Wasson Peak via The Gould Mine, Sendero Esperanza and Hugh Norris Trails - 8.6 Miles Round-Trip

The Hugh Norris Trail is the most popular way to reach Wasson Peak (4,687'), the Tucson Mountain District's highest point. Those seeking lightly used alternative routes will find them at the King Canyon Trailhead.

There are two ways to reach Wasson Peak from this trailhead. The following description follows the Gould Mine, Sendero Esperanza and eastern half of the Hugh Norris Trail on a 4.3 mile route to the summit:

From the parking lot, drop into and cross the wash. A faint path leads up the wash's north bank to a sign that formally marks the Gould Mine Trail (.1 mile).

These rocky, south-facing slopes are ideal habitat for saguaro, and you'll see many over the next 2+ miles.

The Gould Mine Trail rises steadily to the Sendero Esperanza Trail (1.0 mile : 3,160'), which continues on a winding, moderately-steep climb to the ridge top and Hugh Norris Trail junction (2.1 miles : 3,610').

The Hugh Norris Trail bends east up the ridge and diversifies on the transition from Desert Scrub and Grassland into the lower Chaparral.

Here saguaro forests yield to grassy hillsides, yucca, jojoba and various shrubs not found lower on the trail. Ocotillo, prickly pear, mesquite, cat's claw and various cholla also thrive in these high, open spaces.

At approximately 3.6 miles (4,300') the trail scales steep, rocky switchbacks to the King Canyon Trail - Sweetwater Trail junction (4.0 miles : 4,566').

Amole Peak, often misidentified as Wasson Peak early in the hike, sits just off to the north of this challenging segment. The Hugh Norris Trail moderates past this junction to Wasson Peak (4.3 miles : 4,687').

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. Mount Lemmon (9,157') is easily identified across the Tucson Valley on a clear day.