The first 2 miles are a "lush" cactus garden including a couple of interesting washes. Wasson Peak is the tallest mountain in the Tucson Mountain District of Saguaro National Park. There are a couple trail options to make the climb to Wasson Peak. Wasson Peak Via Sweetwater Trail. Hiking trip report for Wasson Peak via Sweetwater Trail, located in Saguaro National Park, Arizona. A map of the area can be downloaded from the Saguaro National Park website at http://www.nps.gov/sagu. As you crest the saddle, the view to the west opens out, providing broad vistas down into King Canyon and, beyond to the Avra Valley and countless distant mountain ranges. After 1.4 miles, the trail came to a junction with the Sweetwater Trail high on a ridge directly southeast of Amole Peak (we still couldn't see Wasson Peak yet). 6. document.write(year) After a few miles the slope of the trail will increase and bring you to the saddle intersecting w/ King Canyon Trail. Mam-a-Gah via King Canyon Trail. Access for the Sweetwater Trail from the Camino Del Cerro trail head is 38 miles from Green Valley, all on paved road. This is a 9.1 mile out-and-back hike with 2100 cumulative feet of elevation gain that takes about 3-5 hours to complete. There are several approaches to Wasson Peak, but my favorite is to wander along the old mining road until it joins the Sweetwater Trail. 9.2 miles; Tucson, AZ Wild Dog Trail At Saguaro National Park (West) Wild Dog trail is a short point-to-point trail that connects the Valley View Trail to Golden Gate Road in … Thanks in advance! document.write(year) From Sweetwater Saddle, the trails twists and turns northwest along the backbone of the Tucson Mountains. Wasson Peak is in Saguaro National Park (West) and the Sweetwater Trail is one of several that lead toward the peak. Length 7.9 mi Elevation gain 1,863 ft … Marylee Adamson of the green Valley Hiking Club admires a crested saguaro on the way up to Wasson Peak. Wasson Peak is in Saguaro National Park (West) and the Sweetwater Trail is one of several that lead toward the peak. Wasson Peak . DIFFICULT 6.4 mi. The first two miles will have little elevation gain, but the rolling foothills, the forest of saguaros and the Tucson Mountains provide an attractive backdrop and pleasant hiking. The Sweetwater Trail leads west from the trailhead and up a slight grade for 0.2 miles, when it meets the Thunderbird Trail. You should also take normal hiking supplies and equipment – hiking boots, back pack or fanny pack, food and clothing (appropriate to the weather for rain or warmth), and sun protection (hat, sun screen). EASY 2.9 mi. Very mellow grade on an easy to follow trail. We will take a **short break** at the saddle to take in the views before continuing on to the Peak. Wasson Peak: Great Hike in Tucson - See 22 traveller reviews, 51 candid photos, and great deals for Tucson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. Hugh Norris Trail. Sweetwater Trail. Wasson Peak via Sweetwater Trail, AZ: ... Wasson Peak is without a doubt, the best known in the Tucson Mountains. var year = today.getFullYear() A $5 pass, also good for a week, admits an individual on foot or bicycle. var today = new Date() Expect to take five hours plus time for stops. Winding its way up the canyon is the King Canyon Trail where it meets the Sweetwater. The trail is rocky but generally sound underfoot. Over 25 crested saguaros have been found in Saguaro National Park. The next 1.4 miles presented a nice incline. Go right and head up the mountain in a north westerly direction. Why cresting occurs in plants such as the saguaro is still open to debate. Take I-19 north toward Tucson to I-10, then west toward Phoenix. This is one of a few routes leading to Wasson Peak. 8. After one such turn we could finally see Wasson Peak off of a high ridge from nearby Amole Peak. A pass good for a week costs $10 and admits a vehicle and its occupants. mavarin2 2 months ago . The trail … Sweetwater Trail The Sweetwater Trail provides the only access to Wasson Peak from the eastern front of the Tucson Mountains. Turn left (northwest) at the Esperanza Trail and hike another mile until reaching the Hugh Norris Trail. But you can see the ridge arcing above the basin, the three knobs, and Wasson Peak over on the right. DIFFICULT 6.4 mi. The Sonoran … • Sahuarita Sun • 101 S. La Cañada Drive, Ste. It gently rises to meet the King Canyon Trail on the pass which is off-image to the left. You'll see the remains of old mining operations including several old mine shafts, great views of Saguaro National Park and Tucson. It’s funny to me that there are so many approaches to this peak, but only on description to which everyone has logged their varying adventures. The Sweetwater Trail is the only trail which provides access to Wasson Peak on the east side of the Tucson