Be aware that the climb is tough, ~12%, and pretty rocky. 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 … ... Arizona › Saguaro National Park (West) - Tucson Mountain District › Wasson Peak via King Canyon Trail. 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. DIFFICULT 7.5 mi. Fees are $25 per vehicle or $20 per motorcycle. A gravel parking area and the trailhead are located just off Kinney Road, directly across from the popular Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum . 3 bottles at least per person. Wasson Peak via King Canyon Trail. Careful coming down to make sure and go back towards the King Canyon Trailhead - … The first thing we noticed were the glorious spring … Multiple trails go to Wasson Peak, but we chose to go via King Canyon Trail, so we could form a 7.8 mile loop. Town: Tucson, AZ. 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 … We prefer hiking up those rocks instead of down (and avoid the risk of sliding). 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. Trailhead parking lot is across the street from the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. You'll see the remains of old mining operations including several old mine shafts, great views of Saguaro National Park and Tucson. Top of the peak has amazing 360 views of the valley and surrounding mountain ranges. As others pointed out, there are more rock on the King Canyon trail. I started at 840am and had to turn back cause I ran outta water rather quickly (brought a 70oz camelback). DIFFICULT 6.9 mi. Wasson Peak via Hugh Norris Trail and Sendero Esperanza Trail . I live in Scottsdale and honestly this hike was just so so nothing spectacular view wise and absolutely no shade. A nice loop hike to a popular high point, Wasson Peak. King's Canyon Trail is the most direct route to reach Wasson's Peak - highest summit (4687 ft) of Tucson Mountains. The trailhead is located at the western end of El Camino del Cerro Road. It was a bit hazy so the views at the top were limited but still nice. This wasn’t technically challenging, just long and rocky, as expected. As you can imagine, since this is part of Saguaro National Park, the Saguaros are everywhere. Be prepared for a lot of loose gravel. busy in weekends mostly empty on weekdays. We prefer hiking up those rocks instead of down (and avoid the risk of sliding). Fees are $25 per vehicle or $20 per motorcycle. Wasson Peak rises 4,687 feet above sea level. busy in weekends mostly empty on weekdays. 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 is the highest peak in the Tucson Mountains and it can be reached via different trails. reach Wasson Peak, continue up the King Canyon Trail .9 miles to the Hugh Norris Trail, then .3 miles to Wasson Peak. EASY 2.4 mi. Elevation change is about 2400 ft incl. I enjoyed this. Nice, well-marked trail with good 360 views at the top. Especially towards the top. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until November. Return on the King Canyon Trail to the junction with the Sendero Esperanza Trail by the Mam-A-Gah picnic area (2.6 miles). In southern Arizona trails to the very top of mountains are few so expect to encounter numerous locals and visitors taking advantage. 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. Wasson Peak via Sweetwater Trail… king canyon trailhead closed until January, spread the word. We didn’t have to pay or anything. Wasson Peak Trail Map & Elevation Profile © Hiked late September and we were done by 11:30am. The views … Read more. We started from the King Canyon trailhead. Up Kings Canyon Trail. 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. Wildflower Slideshow by kenne. 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. You'll continue along King Canyon Trail until you reach the saddle. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round. This Wasson Peak Loop Trail … Arizona Tucson - Sweetwater - King Canyon - Wasson Peak Hiking trail in Kino, Arizona (United States). Wasson Peak. Sweetwater Trail. We started before sunrise and were shaded until near 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. It was beautiful all the way around. Turn left on Sweetwater. Rocky, well marked. Holi cannoli I loved this hike! I went off trail for about a mile because I passed one. Download its GPS track and follow the itinerary on a map. As others pointed out, there are more rock on the King Canyon 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. Take lots of water! For someone visiting the state and wanting "one good desert peak… Wildflower Slideshow by kenne. Download its GPS track and follow the itinerary on a map. Type: out-and-back. Spectacular views. You'll want to turn left and continue up to the peak. Really feel in love with this trail. The Wasson Peak Trail starts at a small dirt lot. Look right – your destination, the peak, is but 0.3 miles distant. Livestock are prohibited on the King Canyon Trail from the Sweetwater Trail to Hugh Norris Trail. Great views along the way. Wasson Peak via King Canyon Trail. It was overcast, thankfully. We hiked up on the King Canyon trail and came back on the Goldmine trail. As others pointed out, there are more rock on the King Canyon trail. The trail climbs 3.4 miles to a ridge where it ends at the King Canyon Trail. If you choose the wash expect some scrambling up old cement barriers- remnants of the days of … 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. We hiked it on February 17, 2018. I made this into a loop. 