Wasson Peak via The Sendero Esperanza and Hugh Norris Trails - 7.9 Miles Round-Trip

The Sendero Esperanza and Hugh Norris trails join to form the shortest and perhaps most lightly used route to Wasson Peak, the Tucson Mountain District's highest point.

Hikers may prefer this option for a modicum of solitude, and (seasonal) morning shade while rising up a north-facing bajada to reach the Hugh Norris Trail:

The Sendero Esperanza Trail heads south on a sandy, brush-lined path (once an old wagon road) toward the base of Wasson Peak.

Though saguaros are relatively sparse in this north-facing bajada, diverse cholla gardens, mature ironwoods and large barrel cacti highlight the first mile. Wildlife is particularly active in washes that cross this ares.

The trail passes Dobe Wash (.7 miles : 3,140') and continues mildly into the foothills. At 1.2 miles it scales moderately steep switchbacks to Wasson Peak's west ridge and the Hugh Norris Trail (1.75 miles : 3,610').

Note the greater diversity of grasses and brush in this transition from Desert Scrub to Desert Grassland.

The Hugh Norris Trail bends east up the ridge and diversifies once more on the transition from Desert Scrub and Grassland to 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 3.25 miles (4,300') the trail scales another set of rocky switchbacks to the King Canyon Trail - Sweetwater Trail junction (3.65 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 for the last .3 miles to Wasson Peak (3.95 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.