Distance: 7.5 mi
Duration: 4 hr
Difficulty: Strenuous
I started out slowly along the King canyon trail taking my time as the trail gradually gained elevation. The trail was mostly deserted except for a rare group of people which made the hike that much more enjoyable. Except for a few places where I was a little confused with the signs the trail was pretty well marked. Going up the trail the views of the surrounding valley were just spectacular. I kept stopping and looking over my shoulder to make sure I did not miss the breath taking scenery. Especially once I got to the higher elevations more of the surrounding hills came into view making giving me a sense of the elevation. Soon I reached the Sweetwater trail junction from where the trail got pretty strenuous A couple of sweep switchbacks took me up the final ascent to Wasson peak. Looking down at a valley full of Saguraos made me realize how numerous these cacti were; no wonder the park was named after these amazing plants. The last 0.3 mile stretch to the peak was the best as I could see on both sides of the mountain range from. I spent a few minutes at the peak before heading back down after signing in the peak register..
On the way back I took the Hugh Norris trail to see what the other side of the mountain had to offer. I would have to say the Hugh Norris trail was definitely more beautiful at least till I got to the Sendero Esperanza trail junction. The views of the surrounding valley and the trail itself curving through the side of the mountain were just amazing. Besides, there were a lot more wildflowers along this side of the mountain and not to mention the different variety of cacti. Unfortunately my camera battery seemed to give up on me just when the trail was getting more interesting. A little disheartened I picked up the pace so that I could at least get to the eastern side of the park before dusk. Before long I reached the Gould Mine trail along which I came across the old mining site. From there the parking lot was not too far away. By the time I reached the parking lot I was completely famished and a bit tired. After a quick lunch I was all set to get to the eastern district stopping only to pick up my spare camera battery at the hotel room. It had been an amazing hike with some great views of the western district of the Sagurao national park...
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Duration: 4 hr
Difficulty: Strenuous
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| King Canyon Trail |
The King canyon loop trail was the longest and most strenuous hike that I undertook while visiting the Saguaro National park. The trail took me all the way to Wasson peak the highest point in the parks western district at 4600ft and back. Though I was originally planning on taking the Hugh Norris trail to the peak I decided against it at the last minute since I would have to go back the same way I went up. Instead, with the Kings Canyon trail I could take the King canyon trail while going up and come back down along parts of the Hugh Norris, Sendero Esperanza and Gould Mine trails. The prospect of a loop trail has always been more exciting for me, since I get to see more of what a park has to offer. Besides the weather was just about right for a long hike through the desert landscape and on top being my first day at the park I had all the energy in the world. The only trouble with the hike was finding the trail head parking lot was just a small unpaved road outside the park. Once I got to the parking I packed my provisions and set out on what was going to be one of the best hikes in the trip.
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| Peak Register |
On the way back I took the Hugh Norris trail to see what the other side of the mountain had to offer. I would have to say the Hugh Norris trail was definitely more beautiful at least till I got to the Sendero Esperanza trail junction. The views of the surrounding valley and the trail itself curving through the side of the mountain were just amazing. Besides, there were a lot more wildflowers along this side of the mountain and not to mention the different variety of cacti. Unfortunately my camera battery seemed to give up on me just when the trail was getting more interesting. A little disheartened I picked up the pace so that I could at least get to the eastern side of the park before dusk. Before long I reached the Gould Mine trail along which I came across the old mining site. From there the parking lot was not too far away. By the time I reached the parking lot I was completely famished and a bit tired. After a quick lunch I was all set to get to the eastern district stopping only to pick up my spare camera battery at the hotel room. It had been an amazing hike with some great views of the western district of the Sagurao national park...
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