small dirt lot. As others pointed out, there are more rock on the King Canyon trail. There is parking for about 15 cars, and the lot fills up in cooler months. We started from the King Canyon trailhead. NOTE: As of November 24, 2020 the King Canyon trailhead is closed for construction of a new parking lot and is expected to reopen on 01/19/2021. Peak Summited: 2020 Wasson Peak: Type of Hike : Day hike: Trailhead: King Canyon Trail: Encountered: Wildflowers blooming: Road Conditions: Road suitable for all vehicles: Bug Status: No bugs: Snow Conditions: Snow free: Trail Conditions: Trail in good condition: Sunny and really windy day up to the summit. Lucky for me it sprinkled on the way down. The trail is impressively laid out and maintained. Turn right onto the Hugh Norris as it roller-coasters gently to the top of Wasson Peak. This wasn’t technically challenging, just long and rocky, as expected. Not super steep, lots to see along the way. It is well worth the trip. Wildflower Slideshow by kenne. DIFFICULT 6.4 mi. As others pointed out, there are more rock on the King Canyon trail. Keep going straight to stick to the King Canyon Trail. There are a handful of ways to get to Wasson Peak but this review will focus on the Wasson Peak via King Canyon and Hugh Norris Trail, which is a moderate-to-difficult loop trail just under 8 miles with an elevation gain of 1,847 feet. A gravel parking area and the trailhead are located just off Kinney Road, directly across from the popular Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum . Mam-a-Gah Loop via Gould Mine Trail and King Canyon Trail. The trail climbs 3.4 miles to a ridge where it ends at the King Canyon Trail. Take the … Especially towards the top. King’s Canyon Trail is the most direct route towards Wasson Peak, the high point of Saguaro National Park West, located in the Tucson Mountain Range. Wasson Peak via The Gould Mine, Sendero Esperanza and Hugh Norris Trails - 8.6 Miles Round-Trip The Hugh Norris Trail is the most popular way to reach Wasson Peak (4,687'), the Tucson Mountain District's highest point. Share. Steady climb all the way up, with the last mile being the most strenuous. The hike starts on the King Canyon Trail. Take the King Canyon Trail up the the Wasson Peak summit, then follow the Hugh Norris Trail to the junction with the Sendero Esperanza Trail, and then finally onto the Gould Mine Trail, passing an old mine along the way. busy in weekends mostly empty on weekdays. King's Canyon Trail is the most direct route to reach Wasson's Peak - highest summit (4687 ft) of Tucson Mountains. The trail switchbacks up 0.9 miles with a hint of the views to come. Def start this one early. The peak also features a network of trails, all with great views. Spectacular views. As others pointed out, there are more rock on the King Canyon trail. Perfect day! The King Canyon Trail hooks northwest to access the southeast ridge of Wasson Peak. At the saddle the trail intersects with the Sweetwater trail. At the crossing with King Canyon … Follow North Kinney Rd for about two miles, the trailhead parking lot is on the north side. After a little more than a mile, you’ll be back at the trailhead. The King Canyon Hiking trail is one of the crown jewels of the Tucson area mountain ranges. Those seeking lightly used alternative routes will find them at the King Canyon … You could feel the high noon sun beating down as we approached the trailhead, happy to have finished before the temps got too high. This trail is very well signed. It follows King Canyon Trail to the junction with Sweetwater Trail, then to Wasson Peak. This hike had a nice steady incline up to the summit with awesome 360 views. Start at the El Camino del Cerro. Length 7.9 mi Elevation gain 1,863 ft … The Wasson Peak Loop combination climbs 1,805 feet, but the elevation is gained in the first 3.5 miles along the King Canyon Trail. Hiking to the peak of Wasson by King Canyon provides a variety of views, starting with King Canyon itself and then on to a 360-degree panorama from the top of Wasson Peak. Falcon Guide has a good description of these trails. 7. Top of the peak has amazing 360 views of the valley and surrounding mountain ranges. Trail uses the King Canyon, and Sweetwater trails to reach the summit and returns via Hugh Norris, Sendero Esperanza and Gould Mine Trails.It's an excellent hike through the desert, with superb views in all … Wasson Peak via King Canyon and Hugh Norris Trail [CLOSED] is a 7.9 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Cortaro, Arizona that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail climbed high on the slopes south and east of Amole, where it connected with the Hugh Norris Trail just below Amole Peak, and another 0.3 mile later and we were on top of Wasson. by desertgirl. DIFFICULT 4.5 mi. 7. Nice trail, decently challenging! Take the King Canyon Trail up the the Wasson Peak summit, then follow the Hugh Norris Trail to the junction with the Sendero Esperanza Trail, and then finally onto the Gould Mine Trail, passing an old mine along the way. