If you're anything like me, you enjoy hikes that end with a panoramic view. The best trails are the ones that reward you after a challenging incline. If you've found yourself in Tucson, Arizona, I've got the perfect intermediate hike for you - Wasson Peak. Here is everything you need to know about this trail.
About Wasson Peak
The Mountain
Wasson Peak is the highest point in Tucson Mountain district, landing at 4,688' feet. It was named after John Wasson - an editor at the Tucson Citizen in the 1870s. From the top, you have views of all five mountain ranges in Tucson - The Santa Catalinas, the Rincons, the Santa Ritas, the Tucson mountains, and the Huachuca range.
Location
Wasson Peak is located in Saguaro National Park (west) in Tucson, Arizona. To enter this national park, you'll need to pay a vehicle fee. As of now, it costs $25 for vehicles, $20 for motorcycles, and $15 for those entering by bike or foot. Your pass is valid to enter the national park for a week afterward. If you have America The Beautiful annual pass, you can use that to enter. The park is open from dawn to dusk.
The beginning of the trailhead (Kings Canyon) is located right before Saguaro National Park, in Tucson Mountain Park. If you drive through Tucson Mountain Park to arrive at the trailhead, you won't pass any visitor centers or fee booths to enter the park. You will need to either drive to the Red Hills visitor center to purchase your pass, or you can buy it online to print and display on your dashboard.
The start of the trailhead is on Kinney Road across from the Arizona-Sonora desert museum. The parking lot holds 32 vehicles. Keep in mind that bikes, horses nor dogs are not allowed on this trailhead or any trails in Saguaro National Park.
Note: You can also begin your hike from the Hugh Norris Trailhead which is located in Saguaro National Park, although I would suggest taking the Kings Canyon up to the summit for the views.
Trail Variations
There are two ways to complete this hike. No matter which route you end up taking, you'll be surrounded by tall saguaros and teddy bear cholla cactuses the entire way up. Keep in mind, both of these trails are moderately challenging, and take about 4 hours to complete. Here are some trail variations you can take to reach the top.
King Canyon Out & Back
Although this is the shortest distance hike to and from Wasson Peak, that doesn't necessarily make it easy.
With an elevation gain of 1,834 feet, this out-and-back lands at a total of 6.7 miles. It generally takes about 3 hours and 51 minutes to complete.
For the first mile or so, there is a slight incline on a wide and rocky path. At mile one, you have the option to take a left turn to the Mam-A-Gah picnic area.
If you wish to continue on the trail, you'll need to continue straight through the wash for a few strides. It's a little tricky to find because it's unmarked, but on your right, you'll see a trail sign and steps to continue up the mountain.
At mile 2.2, you'll reach a breathtaking view of the Catalina mountains, and the trail sign will direct you to take a left to reach the summit. This is where the trail gets much steeper, and you will need to navigate through many switchbacks. Make sure you have proper footing because the trail also gets narrower.
Around 3.2 miles, you'll reach an intersection where you can take a right to climb the summit. It's only about a .3-mile hike from there.
King Canyon & Hugh Norris Trail Loop
If you're someone who prefers a loop trail over an out-and-back, this may be a better option for you.
This trail has an elevation gain of 1,863.5 feet, landing at 7.9 miles total. This route takes an average of 4 hours and 14 minutes to complete.
Taking the same way up to the summit, the only difference is the route you'll take back down. When descending the .3-miles from the top, you'll want to continue straight to take Hugh Norris back. Straightaway, there are a handful of switchbacks, so make sure your legs are well-rested! Thankfully, this trail is much sandier and less rocky at the top.
A mile in, you'll come to an intersection where you can turn off at Amole Peak. The signage isn't totally clear, so make sure you continue on the same path, and double-check your AllTrails app or physical map if you need to.
Then, around the 6-mile mark, you'll need to take a sharp left onto Sendero Esperanza Trail. You'll take that trail for almost a mile until you reach another intersection, where you'll find the historic Gould Mine. After you see this landmark, take a right onto the Gould Mine trail, and you'll find yourself at the parking lot in one more mile.
Preparing for the Trail
When To Go
Once you've decided which route to take, you'll want to make sure that you're prepared. The best time to do this trail is during the fall, winter, or spring. There is no shade throughout this trail, so you'll make sure that whenever you go, you bring sunscreen and/or a hat to protect yourself from the sun. Make sure that you check the weather before you head out, because you may need to bring rain gear or a jacket in the colder months.
Bring The Proper Gear
You will also want to make sure you have proper footwear because this trail is on very rocky terrain. You'll also want to pack layers, no matter what season you visit. The temperature at the bottom of the mountain is very different what it is at the top. You will also need to make sure that you bring food and water. Bring at least 2 liters of water - if you go when it's warm you'll want to double that. Bring some snacks to eat along the way, because this trail works up an appetite.
When all is said and done, I hope you enjoy your trip up Wasson Peak. It's certainly one of my favorite day hikes I've ever completed, and I hope that you find the same enjoyment in it as I did. Happy trails!
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