I last hiked Wasson Peak during my last Arizona Winter Challenge. It was a warm day in April, just like Saturday. My friend and I drove from Phoenix- 82 miles on the I-10, and about 30 minutes more to the King Canyon Trailhead near the Arizona Desert Sonoran Museum and just outside Saguaro National Park. If you need a restroom, stop at the Visitor Center first. There are no facilities at the trailhead.

This year, I started my hike solo, but met another solo hiker who was hiking at my pace, and adventurous like me. She and I hit it off and continued up the mountain together.

We took the 3.5 mile King Canyon Trail up to Wasson Peak, pausing to take photos of blooming cacti and wildflowers and conversing like we were old friends who hadn't seen each other in a long time.

There's a registry at the top as well as a Conservation Corps marker embedded in the rock. We paused to take in the views, which were wonderful all the way up, and came down the other side, taking the Sendero and Hugh Norris Trails. Take the trail down to the picnic area and through the wash for a loop.

Parking is limited. We got there just before 9am and got spots along the edge of the lot.

It was great meeting a new friend and checking off Peak number 5! I also got a selfie with Ranger Freddy at the Visitor Center and bought ny annual National Park Pass since I'll be visiting other National Parks this year. At $80 for 2 people, it's totally worth it. Sarah, my new hiking friend, and I also checked out the gift shop. Love all the Saguaro branded items, which are awesome souvenirs.

I was hoping to do Flatiron next – my final peak – but rolled my ankle running down Piestewa yesterday, and I'm nursing a bad sprain. Grateful it isn't broken, but it may take weeks or months to heal completely. April 30 is 3 weeks away. Fingers crossed!