The Ranger Trail provides a gradual climb through the foothills approaching the parks roadway. We only did the Mormon trail which was @ 3 miles total. Mile 0.2: After a short hike, youll reach the first landmark of the trail, a small cave that offers a great view of the surrounding area. Due tothe many blind corners, narrow sectionsandtreacherous drop-offs,extreme caution should bemaintained and adherence to thespeed limit followed. Beverly Canyon Trail will have some short rocky and steep areas that cross the Pima Canyon area on the way to meeting the Desert Classic Trail on the south side of South Mountain. Want to report conditions for this trail? Rating: Easy-moderate. Either way, if you're in the Phoenix area and do not want to go too far for a great hike or you're just now getting into hiking, add this trail to your list. Generally considered a moderately challenging route. This is an excellent trail. You can find her on Instagram at @Dani_The_Explorer. On the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th Sundays of the month, there is a shortenedSilent Sunday (5 a.m. until 10 a.m.)with the summit road closed at the 1.0 mile marker. During the Summer, starting before 7AM is recommended to avoid the sweltering heat. Small parking lot so be prepared park on the street and walk a short while to tge trailhead. In fact, though, when you walk up to the end of these rocks youll notice that the trail continues. During this incline, you will undoubtedly notice the large boulders in the middle of the trail- just watch your step as these appear in several spots. Good elevation gain, but nothing too steep. Alta Trail is fairly steep heading up from either side. Ramada reservations must be made in person at aPhoenix Parks and Recreation Department facility. We will then reconnect with the Mormon Trail to make our way back to the parking lot. This blog was thoughtfully written by Annie Nguyen. About halfway up the trail, hikers will reach a scenic overlook that provides a great spot to rest and take in the views. Brutal but doable climb. This trail offers a steady climb to the upper areas of South Mountain Park. Check. Take your time, take a few breaks, and youll be fine. Two large boulders force you to squeeze through them to the other side of the trail; a fat man cannot squeeze through this gap (to be honest, its a tight squeeze), but I would argue that a fat man cant get to the pass to begin with. When approached from a see-the-forest perspective, even oft-maligned, old standard trails can qualify as top destinations. You will begin to appreciate why some hikers consider this a moderate or difficult trail. The Mormon Trail: A Photographic Exhibit June 3, 2016 Curated in 1997 by Linda Thatcher During the 1800s more than 500,000 emigrants crossed the Western plains hoping to find a new and better life for a variety of reasons. Mile 0.2: After a short hike, youll reach the first landmark of the trail, a small cave that offers a great view of the surrounding area. Park hours: May 1 to October 31 - 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Excellent conditions, almost 9km from the car. The symbolto the rightof each trail name represents the WebAt more than 16,000 acres, South Mountain Park/Preserve is one of the largest municipally managed parks in the nation and consists of three mountain ranges - the Ma Ha Tauk, Gila and Guadalupe. From Five Tables, proceed to Ranger Trail. The Hidden Valley Trail via Mormom Trail offers interesting tunnels, dry waterfalls, and a Javelina Trail: Nothing spectacular, steady climb and, a nice connector to Mormon from the 46th Street lot. Proceed leftto Marcos De Niza Trail. Leave no trace by packing out all of your trash and minimizing your impact on the environment. Exact location will be sent when your reservation is confirmed. Access: Start at Warpaint Dr. Access Trailhead. This hike is located near Phoenix, AZ. Yes, you can ride a mountain bike on the road. Make sure you have plenty of water. Bring and drink enough water throughout the hike 1-2 Liters will be adequate. It is a 1/2 mile walk from the San Juan gate to the start of the trail on the north side of the road. Throughout the trail, marked poles with the letter M lead the way so that you will not get lost. It has a way of making you feel so small! Some portions are rideable going up but it's mostly hike-a-bike. Dobbins Lookout, at 2,330 feet, is the highest point in the park that isavailable to the public. {{current_weather.dt | momentjs( atts.date )}}. Your email address will not be published. 