|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
         
 Reporter |
Summary: As you climb to the summit of the highest peak in the Tucson Mountains, you will see an exceptional display of giant saguaro, prickly pear and barrel cacti, cholla, ocotillo, mesquite and palo verde. The first mile of the trail follows an old dirt road on the west side of the canyon. Soon the trail drops down and crosses the canyon near the intersection with the trail to the Mam-A-Gah picnic area, King Canyon trail turns right. A nearby sign indicates that the summit of Wasson Peak is only 2.6 miles away. From here a rocky trail continues to a ridgeline that splits the Tucson Mountains east and west; at this point you will catch your first views of the Tucson valley. Follow the trail to its intersection with the Hugh Norris trail. At this point the summit is visible and very much within your reach. Trailhead: From Tucson, follow Speedway over Gates Pass to its junction with Kinney Road. Turn right, follow Kinney until you reach the Sonora Desert Museum. Parking and trailhead are 0.1 miles from the museum entrance and across (North) the road. (Lat:32.2732 Lon:-111.14802) Trail Guides for Wasson Peak: King Canyon Trail: Hiking Arizona by Bruce Grubbs and Stewart Aitchision (The Globe Pequot Press) Tucson Hiking Guide by Betty Leavengood (Pruett Publishing Company) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter, User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Saguaro National Park, Tucson Mountain District Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Rob Brinkerhoff, who has posted 33 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 3 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Viewer on 1/13/2010 Great day, 29 in our group Desert Trails RV Park.
Reviewed by Adam B on 1/12/2010 Started hike at 9:20p under clear skies. After the saddle when you turn onto the Sweetwater Trail, we came across a skunk who wasn't keen to let us past. While trying to figure a way onward, we saw a mountain lion (judging by the color of the reflection) on the east side of the range at a distance of some hundreds of feet. After yelling, it retreated...and so did we. I love this hike and know that many people do it at night, but I might not again. :-) 
Reviewed by BDO on 12/15/2009 This is a great trail. Have ran it many times. Never new of the petro's. Thanks to this site I will have to look for them next time.
Reviewed by ArjahnSarayut on 5/3/2009 It was my first time to hike up to Wasson Peak on May 2, 2009. We started around 6:00 a.m. and got to the peak by 09:00 a.m. It was great experience. The views of Tucson and Sonoran desert were magnificent. Thank to my friend Ken, who invited me to join him for hiking up to Wasson peak. I will hike it again.
Reviewed by Tom on 2/26/2009 Walked this one with a couple of middle-aged friends two wknds ago. Total time 3 hrs, 45 min. from trailhead to Wasson & back. A bit chilly & windy, otherwise very fine hiking weather. Something for everyone of varying fitness levels and interests. Excellent views and interesting rocks, even a fenced-off iron mine near the peak. Definitely will do this again!
Reviewed by EAB on 2/22/2009 Very nice hike but we lost a Sony digital camera in a black case on the trail up near the parking lot next to the Desert Museum. If anyone finds it, we would appreciate if you would give us a call at (520) 248-8310.
Reviewed by AEF on 4/7/2008 The round trip distance of 6.5 miles is only for the King Canyon trail, which does not go all the way to the summit. You'll want to add the final 0.3 mile (one way) stretch on the Hugh Norris Trail to get to the actual peak. The views on this hike are very unique - I can't think of many other mountains where you can see so far in so many directions. Trees are wonderful, but the fact is they block the views from many mountain tops, and you won't see many on this hike. If you love the 360 degree views, try Mt. Wrightson, but allow more time and energy. I hike this trail every winter - 15 times so far!
Reviewed by Dyna on 2/29/2008 My husband an I went in January 2008, used the King trail, forgot the camera. So... went again using the trail head off of Golden Gate road in the park, took camera, have many photos now. Both hikes were great, fantastic views. I have been in Tucson since 1971 and this is the best view yet. I would recomend to anyone. My son Troy turned me on to it. Namaste. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||