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Saguaro National Park Hiking: How to Hike to Wasson Peak

ByScott
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Make the most of your Saguaro National Park hiking trip by using this guide to complete a beautiful loop trail to Wasson Peak. Wasson Peak is located in the Tucson Mountain District (West). This is the highest point within Saguaro National Park. Hike through the desert with towering Saguaros, ocotillos, and amazing views. After your morning hike, head across the street and visit the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. This post is part of our series on How to Visit 3 Diverse National Parks of Arizona: An 8-Day Itinerary.

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Table of Contents
Saguaros and stellar views along the King Canyon Trail in Saguaro National Park.
Amazing views along the King Canyon Trail, Saguaro National Park

Where to Stay in Tucson

There are plenty of great options to spend a few nights in Tucson while you explore the area. Here are some of the top-rated accommodations from Tripadvisor:

Before You Venture Out

  • Fees to enter this national park are required, but if you have an interagency pass, this is a great way to save some time and go directly to your activities for the day.
  • Parking may be an issue during peak season. Get to the trailhead as early as you can to try to guarantee parking.

Weather and General Safety in Saguaro National Park

  • Cell phone coverage is fairly good here. We did not run into any issues with connectivity with our carrier.
  • Carry plenty of snacks and water. It’s recommended to carry at least 1 liter of water for every 5 miles you are hiking. Water fountains are located at both visitor centers.
  • Pack PB&J and other snacks to eat around lunchtime on the trails. Snack time is the best time!
  • Always carry a first aid kit.
  • Make a plan to tell at least one person where you plan to be on each day in case something happens.
  • Reduce your risk by preparing and having the proper gear for all hikes you plan to complete. This means good shoes and proper hiking attire. No flip-flops!
  • Be aware of heat-related illnesses – you are in the desert after all! In the summer months, it may not be recommended to hike here in the late morning and afternoon (10 am – 4 pm) as it gets VERY hot. Check with a ranger before proceeding.
  • During the summer months (July – September), monsoon rains may cause flash flooding and thunderstorms. Be weather aware.

Animal Safety in Saguaro National Park

  • Saguaro National Park is home to many animals including mountain lions, rattlesnakes, lizards, Gila monster, gray fox, javelina, etc.
  • In 2024, Rabies is a potential issue in the park. Do not have contact with wildlife, and if you notice strange behavior, notify a ranger immediately.
  • Ticks may be present in the park. Always complete a tick check after hiking! More information can be found here.
  • Africanized honey bees are present in Saguaro National Park. Yikes! They will only attack if they feel their hive is being threatened. The bees might bump into you to serve as a warning, but if you are attacked, RUN, covering your head and face. If you are stung multiple times, call 911 and seek medical care immediately. Sounds like a movie doesn’t it?

Wasson Peak Loop – strenuous – 8.4 miles, loop, 1,900 ft. gain

First, park at the King Canyon Trailhead parking lot. This lot is located right across from the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. It’s a smaller lot, but if you get there early enough, you should not have a problem. There is no restroom at this trailhead. Next, start your hike up the King Canyon Trail. There is a fairly steady elevation gain for the majority of this hike. This is Saguaro National Park hiking at is finest!

Saguaro National Park hiking at sunrise to beat the head with yellow wildflowers and blue skies.
Kings Canyon Trail at Saguaro National Park

At about 0.85 miles you will reach the Mam-A-Gah Picnic Area. This area is a bit confusing to find the trail. Don’t hike up the wash, instead head toward the picnic area and link back up with the trail that heads east. Then, continue on the King Canyon Trail for another 1.5 miles or so until you reach the junction to the Sweet Water Trail. Here, you will take a left to continue your hike to Wasson Peak. At this point, the trail will gain quite a bit of elevation, getting steeper as it leads you up the mountain.

Desert wildflowers and Ocotillo along the King Canyon Trail.
Desert wildflowers in bloom

After you have hiked about 3.2 miles from the trailhead, you’ll reach the junction of the Hugh Norris Trail. This spur trail off to the right will take you to the summit of Wasson Peak! From the junction, it’s 0.6 miles round trip. The views atop Wasson Peak are amazing! Spend some time here enjoying yourself. Beware, it might be windy! It’s a great place to stop and have lunch or a snack before you start your descent.

A hiker walks toward the summit of Wasson Peak.
Hiking toward Wasson Peak, Saguaro National Park

📖Read next: Hikes In Petrified Forest National Park: How to Spend 1 Day

The descent

Afterward, hike back down to reach the trail junction and take a right, staying on the Hugh Norris Trail. The first section of this trail is fairly steep with switchbacks as you head down the mountain. At this point, the views are spectacular! Eventually, you will reach another 4-way junction.

Next, head left and take the Sendero Esperanza Trail. This trail will pass an old gold mine and link you right back up with the Mam-A-Gah Picnic Area. At this point, you have the option to take the King Canyon Trail back to the parking lot, or the wash just before that. Take your pick as they will both lead you to the same place. We think this is one of the best hikes at Saguaro National Park!

Yellow and purple desert wildflowers in bloom at Saguaro National Park.
So many wildflowers in bloom!

Visit the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

If you have never visited the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, you are missing out! The museum is like a zoo, botanical garden, museum, and aquarium all in one! To make the most out of your trip here, plan to spend at least 2 hours to see everything the museum has to offer. Check the website for additional information on admission, operating hours, and other things to know. Additionally, hours usually differ in the summer months (June – September) because of the heat.

Organ Pipe Cacti at the Arizona Desert Museum.

First, be sure to grab a map before you enter as there is lots to see and explore. Some options include a stingray touch (extra cost), a botanical garden, animal exhibits, and even a desert loop trail where you will hopefully spot some Javelinas! Then, don’t miss the aquarium and hummingbird aviary where you can get up close with hummingbirds. Finally, head to the gift shop where you can find local art, souvenirs, and even some snacks and food to go.

Javelina at the Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum in Tucson, Arizona.
Javelina!

Take a scenic drive to Show Low, AZ

After you visit the desert museum, it’s time to take a scenic drive to Show Low, AZ. The drive from the desert museum to Show Low is about 4 hours. 4 hours? Yes! It may sound long, but you will travel through the Salt River Canyon with the option to stop and explore the area. Making this drive now will set you up to be within 1 hour of Petrified Forest National Park so you can make the most out of your 1-day visit to this national park tomorrow!

🛏️ Reserve your room at the Hampton Inn & Suites Show Low-Pinetop in Show Low, AZ!

Final Thoughts

We really enjoyed our visit to Saguaro National Park and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum! We started our day in Saguaro National Park hiking as early as we could. This allowed us to have guaranteed parking and plenty of time to visit the museum. Our hike was cold and windy when we completed it in late March. We had a few rain showers come through as well, but the views from Wasson Peak were awesome. Further, the desert museum did not disappoint. There are plenty of options for adults and kids here at the museum.

Our scenic drive was not so pleasant, but very cool nonetheless. As we approached the Salt River Canyon, we were rewarded with a wintry mix of rain, snow, and sleet. Unfortunately, we could not get out and explore. As we continued our trek to Show Low, we arrived to a winter wonderland! A stark difference from the desert landscape we came from.

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Scott & Kathy are the founders of The Mountains Please. They have been traveling together for 9+ years with a focus on exploring each and every national park. They are on a mission to help you plan an unforgettable trip to the national parks of the United States and beyond with detailed itineraries, amazing hiking ideas, and other fun activities nearby.