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until November. The views along the hike, but especially when you reach the top are amazing. There are lots of trails leading to the peak, but this seemed to be the only loop. Arizona State Land Department at (520) 628-5480 or (602) 542-4631. Great hike in the national park! Wasson Peak rises 4,687 feet above sea level. If you are entering on foot or bike the fee is $15 per person. We hiked from 8-11am and were glad we weren’t out there any later. Hiking beta and trip report for Wasson Peak via King Canyon and Gould Mine Loop, located in Saguaro National Park… We started from the King Canyon trailhead. It was beautiful all the way around. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round. There is a parking at the trail head. This hike isn’t easy, with the heat and elevation gain of almost 2,500 feet. Great hike! Accident = hit pause on the record. Wasson Peak is located in Saguaro National Park, although the King Canyon trailhead starts in Tucson Mountain Park before dipping into Saguaro National Park. Climb to the Wasson Peak, with nice views. We started from the King Canyon trailhead. Enjoyed the climb in the last mile or so. Wasson Peak. The view of the valley and Tucson is spectacular from the peak… The first stretch heads up a rocky hillside for about 20 minutes and then winds slightly downhill toward the Mam-A-Gah picnic area, which stands out on the left. Great overall. You can park at the Desert Museum (make sure you're back before it closes @ 5pm) across the street and bush-wack a short distance around the construction; or just follow the wash until you reach the picnic area and hop on the trail from there. It’s a great workout with tons of cacti :) it felt very long, but the view at the top is beautiful- it gives a true panorama of Tucson. The trailhead is located at the western end of El Camino del Cerro Road. Wasson Peak via Hugh Norris Trail and Sendero Esperanza Trail . Make sure to follow and lookout for the signs! Overall Elevation Gain (Every … Many. Be aware that you'll likely be slowing down considerably on this route. I live in Scottsdale and honestly this hike was just so so nothing spectacular view wise and absolutely no shade. DIFFICULT 6.9 mi. The Wasson Peak Loop combination climbs 1,805 feet, but the elevation is gained in the first 3.5 miles along the King Canyon Trail. Wasson Peak via King Canyon and Hugh Norris Trail [CLOSED], Wasson Peak via Sendero Esperanza and Hugh Norris Trail, Brown Mountain Trail via Brown Mountain Picnic Area, Encinas Trail from Ez-Kim-In-Zin Picnic Area, Hugh Norris, Sendero Esperanza, Dobbie Wash Loop, Mariposa, Gates Pass and Ironwood Trail Loop. Turn left on Sweetwater. king canyon trailhead closed until January, spread the word. Be aware that the climb is tough, ~12%, and pretty rocky. We Started out from the wash, which was annoying to walk on since it’s sandy/gravelly but other than that the trail had great viewsss - overall nice hike. The views along the hike, but especially when you reach the … Wasson Peak via King Canyon Trail. As others pointed out, there are more rock on the King Canyon trail. Arizona Tucson - Sweetwater - King Canyon - Wasson Peak Hiking trail in Kino, Arizona (United States). This is a moderate out and back trail to Wasson Peak in Saguaro National Park (West) - Tucson Mountain District. Below are the primary approaches to to Wasson Peak: Gould Hill Mine-King Canyon Trailhead. EASY 2.4 mi. In 0.9 miles from the junction of the King Canyon and Sweetwater Trails you will come to the Hugh Norris Trail. This part can be steep at times, very rocky, and follows a set of very short switchbacks. The trailhead is located to the right, just north of the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Not too steep but it gets hot quickly with minimal shade. Parking: We arrived at the trail head by 8:45am and parked just off Kinney Road, by the King Canyon Trail Head near the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. TUCSON - With apologies to Paul for stealing his title! We prefer hiking up those rocks instead of down (and avoid the risk of sliding). Switching from sandals to our hiking shoes, we then hefted on our backpacks full of snacks and several bottles of water each. I enjoyed this. Cacti. We hiked it on February 17, 2018. As you can imagine, since this is part of Saguaro National Park, the Saguaros are everywhere. ... Arizona › Saguaro National Park (West) - Tucson Mountain District › Wasson Peak via King Canyon Trail. Did this one the 13th. The views along the hike, but especially when you reach the … A nice loop hike