Trail Description

NEW - Add Trail Comments & Share Photos

The Hugh Norris Trail is the Tucson Mountain District's lengthiest maintained trail, and most popular choice for reaching Wasson Peak. Hikers will enjoy majestic views while passing through varied terrain and an evolving landscape en route to the district's highest point.

Arriving early is encouraged, as parking is limited, crowds are inevitable and this highly exposed trail should not be traveled when storms are threatening.

Heading east, the trail climbs in earnest through a stately saguaro forest and ecologically rich drainage wedged between two steep ridges. Teddy Bear Cholla are particularly prominent in the area. Nearing 1 mile you'll enjoy a brief reprieve from moderately-steep switchbacks, and revealing westerly views of the Avra Valley and more distant Sawtooth, Silver Bell, Ragged Top, Waterman and Roskruge mountain ranges.

Much of this land falls within the Ironwood Forest National Monument, a 129,000 acre refuge designated in 2000 by President Bill Clinton for the preservation and study of Sonoran Desert ecology.

You'll reach the Hugh Norris Trail's narrow ridge top after a methodical 2 mile climb. The trail will now alternate between the ridgeline's north and south side for the next 2.5 miles, offering terrific views throughout. Numerous short social trails veer off the trail toward scenic rocky outcrops and vistas. The trail eases through 2.25 miles (3,660'), and begins a mild drop in a saddle along the ridgeline.

At 2.7 miles you'll reach the saddle's nadir and Sendero Esperanza Trail junction (3,610'). North-South views are exceptional, once again providing a useful perspective on the mountainous vicinity. The trail climbs above the Sendero Esperanza junction on a steady grade, encountering moderately steep switchbacks at 2.9 miles.

Beyond 3.5 miles the landscape is decidedly and refreshingly different, making a subtle transition from the Desert Scrub and Grassland into the lower reaches of the Chaparral biotic zone. Take note of thinning saguaro populations and the emergence of grasses, yuccas, jojoba and various shrubs not seen lower on the trail. Ocotillo, prickly pear, mesquite, cat's claw and cholla of all kinds also thrive in these high, open spaces.

The trail grade relaxes for brief periods, offering moments to enjoy this new ecological composition and increasingly interesting landscape. At 4.2 miles (4,300') the trail climbs a series of steep, rocky switchbacks for .4 miles to the Kings Canyon Trail and Sweetwater Trail junctions (4.6 miles : 4,566').

Amole Peak - a landmark that many mis-identify as Wasson Peak early in the hike - sits just off to the north of this challenging segment. The Hugh Norris Trail for .3 miles to the Wasson Peak summit (4.9 miles : 4,687').

The summit provides sweeping, unimpeded 360-degree views: of note are Brown Mountain and Golden Gate Mountain (4,288') to the south, and the Rincon and Santa Catalina mountain ranges to the east. Mount Lemmon (9,157') - one of the Tucson area's tallest mountains - can be seen to the east on a clear day.

Worth Noting

• The Hugh Norris Trail and Wasson Peak summit are highly exposed. Come prepared with adequate water and sun protection.


• Get an early start! This is a heavily used trail, parking is limited and violent afternoon thunderstorms can develop with little warning.


• Be sure to sign the trail registry, located about 20 yards below the actual summit.


• The trail is named for Hugh Norris, a widely respected Tohono O'odham police chief.


• 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.

Camping and Backpacking Information

There is no camping in the Tucson Mountain District of Saguaro National Park. Backcountry camping is permitted only in the Rincon Mountain District; reservations and a free permit are required and can be obtained at the visitor center.

Directions to Trailhead

The Hugh Norris Trailhead is located on the Bajada Loop Drive, 3.5 miles north of the Red Hills Visitor Center in the Tucson Mountain District of Saguaro National Park.

From Tucson, take Speedway Blvd west (it will become West Gates Pass Road) and continue west to Kinney Road. Turn right onto Kinney Road and follow it past the Desert Museum and Red Hills Visitor Center until it intersects with Hohokam Road. Turn right onto Hohokam Road (also known as the Bajada Loop) and continue to the marked Hugh Norris Trailhead on the right hand side. Worth Noting: The Bajada Loop is made up of Golden Gate Road (top half of loop) and Hohokam Road (bottom half of loop).

Contact Information

Saguaro National Park: Tucson Mountain District
27 North Kinney Road
Tucson, AZ 85743
520-733-5158