1. Try Fat Man's pass without a pack on, and then the rock tunnels near it, so fun! Category: Easy Day Hikes, Hiking Trails in the Sonoran Desert. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 43 min to complete. This trail is a beast. We did not do the loop. Its a popular hike that offers amazing views of the valley below, making it a great choice for hikers looking for a challenging and rewarding experience. Taking the Mormon Trail and connecting to the National Trail can access one of the most scenic trails, the Hidden Valley Trail Loop. The Mormon Trailhead is a popular hiking trail in South Mountain Park and Preserve, located just outside of Phoenix, Arizona. Phoenix is so big its hard to give general directions that are accurate. 2. From Pima West Loop, turn right to proceed to Pima East Loop. Chandler Blvd. The buckles are only available to finishers who complete the survey and are made available at no cost thanks to our friends at Pioneer Title Agency. So while it may get you breathing heavy and your heart rate up, it wont take too long to do so. Access: Start at Telegraph Pass Trailhead. Saturday, lots of people and dogs, beautiful hike on a gorgeous afternoon. The Mormon Trail usually followed the north side of the North Platte River west through Nebraska and Wyoming to follow the Sweetwater River farther west. Once on the trail it is simple to follow up to the National Trail. 7. Thank you S Mountain for sharing your land and resources with me today. Features: Steep climb, rocky terrain, scenic overlooks, historic trail. Steep but decent footing. The Mormon Trail is named after the Mormon pioneers who used the trail to access a nearby quarry in the late 1800s. The trail is steep and rocky, with loose gravel and occasional switchbacks. Turn left onto National and then turn right to proceed to Hidden Valley Trail. Dress in layers, as temperatures can vary significantly between day and night. It would be embarrassing to call for help because you were stuck at Fat Mans Pass. Throughout this entire hike the rocks have been very smooth, but they are almost fake looking in the tunnel. WebWith any South Mountain trailhead, you're bound to have good views at just about any time of day and have a good time #hikingarizona The worst part of this trailhead is parking. Located south of Phoenix, AZ in a well-signed neighborhood, drive to 8610 S 24th St, Phoenix, AZ 85042. Proceed to Max Delta Trail. I would like to think you're ripping the band-aid off straight away. As you have probably imagined so far, Fat Mans Pass is a very narrow path that is incorporated into the trail. The parkboastsmore than50 miles oftrails forhiking, horseback ridingand mountain biking. To learn more please refer to our Hiking Disclaimer. Once past the tunnel, the trail continues a little further and you will see a trail marker directing you to turn left to get back to the area where the Mormon and National Trail junction is located. Some folks use the larger rock on the right side of the pass as a rock slide, which you can do too! Some of the marble boulders were very slick, so we negotiated them on our butts. Take the dirt road until it connects to Mormon Trail and starts to climb up. This is a busy trailhead, and all the locals know where it is. You will be surrounded by rocks that are laying on top of each other in exceptional ways, creating different formations against the blue sky above. Access: Start at 19th Ave. Trailhead. Proceed to Judith Tunell Accessible Trail. Web#1 - Hidden Valley Trail Via Mormon Trail South Mountain Preserve Length: 3.6 mi There are many trails in this area that are worthy of more hiking. The climb up was challenging. Mile 0.5: At this point, youll reach the historic stone house, which was once part of a Mormon settlement in the area. Tealights will guide you, but a flashlight with a red setting is recommended. past the gate for 0.5 mi to connect to Alta Trail to your right. Take Baseline straight for 3.6 miles then turn left onto 24th St. Travel south on Mormon Trail and proceed to National Trail. The viewpoints continue as you ascend the multiple switchbacks on this trail. Beautiful trail. The Ma-Ha-Tauk Trail starts off at a gradual incline, then ramps up at a hard ascent to the Cross Cut Trail junction. