The King Canyon Trail hooks northwest to access the southeast ridge of Wasson Peak. There are a handful of ways to get to Wasson Peak but this review will focus on the Wasson Peak via King Canyon and Hugh Norris Trail, which is a moderate-to-difficult loop trail just under 8 miles with an elevation gain of 1,847 feet. We prefer hiking up those rocks instead of down (and avoid the risk of sliding). by desertgirl. Wasson Peak is located in Saguaro National Park, although the King Canyon trailhead starts in Tucson Mountain Park before dipping into Saguaro National Park. The trail … At the crossing with King Canyon … The first stretch heads up a rocky hillside for about 20 minutes and then winds slightly downhill toward the Mam-A-Gah picnic area, which stands out on the left. Turn left on Sweetwater. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until November. 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. We prefer hiking up those rocks instead of down (and avoid the risk of sliding). To access this trailhead from Interstate 10 in Tucson, head west on Speedway Blvd for 12 miles (19 km) to Kinney Road. Turn right on Kinney and … Started at about 7am (a bit later than I wanted, so it got hotter sooner than I wanted). I enjoyed this. We hiked from 8-11am and were glad we weren’t out there any later. Climb to the Wasson Peak, with nice views. Download its GPS track and follow the itinerary on a map. Wasson Peak via King Canyon Trail . We started from the King Canyon trailhead. And plenty of parking area. It was overcast, thankfully. Look right – your destination, the peak, is but 0.3 miles distant. This part can be steep at times, very rocky, and follows a set of very short switchbacks. 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. Be aware that you'll likely be slowing down considerably on this route. Climb to the Wasson Peak, with nice views. the ups and downs on the trail. Head north along Kinney Road, passing the turnout to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and proceeding another 0.2 mile. It was beautiful all the way around. 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). For up to date information, please visit the park page at: https://www.nps.gov/sagu/planyourvisit/saguaro_hiking.htm A gravel parking area and the trailhead are located just off Kinney Road, directly across … Despite leaving at 0630 we got pretty hot on the way down. This hike isn’t easy, with the heat and elevation gain of almost 2,500 feet. Loved the views. Type: out-and-back. The views … Read more. There is construction at the trailhead (until mid-January 2021 at least), so parking there is a no-go. Look right – your destination, the peak, is but 0.3 miles distant. Keep going straight to stick to the King Canyon Trail. After a little more than a mile, you’ll be back at the trailhead. The trailhead is located to the right, just north of the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Loved the trail on the way back—So. Careful coming down to make sure and go back towards the King Canyon Trailhead - … As others pointed out, there are more rock on the King Canyon trail. Be aware that the climb is tough, ~12%, and pretty rocky. 6. 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. Easy but strenuous hike with cool desert scenery all the way up and a great payoff at the top. As others pointed out, there are more rock on the King Canyon trail. 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. Be aware that the climb is tough, ~12%, and pretty rocky. Mam-a-Gah via King Canyon Trail. 2021 Wasson Peak: Type of Hike: Day hike: Trailhead: King Canyon Tail: Hiking Companions: Hiked with a partner: Road Conditions : Road suitable for all vehicles: Bug Status: No bugs: Snow Conditions: Snow free: Trail Conditions: Trail in good condition: King Canyon parking lot is still under construction so I had to park … I have not hiked Wasson for quite a while, time to check that it's still there. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round. We started from the King Canyon trailhead. Horses are also able to use this trail. For someone visiting the state and wanting "one good desert peak… As others pointed out, there are more rock on the King Canyon trail. A gravel parking area and the trailhead are located just off Kinney Road, directly across from the popular Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum . Great hike!! The trail curls under the white outcrop seen below, one of the knobs accessible to off-trail hikers. 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. From the saddle it is a short, steep 1.2 mile hike up to the summit of Wasson Peak. Time: 6 hrs. Be aware that you'll likely be slowing down considerably on this route. Great hike in the national park! This hike starts at the King Canyon Trailhead. Holi cannoli I loved this hike! Really feel in love with this trail. King Canyon Trail to Wasson Peak is a 11.4 kilometer heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Tucson, Arizona that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The views along the hike, but especially when you reach the top are amazing. Great views along the way. Falcon Guide has a good description of these trails. The trailhead has a dirt parking lot with no toilets or water, so stop at the visitor’s center if either are needed. At this point, the King Canyon trail intersects the Sweetwater trail (JCT_2L on the map). ... Arizona › Saguaro National Park (West) - Tucson Mountain District › Wasson Peak via King Canyon Trail. DIFFICULT 6.9 mi. Livestock are prohibited on the King Canyon Trail from the Sweetwater Trail to Hugh Norris 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. I'm sure the locals could care less, but it was something different for me. You will follow Kings Canyon Trail up then take Hugh Norris to Gould Mine on the way down. Arizona Tucson - Sweetwater - King Canyon - Wasson Peak Hiking trail in Kino, Arizona (United States). The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round. 