Traveling Tschidas

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The tallest peak in the Tucson Mountain District

Saguaro National Park is a park is actually split into two completely separate districts with the city of Tucson sitting right between them. The west side is the Tucson Mountain District, commonly called Saguaro West. The east side is the Rincon Mountain District also called Saguaro East.

You can’t just drive through the park from one side to the other. Depending on traffic, it can take around an hour or more to drive between the two, so it’s worth deciding ahead of time whether you want to visit one district or make time for both.

We decided on Saguaro West for Wesson’s Peak. While still living in Arizona, we had intentions of making it to Saguaro East for a Manning Camp backpacking trip, the peak at ~8,000 feet in elevation, but unfortunately, we never made it there.

Maybe one day.

Saguaro West: Tucson Mountain District

At 4,687 feet, Wasson Peak is the highest point in the Tucson Mountain District of Saguaro National Park, and the hike to the top gives you exactly what you’d hope for from southern Arizona:

• Saguaros
• Mountains
• Desert views
• More saguaros

Hiking Wasson Peak

There are a few different ways to reach Wasson Peak. We summited via Sendero Esperanza and Hugh Norris Trail:

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/wasson-peak-saguaro-national-park?p=-1&sh=ikige6&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality

The Sendero Esperanza trail starts in classic Sonoran Desert terrain, surrounded by saguaros, prickly pear, cholla, and mountains rising out of what initially looks like a relatively flat desert. From there, we connected with the Hugh Norris Trail and continued toward Wasson Peak.

The Hugh Norris section was easily one of the prettiest parts of the hike. As you gain elevation, the trail follows the ridgeline and the views open up across Saguaro National Park and the surrounding desert.

There isn’t much shade on either trail, so start early and pack plenty of water!

If you’re looking for a route that combines a good climb with some of the best views in Saguaro West, this combination is hard to beat.

From the top, you finally get to see the landscape you’ve been hiking through from above.

The desert stretches in every direction. Mountain ridges stack up in the distance. Tucson sits beyond the park. Thousands upon thousands of saguaros cover the landscape below you.

Only have a few hours to visit?

If you only have a short amount of time in Saguaro National Park, you can see plenty of the park from the scenic drives and shorter trails.

Things to Know Before Hiking Wasson Peak

• Start early. There is very little shade on this hike and temperatures climb quickly in Arizona.
• Bring more water than you think you need. This is the desert. Treat it as such.
• Sun protection matters. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are all good ideas.
• Wear actual hiking shoes. The trails are rocky and we believe the descent is much more enjoyable with good traction.
• Watch where you put your hands. This isn’t the environment for casually grabbing the nearest plant when you lose your balance… Maybe bring something for the needle sticks, just in case.