It was beneficial to have an early start of 8:00 from the parking lot because there was construction at the Maricopa exit. After a detour, we were able to get onto North Sanders Road then over to Sandero Road via Avra Valley Road. The turn to Golden Gate Road is difficult to notice because the road is a narrow winding sandy road for 4 miles into the Sendero Esperanza Trailhead.
(Google maps)
The Sendero Esperanza Trail starts off as a moderate sandy trail leading up to Hugh Norris Trail where it turns and after many switchbacks over rocky terrain takes us up to beautiful views of the valley and the surrounding mountains. A peaceful hike where birdsong is commonly heard.
The longer hiking group hiked up to the Saddle where another view of Tucson could be seen. From the Saddle, the final trail to Wasson Peak is 0.3 miles further. We ate lunch on the peak. I found shade and a bit of a breeze that helped cool off in the 87 degree F. weather. The hike was an up and back hike, so we enjoyed the same trail the second time, and of course new views from the other direction.
We went a little farther than 12.06 km because I didn't turn my phone on until
about 1 km down the trail.
Wasson Peak trail, via Sendero Esperanza trailhead
Take I-10 SE to exit 236, Maricopa exit. Turn right and then again right (past the frontage road), onto Marana Road. Drive one mile and turn left onto North Sanders Road and drive four miles. At the stop sign turn left onto Avra Valley Road. Drive one mile and turn right onto Sandero Road. Proceed 8.8 miles and turn left at Golden Gate Rd. Drive easterly past Hohokam Rd. to the Sendero Esperanza trailhead parking on the right. Pit toilets.
32°17’04.83”N, 111°10’01.72”
65 miles. Suggest re-imburse driver $10 each.
No comments:
Post a Comment