Overview
King Canyon Trailhead, King Canyon Trail, Hugh Norris Trail, Sendero Esperanza Trail, Gould Mine Trail.
Hike
We arrived around 11:00 and found that the parking lot was a bit full, but we were able to find a spot. I would recommend starting this hike a little earlier. The King Canyon Trailhead was well marked a short walk from the parking lot. At this point, you have a choice, to walk up the wash or to follow the old mining road. We chose to follow the road to avoid the sand in the boots.
After about a mile on the road, we came to the Mam-a-Gah picnic area. This would be an excellent place for a short hike for a quick picnic, but we kept going cause we were going to the top of Wasson Peak. The trail here is well marked and easy to follow, but you could still follow the wash bed if you wanted. Continuing on the trail for a little over a mile, we came to the Sweetwater Trail intersection.
At the Sweetwater intersection, we turned left and continued on the steep section of Kings Canyon Trail about another mile to the short side trail to the top of Wasson Peak. This part can be steep at times, very rocky, and follows a set of very short switchbacks. It is well worth the trip. The view of the valley and Tucson is spectacular from the peak. In order to keep the scenery fresh, we had decided on a loop rather than an out-and-back. We returned on the Hugh Norris Trail for just under 2 miles to the intersection with the Sendero Esperanza Trail. We followed this for just under a mile to the intersection with the Gould Mine Trail. This trail covered the last mile or so and came out right at the trailhead's parking lot.
WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
Permit $$
None
Directions
Road
Paved - Car Okay
To King Canyon Trailhead From Speedway and Campbell in Tucson, take Speedway west to Gates Pass and continue to Kinney road. Follow Kinney road until the AZ-Sonora Desert Museum entrance is reached. The trailhead is located about 0.3-mi northwest of the museum. Parking is off on the right.
From PHX (I-10 & AZ-51) - 1 hr 47 min (109 miles) From TUC (Jct 1-10 & Grant) - 21 min (12.8 miles) From FLG (Jct I-17 & I-40) - 3 hr 59 min (253 miles)
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