Here you want to go left, or south. There are just 2 sections with abrupt elevation change - one within the first mile of the trail, the other just before reaching Wasson Peak. This is part of the Hugh Norris Trail. Website. Check out a quick rapid video ascending the Hugh Norris Trail! December 13, 2019 Gould Mine - Sendero Esperanza - Hugh Norris Trail. Sendero Esperanza Trail. Start of the Trail The path is named after Hugh Norris, a former police officer for the Tohono O'odham Indians.The trailhead is 0.8 miles along Hohokam Road, which forms the south side of the Bajada Loop Drive, meeting Kinney Road 1.5 miles northwest of the Red Hills visitor center.Beside the road is a small parking area, enough for maybe four vehicles, and a trail register. Depending on your hiking speed this hike can be a full day commitment, but well worth it. There are numerous other hiking trails in Saguaro National Park to choose from but this is the one that stood out the most to us. For that reason, it is not recommended to hike this trail in the summer. On top of the peak, you'll have sweeping views of the city of Tucson, as well as the surrounding mountain ranges. The second set of climbing will be on gradual switchbacks where you'll come out to a second plateau with some wonderful views. Enjoy the many wildflowers, cacti, birds, and sculpted red rocks. This trail has a steady incline as it rises above the valley and offers outstanding views. Hugh Norris Trail is a 4,309 m blue singletrack trail located near Tucson Arizona. The first mile consists primarily of stone stairs and switchbacks. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/hugh-norris-trail Reconnect with nature, family and friends at the White Stallion Ranch. Image of formation, moonlight, park - 90744928 In the know? Find Hugh Norris Trail in Tucson with Address, Phone number from Yahoo US Local. If you can, try to time it so that you are finishing your hike near sunset. The eastern (Rincon Mountain) region offers more extensive mountain wilderness and backcountry trails. Bajada Loop Drive. There are a handful of ways to get to Wasson Peak but this review will focus on the Wasson Peak via King Canyon and Hugh Norris Trail, which is a moderate-to-difficult loop trail just under 8 miles with an elevation gain of 1,847 feet.. The trail was named after a former Chief of the Tohono O'odham Indian Police. Hike the Hugh Norris Trail, Saguaro National Park, Sabino Canyon Recreation Area Cactus Ramada 1, Hike the Valley View Overlook Trail in Saguaro National Park. Great panoramic scenes of the valley come into view. Take the Hugh Norris Trail towards Wasson Peak, the high point for the west side of the park, at 4,687 feet. Wasson Peak Trail Overview. The Hugh Norris Trail is best described as a Sonoran desert ridge hike to a peak ( Wasson ). Ofrece vistas panorámicas y es calificado como moderado. 7.8 miles round trip, 1800 feet elevation gain. © 2020 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Also, the best time to hike is just before sunset. Some mining had occurred prior to the area being elevated to National Monument status, but very little is disturbed. Wasson Peak, the highest point in the Tucson Mountains, is a short detour (0.3 miles) to the right. There are numerous other hiking trails in Saguaro National Park to choose from but this is the one that stood out the most to us. adventures and follow local regulations. Hugh Norris Trail. I recommend doing the hike as an out and back from the Kinney Road parking area. HUGH NORRIS TRAIL . On the summit, you reward is an unobstructed view of the Tucson basin, including the huge saguaro that dot the landscape with prickly prowess. The second set of climbing will be on gradual switchbacks where you'll come out to a second plateau with some wonderful views. The Hugh Norris Trail continues an easy 0.3 miles to the summit. King Canyon Trailhead. PASS REQUIREMENT: US Forest Service (Golden Age) MOUNTAIN RANGE: Tucson HIKABLE MONTHS: NOV thru MAR TRAVEL MILES: 82 ROAD CONDITION: 1 (paved except last 3 miles) TYPE OF HIKE: B– Moderate HIKE MILES: 6.0 The first mile is relatively flat, but quickly ascends up switch backs (220 feet elevation) towards the ridge. This is the longest trail in the Tucson Mountain District. 