Wasson Peak: Summiting Saguaro NP's Highest Peak
- Stephen Warner
- Jul 14
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 15
While it's the towering Saguaro cacti that grab the headlines, Saguaro National Park also offers challenging trails that will give peakbaggers their fix. Wasson Peak is one of them. Not only will you get up close and personal with those iconic desert features, but you’ll also stand atop the highest point in the Tucson Mountains by hike’s end.
Trail Info
Know before you go
This trail is entirely shadeless. Start early to avoid that intense Arizona heat and lop on that sunscreen.
There are several junctions along this trail. The route described in this post connects 3 different trails, but there's several other junctions along the way. This is a trail where having some sort of digital map handy can be helpful.
The trail has loose rock and unstable footing. Luckily it never gets too steep, but I did note my feet sliding around a bit. If that's not your vibe, it might be best to sit this one out.
Other routes to bag Wasson
Distance: 9 miles (14.5 km) out and back
Elevation gain: 2,000 ft (210m) gain
Details: This is a scenic but slightly longer route that approaches Wasson Peak from the east. It’s a quieter option with fewer crowds, but the ascent is more sustained, especially in the second half
Sendero Esperanzo & Hugh Norris
Distance: 8 miles (12.9 km) out and back
Elevation gain: 1,700 ft (520 m) gain
Details: This route skips the wash portion and offers a more gradual climb via the Hugh Norris Trail. The sweeping desert views on this ridgeline path make it one of the most scenic ways to summit Wasson.
The Trail
We begin at the King's Canyon Trailhead. Almost immediately, you’ll reach a junction. Veer right to remain on King’s Canyon.
The trail first follows a nice wide path. And if you’re hiking early, this stretch gives you just about the only shade you’ll enjoy today
Soon, the trail dips into a wash. You’ll follow this sandy/rocky path for a short while.
There’s a clear junction to exit the wash, marked by this sign.
Now begins the real climb. It’s a moderate steepness, but with loose rock underfoot and that infamous Arizona sun overhead, it can be challenging. Around 2.3 miles, you will hit the next major trail junction. Veer left to continue the ascent to Wasson peak.
This next segment winds through a series of switchbacks, steadily gaining elevation.
Getting closer. Wasson is just on the other side of that mound.
One more junction appears before the summit. It’s clearly marked, and we’ll return to this point later to begin our descent. For now, stay the course and head toward Wasson Peak
Shortly after, we reach the summit: 4,687 ft / 1,429 m. This west-facing shot from the top offers an expansive view of the Arizona desert.
And here’s another, looking more toward the north — equally impressive.
But the journey isn’t over yet! After soaking in the summit, backtrack to that three-way junction. From the three-way junction pictured earlier, follow the arrow pointing toward the Sendero Esperanza Trail.
From here, there are two additional major junctions before returning to the trailhead. Trail names can be confusing, but the correct sequence is: Hugh Norris Trail → Sendero Esperanza → Gould Mine Trail.
If you remember just one thing: after passing the 3-way junction, take a left at the first split and a right at the second. That’ll bring you full circle.
Now all that’s left is to enjoy the descent and admire the cacti that make this landscape so unique. One last parting shot of this stunning desert scene.
One more money shot of this beautiful landscape.
SS Reflections
Saguaro National Park is named for those iconic cacti. To me they look like tall, prickly figures that almost look like they're striking dramatic poses in the desert sun. But what makes hikes like Wasson Peak so great is that they deliver more than just photogenic flora. You get a rewarding summit, wide-open views, and a full-on desert experience packed into a half-day adventure.
Other helpful resources
NPS page on hiking trails in Saquaro NP
