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Up for a Challenge? Try Wasson Peak

Reg Spittle 2 Comments

Sue and I can’t resist a trekking challenge; this time, it was Wasson Peak, the highest peak in the western Saguaro National Park. There are several ways up, but we chose Gould Mine for our start and it was deceptively moderate, even sometimes easy, for an hour. A left turn brought us to a steep, never-ending series of switchbacks through and over rocks as saguaro cacti stood like posts on a skiing course. (They dwarf me in the photo, above left.)

Joining the saguaros were ocotillo, prickly pear, and, surprisingly, early-blooming poppies. The 1,850 feet of ascent delivered us to the top at 4,688 feet. Lunch came with a 360-degree view of Tucson and so much more.

We took the Hugh Norris trail back, making it our favorite kind of trail, a loop.

Time to celebrate? Why not? Manhattans at our RV park’s bar brought a toast to Wasson Peak. We did it!

Waterfalls Beckon in Saguaro Desert

Reg Spittle 2 Comments

Desert waterfall is not an oxymoron. In Saguaro National Park East, Sue and I found Bridal Wreath Falls, one of three waterfalls off the Douglas Spring and Garland trails. We climbed 1,200 feet to get there, but the view and a refreshing lunch stop in the shade made it worth it. Tucson, Arizona is in the middle of the two national park sections. Each side offers networks of trails and February is the perfect time to explore them.