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. Be aware that you'll likely be slowing down considerably on this route. I live in Scottsdale and honestly this hike was just so so nothing spectacular view wise and absolutely no shade. There is parking for about 15 cars, and the lot fills up in cooler months. If you are entering on foot or bike the fee is $15 per person. Apache Peak Loop via Hugh Norris Trail. The King Canyon Trail hooks northwest to access the southeast ridge of Wasson Peak. Switching from sandals to our hiking shoes, we then hefted on our backpacks full of snacks and several bottles of water each. You'll see the remains of old mining operations including several old mine shafts, great views of Saguaro National Park and Tucson. National Geographic also makes a great map. Hike up Wasson Peak near Tuscon, Arizona. I made this into a loop. 3. The peak is notable for its forest of saguaro cactus, which cover the mountain from base to peak. It is well worth the trip. We didn’t have to pay or anything. Saguaro National Park charges a fee to enter. Start at the El Camino del Cerro. Especially towards the top. Be aware that the climb is tough, ~12%, and pretty rocky. Hiking beta and trip report for Wasson Peak via King Canyon and Gould Mine Loop, located in Saguaro National Park… Several abandoned mine shafts make this climb interesting as the switchbacks end at the junction of a spur trail to the peak. 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. 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. Some of our hikers made only the Kings Canyon trail to the first saddle since we were experiencing unusually warm record-setting temperatures (the mid-90’s). Not super steep, lots to see along the way. We hiked up on the King Canyon trail and came back on the Goldmine 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. As others pointed out, there are more rock on the King Canyon trail. Bring lots of water !! Length 7.9 mi Elevation gain 1,863 ft … Kings Canyon Trail — Images by kenne Wildflower Slideshow by kenne Panorama of Wasson Peak Near The Top SCVN guided hike to Wasson Peak via Kings Canyon trail, which is about a seven mile (ro… In 0.9 miles from the junction of the King Canyon and Sweetwater Trails you will come to the Hugh Norris Trail. From here keep heading west to North Kinney Rd. The hike was great.. You can also purchase a park specific annual pass for $45. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round. You can also purchase a park specific annual pass for $45. Wildflower Slideshow by kenne. Continuing on the trail for a little over a mile we came to the intersection with Sweetwater Trail. I did find that the signage on the trail was a little confusing, so just use the app. You'll follow the King Canyon Trail along the wash then down into the wash near the picnic area. 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. The views along the hike, but especially when you reach the … The peak also features a network of trails, all with great views. Horses are also able to use this trail. Be prepared for a lot of loose gravel. Cactus Wren Trail (1.5 miles, one way) The Cactus Wren trail runs from the corner of Sandario Road and … 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. Arizona Tucson - Sweetwater - King Canyon - Wasson Peak Hiking trail in Kino, Arizona (United States). The 7.8-mile loop, also known as the Wasson Peak Trail, is a series of connecting trails and adjacent jurisdictions that begins in King Canyon, about 100 yards from the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Mon, Oct 28, 2013, 8:00 AM: Now that Saguaro National park is open lets try this again! I went counter clockwise as I saw recommended and it was awesome! Gotta go early in the AM. All trailheads are clearly marked with signs, and the trails are easy to follow. I would absolutely do this one again. This trail has great views, plenty of wildlife, and is the high point of the Tucson Mountains. In southern Arizona trails to the very top of mountains are few so expect to encounter numerous locals and visitors taking advantage. Town: Tucson, AZ. As others pointed out, there are more rock on the King Canyon trail. After one such turn we could finally see Wasson Peak off of a high ridge from nearby Amole Peak. Very fun hike. This hike had a nice steady incline up to the summit with awesome 360 views. Definitely do the loop but watch the signs and stay left on the way back down. Wasson Peak via King Canyon Trail. We started from the King Canyon trailhead. Also mileage is more around 8miles. Great trail with tons of saguaros and other cacti. reach Wasson Peak, continue up the King Canyon Trail .9 miles to the Hugh Norris Trail, then .3 miles to Wasson Peak. King Canyon is the shortest way up. Spectacular views. Date of experience: September 2019. The trail climbs at a very moderate pace and the view of the valley is great. Be aware that you'll likely be slowing down considerably on this route. The trail curls under the white outcrop seen below, one of the knobs accessible to off-trail hikers. We hiked up on the King Canyon trail and came back on the Goldmine trail. Wasson Peak rises 4,687 feet above sea level. Fees are $25 per vehicle or $20 per motorcycle. 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 … We started from the King Canyon trailhead. Definitely not for beginners though. Wasson Peak. At this junction turn left (east) and take the Hugh Norris Trail to Wasson Peak (2.2 miles). Keep going straight to stick to the King Canyon Trail. This trailhead is just outside the south entrance of the park along Kinney Road. Wasson Peak via Sweetwater Trail… At 4,687ft, Wasson Peak is the tallest peak in the Tucson Mountains and offers rewarding views for your climbing efforts. After a short drive from Gilbert Ray Campground , we pulled into an unmarked parking lot just past the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum . Follow North Kinney Rd for about two miles, the trailhead parking lot is on the north side. Top of the peak has amazing 360 views of the valley and surrounding mountain ranges. Those seeking lightly used alternative routes will find them at the King Canyon … We hiked up on the King Canyon trail and came back on the Goldmine trail. The Bighorn fire spoiled the westward view but the rest was beautiful. This is a moderate out and back trail to Wasson Peak in Saguaro National Park (West) - Tucson Mountain District. DIFFICULT 4.5 mi. Fees are $25 per vehicle or $20 per motorcycle. King Canyon Trail to Wasson Peak is a 7.1 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Tucson, Arizona that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trailhead for the hike to Wasson Peak departs from a small gravel parking lot two miles southeast of the Red Hills Vistor Center. This is located in the Saguaro National Park - West Unit. 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. The very top of the Red Hills Vistor Center ft ) of Tucson Mountains combination climbs 1,805 feet, this. East Coast resident, i loved seeing all of the Sonoran Desert dirt.! Make sure to follow hint of the Red Hills Vistor Center the 1st 2 miles back the. 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