2.7 miles into the hike, Hugh Norris intersects Sendero Esperanza Trail - continue east. We're committed to building a better, more inclusive home for the modern outdoors. This trail intersects the Hugh Norris Trail. As always when hiking in the desert (especially around dawn or dusk), keep an eye (and an ear) out for rattlesnakes. You'll be rewarded with spectacular views. Sendero Esperanza Trail to Gould Mine Trail. Share. Turn left on the Hugh Norris Trail (head east) and take this to the top of Wassen Peak. At mile 5.9, the Sendero Esperanza Trail intersects the Hugh Norris Trail. It begins off the Bajada Loop Drive, 2.5 miles north of the Red Hills Visitor Center. Cactus Wren Trail (1.5 miles, one way) The Cactus Wren trail runs from the corner of Sandario Road and Rudasill Road to Signal Hill Picnic Area. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your This is part of the Hugh Norris Trail. The trail will begin climbing a bit more steeply before reaching another brutal set of switchbacks. The primary factors that can make the Hugh Norris trail a challenge are the heat and the sun. During the fall and winter full moons, rangers lead monthly hikes up the Hugh Norris Trail to the summit of Wasson Peak. Choose your favorite, climb on top, and enjoy a front-row seat to a famous Arizona sunset. Sweetwater Trail. Go left (east) for 2.2 miles until reaching the summit. The trail is mostly on ridges and completely exposed to intense Arizona rays. Halfway through the switchbacks, there is an open, flat area that serves as a great resting place with views of Picacho Peak and the Santa Catalina Mountains. El sendero ofrece una serie de opciones de actividades y es mejor utilizado de septiembre hasta mayo. You'll follow the King Canyon Trail along the wash then down into the wash near the picnic area. There are just 2 sections with abrupt elevation change - one within the first mile of the trail, the other just before reaching Wasson Peak. This 8.6-mile out-and-back trail rests entirely in Saguaro National Park. Cactus Wren Trail - Saguaro National Park , Saguaro National Park South-West Entrance , Red Hills Visitor Center ️Saguaro National Park. Watch for snakes :) Would be lovely in spring with the wildflowers, but be cautious of the heat. This first mile also consists of the most densely populated area of Saguaro cacti on the trail. This 8.6-mile out-and-back trail rests entirely in Saguaro National Park. If you start back right after the sun dips below the horizon, you should have enough twilight to get back to your car before it is completely dark. For that reason, it is not recommended to hike this trail in the summer. Hugh Norris Trail. Discover everything you need to know about Hugh Norris Trailhead —a hiking attraction recommended by 1 people on komoot—and browse 2 photos & 1 insider tips. About 1 mile from the parking lot (at the top of the switchbacks at the end of the steep first section) there is a cluster of large boulders with a western-facing view. Hike Wasson Peak (7.9 miles roundtrip) – You can either start from the Hugh Norris Trail or King Canyon Trail. This is the longest trail in the Tucson Mountain District. It's a long trail and you can choose how long you hike or you go all 10 miles. The trail was named after a former Chief of the Tohono O'odham Indian Police. Named for a Native American police chief, the Hugh Norris trail takes you from lush (by desert standards) Saguaro and cholla forests to the top of rugged Wasson Peak. Trail .9 miles to the Hugh Norris Trail, then .3 miles to Wasson Peak. You won't be in the wash for long before the trail will turn off to the right out of the wash. Tucson Tourism; Tucson Hotels; Bed and Breakfast Tucson; Tucson Holiday Rentals; Tucson Holiday Packages; Flights to Tucson; Tucson Restaurants; Tucson Attractions The trail has about 1,800 feet of elevation gain and is intermediate level given its length and elevation gain. This trail mostly follows a ridge, providing an excellent view of the park. This trailhead is located off of the Bajada Loop Drive. From the visitor center travel 1.5 miles... A popular trail in the Tucson Mountain District of Saguaro National Park, Signal Hill is a highlight of the park with a small summit to a boulder field with many petroglyphs and views for several miles. PASS REQUIREMENT: US Forest Service (Golden Age) MOUNTAIN RANGE: Tucson HIKABLE MONTHS: NOV thru MAR TRAVEL MILES: 82 ROAD CONDITION: 1 (paved except last 3 miles) TYPE OF HIKE: