Wasson Peak via King's Canyon, Hugh Norris, and Gould Mine Trails

Warm, sunny weather has finally returned after a couple weeks of climate change-driven el Niño rain and cold, trailings from the two atmospheric rivers that recently swept down the West Coast. A perfect morning to introduce my pal Jack, a Michigander, to the joys of wide-open, sunny Wasson Peak, the highest point in the Tucson Mountains just west of town. 

There are at least three approaches to this popular summit: the 9.7 mile Hugh Norris out-and-back, which I have never done; the 9.0 mile Wasson Peak via Sweetwater Trail, another out-and-back, on which I began this hiking season; and the loop we took today, which checks in at only 7.8 miles and 1,860 feet of gain. All three hikes are rated as hard, but none of them really are.

I have hiked this trail several times before, most recently last February. Each time but one, I hiked it counter clockwise as I find the King's Canyon approach the least appealing, because of it's rockiness, and the relatively less dramatic landscape.

The whole area is rife with saguaros sited as it is in the Saguaro National Park (West). And with all the recent rain, the cacti were really popping with new green growth, especially the ocotillo.

Weather at the start just past 9am was ideal; temperature around 50º and little wind; mid-60's 2 ½ hours later on our return. beautiful day, with nary a cloud overhead.

King's Canyon, an old mine access road, starts out rocky and steep.

There are a few old mining remnants on this trail.

The ocotillo are particularly verdant now.

Wasson offers 360º views from the summit.