Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Overview
Of the four main routes to Wasson Peak, the Sweetwater Trail is the least crowded and
the second longest. The hike is relatively gentle to the pass, which marks the end of
the Sweetwater Trail and where there are fine views to north and south. It's a satisfy-
ing destination for hikers with younger children or those with limited time. If you can
continue on the steeper section to Wasson Peak, the panorama is definitely rewarding.
Route Details
At the west end of the parking area, the trailhead has a sign for trails to Wasson Peak.
Walk west on a flat, rocky trail, soon passing a Saguaro National Park sign and map
indicating the park boundary. At a trail register and signed T-junction 0.2 mile from
the parking area, turn left (south) onto the wide and obvious Sweetwater Trail.
The trail soon swings southeast and crosses a dry wash, with plenty of loose rocks
and pebbles, and generally continues climbing slightly to the south, with a couple
of minor descents crossing washes taking you southwest or southeast. Occasionally,
stairs are built into the trail as much as to control erosion as to help the hiker. The
desert vegetation is thick with saguaros and other cacti, intermingled with a cornu-
copia of low trees and bushes. After an appropriately moist winter, you can expect
spring wildflowers, though if the winter has been dry there won't be much of a bloom.
A little over a mile from the trailhead, you'll catch distant but notable views of
Tucson, including downtown, to your left (east). These views last for a short while as