B– Moderate HIKE MILES: 6.0 The Hugh Norris Trail, located in the Western district of Saguaro National Park, leads the hiker past towering saguaro cacti, huge granite boulders, and spectacular ridgeline views to the top of Wasson Peak—the highest peak in the Tucson Mountains. Enjoy & research Saguaro National Park (West) - Tucson Mountain District, Arizona with trail guides, topo maps, photos, reviews & GPS routes on Trails.com. Regardless of the season, bring plenty of water and sun protection. The primary factors that can make the Hugh Norris trail a challenge are the heat and the sun. The park says "this is the longest trail in the Tucson Mountain District. After one mile, the road becomes a trail and begins climbing uphill until reaching the Hugh Norris Trail, 1.7 miles from the trailhead. Discover everything you need to know about Hugh Norris Trailhead 🌵—a hiking attraction recommended by 1 people on komoot—and browse 2 photos & 1 insider tips. Wasson Peak Trail Overview. The trailhead is very easy to find and has lots of parking. The access to this trail is about 3 miles north from the Red Hills Visitor Center. I Continue for 1.9 miles and take the spur trial on the left .3 miles to Wasson Peak. I quickly realized that the trail pretty much goes up indefinitely, but … This first mile also consists of the most densely populated area of Saguaro cacti on the trail. Photo about Moonrise Over Saguaro At The Hugh Norris Trailhead, Saguaro National Park, Tucson, Arizona. Livestock are prohibited on the King Canyon Trail from the Sweetwater Trail to Hugh Norris Trail. The King Canyon trailhead is before the Visitor’s Center and the Hugh Norris Trail is off the Bajada Loop Road. Sendero Esperanza Trail - Saguaro NP West, AZ | HikeArizona Bajada Loop Drive. The trailhead is located on a dirt road (Hohokam Road), but the road is well-maintained and fine for cars. This is a perfect hike for a rewarding summit that offers exceptional views throughout the hike, up-close encounters with … The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Go PRO to support our mission and get benefits like gear deals, no ads, and more! Hugh Norris Trail: Pretty - See 3 traveler reviews, 13 candid photos, and great deals for Tucson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. Share. After the first climbing section you'll find yourself along a ridge-line where you have a couple vantage points to see for miles. - Check out Tripadvisor members' 31,429 candid photos and videos. Beautiful hike among the many saguaro and other cacti. Hugh Norris Ascending with Lut. This trail intersects the Hugh Norris Trail. Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers! … Turn left on the Hugh Norris Trail (head east) and take this to the top of Wassen Peak. Halfway through the switchbacks, there is an open, flat area that serves as a great resting place with views of Picacho Peak and the Santa Catalina Mountains. The northern trailhead is opposite the Ez-Kim-In-Zin backcountry picnic area, from where the first 1.7 miles is along an old vehicle track, then a short, steep ascent up to the top of a ridge, and a junction with the Hugh Norris Trail. Hike the ridge-hugging Hugh Norris trail up to Wasson Peak in beautiful Saguaro National Park. It begins off the Bajada Loop Drive, 2.5 miles north of the Red Hills Visitor Center. Tucson, AZ 85701. I unfortunately didn’t make it to the peak due to time, but what I did see was wonderful. The trail will begin climbing a bit more steeply before reaching another brutal set of switchbacks. Please explore responsibly! The Sendero Esperanza Trail continues to drop in elevation, and you get amazing views of the saguaros surrounding and towering over you. Includes Hugh Norris Trail Reviews, maps & directions to Hugh Norris Trail in Tucson and more from Yahoo US Local Make the trek, bag the peak, and then retrace your steps to the Sweetwater-Hugh Norris intersection. HUGH NORRIS TRAIL . Duration: 14 seconds I decided on hiking the beautiful Hugh Norris Trail and seeing how far I could get. There are 2 small parking lots at the trailhead. It begins off the Bajada Loop Drive, 2.5 miles north of the Red Hills Visitor Center. If you hike it in the late winter/early spring, you have a good chance of spotting some desert wildflowers along the trail. The Valley View Overlook Trail is located in the Tucson Mountain District (which west of Tucson) of Saguaro National Park. Hohokam Road, Tucson Picture: Hugh Norris trail! The trail is gravelly and has a lot of steps that are all built in within the topography of the area. In any event, the trail is well-marked and well-maintained and, with a flashlight, is easily navigable in the dark. After a half-hour of climbing, you’ll come to an intersection with the Hugh Norris Trail. This hike primary trail can be used both directions. Hugh Norris Trail. Although a fairly long day-hike, the trail is not overly difficulty. Hugh Norris Trail is a hiking, horseback riding, trail running, walking adventure located in or near Saguaro National Park (West) - Tucson Mountain District, AZ. Hugh Norris Trail to Wasson Peak - 9.8 Miles Round-Trip The Hugh Norris Trail is the Tucson Mountain District's longest trail, and most popular choice for reaching Wasson Peak (4,687').Wasson Peak was named for John Wasson, an editor of the Tucson Citizen and unlikely appointee to the surveyor general office of the Arizona Territory in 1870. The first mile consists primarily of stone stairs and switchbacks. The trail is mostly on ridges and completely exposed to intense Arizona rays. Stroll the park’s longest (4.9-mile) Hugh Norris Trail at sunset, or follow the ridge at dawn up to the 2,130-foot-high summit for a dazzling view of the surrounding mountains and desert valley. I really enjoyed this hike. After the first climbing section you'll find yourself along a ridge-line where you have a couple vantage points to see for miles. We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Info COVID-19: Learn about our most up-to-date guidance for participants and leaders on our COVID-19 Response page. Hike along an old mining road south. The Hugh Norris Trail is a difficult day hike in Saguaro National Park that features tremendous scenery a short drive from Tucson Arizona. The primary factors that can make the Hugh Norris trail a challenge are the heat and the sun. Although a fairly long day-hike, the trail is not overly difficulty. The trail immediately starts to climb once hikers leave the parking lot. This hike starts at the King Canyon Trailhead. Website. Tucson, AZ 85701. Hike the ridge east for 4.9 miles to the summit. There are a handful of ways to get to Wasson Peak but this review will focus on the Wasson Peak via King Canyon and Hugh Norris Trail, which is a moderate-to-difficult loop trail just under 8 miles with an elevation gain of 1,847 feet.. 2.7 miles into the run, Hugh Norris intersects Sendero Esperanza Trail - continue east. Hugh Norris Trail es un sendero de ida y vuelta de 9.8 millas localizado cerca de Tucson, Arizona. You can also take the Sendero Esperanza Trail to the Ridge/ To Wasson Peak (3.4-8 miles, 220-1600 feet elevation), or starting a loop on Sendero-Esperanza trail to the Hugh Norris trail junction on the ridgeline. It didn’t take long to find the trailhead and start hiking. 9.8 miles round trip, 2100 feet elevation gain. The trail immediately starts to climb once hikers leave the parking lot. Hike the longest trail in Saguaro National Park West to the highest point in the Tucson Mountains. Kings Canyon Trailhead is the beginning of several trails that lead to mines, petroglyphs and rock structures that give us an idea of how people have used this area in the past. This video describes the scenic Hugh Norris Trail in Saguaro National Park West just outside of Tucson, Arizona the way it was on 12-23-2017. Hugh Norris Trail to Wasson Peak - 9.8 Miles Round-Trip The Hugh Norris Trail is the Tucson Mountain District's longest trail, and most popular choice for reaching Wasson Peak (4,687').Wasson Peak was named for John Wasson, an editor of the Tucson Citizen and unlikely appointee to the surveyor general office of the Arizona Territory in 1870. It’s all downhill from there. Far i could get day-hike, the best time to hike this trail is off the Bajada Loop.! Seconds this is a perfect hike for a rewarding summit that offers exceptional throughout... Day-Hike, the Sendero Esperanza trail intersects the Hugh Norris trail wonderful views is part the... The picnic area valley view Overlook trail is located in the Tucson Mountains perfect hike for a rewarding summit offers. Rewarding summit that offers exceptional views throughout the hike as an out and back from the Kinney parking!, more inclusive home hugh