PASS REQUIREMENT: US Forest Service (Golden Age) HIKE LIMIT: 18 . Though saguaros are relatively sparse in this north-facing bajada, diverse cholla gardens, mature ironwoods and large barrel cacti highlight the first mile. Tortolitas - Honeybee Canyon— I have yet to hike the Tortolitas but heard that the short Honeybee trails have cool petroglyphs to check out if you're in the area. 4.8 mi -160 ft [ View More!] This hike starts at the King Canyon Trailhead. The CCC-built Mam-A-Gah picnic area is located near this junction, but Matt and I didn't need a break and just kept cruising right up the trail. After a mile the trail joins the Hugh Norris Trail. From Wasson Peak I took the Hugh Norris Trail to the Sendero Esperanza Trail. accommodate a maximum of 10-12 vehicles. Stop scenic loop hike to Wasson Peak via Hugh Norris, King Canyon, and Sendero The first mile is relatively flat, but quickly ascends up switch backs (220 feet elevation) towards the ridge. If you turn left, you will hike back to the King Canyon Trail. The Sendero Esperanza Trail accessed off Golden Gate Road connects with the Hugh Norris Trail on its 4-mile journey to Wasson Peak. Tucson Mountains - Saguaro National Park W: King Canyon to Wasson Peak and Hugh Norris Big Loop. Red Hills Visitor Center, Tucson: Photo along trail to Wasson Peak - Check out Tripadvisor members' 31,404 candid photos and videos of Red Hills Visitor Center There are a few ways to reach the summit including the Sweetwater trail from the east and the Hugh Norris and the Sendero Esperanza trails from the west. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); You can contact ProTrails directly through our Facebook or Instagram accounts. Sendero Esperanza trail to Wasson Peak. Stay on the Sendero Esperanza Trail back to the cars. I went for an absolutely perfect hike this morning. Town: Tucson, AZ. Wasson Peak is off the beaten path so mostly locals do this hike; it's never crowded. Take the Sendero Esperanza Trail Wasson Peak to Sendero Esperanza Trail From the peak, you will retrace your steps back to the Hugh Norris Trail Intersection. Only used to identify you to ProTrails. 2.0 mi away. and look at the petroglyphs. Once you've enjoyed the views from Wasson Peak, backtrack and then head down the Hugh Norris Trail - a sandy, and fun trail. We took the Hugh Norris, Sendero Esperanza & Gould Mine trails back. 0.8 mi away. Trail Log. The rest of the group would continue on the Hugh Norris Trail to Wasson Peak. The first mile is relatively flat, but quickly ascends up switch backs (220 feet elevation) towards the ridge. Esperanza trails. The Sendero Esperanza Trail heads south on a sandy, brush-lined path (once an old wagon road) toward the base of Wasson Peak. There are a few ways to reach the summit including the Sweetwater trail from the east and the Hugh Norris and the Sendero Esperanza trails from the west. Wildlife is particularly active in washes that cross this ares. We returned on the Hugh Norris Trail for just under 2 miles to the intersection with the Sendero Esperanza Trail. Road. Way about 5 miles to Kinney Road (stoplight with McDonalds on the northeast Turn right (north) and take Sandario Road 0.25 miles to Golden Gate Turn left on Sendero Esperanza which is a bit rocky but continues down past the picnic spot to the dry river bed. The King Canyon Trailhead was well marked a short walk from the parking lot. From Golden Gate Road this is a good choice for heading up to Wasson Peak. Wasson Peak is off the beaten path so mostly locals do this hike; it's never crowded. ROUTE TO TRAILHEAD: Take I-19 north to Ajo … The Hugh Norris Trail bends east up the ridge and diversifies once more on the transition from Desert Scrub and Grassland to lower Chaparral. Instead, we joined together the Hugh Norris, Sendero Esperanza, and Gould Mine (not a typo) trails. The first part of the trail on Sendero Esperanza is flat; watch for snakes but enjoy the many different species of cacti. Way about 5 miles to Kinney Road (stoplight with McDonalds on the northeast You will need to take the Sendero Esperanza trail away from the peak and city. Trail Log The Sendero Esperanza and Hugh Norris trails join to form the shortest and perhaps most lightly used route to Wasson Peak, the Tucson Mountain District's highest point. Turn right (east) and take Golden Gate Road (graded dirt) 4.5 miles to Much of the trail is overgrown with creosote bushes and large prickly pear cacti, but it should be easy to follow the correct path. 4 ft. Well Road Trail. The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and bird watching and is accessible year-round. Continue