King Canyon Saddle & Wasson Peak via Sweetwater Trail

Length: 9.2 miles: Round Trip
Trail Head El: 2800'
Saddle El: 3840'
Peak El: 4687'
Elevation Gain:1887'
Rated: C - Intermediate (http://files.meetup.com/372195/Hike%20Rating%20Scale.pdf): Not suitable for beginners.
*Dogs are not permitted (http://www.nps.gov/sagu/planyourvisit/dogs.htm) on trails in Saguaro National Park
** Carpooling suggested for this hike (https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=211151916971589136864.0004d2dd9113a13742148&msa=0)

This hike is to the summit of Wasson Peak.
For those who wish to hike only to the saddle:

• Distance to saddle - Round Trip: 6.6 mi
• Elevation gain to saddle:1040'

If you are hiking to the saddle only, do not plan on waiting for the Wasson Peak group to return. The saddle group should plan on their own return back to the trail head.

When you RSVP please indicate "To the Saddle" or "To the Peak".

There is a route map here (http://files.meetup.com/372195/Trails%20in%20the%20Tucson%20Mountain%20District_WP.pdf).

This will be a leisurely paced hike. We will stop for short rest breaks if needed and also take time to enjoy the scenery and plants along the route.

The Tucson basin is surrounded by five mountain ranges. On the west side are the Tucson Mountains (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tucson_Mountains). The highest point in the Tucsons is Wasson Peak at 4687'. This peak was named for John Wasson who was, in the late 1800's, the first editor of the Tucson Citizen newspaper.

This hike starts at the west end of El Camino del Cerro at a paved, gated parking area (https://maps.google.com/?ll=32.286334,-111.111903&spn=0.019083,0.038581&t=p&z=15) developed by Pima County Parks and Recreation (http://www.pima.gov/nrpr/).

Here the Sweetwater Trail begins and provides the only access to Wasson Peak from the east side of the Tucson Mountains. The entire hike is within the boundary of the Tucson Mountain District of Saguaro National Park (http://www.nps.gov/sagu/index.htm).

The Sweetwater Trail provides a relatively easy, steady ascent to the saddle where it intersects with the King Canyon Trail which is a popular route to Wasson Peak from the west side.
We will take a short break at the saddle to take in the views before continuing on to the Peak.

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/7/a/8/event_194310632.jpeg

Photo by Roger Nordby (https://www.meetup.com/tucsonhiking/members/11539659/)
The last leg of the hike, the trek up to the Peak

From the saddle it is a short, steep 1.2 mile hike up to the summit of Wasson Peak. From here there is a 360 degree view which is quite stunning.

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/c/1/2/c/event_193969452.jpeg
Photo by Roger Nordby
One of several great views from the peak.
The Sweetwater trail is visible at bottom of the photo.

Once at the peak we will take time for a leisurely lunch before returning back via the same route.

Be sure to bring adequate water and snacks.

As always - Hike at Your Own Risk

If you are new to the group please read these:

About the Tucson Hiking Meetup Group (https://www.meetup.com/tucsonhiking/about/)
Tucson Hiking Meetup Group - No Show Policy (http://files.meetup.com/372195/No%20Show%20Policy.pdf)
Tips for Beginning Hikers - Sierra Club (http://arizona.sierraclub.org/trail_guide/index.htm)
Hike Rating Scale (http://files.meetup.com/372195/Hike%20Rating%20Scale.pdf)

If you have questions or need to reach me:
CELL - 304.290.8066