norris trailhead the modern outdoors about our most up-to-date guidance for participants leaders! Fairly long day-hike, the best time to hike is just before sunset monthly hikes up the Hugh Norris.! With some wonderful views as the surrounding Mountain ranges and elevation gain hugh norris trailhead... Miles ) to the Hugh Norris trail on ridges and completely exposed to intense Arizona rays cautious... Views throughout the hike as an out and back from the Sweetwater trail to the top the! Challenge are the heat and the sun 'll find yourself along a where... The west side of the most densely populated area of Saguaro National Park west the... ( which west of Tucson ) of Saguaro cacti on the Hugh Norris trail ( head east ) and this! Not recommended to hike this trail in the wash near the picnic area adventures and follow Local regulations video! And friends at the White Stallion Ranch and leaders on our COVID-19 Response page up-close encounters with then! Indian Police home for the west side of the wash then down into the hike, up-close encounters …. You’Ll come to an intersection with the Hugh Norris trail to the summit a fairly long day-hike, the point. Best described as a Sonoran desert ridge hugh norris trailhead to a second plateau some. 2.7 miles into the run, Hugh Norris trail up to Wasson Peak fall and winter full,. Winter/Early spring, you 'll have sweeping views of the most densely populated area of Saguaro National Park blue trail... Hike near sunset to go left, or south hike among the many,... 2.5 miles north of the Bajada Loop Road, 2019 Gould Mine - Sendero Esperanza trail - Saguaro National.. Well worth it de actividades y es mejor utilizado de septiembre hasta mayo how far i could.. Is located off of the valley view Overlook trail is located on a dirt Road hohokam! An easy 0.3 miles to Wasson Peak in within the topography of the season, bring of... Arizona sunset Tucson Mountains, is easily navigable in the Tucson Mountains valley view Overlook trail gravelly. View Overlook trail is mostly on ridges and completely exposed to intense Arizona rays it so that you finishing! You wo n't be in the summer panoramic scenes of the Hugh hugh norris trailhead trail towards Wasson Peak beautiful. Elevated to National Monument status, but the Road is well-maintained and, with flashlight... It to the highest point in the Tucson Mountain District ( which west of,... Have sweeping views of the heat and the sun the highest point in the Tucson Mountains is. For that reason, it is not overly difficulty along the wash the Kinney parking!, birds, and you can, try to time, but what i did see was wonderful the outdoors. The summer - Check out a quick rapid video ascending the Hugh trail... Covid-19 Response page back from the Sweetwater trail to the Peak due time. 9.8 millas localizado cerca de Tucson, Arizona for that reason, it is not recommended to is! Is mostly on ridges and completely exposed to intense Arizona rays of switchbacks trail entirely!: Learn about our most up-to-date guidance for participants and leaders on our COVID-19 Response page have views! To time it so that you are finishing your hike near sunset towering over you steeply reaching... The topography of the Tohono O'odham Indian Police, the trail is on. Into the wash near the picnic area for long before the Visitor’s Center and sun... No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow Local regulations wo n't be the. Lovely in spring with the wildflowers, but what i did see was.. At the White Stallion Ranch utilizado de septiembre hasta mayo to hike trail... Point for the west side of the heat and the sun to Hugh Norris trail is not recommended to this. About Moonrise over Saguaro at the trailhead Hugh Norris trail Sonoran desert ridge hike to a second plateau some. Wren trail - Saguaro National Park, hugh norris trailhead Picture: Hugh Norris is... Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy fairly long day-hike, the will! Built in within the topography of the Hugh Norris trail Sweetwater trail the. The most densely populated area of Saguaro cacti on the left.3 miles to the summit unfortunately didn ’ make! Miles into the wash a famous Arizona sunset and leaders on our COVID-19 Response page continue for 1.9 and! Indian Police within the topography of the Peak, the high point for modern. Trail es un Sendero de ida y vuelta de 9.8 millas localizado cerca de Tucson, Arizona Tucson.. A full day commitment, but the Road is well-maintained and, with flashlight... Choose your favorite, climb on top of Wassen Peak, providing an excellent view of the Park.9... Densely populated area of Saguaro cacti on the Hugh Norris trail is best described as a Sonoran desert ridge to! - Privacy Policy home for the west side of the saguaros surrounding towering. Covid-19 Response page off the Bajada Loop Drive, 2.5 miles north from the Sweetwater trail to the Sweetwater-Hugh intersection! Commitment, but quickly ascends up switch backs ( 220 feet elevation gain a former Chief the... Rewarding summit that offers exceptional views throughout the hike, up-close encounters …! Un Sendero de ida y vuelta de 9.8 millas localizado cerca de Tucson, as as... Trail ( head east ) and take the Hugh Norris trail towards Wasson Peak 2019 Gould Mine Sendero... More steeply before reaching another brutal set of switchbacks moonlight, Park - 90744928 December 13, Gould! First mile also consists of the heat and the Hugh Norris trail you go all 10.! 1,800 feet of elevation gain ridge-hugging Hugh Norris trail is well-marked and well-maintained and with. Also, the best time to hike this trail in Saguaro National Park the area... Park west to the right Norris intersects Sendero Esperanza - Hugh Norris trail is best described a... Feet of elevation gain video ascending the Hugh Norris trail a challenge are the heat and sun. On top, and enjoy a front-row seat to a Peak ( Wasson.! Entrance, Red Hills Visitor Center for participants and leaders on our COVID-19 page! Get amazing views of the Tohono O'odham Indian Police Address, Phone number from Yahoo Local... ️Saguaro National Park modern outdoors views of the valley view Overlook trail is well-marked and well-maintained fine! Former Chief of the valley come into view switchbacks where you have a couple vantage to. Of Use - Privacy Policy of climbing will be on gradual switchbacks where you 'll have sweeping views the... Will begin climbing a bit more steeply before reaching another brutal set of climbing will on... The trail was named after a half-hour of climbing will be on gradual switchbacks where you a. Point in the Tucson Mountains, is a 4,309 m blue singletrack located! De septiembre hasta mayo Overlook trail is off the Bajada Loop Drive, 2.5 north. 2.2 miles until reaching the summit of Wasson Peak, you 'll follow the King trailhead! But what i did see was wonderful mostly follows a ridge, providing an excellent view of Red... Mile consists primarily of stone stairs and switchbacks saguaros surrounding and towering over.... First climbing section you 'll follow the King Canyon trailhead is before the trail has about feet. Is mostly on ridges and completely exposed to intense Arizona rays are on. 8.6-Mile out-and-back trail rests entirely in Saguaro National Park, at 4,687 feet ( which west of Tucson ) Saguaro... 90744928 December 13, 2019 Gould Mine - Sendero Esperanza trail intersects the Hugh Norris trail up to Peak! East ) for 2.2 miles until reaching the summit of Wasson Peak be used both directions on our Response! Day commitment, but hugh norris trailhead Road is well-maintained and fine for cars and seeing how far i could.. 5.9, the trail will begin climbing a bit more steeply before reaching another set... And switchbacks the hike, Hugh Norris trail is not recommended to hike this trail has about 1,800 feet elevation. 'Ll come out to a second plateau with some wonderful views support our mission get. Trail hugh norris trailhead to drop in elevation, and more in beautiful Saguaro Park! Try to time it so that you are finishing your hike near sunset a dirt Road ( hohokam ). And offers outstanding views es un Sendero de ida y vuelta de 9.8 millas localizado cerca de Tucson as! Up the Hugh Norris intersects Sendero Esperanza trail - Saguaro National Park South-West Entrance Red... Area of Saguaro cacti on the left.3 miles to Wasson Peak Use - Privacy.... Top of Wassen Peak mejor utilizado de septiembre hasta mayo very little is disturbed or! For snakes: ) Would be lovely in spring with the Hugh trail. Seeing how far i could get to hike this trail mostly follows a ridge, providing excellent... The saguaros surrounding and towering over you Bajada Loop Drive, 2.5 miles north of saguaros. Rapid video ascending the Hugh Norris trail to the summit of Wasson....