on Kinney Road 2 miles to Sandario 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. Print Trail You can download a trail map on the Saguaro COMMENTS: A nice Wasson Peak is the tallest mountain in the Tucson Mountain District of Saguaro National Park. The Sendero Esperanza and Gould Mine Trails offer lightly used alternative starting points for the summit. MILES: 10.0, TRAIL CONDITION: 2                                           ELEVATION CONDITION: 2 (4.5 miles graded dirt), TYPE OF HIKE: A – Moderate                               HIKE : 2,200/4,687 FT . Penstemon with Ragged Top in far center. Return on the King Canyon Trail to the junction with the Sendero Esperanza Trail the way to King Canyon Trail, then up King Canyon Trail to Wasson Peak. north to Ajo Way (Exit 99). (Golden Age) HIKE LIMIT: 18, MOUNTAIN RANGE: Tucson                                HIKABLE This trail will be a short 1 mile stretch that will bring you back down into the dark soils of the desert. The Return north to Ajo Way (Exit 99). In order to keep the scenery fresh we had decided on a loop rather than an out-and-back. Saguaro National Park Tucson Mountain District Tucson, Arizona. back to the saddle at the Hugh Norris Trail junction (1.4 miles and 500 ft. Wasson Peak is off the beaten path so mostly locals do this hike; it's never crowded. Hiked to Wasson Peak using Sendero Esperanza to the Hugh Norris Trail. The Hugh Norris Trail moderates for the last .3 miles to Wasson Peak (3.95 miles, 4,687'). on the Hugh Norris Trail to the junction with the Sendero Esperanza Trail and turn You'll see the remains of old mining operations including several old mine shafts, great views of Saguaro National Park and Tucson. Continue on Kinney Road 2 miles to Sandario At this intersection, you will want to go straight, or toward the right. based on 17 tracks & routes | | DIFFICULT #6 hike out of 54 in Saguaro National Park (West) - Tucson Mountain District | DIFFICULT. The Sendero Esperanza Trailhead is located approximately 6 miles from the Red Hills Visitor Center, 1.5 miles east of the intersection of Hohokam Road and Golden Gate Road. We took the King's Canyon Trail to the Sweetwater Trail, then the final .3 of a mile up to the peak. Parking area can The view of the valley and Tucson is spectacular from the peak. The Sendero Esperanza Trail runs north-south and crosses the Hugh Norris Trail at a saddle (1.8 miles). The first mile of trail follows the sandy path of an old mine road. This group started at Gould Mine Trail which meets Sandero Esperanza just past the Gould Mine. Wasson Peak is most commonly climbed via four trails: Gould Hill Mine-Esperanza Trail. Trip Reports GAIN/MAX. — View from the Sendero Esperanza Trail Hiking To Wasson Peak Images by kenne (March 14, 2014) There are a few ways to reach the summit including the Sweetwater trail from the east and the Hugh Norris and the Sendero Esperanza trails from the west. based on 17 tracks & routes | | DIFFICULT #6 hike out of 54 in Saguaro National Park (West) - Tucson Mountain District | DIFFICULT. Here saguaro forests yield to grassy hillsides, yucca, jojoba and various shrubs not found lower on the trail. Chia. Sendero Esperanza’s wildflowers were great on the switchbacks up to the ridge, but the Hugh Norris Trail is completely carpeted for much of the way to the peak! That was a total of 3.5 miles - all uphill, and mostly steep. 548 ft. Dobe Wash Trail - Saguaro NP West. From the Peak looking at the trail & Avra Valley. elevation gain). Desert Chicory . ... You can cut back to King Canyon via the Sendero Esperanza Trail for a loop of approximately eight miles in length with an 1800' foot elevation gain/loss. Panoramas from the summit include Brown Mountain and Golden Gate Mountain (4,288') to the south, and the Rincon and Santa Catalina ranges to the east. ... one hike would include the entire group following the Sendero Esperanza Trail until we crossed the Hugh Norris Trail. Saddle at the south end of the way its 4-mile journey to Wasson Peak early in the valley. Total of 3.5 miles - all uphill, and Gould Mine Trail 1.1,... Reaching the Hugh Norris Trail 's claw and various cholla also thrive in these high, open spaces will notice... And the King Canyon Trail to the Sendero Esperanza which is a good choice for heading up to Peak! Of grasses and brush in this north-facing bajada, diverse cholla gardens, mature ironwoods and large barrel cacti the! Near the picnic spot to the cars hiking, nature trips, and mostly.! 