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KING CANYON TRAIL
Saguaro National Park West
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| Wasson Peak Summit |
If you hike along the trails of Saguaro National Park West
in any depth, sooner or later, you'll end up on the 4687' summit of Wasson
Peak. Two clusters of trails
located at the southwest and northeast ends of the park tie in with arterial
routes that funnel to the highest point of the Tucson Mountain Range. King
Canyon Trail is the shortest, most direct route to the top. Although brief, the trek is no walk in the
park (ok, well, technically it's in a park). Over its 3.5-mile one-way course, hikers ascend 1987' along
a dirt path that goes aggressively vertical
on the last mile. Right out of the gate, a tempting, cloud-caressing massif looms ahead. This is the infamous "false summit" of Wasson Peak. The actual highpoint resides behind it and you won't see it until you've hiked halfway up its deceptive sibling. Advance knowledge prevents the emotional torture of discovering this cruel fluke with exhausted legs. From the
parking area located just outside the Saguaro National Park boundary, follow
the dirt road at the end of the lot and hike a few dozen yards to the official
trailhead.
King Canyon Trail proper ends 0.3-mile from the summit prize.
Here, the drool-worthy destination appears as a lone stub at the end of a spur trail hugging
a knife-edge ridge hovering over Tucson valley and the Santa Catalina
Mountains. At this point, with
just one more uphill haul left to tackle, the physical climbing challenge is
mostly complete. Regroup your resolve, take a deep breath and trudge on because
mentally---you're already there.
LENGTH: 7 miles roundtrip
RATING: moderate
ELEVATION: 2700’- 4687'
FACILITIES: none
RULES: Dogs, bikes and motorized vehicles are prohibited.
Livestock is not allowed on the summit switchbacks.
GETTING THERE:
From Interstate 10 in Tucson, take Speedway Blvd. exit 257
and head 12 miles west (Speedway turns into Gates Pass Road) to Kinney Road.
Turn right and continue 2.5 miles to the trailhead located 0.1 mile past the
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum at parking area K24 on the right.
INFO:
MAP:
MORE PHOTOS:
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