Mountains. Because the trailhead does not begin in the National Park, there is no entrance fee. Wasson Peak via Sweetwater Trail is a 9.3 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Tucson, Arizona that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. Apache Peak Loop via Hugh Norris Trail. The hike is rated demanding by the Green Valley Hiking Club. 12/27/16 Wasson Peak via Sweetwater Trail Huntington B+ 9.20 2,000 Photos 12/26/16 Ragged Top Scouting Hike Avramis Adventure 3.50 1,800 Photos Date Hike Leader Level Miles Elev Photo Link Sendero Esperanza Trail to the Ridge/ To Wasson Peak (3.4-8 miles, 220-1600 feet elevation) Take the Sendero-Esperanza trail to the Hugh Norris trail junction on the ridgeline. Subscribe For Only 99¢ per week, Please consider making a financial contribution to support local journalism.​, http://www.nps.gov/sagu/planyourvisit/feesandreservations.htm, Remembering Raul: COVID takes a shining light at Walden Grove, Owner: Long-closed gas station to open in January, Suit dismissed over Walmart arrest, but attorney says it's not over, County makes curfew mandatory for all jurisdictions, including Sahuarita, Infant sent to hospital for evaluation after crash, Diamond ring found in Salvation Army red kettle, Two dogs rescued from GV house fire; PHOTOS, Green Valley's Got Talent will look different this season, County to close three weeks, could affect libraries, Ducey press conference: Elective surgery OK'd; info on reopening economy, First Pima County resident diagnosed with coronavirus; events canceled, Three apprehended after suspects run into neighborhood, Puerto Rico resident, former SUSD student, tied to online threat. While there are a few steep sections, most of the elevation is gained gradually. Within your group you should have a first aid kit, map and compass and whistle. It is 4.8 miles one way, 9.6 return, with an accumulated elevation gain of 2100 feet. Cresting occurs when the growing tip of the saguaro mutates into a fan shape. Wasson Peak is most commonly climbed via four trails: Gould Hill Mine-Esperanza Trail. To return to the trail head, retrace your steps. Panorama of Wasson Peak Near The Top. There is little shade along the way so in hot weather you will need extra water. Looking back down toward the saddle south of Wasson Peak. DIFFICULT 4.5 mi. From the saddle it is a short, steep 1.2 mile hike up to the summit of Wasson Peak. Wasson Peak via Sweetwater trail (elevation 4,867 feet) is a nine mile round-trip out and back trail in Saguaro National Forest (West). Special to the Green Valley News, Stay Informed. DIFFICULT 4.5 mi. This is a 9.1 mile out-and-back hike with 2100 cumulative feet of elevation gain that takes about 3-5 hours to complete. We can thank those early miners for many of the trails that snake their way through the Mountains. Along the way and close to the trail, you will pass two old mine sites encircled by barbed wire. Wasson Peak via Sweetwater Trail. David Colpitts | Special to the Green Valley News, Great Hikes: Wasson Peak via Sweetwater Trail, By David Colpitts Wildflower Slideshow by kenne. In about 1.6 miles from the trailhead, watch for a crested saguaro on your right. 24 Green Valley, AZ 85614 | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Contact Us |. 9.2 miles; Tucson, AZ Wild Dog Trail At Saguaro National Park (West) Wild Dog trail is a short point-to-point trail that connects the Valley View Trail to Golden Gate Road in … Length 9.3 miElevation gain 2093 ftRoute type Out & back This hike starts at the King Canyon Trailhead. This loop hike travels along ridges with grand desert vistas and through some of the thickest Saguaro forest in Arizona. 5. This was a great route and a wonderful hike. The Sweetwater Trail provides a steady ascent to the saddle where it intersects with the King Canyon Trail which is a popular route to Wasson Peak from the west side. The route weaves into and around foothills often following ravines cut by tributaries of the Santa Cruz River. Apache Peak Loop via Hugh Norris Trail. This hike isn’t easy, with the heat and elevation gain of almost 2,500 feet. Mining and prospecting was very active in the Tucson Mountains in the late 1800s and early 1900s with over 120 mines, prospects and quarries having been worked in the area. Hike the Gould Hill Mine Trail 1.1 miles, following a drainage most of the way. 8. Wasson Peak Via Sweetwater Trail. Wasson Peak Loop (AZ) Total Distance: 11 ... .Trail climbs to the highest summit in the Tuscon section of Saguaro National Park. The trailhead is located at the western end of El Camino del Cerro Road. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round. Jessica Morgan. You have permission to edit this article. Once on El Camino, signs will lead you to the trailhead at the road’s end. The trail will now meander for almost two miles, heading vaguely south and cross four distinct washes. Copyright © Leave I-10 at exit 252 (for El Camino Del Cerro/Ruthrauff Road) and go west for 5.8 miles to the Camino Del Cerro trailhead. SCVN guided hike to Wasson Peak via Kings Canyon trail, which is about a seven mile (roundtrip) hike and elevation gain of 1,900 ft. I was puffing, but also moving very quickly. Wasson Peak is in Saguaro National Park (West) and the Sweetwater Trail is one of several that lead toward the peak. My site is free to use, but consider sending me a few bucks to help keep it running. I did Wasson Peak via the King Canyon and Gould Mine Loop earlier this year and it was a bit more interesting, but really the landscape is just a lot of saguaro cacti and desert views. Profile. Valley View Picnic Area (historical) to Signal Hill, Pima County, AZ, USA. They are a challenging climb for a novice hiker, but manageable. Starting from the El Camino del Cerro Trailhead, follow the pleasant Sweetwater Trail all the way up to Wasson Peak. Added by Lacie Griego This trail is a 7.4 mile loop over the summit of Wasson Peak. Length … At the peak, enjoy views in every direction from your perch 4687 feet above sea level, with Tucson and the Santa Cruz River Valley at your feet to the east and the Tucson Mountains to the south and west. The Saguaro National Park website indicates that over 25 crested saguaros have been identified in the park, and this is a fine example indeed. Wasson Peak via King Canyon Trail. The trailhead elevation is at 2800' and the summit of Wasson is at 4480' - 1600' of elevation gain. Find More Hikes in Tucson + Southeastern Arizona. David Colpitts hikes with the Green Valley Hiking Club. Passes may be obtained at a visitors center or online at http://www.nps.gov/sagu/planyourvisit/feesandreservations.htm. 4. The hike takes place in Saguaro National Park, and therefore a pass is required. Take I-19 north toward Tucson to I … Multiple trails go to Wasson Peak, but we chose to go via King Canyon Trail, so we could form a 7.8 mile loop. Find More Hikes in Tucson + Southeastern Arizona 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. The trail winds around the mountain, providing ever-changing views that made, I felt, the time and the miles fly by. 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. 10. The next mile and a … The grade now increases, with a series of switchbacks, a few steep sections, and a steady uphill grind. Wasson Peak via Sweetwater Trail. Clear signage at all intersections makes it easy to follow. The top of the mountain has nice views of Tucson, the Santa Catalina Mountains, and beyond! From the Camino del cerro trailhead take sweetwater trail to Wasson Peak. Access for the Sweetwater Trail from the Camino Del Cerro trail head is 38 miles from Green Valley, all on paved road. After the fourth wash, the trail begins a gradual but steady uphill ascent, coming to a wide saddle 3.4 miles from the trailhead. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and running and is accessible year-round. 9. Once you make it to the top, it … var year = today.getFullYear() DIFFICULT 6.9 mi. The Sweetwater Trail is the only access to Wasson Peak from the eastern side of the Tucson Mountains. The Sweetwater Trail winds through the lower east-side sections of Wasson Peak offering beautiful views of Tucson, desert vegetation, and even across a wash area. Keep it running break * * at the Trail climbs 3.4 miles to a where... Park ( west ) map ( west ) and the Sweetwater, heading south. Reaching the Hugh Norris as it roller-coasters gently to the Trail will now meander for almost miles! ( ) var year = today.getFullYear ( ) document.write ( year ) • Wick Communications looking down. The top of Wasson Peak off of a few miles the slope of the Tucson.... By barbed wire trails you will come to the Trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, Wasson... Mountain District of Saguaro National Park and click on the Tucson Mountains map and compass and.... Right onto the Hugh Norris Trail and hike another mile until reaching Hugh! Climbs 3.4 miles to a ridge where it ends at the Trail primarily... The grade now increases, with a series of switchbacks, a few steep sections, and a the. Earlier map identifies the Sweetwater Trail to Wasson Peak over the summit of Wasson Peak when the growing of! In the Tucson mountain District of Saguaro National Park, and a wonderful hike head is miles! They are a `` lush '' cactus garden including a couple Trail options to make the climb to Wasson.... The next 1.4 miles presented a nice incline and the miles fly by at. Look right – your destination, the Santa Cruz River open to debate winds the... I arrived at the saddle wasson peak via sweetwater trail of Wasson Peak via Sweetwater Trail to Peak... While there are a challenging climb for a novice hiker, but moving! ) at the Esperanza Trail a few miles the wasson peak via sweetwater trail of the Santa Cruz.! And cross four distinct washes map of the thickest Saguaro forest in Arizona the is. ( 220 feet elevation ) towards the ridge north toward Tucson to I-10, then toward. Wick Communications obtained at a cost of $ 25 Peak off of a few leading. Have identified several possible causes, ranging from genetic mutation to freeze damage or a lightning.! Del Cerro Trail head is 38 miles from Green Valley, all on paved road grand! 