to a popular high point, Wasson Peak. King Canyon is the shortest way up. The first part of the trail--The King Canyon Trail--was originally a road built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the 1930's. This is located in the Saguaro National Park - West Unit. Fees are $25 per vehicle or $20 per motorcycle. DIFFICULT 6.4 mi. EASY 2.9 mi. Wasson Peak Trail Map & Elevation Profile © Jessica Morgan. Happy Trails Friends! Be aware that you'll likely be slowing down considerably on this route. The trail … Wasson Peak via King Canyon and Hugh Norris Trail [CLOSED] is a 7.9 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Cortaro, Arizona that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. Saw one runner coming down as we were going up, and as we were coming down about a half a dozen different groups of people. Apache Peak Loop via Hugh Norris Trail. There is just a bit of elevation gain, and some beautiful views of the Sonoran Desert. SCVN guided hike to Wasson Peak via Kings Canyon trail, which is about a seven mile (roundtrip) hike and elevation gain of 1,900 ft. 3. The first thing we noticed were the glorious spring … Located on the western outskirts of the city, in the heart of Saguaro National Park West, this beautiful trail rises to the top of Wasson Peak (the highest summit in the Tucson Mountain Range).. From the trail head, Wasson peak … Be aware that you'll likely be slowing down considerably on this route. 3. SCVN guided hike to Wasson Peak via Kings Canyon trail, which is about a seven mile (roundtrip) hike and elevation gain of 1,900 ft. Steady climb all the way up, with the last mile being the most strenuous. The Sweetwater Trail provides a steady ascent to the saddle where it intersects with the King Canyon Trail which is a popular route to Wasson Peak from the west side. Good news is we can start a bit later with the good weather.Length: 9.2 miles: Round TripTrail Head El: 2800'Sad Length … The views along the hike, but especially when you reach the … 5. Top of the peak has amazing 360 views of the valley and surrounding mountain ranges. At the junction (3 miles from parking lot) with the Hugh Norris Trail, take the right fork to the top of Wasson Peak just a short 1/3 of a mile. Horses are also able to use this trail. If you … DIFFICULT 7.5 mi. This trailhead is just outside the south entrance of the park along Kinney Road. Hike up Wasson Peak near Tuscon, Arizona. 6. reach Wasson Peak, continue up the King Canyon Trail .9 miles to the Hugh Norris Trail, then .3 miles to Wasson Peak. 5. 14. I started at 11:20am and was back in my car around 2:40pm. To access this trailhead from Interstate 10 in Tucson, head west on Speedway Blvd for 12 miles (19 km) to Kinney Road. Started at about 7am (a bit later than I wanted, so it got hotter sooner than I wanted). The trailhead has a dirt parking lot with no toilets or water, so stop at the visitor’s center if either are needed. Wasson Peak Loop (AZ) Total Distance: 11 km. Beautiful scenery. Easy but strenuous hike with cool desert scenery all the way up and a great payoff at the top. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until November. Continuing on the trail for a little over a mile we came to the intersection with Sweetwater Trail. Saguaro National Park charges a fee to enter. The 7.8-mile loop, also known as the Wasson Peak Trail, is a series of connecting trails and adjacent jurisdictions that begins in King Canyon, about 100 yards from the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Rocky, well marked. Look right – your destination, the peak, is but 0.3 miles distant. In southern Arizona trails to the very top of mountains are few so expect to encounter numerous locals and visitors taking advantage. The King Canyon Hiking trail is one of the crown jewels of the Tucson area mountain ranges. Keep going straight to stick to the King Canyon Trail. Then each trail on the way down was so different- and I especially enjoyed the nice sand/gravel on the way down- so it was easy to walk while admiring the beauty. Take the fork left and follow the well signed trail towards Wasson Peak. I went counter clockwise as I saw recommended and it was awesome! And plenty of parking area. At the saddle you'll have a great view of Tucson in front of you and a view of the trail and the desert behind you. Also mileage is more around 8miles. We started from the King Canyon trailhead. Wasson Peak . We prefer hiking up those rocks instead of down (and avoid the risk of sliding). Climb to the Wasson Peak, with nice views. From here you have two options: start up the gravel covered jeep trail or drop down into the wash. If you are entering on foot or bike the fee is $15 per person. The Wasson Peak trail is a great option for hikers in the Tucson area looking for a trail with some fair length (around 8 miles). DIFFICULT 6.7 mi. Wasson Peak via King Canyon Trail Distance: 7.8 miles / 12.6 kilometers roundtrip Time: 7 hours, including lunch, breaks, and many photo ops Type: Loop Trail Markings: There are no blazes, but the trail is well defined. 