Hugh Norris Big Loop

Hugh Norris Big Loop is a 6.6-mile circuit from Hugh Norris Trailhead, climbing the Hugh Norris Trail to the ridge, turning onto Sendero Esperanza before Wasson Peak, then returning through Dobe and Bajada Washes. Plan on about 3½ to 4½ hours and roughly 1,170 feet of climbing. It suits hikers who want the ridgeline without adding the longer Wasson Peak out-and-back. Take the marked Sendero turn on the descent; follow Hugh Norris farther and you leave this loop.

The climb starts with steady switchbacks through saguaros, cholla, paloverde, and creosote. After the first saddle, the trail dips by large boulders before climbing again. The broad saddle around 3,370 feet opens to views east and west; the route climbs past another false top near 3,660 feet before reaching its high point around 3,690 feet. This is a good place to stop and look both ways along the ridge. To show the scale in a photo, keep a saguaro or a bit of trail in the foreground.

On the descent, the route passes a fenced mine shaft, then leaves Hugh Norris for Sendero Esperanza. Hugh Norris continues toward Wasson Peak, so use the marked junction for the loop. Sendero drops quickly to its northern trailhead and Dobe Wash; the direction changes from a rocky ridge path to a broad, sandy wash.

Loose sand and gravel make Dobe Wash harder to follow than the ridge. Watch for the signposts, then cross Hohokam Road to join Bajada Wash. Its narrow track moves through riparian vegetation before crossing flat rocks and boulders among saguaros. At the signed connector, turn back to Hugh Norris Trailhead; Bajada Wash continues beyond the loop's return.

Start and finish at the signed Hugh Norris Trailhead on Hohokam Road. The road runs one-way from the trailhead toward Golden Gate Road. Carry all the drinking water you'll need; no refill point is confirmed on the loop. Dogs are prohibited on the trails in this loop; service animals are exempt.