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The most scenic trail in Saguaro National Park West.


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Map Key

4.6

Miles

7.4

KM

Point to Point

4,585' 1,397 m

High

2,573' 784 m

Low

2,198' 670 m

Up

186' 57 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (6°)

39%

Max Grade (21°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Trail is open year-round but may be too hot from June through September. Expect minimal shade; bring plenty of water.

Description

The trail begins in a forest of saguaros and chollas. After about 1 mile you start a steep climb up a series of switchbacks while enjoying incredible views of the canyon below. From here the trail stays at a relatively easy grade for several miles. Along the way you'll come across massive boulders, hundreds of saguaros, and views all the way to Kitt Peak and Baboquivari.

2.7 miles into the hike, Hugh Norris intersects Sendero Esperanza Trail - continue east. The trail will begin climbing a bit more steeply before reaching another brutal set of switchbacks. 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. Once you reach the top of the switchbacks the trail meets King Canyon Trail and Wasson Peak Trail. Most folks continue up the .3 mile trail the Wasson Peak, the highest point in the Tucson Mountain range.

Flora & Fauna

In the spring and late summer, wildflowers are in full bloom and the reptiles are in motion. Watch out for rattlesnakes!

Contacts

Shared By:

Austin Thomas

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 11 votes

#7295

Overall
  4.4 from 11 votes
5 Star
55%
4 Star
27%
3 Star
18%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#188

in Arizona

#7,295

Overall
15 Views Last Month
1,550 Since May 4, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

California poppies. EVERYWHERE!
Mar 19, 2019 near Tucson…, AZ
So.... sometimes it snows in the desert.
May 5, 2015 near Picture…, AZ
Saguaros dotting the Arizona desert-scape on a cloudless day.
Apr 6, 2021 near Tucson…, AZ
Hugh Norris Trail #8
May 5, 2015 near Picture…, AZ
First descent on the Hugh Norris
Jul 3, 2020 near Tucson…, AZ
Getting higher and closer to Wasson Peak. In the center of the photo, you can see the orangish tailings from the Gould Mine.
Sep 10, 2016 near Tucson…, AZ

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 14 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Mar 16, 2024
Molly McLeod
Nov 11, 2023
J Henry
4.3mi — 2h 04m
Feb 27, 2021
Gabriela Perez
Nov 18, 2020
Samantha Kosiyachinda
Jan 1, 2020
Aaron Norwood
Jan 1, 2020
Bryn Norwood
0.5mi
Mar 19, 2019
Lisa M
ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL. — 5h 00m
Apr 12, 2017
Emily Hicks
Did with the kids! Maille walked the majority!! Should have had more water. 4.2mi
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