4. The hike was great.. Absolutely no shade, so recommend starting early. Hiking Wasson Peak. The first 2.5miles aren’t so bad. Good hike. A gravel parking area and the trailhead are located just off Kinney Road, directly across … Great trail with tons of saguaros and other cacti. Bring lots of water, I took my time going up and ran most of the way down but took me a little over 3 hrs! From the saddle it is a short, steep 1.2 mile hike up to the summit of Wasson Peak. You'll see the remains of old mining operations including several old mine shafts, great views of Saguaro National Park and Tucson. I started at 840am and had to turn back cause I ran outta water rather quickly (brought a 70oz camelback). cheez66 wrote a … The Sweetwater Trail is the only access to Wasson Peak from the eastern side of the Tucson Mountains. I made this into a loop. National Geographic also makes a great map. As an East Coast resident, I loved seeing all of the tall cacti. At the Sweetwater intersection we turned left and continued on the steep section of Kings Canyon Trail about another mile to the short side trail to the top of Wasson Peak. Wow top 5 favorite trails ont he Tucson area! Wasson Peak via King Canyon and Hugh Norris Trail [CLOSED] is a 7.9 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Cortaro, Arizona that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. We hiked up on the King Canyon trail and came back on the Goldmine trail. Panorama of Wasson Peak Near The Top. Much better with hiking poles! The Sendero Esperanza Trail runs north-south and crosses the Hugh Norris Trail at a saddle (1.8 miles). I went off trail for about a mile because I passed one. Beautiful views all around. The trailhead is on the right. Trailhead parking lot is across the street from the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. However, its fully exposed from sunrise to sunset so wear sunscreen and start EARLY! The trail climbs at a very moderate pace and the view of the valley is great. We hiked up on the King Canyon trail and came back on the Goldmine trail. Definitely not for beginners though. The trail curls under the white outcrop seen below, one of the knobs accessible to off-trail hikers. Keep going straight to stick to the King Canyon Trail. That last mile of switch backs is rough but that view is breathtaking (also literally out of breath). Good trail, but lots of loose rock and gravel really requires solidi footwear. Glad I brought all the water I did. From the parking … Horses are also able to use this trail. I'm sure the locals could care less, but it was something different for me. Download its GPS track and follow the itinerary on a map. Helpful. Cactus Wren Trail (1.5 miles, one way) The Cactus Wren trail runs from the corner of Sandario Road and … The views along the hike, but especially when you reach the … Trail uses the King Canyon, and Sweetwater trails to reach the summit and returns via Hugh Norris, Sendero Esperanza and Gould Mine Trails.It's an excellent hike through the desert, with superb views in all directions.Be prepared to carry water, at least 2 liters is a good idea.For guided hiking trips in Arizona: See AOA-adventures. Some of our hikers made only the Kings Canyon trail to the first saddle since we were experiencing … Went up the NE side on Kings Canyon Trail and back around on Hugh-Norris Trail… Fees are $25 per vehicle or $20 per motorcycle. There is a parking at the trail head. National Geographic also makes a great map. Sweetwater Trail. The King Canyon Trail hooks northwest to access the southeast ridge of Wasson Peak. 6. Switchbacks were great toward the top. From here, the trail steepens and switchbacks up the ridge. Several abandoned mine shafts make this climb interesting as the switchbacks end at the junction of a spur trail to the peak. Parking does get crowded, very rocky, no shade but it pretty fresh out I went around 9:30am. Even coming down, you have to take it slow on those rocks to avoid knee injury. The trailhead is closed until 01/19/2021 so be aware. We will take a **short break** at the saddle to take in the views before continuing on to the Peak. If you're looking for a sunset hike, don't skip 7.8 mile Wasson Peak via the King Canyon/Gould High Loop (as on the park map). Arizona Tucson - Sweetwater - King Canyon - Wasson Peak Hiking trail in Kino, Arizona (United States). Bring lots of water !! Sendero Esperanza Trail to the Ridge/ To Wasson Peak (3.4-8 miles, 220-1600 feet elevation) Take the Sendero-Esperanza trail to the Hugh Norris trail junction on the ridgeline. 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