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Beautiful, overcast, mid-50s. Then after a short distance you will meet up with a second marker indicating to turn right onto National to get you back to the Mormon Trail and head back to the parking lot. This area feels like a magical place, as most of the other trails can be too populated to see this type of wildlife freely roaming on the trail. The trail will dip down and then flatten itself out. Totaling just under four miles, Hidden Valley can be accessed via the Mormon and National trails; starting at the trailhead, youll follow Mormon until you reach National Trail West. Access: Start at Mormon Trailhead to connect to Mormon Trail. Getting there: From central Phoenix, go south on Seventh Avenue to Baseline Road. * Please remember to hike at your own risk. Trailmatez is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC associates program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Amazon, the amazing logo, amazonsupply, and the amazonsupply logo are trademarks of amazon.com, inc or its affiliates, Steep climb, rocky terrain, scenic overlooks, historic trail. spots so either be early or nearby streets. There are moments where you will see scenes, unlike anything else found on South Mountain. At the 1.2-mile point, a sign marks the junction of two connected loops. Continue right onto Pima Wash Trail. The viewpoints are the perfect spots to take small breaks or take in the city. Loved climbing the rocks. Although few would argue against the benefits of setting and achieving goals, what constitutes a best trail is debatable. At more than 16,000 acres, South Mountain Park/Preserve is one of the largest municipally managed parks in the nation andconsists of three mountain ranges -the Ma Ha Tauk, Gila and Guadalupe. Turn right (West) on Chandler Boulevard and continue going West until you reach the intersection with Ray Road. It is one of the older trails in the park, and it was built with inmate labor plus Civilian Conservation Corps men back in the 1930's The large switchbacks remain as a testimony of their hard work and dedication. [CDATA[ All of the above are regarding the Central Avenue entrance to the park. WebMormon Trailhead: 8610 S. 24th St. Beverly Canyon Trailhead: 8800 S. 46th St. Pima Canyon Trailhead: 9904 S. 48th St. Telegraph Pass Trailhead: 14251 S. Desert Foothills Parkway Trailhead Hours: 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Gated entrances will close at 7, but trails remain open until 11 p.m. You'll see older children and dogs on the trail. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 5 min to complete. Mormon Trail This event closes the parks main roadway, Summit Road, to motor vehicle traffic during these times and the parks roadways are reserved for non-motorized activities such as walking, cycling, jogging, hiking, etc. This time were offering a Ranger-lead Guided Hike AND a Self-Guided Hike! Judging from trail wear, lots of people start this trail, but most don't go far. 3. Don't worry, though, it is big enough for most adults to fit through. The big-picture takeaway is that the Mormon Trail-Hidden Valley Loop is a wonderful hike just a few miles from downtown. Photos (7,435) Directions. Follow the wash trail to a small cliff and the wash and trail turn left to exit back onto the National Trail after a 'natural tunnel.' Enjoy the trail! WebThe portion of the Overland Trail in Wyoming, especially between Fort Bridger and Cheyenne Pass, had been scouted eastwards in 1850 by Captain Howard Stansbury of the U.S. Topographical Engineers, who was looking for an overland trail south of the Mormon-Oregon Trail in order to avoid the heavy snows of the more northern route. Seeing as how Hidden Valley is located off of National Trail (which runs the entire length of South Mountain), there are multiple ways of getting there. This is one of those trails that leads uphill from the start, and while Ive listed this trail as an easy trail, it was with much deliberation. Check. Gate. Be sure to check out the tunnel. A tight squeeze through a slim but short crack between boulders serves as a gateway to Hidden Valley. Proceed to Telegraph Pass Trail. Big rocks and cliff's. Proceed on Lower Corona until you can take a left onto Corona De Loma Trail. This scenic trail offers hikers stunning views of the desert landscape and a glimpse into the areas history with its historic stone houses and other landmarks. As usual your guide will meet you at the trail head wearing a backpack with yoga mats attached and holding an ASU Umbrella. This trail also provides alternative routes through connections with the Derby Loop, Bajada Trail, and Las Lomitas Loop, while traveling upward to the roadway. There are a few signs of overuse and even graffiti along this trail, try to set an example to others by reversing some of that damage. Use the ModernHiker mobile app to download this map and complete trail description for offline access. Access: Start at the Park Main Entrance. Length 2.4 miElevation gain 744 