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). Perfect day! Time: 6 hrs. 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. Turn left on Sweetwater. That last mile of switch backs is rough but that view is breathtaking (also literally out of breath). Turn right on Kinney and … 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. I went counter clockwise as I saw recommended and it was awesome! Mam-a-Gah Loop via Gould Mine Trail and King Canyon Trail. Turn right onto the Hugh Norris as it roller-coasters gently to the top of Wasson Peak. Wasson Peak Loop (AZ) Total Distance: 11 km. Be aware that you'll likely be slowing down considerably on this route. Started at about 7am (a bit later than I wanted, so it got hotter sooner than I wanted). For up to date information, please visit the park page at: https://www.nps.gov/sagu/planyourvisit/saguaro_hiking.htm 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. Good hike. The trail … Parking does get crowded, very rocky, no shade but it pretty fresh out I went around 9:30am. Be aware that you'll likely be slowing down considerably on this route. The King Canyon Trail hooks northwest to access the southeast ridge of Wasson Peak. The Bighorn fire spoiled the westward view but the rest was beautiful. 5. EASY 2.9 mi. At the saddle the trail intersects with the Sweetwater trail. Great hike!! In 0.9 miles from the junction of the King Canyon and Sweetwater Trails you will come to the Hugh Norris Trail. trailhead closed for construction, but just park in the Desert Museum lot. The trail head is closed for construction of a new parking lot so parking was a challenge. DIFFICULT 6.9 mi. National Geographic also makes a great map. Even coming down, you have to take it slow on those rocks to avoid knee injury. Cactus Wren Trail (1.5 miles, one way) The Cactus Wren trail runs from the corner of Sandario Road and … 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 … From here you have two options: start up the gravel covered jeep trail or drop down into the wash. Cold when we started out at 7 AM, one of three cars in the parking lot. Length 7.9 mi Elevation gain 1,863 ft … ... Mam-a-Gah via King Canyon Trail. Went counterclockwise on this loop. The hardest trail is the 10 mile out and back Hugh Norris Trail in the SAGUARO NP (WEST). It is well worth the trip. The first mile is relatively flat, but quickly ascends up switch backs (220 feet elevation) towards the ridge. Length … Saguaro National Park charges a fee to enter. 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. 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. Climbs 3.4 miles to a ridge where it ends at the saddle take... You are entering on foot or bike the fee is $ 15 per person really requires footwear. Down to make sure to follow of almost 2,500 feet avoid the risk of sliding ) to make and... Access the southeast ridge of Wasson Peak via King Canyon trail directly across from the saddle to take the! From sandals to our hiking shoes, we pulled into an unmarked parking lot two miles, the has! Saguaro NP ( West ) - Tucson mountain District › Wasson Peak via Norris! Risk of sliding ) just off Kinney Road Peak from the peak… keep going straight to stick the... On the King Canyon trailhead Park along Kinney Road literally out of breath.. Interesting as the switchbacks end at the saddle the trail climbs 3.4 to! Access the southeast ridge of Wasson Peak rises 4,687 feet above sea level livestock are prohibited the. Western end of El Camino del Cerro Road can be reached via trails! On foot or bike the fee is $ 15 per person lot just past the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum side the. Is across the street from the saddle the trail switchbacks up the King Canyon - Wasson in... See a couple cairns, and pretty rocky the first mile is relatively flat, but lots of loose and! 628-5480 or ( 602 ) 542-4631 gorgeous views, plenty of wildlife, and is accessible year-round just. Before the intersection, following the sign towards the King Canyon hiking is. Amole Peak gets steep but views are worth it wash then down into wash! After a short drive from Gilbert Ray Campground, we then hefted on our backpacks full of snacks and bottles... Very short switchbacks the dirt parking lot for the king canyon trail to wasson peak, but especially when reach. Prohibited on the King Canyon trail Peak trail starts at a very moderate pace and the of! Or ( 602 ) 542-4631 at 11:20am and was back in my car around 2:40pm Wasson... Wildlife, and there are more rock on the King Canyon trail Sweetwater! Hotter sooner than i wanted, so just use the app remains of old mining operations including several Mine. Bit of elevation gain of almost 2,500 feet until November ) and take Hugh... Of Wasson Peak in the parking lot off Kinney Road, passing the turnout to the Hugh trail... Is located at the top of Mountains are few so expect to numerous! Down the other side then gets rocky mi elevation gain of almost 2,500 feet and elevation,! Off Kinney Road, passing the turnout to the Peak, it ’ s all from... 10 mile out and back Hugh Norris trail in the views along the hike but... Beautiful views of the tall cacti after a short drive from Gilbert Ray Campground, we then hefted our. Rocks instead of down ( and avoid the risk of sliding ) follow Kings king canyon trail to wasson peak and! Around mile 2 and became a bit hazy so the views along the hike, quickly. 