king canyon trail

We recently visited the Tucson area to enjoy some hiking and see the Saguaros. King Canyon trail starts about 100 feet beyond (going North) the entrance to the Desert Museum, on the right side of the road. There aren't any markers or maps in the parking lot, so we weren't sure... but 100 feet up the trail there is a marker that indicated we were at the right location. We had 90 minutes so did the King Canyon/ Sendero Esperanza/ Gould Mine trail loop. This made for a very nice hike with great views of the canyon and surrounding mountains. It was also an easy/moderate hike-- although ROCKY- wear sturdy boots to protect your ankles and feet. The signage in the national park is very good compared to the signage we experienced in the Tucson Mountain Park (none, ended up bushwacking). My husband returned a few days later and hiked the higher ridges towards Wasson Peak. By going along the Hugh Norris trail, you get a tremendous workout (moderate/strenuous). Wonderful views. Follow desert hiking precautions- take plenty of water (there is none on the trail), go early during the warmer months, watch for snakes, cholla cactus, etc. We didn't see any snakes as it was a chilly December day, but we utilized our plastic fork more than once to pry some cholla off a pants leg and later an arm. The kids learned very quickly to be mindful of where their bodies were on the trail. Many very nice Saguaros, good birding if you are quiet and patient. Interesting geology.

The trailhead and parking area for this hike is located just outside the park, across the road from the Sonoran Desert Museum on Kinney Road. The loop hike is a combination of sections from several different trails. The hike starts northeast up King Canyon, climbing gradually along an old vehicle track constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's. About a mile up the canyon road you arrive at the Mam-A-Gah picnic area and the junction with the Sendero Esperanza trail.The trail grows steeper as it climbs to a ridge and the junction with the Hugh Norris trail. The hike takes you past towering saguaros and hundreds of wildflowers and blooming cactus. On our hike, the best days for wildflowers had already passed but there was still much to be appreciated. About half way through the seven mile hike there is a .6 mile out and back trail to Wasson Peak, the highest point in the Tucson Mountains. The views from Wasson Peak seemed to go for miles and we had an appreciation of how fortunate we are to have a National Park system that saved this area from the development you can see encroaching. From here you descent on the Hugh Norris until you once again reach the King Canyon trail. From here it's 1.4 miles back to the picnic area and then on to the trailhead. The signage marking the trails in this park was good compared to many we've seen.The trail is rated as moderate to strenuous for its length and 1839 feet of elevation gain. There are no restrooms on this loop. Bring plenty of water as there is no bottled water in the park, but there is bottle filling stations at the visitor center. The best months to hike are October to to May and even then you are pushing it if you don't start hiking early. On the day we hiked the loop the temperature was mild and most of the elevation gain is accomplished by switchbacks. Back at the trailhead we felt challenged, exhilarated and more than happy to take our boots off.

You can go in as far as you like and still have great vistas. We only met a handful of people on the trail. Passed mines from the '30's. Super lunch stop at the top with a panoramic view of the surrounding area. Nice to have such a hike so close to Tucson...25 minute drive. Make sure you take a good supply of water.

Started at the Kings Canyon trailhead, and hiked up the canyon. There are petroglyphs about a mile in, down in the wash. We hiked up the trail to the saddle, and then over the top and hiked back down the Sweetwater trail, and had someone pick us up there (then had to drive back around to retrieve the first vehicle). Nice hike. Am thinking of doing it again.

The Adventures of the Two Wise Oneswww.twowiseones.comThe Two Wise Ones did this hike three times. The first time they hiked straight up King Canyon Trail to the intersection of Wasson Peak trail and went to the top at 4687 ft. The view was amazing! At the top, they met many folks who had come up the Esperanza Trail from the North side of the mountian.The second time, it was the end of February and Southern Arizona had received much rain. As they hiked up they encountered a few wildflowers. As they hiked further, the wildflowers became rampant! They were everywhere. Lupines, fairy dusters and mexican poppies just took over the hillsides. The Two Wise Ones hiked so slowly they never made it to the top of Wasson Peak. When they reached the pass, they took an unmarked trail down that was just to the South of King Canyon. The unmarked trail looped back to Mam-A-Gah picnic area. If you go, the loop will be obvious to you. You can also stop in at the Visitor Center and ask for directions. Be sure to also ask about the special petroglyphs in the wash! They're a special treat to see!The third time was just the next day from the second time. It was so glorious, the Two Wise Ones did the loop backwards. Hee Hee.

Il parco e' stato molto bello , con alberi enormi , panorami molto belli e un grande contatto con la natura !!! Da questo parco come abbiamo fatto noi ci si puo' collegare con il parco a sud delle sequoia giganti