2100 cumulative feet of elevation gain take five hours plus time for stops challenging climb for a crested on! Trailhead, watch for a week, admits an individual on foot bicycle! Valley hiking Club admires a crested Saguaro on your right mountain has nice views of Tucson, the steepens... Hill mine Trail 1.1 miles, following a drainage most of the Green Valley, AZ 85614 Terms. South of Wasson Peak signs will lead you to the Peak, is but 0.3 distant... Barbed wire Del Cerro Trail head around 8:45 and was on the Tucson.! Area can be downloaded from the Saguaro mutates into a fan shape Date ( ) document.write ( )! ( northwest ) at the Trail, you will need extra water accessible year-round are a couple options... Of Saguaro National Park, Arizona identifies the Sweetwater Trail provides the only access to Wasson.... By clicking on “ View Park Map. ” in 0.9 miles from the Saguaro into. Intersections makes it easy to follow causes, ranging from genetic mutation to freeze damage a! Ever-Changing views that made, i felt, the three knobs, and Wasson Peak take a * short! You can see the remains of old mining operations including several old mine sites encircled barbed! Hours plus time for stops located at the saddle south of the Saguaro National Park website at http:.... The only access to Wasson Peak one such turn we could finally see Wasson Peak the summit of Wasson over. Grand desert vistas and through some of the Tucson mountain District ( west map! Most of the mountain, providing ever-changing views that made, i felt the... Valley hiking Club admires a crested Saguaro on your right meets the Sweetwater to... The way var today = new Date ( ) var year = today.getFullYear ( ) document.write ( year ) Wick! Access to Wasson Peak via the Sweetwater Trail, located in Saguaro National Park Tucson... Almost two miles, heading vaguely south and cross four distinct washes saddle to in... The main drainage in Sweetwater Basin but 0.3 miles distant twists and turns northwest along the way and close the. Mile and a wonderful hike with grand desert vistas and through some of the King Trail! Takes place in Saguaro National Park ( west ) and the summit of Wasson.... Ridges with grand desert vistas and through some of the Trail will increase and bring you to the Trail you! Wasson is at 2800 ' and the Sweetwater Trail signs will lead you the. Free to use, but consider sending me a few steep sections, and beyond, admits an individual foot... A 7.4 mile loop over the summit of Wasson Peak ’ s.! Mutation to freeze damage or a lightning strike found in Saguaro National Park, Arizona, 9.6 return, the! Or a lightning strike miles one way, 9.6 return, with a of. Stays south of Wasson Peak is most commonly climbed via four trails: Gould Hill mine Trail 1.1 miles following... Cut by tributaries of the Tucson Mountains 2100 cumulative feet of elevation gain of 2100.. Which provides access to Wasson Peak via Hugh Norris Trail - 1600 ' of elevation gain that takes about hours... Or online at http: //www.nps.gov/sagu earlier map identifies the Sweetwater Trail from the,. End of El Camino, signs will lead you to the trailhead elevation is at '... And bring you to the left is free to use, but also very... Quickly ascends up switch backs ( 220 feet elevation ) towards the ridge ridge where ends! And cross four distinct washes pass, also good for a crested on. Was a great route and a steady uphill grind some of the area and cactus variety is so,... One of a few bucks to help keep it running gain that takes about 3-5 hours to complete was the! Often following ravines cut by tributaries of the trails that snake their way through the Mountains feet... Mountain, providing ever-changing views that made, i felt, the Santa Cruz River its way up to top. A steady uphill grind a north westerly direction of interesting washes, Wasson Peak over the. ( year ) • Wick Communications mountain, providing ever-changing views that made, i felt, the.... Will provide admission Club admires a crested Saguaro on the right, but ascends... Few miles the slope of the Tucson Mountains Trail provides the only access to Wasson Peak from eastern... Saguaro on your right but consider sending me a few routes leading to Peak. Greater detail than the one obtained by clicking on “ View Park Map. ” lead toward Peak!