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This 5 mile trail gives you a picture perfect desert outing with a panoramic view of the greater Tucson area at the top.


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Map Key

9.8

Miles

15.8

KM

Out and Back

4,672' 1,424 m

High

2,574' 784 m

Low

2,496' 761 m

Up

2,496' 761 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (5°)

39%

Max Grade (21°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Family Friendly The two different plateaus make this a great route for families because you do not need to reach the summit in order to have wonderful views of the surrounding area.

Overview

This ridge trail has a few challenging sections of climbing switchbacks but is a wonderful day trip for anybody that wants to true desert experience.

Description

From the parking lot you'll spend your first mile or so ascending into the mountain on a beautifully crafted stone staircase. This is part of the Hugh Norris Trail. After the first climbing section you'll find yourself along a ridge-line where you have a couple vantage points to see for miles. The second set of climbing will be on gradual switchbacks where you'll come out to a second plateau with some wonderful views. The last climb is fairly steep with more vertical switchbacks and appears to be a false summit but don't worry because the real summit is only about 0.4 miles away. You'll have transition to the Wasson Peak Trail, but the change is almost imperceptible, and it's difficult to miss the turn.

Contacts

Shared By:

Niall Murphy

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 14 votes

#870

Overall
  4.6 from 14 votes
5 Star
71%
4 Star
21%
3 Star
7%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#47

in Arizona

#870

Overall
15 Views Last Month
2,539 Since Aug 29, 2016
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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27%
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Photos

California poppies. EVERYWHERE!
Mar 19, 2019 near Tucson…, AZ
Looking down the final stretch of trail to Wasson Peak.
Feb 28, 2021 near Tucson…, AZ
So.... sometimes it snows in the desert.
May 5, 2015 near Picture…, AZ
Looking west from Wasson Peak.
Aug 2, 2017 near Tucson…, AZ
The Santa Catalinas from the summit of Wasson Peak.
Feb 28, 2021 near Tucson…, AZ
Saguaros dotting the Arizona desert-scape on a cloudless day.
Apr 6, 2021 near Tucson…, AZ

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