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Wasson Peak
Hiking Trail
Hard
9.09 mi
2,241 ft
Climb to the highest peak in the Tucson Mountain.
While the Tucson Mountains don't soar nearly as high as the Santa Catalinas on the opposite side of the city, the moderate elevations mean that the trails here generally stay snow-free all year long. Wasson Peak, featured here, is the tallest of the peaks in the Tucson Mountains and the highest point in Saguaro National Park, rising to an elevation of 4,687 feet above sea level.
The climb to the summit begins on a wide, rocky trail that slowly climbs through the desert. After a couple miles, the grades get considerably steeper as the trail climbs up a canyon, making for the summit in earnest.
Soon you'll reach a saddle between two mountain peaks, with Wasson Peak to your right. From the saddle, you'll glimpse your first views to the west of the Tucson Mountains. The expansive vistas of Saguaro National Park spreading out below you are definitely camera-worthy!
From the saddle, turn right for the final, steep ascent to the summit of Wasson Peak. You'll have to scale a few steep, rocky switchbacks along the way, but before you know it, you'll find yourself on top of the Tucson Mountain Range.
"From the top you can see all of the Tucson Mountains, the city of Tucson, the Santa Catalina Mountains, the Rincon Mountains, and if you've already hiked Picacho Peak, you should be able to pick out its distinct shape out to the northwest," writes Richard Oppelaar on [](
This version of the climb to Wasson Peak follows an out-and-back route on the Sweetwater Trail. Return the way you came to get back to your vehicle.
Sources:
Written by Greg Heil
While the Tucson Mountains don't soar nearly as high as the Santa Catalinas on the opposite side of the city, the moderate elevations mean that the trails here generally stay snow-free all year long. Wasson Peak, featured here, is the tallest of the peaks in the Tucson Mountains and the highest point in Saguaro National Park, rising to an elevation of 4,687 feet above sea level.
The climb to the summit begins on a wide, rocky trail that slowly climbs through the desert. After a couple miles, the grades get considerably steeper as the trail climbs up a canyon, making for the summit in earnest.
Soon you'll reach a saddle between two mountain peaks, with Wasson Peak to your right. From the saddle, you'll glimpse your first views to the west of the Tucson Mountains. The expansive vistas of Saguaro National Park spreading out below you are definitely camera-worthy!
From the saddle, turn right for the final, steep ascent to the summit of Wasson Peak. You'll have to scale a few steep, rocky switchbacks along the way, but before you know it, you'll find yourself on top of the Tucson Mountain Range.
"From the top you can see all of the Tucson Mountains, the city of Tucson, the Santa Catalina Mountains, the Rincon Mountains, and if you've already hiked Picacho Peak, you should be able to pick out its distinct shape out to the northwest," writes Richard Oppelaar on [](
This version of the climb to Wasson Peak follows an out-and-back route on the Sweetwater Trail. Return the way you came to get back to your vehicle.
Sources:
Written by Greg Heil
Created By
Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wasson Peak Up Via Sweetwater TH | 4.52 mi | 1,818 ft | 7.6% |
| Wasson Peak Up and Down Via Sweetwater TH | 9.14 mi | 1,827 ft | 0.1% |
| Sweetwater to the Saddle with King Canyon | 3.20 mi | 1,010 ft | 5.8% |
| Sweetwater Trail Climb | 0.86 mi | 305 ft | 6.3% |
| Sweetwater Trail Climb | 0.46 mi | 200 ft | 8.1% |
| Hugh Norris Trail Climb | 2.48 mi | 1,539 ft | 11.7% |
| Sweetwater Trail Climb | 0.57 mi | 322 ft | 10.7% |
| Saddle to Wasson Peak | 1.19 mi | 817 ft | 12.8% |
| King Canyon Trail to Wasson Peak | 0.31 mi | 85 ft | 5.1% |
| Hugh Norris Trail Climb | 0.20 mi | 144 ft | 12.7% |