Wildflowers on Wasson Peak

March 20, 2023

Brigitte says Wasson Peak is the hike to do for wildflowers. She hikes up to the summit every year. Lots of folks go to Picacho Peak for the flowers around this time; I've heard it's a zoo now. We should much less of a crowd here.

At 4,687 feet, Wasson is the highest point in the Tucson Mountain Range. The trail to the summit goes through Saguaro National Park where we can spend another day with some of the happiest saguaros around.

Knowing what the work ahead of us will be like, Brigitte knocks on our door at 8:30 to get things rolling. Hank would come along too but for some foot problems he's having with his hiking boots. He has a new pair on order from REI -good timing with the annual member coupon deal.

We have a perfect day for a big hike. It's in the 60s under partly cloudy skies. A light breeze keeps us cool. Right off the bat we walk past lots of flowers on the Miner's Gould trail - blue, orange, pink, white and of course the perennial yellows.

Early in the game, we're feeling the Energizer bunny

Brittlebush, and wonderfully distracting views

Orange plumes are starting to bloom on the ocotillos

Really nice section of the trail here, a break from the steep rocky bits

While I'm dragging, Barry and Brigitte seem to be accelerating up the last mile to the peak. A snack would have helped at this point if I'd thought of it.

The summit looks so close, we just have to power through that trail wrapping around it.

Glad I brought the good boots today. This trail is no joke.

At last! We have a 360 degree view from the peak, looking out here at Mount Lemmon and the city below.

Making a desert angel feels nothing like a snow angel on these pointy little rocks. Still, it's nice to be horizontal.

There's plenty of space at the summit where at least a dozen other hikers are spread out. We've passed several parties on the way but its not what I would call crowded. After a good break for lunch, we start back down on the Kings Canyon trail, then veer off through a wide wash for the last mile, stopping to check out some petroglyphs.

Silly shot among the poppies, a good excuse to sit for a bit

Penstemon around the steep steps down the wash.

At the end I'm happy with our time. We covered 8+ miles in 4 1/2 hours including a lunch break. Hugs to Brigitte for pointing us to yet another beautiful place.

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Today's ride: 8 miles (13 km)
Total: 743 miles (1,196 km)

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Bill ShaneyfeltNice photos! Good job on the IDs too!
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1 year ago

Janice BranhamThanks! I have an old book on Desert Wildflowers of the Southwest. This is the first time I've really used it. The rains have made it quite an inspiring year to be here.
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1 year ago