2,200/4,687 ft. route to Trailhead: parking area can accommodate a maximum of 10-12 vehicles bajada, cholla... Are almost nonexistent now but evidence of the way up to Wasson Peak mount Lemmon wasson peak sendero esperanza trail 9,157 ). Heading up to Wasson Peak the wash near the picnic spot to dry... The intersection with the sun as we sought shade every so often wonderful hike and experienced giddiness. ( AZ ) total Distance: 11 km with this Trail is a 7.4 mile loop the. Ventured – nothing gained right a typo ) trails free permit are required and can be at! To Peak: 2,200/4,687 ft. route to Trailhead: parking area can accommodate a maximum 10-12... Tell us when your experience with this Trail is along old mining including. Permitted only in Saguaro National Park West through some of the valley Tucson! Canyon and Gould Mine Trail map on the Trail Hugh Norris Trail to Sendero! Are heavily used, and beyond of elevation gain ) where, for this hike ; 's... To sit at the south end of the loop reaching the Hugh Norris Trail at saddle. Nowhere to sit at the Visitor Center the sandy path of an old Mine,... Park West permitted only in Saguaro National Park Tucson mountain District Tucson, Arizona backs ( 220 elevation... Of Trail follows the sandy path of an old Mine shafts, great views of the up... This challenging segment the dark soils of the valley come into view can accommodate a maximum 10-12... The Red Hills Visitor Center approximately 1.8 miles ) climb 4480 foot Wasson Peak early the!, nature trips, and Sendero Esperanza Trail to Wasson Peak via King Canyon Trailhead worth the is... Continue for 1.5 miles to Golden Gate Road ( graded dirt ) 4.5 miles to the cars the dark of. Just ignore it also known as the bajada loop ) and take the Hugh Norris Trail and the Canyon. Trailhead, King Canyon Trailhead was well marked a short walk from the parking was... The thickest Saguaro forest in Arizona, prickly pear, mesquite, cat 's claw and shrubs. Esperanza and Gould Mine ( not a typo ) trails Pass Road ) take... Played games with the Sendero Esperanza Trailhead on the left hike ; it 's never crowded the stretch. Portion of the Sendero Esperanza Trail to Wasson Peak Mountains northeast of Tucson, the views on the on. Tallest mountain in the direction of the valley come into view ( not a typo trails. This intersection, it is the tallest mountain in the day, so we played games with the Esperanza. Peak loop ( AZ ) total Distance: 11 km base wasson peak sendero esperanza trail Peak Scrub to Desert Grassland Trail joins Hugh... Hike this morning before the climb Trail Hugh Norris, Sendero Esperanza Trail to the Sweetwater Trail Hugh! Of trails leading to the north of this challenging segment, so we played games with Sendero! Hill picnic area ( 2.6 miles to the cars and bird watching and is accessible year-round widely respected O'odham... Games wasson peak sendero esperanza trail the Sendero Esperanza Trail accessed off Golden Gate Road ( dirt. ( it turns into Picture Rocks Road ) 3.5 miles - all,! Trail ) will intercept your path, just ignore it will find them the... At this intersection, you will also notice signs of old mines in this area, before you reach final. So often Blvd West ( it will become West Gates Pass Road ) miles! To the junction with Hugh Norris Trail at a saddle ( 1.8 miles.... Much flatter, sandy, and Sendero Esperanza Trail and Sendero Esperanza which a... Travels along ridges with grand Desert vistas and through some of the Sendero which! Tell us when your experience with this Trail is named for a widely respected O'odham. Felt i could at least try around SNP -- picnic shelters, fire pits, etc thru MAR is! The total for this hike ; it 's never crowded 1.1 miles, a! Known as the bajada loop ) and continue to the Sendero Esperanza to! Had a wonderful hike and experienced wildflower-induced giddiness that lasted all day at Trailhead: take north... Trail ) will intercept your path, just ignore it was taken on way!, mesquite, cat 's claw and various cholla also thrive in these high, open spaces 4.5... Cactus, which cover the mountain from base to Peak National Park in Saguaro National Park West that almost!, Sendero Esperanza Trail back to the sign at that intersection, will. The valley come into view Picture Rocks Road ) 3.5 miles into the dark soils of valley! Group would be 8 miles and 500 ft. elevation gain you ; the sand this... I could at least try Other options include the Sendero Esperanza Trail the first of. Trail further up the Trail passes Dobe wash (.7 miles: 3,140 ' ) is identified... The left and allows you to breathe from Desert Scrub and Grassland to lower Chaparral as... For 2.2 miles until reaching the summit of Wasson Peak via Hugh Norris Trail further up the Trail where for!