ftRoute type Out & back. There were a few bikers and other hikers. We added the Mormon Trail Loop for a more substantial hike. Beautiful views. Completing the Mormon Loop and then heading back down to the parking lot is just over five miles. This makes a good loop starting from the Pima Canyon Trailhead. The most direct path is to take Mormon Trail to National and then to Hidden Valley. Well worth it. Pet Friendly: Yes, leashed pets are allowed on the trail. TRAIL DESCRIPTION South Mountain is one of the most notable mountains in the East Valley due to its different trailheads in Ahwatukee, Chandler, and Phoenix. DISTANCE: 3.6 mile Lollipop ELEVATION Gain: 925 feet DURATION: 2 hrs and 15 minutes or so FACILITIES: None START TIME: 4:00 PM. Elevation: 1,338-1,566 feet. Desert FoothillsTrailhead14251 S. Desert Foothills Pkwy. Once youve made it through Fat Mans pass (hopefully with pictures as proof), you can turn around and trace your steps back to the trailhead. The classic Phoenix circuit has many of the positive components on hiker checklists. South Mountain Preserve Park Map, Fat Mans Pass South Mountains Phoenix, AZ, Hiking Trails in Yellowstone National Park. Follow the loop back to the intersecting point with National and return home the way you came. This trail travels through a rock-studded canyon, which is home to a variety of Sonoran Desert plants and animals; the trail also reveals two rock wall dams built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Dog-Friendly: Yes, dog must be on a leash. WebThe Pass lies in southwestern Fremont County, approximately 35 miles (56 km) SSW of Lander . From Pima Wash Trail, Proceed to Pima West Loop. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. There are no markers within this area so its up to you to decide how you want to navigate down these sections of rocks. Hang a left and walk the 1.1-mile return leg that traces a ridgeline embellished with a major rock-art site and a wash with many more petroglyphs etched by the ancient Hohokam people who were active in the area from roughly 450 to 1450. First mile is mostly uphill and moderately strenuous. Do not expect to receive a spot in the lot (not along the road) if you want to hike in any combination of: weekends, during tourism season, before noon. There is a spot within Phoenixs South Mountain where a natural and enchanting playground exists. Drinking fountains, benches, covered ramadas are available for periodic rest stops. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. The trail is easy to follow, the destination is great and like most South Mountain Park Trails, it's the perfect balance between a workout and killer views. WebFeaturing city views, desert life and distinct rock formations, South Mountains Hidden Valley Trail stands out among the areas best loops. Or you can also slide down on one of the rocks as well. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. At around a total of 1.9 miles there may be some confusion. However, the challenging climb is well worth it, as the trail offers some of the best views of the Phoenix area. We will go at a relatively fast pace of around a 20 min/mile for the group. and 19th Ave. Trailhead15451 S. 19th Ave. 19th Ave. (Ma-Ha-Tauk) Trailhead10484 S. 19th Ave. * - Extended summer hours are in effectannually from June 1through September 30 at Pima Canyon Trailhead. WebFrom there, we will make our way through Hidden Valley and scramble over a variety of interesting rock formations. Due to the direction of the sun, going the way to the Hidden Valley Tunnel is recommended so that you can return on the loop with the sun behind you. Therefore you will see two separate trail markers for Hidden Valley. 3. The parking lot for the trail-head will be on your right, at this curve. The trail is hot and miserable even when the temperature is only seventy degrees. Especially for the hike back down. Mormon (Mormon Loop to National) is a 1,145 ft popular blue singletrack family friendly trail located near Phoenix Arizona. Turn left and head a hundred yards downhill to compare your gut against the two boulders. Alta Trail is steep on both ends as it rises to the crest of the Ma Ha Tuak Range in South Mountain Park. 4. For the most part, this path is in a wash, which makes it clear and easy to navigate. As you continue on, there will some areas where the trail will abruptly have these large rocks that have seemingly stopped the trail dead in its tracks. Mormon Trail-Hidden Valley Loop Length: 6.2 miles. Access: Start at Pima Canyon Trailhead. Print/PDF map. Bring at least 1-2 liters of water and be sure to be well hydrated. It took us almost 2 hours. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 34 min to complete. Access: Start at Pima Canyon Trailhead. Beyond the tunnel, go right at the National Trail junction and follow the route 1.4 miles to the Mormon Loop Trail. Mile 0.0: The trailhead for the Mormon Trail is located at the end of 24th Street in Phoenix. There are some petroglyphs along the Mormon Trail. Please turn on JavaScript and try again. If you go down further on National, you will see the second trail marker (at around 1.6 miles) indicating that its the Fat Mans Pass side of Hidden Valley. Not a trail for the faint at heart. WebWHEN: Tuesday, March 7 5:45-7:15pm Guided Hike 7:30-8:30pm Self-Guided Hike DETAILS: The trail we will be doing is a 1.25 mile loop over rough terrain. From Beverly Canyon Trail, turn right to proceed to Ridgeline Trail. Continue right to Pima Wash Trail. WebSouth Mountain Park is beautiful and this is a popular trailhead. WebLocated south of Phoenix, AZ in a well-signed neighborhood, drive to 8610 S 24th St, Phoenix, AZ 85042. Mormon Trail Map Compiled & edited by Kathy Weiser / Legends of America, updated March 2020. This short half-mile loop will take you through a narrow rock formation (known as Fat Mans Pass), a wash area full of wildlife and a naturally formed rock tunnel to walk through. difficulty rating. The trail continues along traversing the hill until it ends at the Max Delta Trail. Take, for instance, the Mormon Trail-Hidden Valley Loop in South Mountain Park. The trail weaves up and around the side of the mountain with quick elevation gain and beautiful views of Phoenix. The only trail markers will be in the beginning and the end of the trail. It is steep in places, but moderate in most places. This is a busy trailhead, and all the locals know where it is. Passage Map refers to the downloadable map available for this passage. Moderate 4.7 (6597) South Mountain Preserve. Trail Difficulty: Easy Travel south on Mormon Trail to connect to National Trail. Proceed to Javelina Canyon Trail. Although the trail has been well marked until the loop, here is when some parts become unclear. Fun all day long. One for Mormon Loop on your left and another for National Trail straight ahead. Around 1.9 miles you can go down the steep rock, or there is another path to the right. Proceed to hike on San Juan Rd. Proceed to Beverly Canyon Trail. Access: Start at Pima Canyon Trailhead. Your email address will not be published. Weathered rock slabs that hang from cliffs form odd sculptures that frame views of the Valley and surrounding mountain ranges. guidelines before visiting the trail. 2023 www.azcentral.com. We meet at the Mormon Trail parking lot, stretching for 15 minutes before we hit the trail. This is one of the great features of this trail; you can turn around at the top and do just under 2.5 miles total or you can choose to continue your outing on the National Trail or the Mormon Loop. From there, we will make our way through Hidden Valley and scramble over a variety of interesting rock formations. With its moderate difficulty level and easy accessibility, the Mormon Trailhead is a great option for hikers looking to experience the beauty of South Mountain. Enjoy this 4.7-mile loop trail near Phoenix, Arizona. WebSouth Mountain on Trailforks.com South Mountain is a Destination System right in the heart of Phoenix, Arizona. Travel south on Mormon Trail to turn left onto Mormon Loop Trail. Information: For the Roadies: Silent Sundays Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway info South Mountain Park City of Phoenix City of Phoenix South Mountain Map (PDF) Well worth your time! Proceed to Pima Ridgeline Trail. $134/mo Get pre-approved Beds Baths 11.97 Acres (Lot) About This Home Just under 12 acres being sold individually or with 2 adjacent lots! Mile 1.2: The trail becomes steeper again as you approach the end of the 1.4-mile section of the Mormon Trail. As a matter of fact, this is one of the trails I took when I first started hiking before I knew what other gems Arizona has to offer. But so much fun!!! difficulty rating. WebTrailheads - South Mountain Park/Preserve. There are two big boulders that are very close together, creating a narrow pathway for hikers to go through. There will come another point soon after where the trail seems to end at a long wall of humongous rocks. Proceed to Pyramid Trail. This scenic trail offers hikers stunning views of the desert landscape and a glimpse into the areas history with its historic stone houses and other landmarks. Activities: //

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