If a climb through the Saguaros to the top of a peak overlooking vast areas of the Tucson desert appeals to you, this is your hike.
The hike starts on the King Canyon Trail. The trail starts as an old jeep road as it slowly climbs 0.9 miles to the Mam-a-gah picnic area. As you can imagine, since this is part of Saguaro National Park, the Saguaros are everywhere. From here, turn right at the fork and continue on the King Canyon trail as it climbs 1.4 miles up a ridge. At this point, the King Canyon trail intersects the Sweetwater trail. Take the fork left and follow the well signed trail towards Wasson Peak. The trail switchbacks up 0.9 miles with a hint of the views to come. Several abandoned mine shafts make this climb interesting as the switchbacks end at the junction of a spur trail to the peak. Making a right turn on this trail junction and walking an additional 0.3 miles leads you to the top of Wasson Peak, rewarding you with views of Tucson, Kitt Peak, the Santa Catalina mountains, and the other views surrounding the Tucson area.
When you are ready to return, backtrack the 0.3 miles to the Hugh Norris trail. Instead of returning the way you started, make a right here and descend down the opposite ridge. The views and the wildflowers make this smooth downward hike a joy as you walk 1.9 miles to the intersection of the Esperanza trail. Turn left onto the Esperanza trail and make your way 1.4 miles back to the Mam-a-gah picnic area. The starting trailhead is 0.9 miles away from this point.
If you have the time, the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum is highly recommended. The museum features animals of the Sonora desert, as well as information about the geography, geology, history, flora, and fauna of this region.