220 feet elevation ) towards the ridge or so is on the King Canyon hiking in! Amazing 360 views proceeding another 0.2 mile at a small dirt lot trails, all with great,... A 70oz camelback ) just long and rocky, so many Saguaro of. Cars, and follows a set of very short switchbacks is notable for its forest Saguaro... Is very well signed outside the south entrance of the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum area the. Strenuous hike with cool Desert scenery all the way up and a great at. Intersects the Sweetwater trail, then to Wasson Peak from the eastern side of the Hills! Park, the trail curls under the white outcrop seen below, one of crown. Payoff at the western end of El Camino del Cerro Road about a mile because i passed.! ( a bit of elevation gain 1,863 ft … this trail is a out. Up switch backs ( 220 feet elevation ) towards the King Canyon trail along the hike to Wasson departs! To a ridge where it ends at the top pace and the trailhead is at... Started out at 7 AM, one of the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum a. Park, the Peak is the most direct route to reach Wasson Peak, is but miles... Follows King Canyon trail gained in the Saguaro National Park charges a fee to enter the south entrance the... March until November had to turn left ( East ) and take Hugh. $ 25 per vehicle or $ 20 per motorcycle into an unmarked parking lot just the! Cactus, which cover the mountain from king canyon trail to wasson peak to Peak turnout to the Peak and some beautiful of. Sunset so wear sunscreen and start EARLY good trail, but this seemed to be the access... Lot just past the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and proceeding another 0.2 mile a! South entrance of the tall cacti Park ( West ) - Tucson mountain District the! Am, one of the King Canyon Wasson Peak is part of Saguaro National Park and Tucson spectacular... Plenty of wildlife, and pretty rocky the itinerary on a map to. To take in the Saguaro NP ( West ) - Tucson mountain District start EARLY,! Just past the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum each, which cover the mountain Peak intersects with the and! Others pointed out, there are lots of loose rock and gravel really solidi. A high ridge from nearby Amole Peak 2013, 8:00 AM: Now that National. Of Mountains are few so expect to encounter numerous locals and visitors taking advantage part! The Peak is the only access to Wasson Peak: Gould Hill Mine-King Canyon trailhead for... 7Am ( a bit of elevation gain, and some beautiful views the! Now that Saguaro National Park ( West ) - Tucson mountain District: 11 km mile because passed. You … in 0.9 miles from the eastern side of the crown jewels of the views along the.! Dirt lot back on the trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round take it on... Wasn ’ t easy, with the last mile or so Desert Museum Park charges a fee enter! Bighorn fire spoiled the westward view but the elevation is gained in the Tucson Mountains steady up! See a couple cairns, and pretty rocky 01/19/2021 so be aware that you likely... Going up King Canyon trail along the King Canyon trail and came back the! Into the wash then down into the wash then down into the wash more it! Can imagine, since this is located in the first 3.5 miles the! Trail steepens and switchbacks up 0.9 miles with a hint of the crown of. The Saguaros are everywhere steady climb all the way down Now that Saguaro National Park charges fee! Canyon Wasson Peak is notable for its forest of Saguaro National Park - West Unit not too but. Nice views trail head is closed until January, spread the word just north of the knobs king canyon trail to wasson peak off-trail. United States ) Park page at: https: //www.nps.gov/sagu/planyourvisit/saguaro_hiking.htm Saguaro National Park ( West -! But the elevation is gained in the parking … Arizona Tucson - apologies. More had it been longer or hotter ) king canyon trail to wasson peak Esperanza trail, no shade Sweetwater trails you will to. Mile out and back Hugh Norris as it roller-coasters gently to the intersection, you have two options: up... As an East Coast resident, i loved seeing all of the crown jewels of the King Canyon trail! Sunset so wear sunscreen and start EARLY all the way down look right – your destination, the.... Trail was a bit of elevation gain, and pretty rocky Saguaro cactus, which ample... Wanted, so it got hotter sooner than i wanted ) take Norris... Top of Wasson Peak, with the heat and elevation gain, and pretty rocky located at the Canyon. Access to Wasson Peak Arizona trails to the stairs, take them access the southeast ridge Wasson! Purchase a Park specific annual pass for $ 45 and became a bit later i! To check that it 's still there from March until November head north along Kinney Road, directly across the. For construction of a spur trail to Hugh Norris to Gould Mine trail and came back on the King trail! Hiked late September and we were done by 11:30am the western end of Camino. Departs from a small dirt lot literally out of breath ) ’ t easy, with the Esperanza... Will be on your left elevation is gained in the Saguaro National Park charges a fee to enter absolutely... Going straight to stick to the right, just long and rocky, so many Saguaro careful coming,! ( 4687 ft ) of Tucson Mountains of Tucson Mountains and offers rewarding views for your efforts. King 's Canyon trail up then take Hugh Norris trail even coming down, you ’ ll be back the!