The loop described here ascends on King Canyon and Sweetwater trails to Hugh Norris Trail, then descends on Hugh Norris and Sendero Esperanza to Gould Mine Trail. Of course, you could simply retrace King Canyon Trail instead, but the loop is less than one mile farther than the out and back, and very much worth it for the extra scenery. The airy ridge section of Hugh Norris Trail, in particular, is not to be missed.

King Canyon Trail is a wide and stony path, ascending the side of a canyon with Wasson Peak in clear view ahead. The surroundings are rocky cactus forest, desert brush, and abundant wildflowers in spring. Eventually, the trail dips down to meet a wash and a trail intersection. King Canyon Trail continues directly up the sandy wash for a short distance, then finds stone steps to climb out and onto another hill.

The trail progresses steadily uphill for a while, then comes to a saddle and the first view of Tucson to the east. This is also the junction with Sweetwater Trail, and the beginning of the toughest part of the hike. Sweetwater’s switchbacks are steep, rocky, and narrow. You should watch your footing for loose rocks, and you’ll dodge encroaching cacti here and there, but the ever-expanding views are a satisfying reward.

Higher on the mountain, Sweetwater meets Hugh Norris Trail on Wasson’s upper ridgeline. Hugh Norris makes the final, breathtaking traverse to the summit, on easier terrain. At the top are truly victorious views––over Tucson, the Santa Catalina and Rincon Mountains, plus farther mountains and valleys in all directions.

From the summit, backtrack to the intersection with Sweetwater Trail. To complete the loop, stay on Hugh Norris and continue toward Sendero Esperanza Trail. This section is another highlight of the hike, almost as scenic as the summit itself. You’ll look westward, down the snaking ridgeline, with impressive vertical relief on both sides. The junction with Sendero Esperanza comes at a broad saddle in the ridge, then that trail makes a meandering descent, in and out of surprisingly lush mountainside drainages, to meet Gould Mine Trail near a clearly visible but now defunct copper mine. Gould Mine Trail continues the descent of the mountain, following a canyon into a wash. A brief climb up and over a low hill completes the loop, rejoining King Canyon at the trailhead.

Sources: https://socalhiker.net/hiking-wasson-peak-in-saguaro-national-park/ https://www.azutopia.com/moderate-hikes/king-canyon-hiking-trail/