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 Reporter |
Summary: As you climb to the saddle that connects to the King Canyon Trail and Wasson Peak, you will encounter varied desert plants with a large number of saguaro, some being over one hundred years old. The first portion of the hike gently winds through the lower hills, and down into the creek you will be climbing to the saddle. As you work your way to an older section of the trail, stone steps have been added for the steeper sections. Once the trail merges with the older trail section, the trail becomes more rugged and steep. From here up to the saddle, the trail carves along the ridge of what becomes a deep canyon with towering saguaro on all sides. The views of Tucson to the east are spectacular, and to the west looms Wasson Peak. Once at the saddle, many hikers take the optional 1.2 mile hike to the summit of Wasson Peak. If you are feeling up for it, the trip up Wasson Peak commands breathtaking views of the rugged Tucson Mountains and other surrounding ranges. Trailhead: From Speedway and Campbell drive west on speedway to the I-10 Frontage Road. Turn right (north) on Frontage Rd. During I-10 construction follow Frontage Rd. to El Camino Del Cerro/Ruthrauff Rd. Turn left (west) on El Camino Del Cerro. Follow El Camino Del Cerro west for 5.7 miles to the Sweetwater Trailhead. (Lat:32.28865 Lon:-111.12077) Trail Guides for Sweetwater Trail: Tucson Hiking Guide by Betty Leavengood (Pruett Publishing) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter, User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Saguaro National Park - www.nps.gov/sagu - (520) 733-5158 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Jeff Branscum, who has posted 21 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by sas on 3/15/2009 great trail. well maintained or maybe just stays in good condition. has steps at wash crossings. starts out pretty tame and some few spots of almost level hiking then begins to get tough with loose rock and small rock ledges. you will know you did a hike by the time you get to the saddle (3.4 miles per signs). the 1.2 mile hike up to Wasson Peak is quite steep with tons of switchbacks but not tough for the veteran hiker. total 6.4 miles to saddle and back or 99.2 to Wasson and back. LETS ROCK :) 
Reviewed by AGL on 2/19/2008 This is one of my favorite hikes. It has amazing views of Tucson and you really get a great feel for the desert and the canyons that make up the Park. It is also easily accessable from the west side of Tucson (it is the only trail access to the SNP from the Tucson valley). It is a great workout but not impossible. I would say it is easier than Ventana Canyon. I have done this many times and will be back - you will not get bored on this trail! Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Arizona Hiking, Arizona Trails, Arizona Hikes, Pima County Hiking, Pima County Trails, Pima County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||