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 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 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.
Reviewed by kj on 1/22/2008 First time going all the way to the top - what a stunning view! We came up the wash and then picked up the main trail. It's a much gentler grade and you come upon the petroglyphs just before hitting the junction to the main trail. After that it gets steep, and just keeps on getting steeper. The views are spectacular - especially at sunset, and totally worth the effort! Photos of trailhead signs and views here - http://tinyurl.com/25agoq
Reviewed by Katie on 1/9/2008 Loved this hike... !!! Cool old dirt road, loved the old outhouse on the trail, beautiful views of Tucson...!! And I followed someone's advice from below to take the wash on the way back to see the petroglyphs! Very interesting! Would definitely do it again, just hike it Jan 8, 2008!
Reviewed by John Maier on 1/3/2008 I have hiked this trail at least a dozen times. Even in cooler temps (Oct-Apr) the lack of shade can make this a tough trail as youre exposed to the hot sun pretty much the whole way. While others have reccommended the trail (to the right going up from the parking area) I suggest the wash at least one way. This is where the petroglyphs are located on the left (coming from the parking lot), starting about 1/2 mile up and if you plan it right, either early in the day going up or later in the afternoon coming down, the wash will provide some shade! The trail is fairly pleasant until you hit the saddle. While the last mile can be tiring as it gets steeper, it is worth it for the views.
Reviewed by DaGenester on 12/20/2007 Ok, for me just about any cool hike is a favorite. :) I view this as a favorite. The views are really cool, and if you start your hike by going to look at the petroglyphs (a deviating trail off to the left, petroglyphs are about 1/2 mile in), then it's cool as well. The hike is a semi-strenuous one - especially since it was about 90 degrees when we went (not a wise move!). As others have said, take plenty of water. The views are awesome! When we made it to the top of the point, however, there was a nice swarm of wasps at the top. Weird, but they were there. So, just be sure you know whether you're allergic to wasps, too. May have been a freak thing, but they were there. My dos pesos...
Reviewed by Brian & Norfa on 9/1/2007 This was an excellent hike. We did this on Sept. 1, 2007, and began the trail at 6:15 am at already 87 degrees. We humped it up in 2 hrs and 15 min., hung out for 15 min. at the top, ate, rested, and came back down in 1 hr. and 15 min. Total time 3 hrs. and 45 min. This hike has beautiful views of Saguaro Nat. Park, Tucson, and Avra Valley. We have also done the Hugh Norris which is a bit longer. The views from this trail are nicer. We did not see the petroglyphs, however, but had a look out for them.
Reviewed by First Wasson? on 5/30/2007 My name is James Claudius Wasson IV and I found this peak and hike during an internet search a few years ago while looking for references to my name. YES! a peak with my name?...OH, it had to be done! After leaving my "pregnant with twins wife" by the pool...I headed out with a friend (a trauma surgeon intern) for a spirited assult on "My" peak. We started at 7:00am (it was July) and finished around 11:00am (too embarrassed to share the temp). Took way to many pictures and lingered perhaps too long at the register book, trying to find out if I'm the first Wasson on Wasson Peak. No bother, great experience and would do it again...maybe with the twins...By the way, I hear there's a lake in Minnesota called... ;-) 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||