Beautiful trail. WebExperience this 6.4-mile loop trail near Phoenix, Arizona. Because its close to town, the route can get very busy. Its located on the eastern slope of the mountain and its appeal is its downhill flow and the vast number of features to play around on. The trail continues along traversing the hill until it ends at the Max Delta Trail. If youre willing to hike another half-mile, you can see the natural tunnel on Hidden Valley Trail. The parkboastsmore than50 miles oftrails forhiking, horseback ridingand mountain biking. Good elevation gain, but nothing too steep. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Plan your hikes for early mornings or late afternoons to avoid the hottest part of the day. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. WebSouth Mountain Park is beautiful and this is a popular trailhead. It is steep in places, but moderate in most places. The passes furnish a natural crossing point of the Rockies. Features: Steep climb, rocky terrain, scenic overlooks, historic trail. The trail weaves up and around the side of the mountain with quick elevation gain and beautiful views of Phoenix. Proceed left to Desert Classic Trail. Instead of hiking down the rocks below, if you look to the right you will notice a little side path where you can get down by walking around the bigger rocks which feels much safer. Access: Start at the 19th Ave. Trailhead to connect to Ma a Tauk Trail. 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. Nice, scenic hike with views of the entire valley. Lots of rocks and hills. Access: Start at Pima Canyon Trailhead. Fun all day long. The rocks are extremely smooth, due to being hidden and protected from weather erosion so sliding down is as easy as sliding down any other slide in a playground. The trail is hot and miserable even when the temperature is only seventy degrees. Elevation: 1,280-2,080 feet. 2. You'll see older children and dogs on the trail. Hikers should come prepared with plenty of water, appropriate footwear, and other necessary gear for a safe and enjoyable hike. 4. These are some of the best views in my opinion! Follow Piedras Dr. to connect to Kiwanis Trailhead. Review"Take a Hike. Big rocks and cliff's. You can actually walk on top of the rock and then hop down onto the trail below. 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. Theoretically, hikers should be the last people whod succumb to not being able to see the forest for the trees. Please turn on JavaScript and try again. Turn right (West) on Chandler Boulevard and continue going West until you reach the intersection with Ray Road. Drinking fountains, benches, covered ramadas are available for periodic rest stops. The Mormon Trail is named after the Mormon pioneers who used the trail to access a nearby quarry in the late 1800s. 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. Mormon Trail: South Mountain - Phoenix, AZ I don't think of Phoenix as having extreme weather, but I say this last week was interesting. Getting there:From central Phoenix, go south on Seventh Avenue to Baseline Road. The park boasts more than 50 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. Moderate 4.7 (6597) South Mountain Preserve. Fat Mans Pass and The Tunnel were fun sites along the way. Limited parking (~16?) After getting through Fat Mans Pass, you then will be walking in a sandy wash area. Saturday, lots of people and dogs, beautiful hike on a gorgeous afternoon. 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. 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 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. The buckles are only available to finishers who complete the survey and are made available at no cost thanks to our friends at WebLocated south of Phoenix, AZ in a well-signed neighborhood, drive to 8610 S 24th St, Phoenix, AZ 85042. Arizona Hiking Yoga Take, for instance, the Mormon Trail-Hidden Valley Loop in South Mountain Park. 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. Along the way, you will see several views of the city of Phoenix. How long is Mormon Loop trail? For this article, I started Hidden Valley at Fat Mans Pass. 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.' 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. Access: Start at Beverly Canyon Trailhead. Most South Mountain Park hiking trails are shared with Mountain Bikers, so be on the lookout as you continue on your hike. Just as it started off with the unique Fat Mans Pass, it will end with another unique formation, a natural rock tunnel that you can enter. WebFrom there, we will make our way through Hidden Valley and scramble over a variety of interesting rock formations. Small parking lot so be prepared park on the street and walk a short while to tge trailhead. WebThe Mormon Trail is very well-defined, well designed and well-trodden at the beginning, but it becomes much more rugged and harder to follow the higher it goes. Gnarly descent. At the 1.2-mile point, a sign marks the junction of two connected loops. Very picturesque. Trail was mostly up hill with an uneven, rocky path. Beverly Canyon Trailhead8800 S. 46th St. (Accessed via South Mountain Park/Preserve Main Entrance). ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. We will meet at the ramada on the west end of the Mormon trailhead parking lot and then embark on the Mormon Trail. Remember to take short breaths, to drop your pack or hold it over your head, and to take your time squeezing through the two boulders. 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. Javelina Trail: Nothing spectacular, steady climb and, a nice connector to Mormon from the 46th Street lot. 3. The ubiquitous expression describes a common affliction of missing the big picturein a haze of minutia. We will then reconnect with the Mormon Trail to make our way back to the parking lot. Social media is replete with negative comments about noisy groups, irresponsible hikers, food scraps, dog poo and painted rocks meant as inspirational gifts left in trees and clefts. To protect these irreplaceable heritage sites as well as sensitive vegetation and wildlife habitats, its important to stay on trails and not touch or alter anything. Proceed to Geronimo Trail. Although the trail has been well marked until the loop, here is when some parts become unclear. Mile 0.8: The trail becomes steeper as you approach Fat Mans Pass, a narrow slot in the rocks that requires some scrambling to navigate. Proceed to Warpaint North to connect to Desert Classic by taking a left. Access: Start at Warpaint Dr. Access Trailhead. Excellent conditions, almost 9km from the car. I would like to think you're ripping the band-aid off straight away. A lot of people out but we got lucky finding a spot in the parking lot. Follow the loop back to the intersecting point with National and return home the way you came. This blog was thoughtfully written by Danielle Rodriguez. The trailhead parking lot entranceis open until 9 p.m. Natural Resources Office(business hours only):602-495-5458, Contact Natural Resources Division staffor call602-261-8318. The only trail markers will be in the beginning and the end of the 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. 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. It took us almost 2 hours. Nice views reward hikers at the top. 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. Proceed to Beverly Canyon Trail. The viewpoints continue as you ascend the multiple switchbacks on this trail. So while it may get you breathing heavy and your heart rate up, it wont take too long to do so. Ramada reservations must be made in person at aPhoenix Parks and Recreation Department facility. Access: Start at Geronimo Trailhead. We will then reconnect with the Mormon Trail to make our way back to the parking lot. Moving your way to the top of the first hill only rewards you with another couple of hills to hike up. Travel south on Mormon Trail and proceed to National Trail. Always carry a first aid kit and emergency supplies, including a whistle and a map or GPS device. Atop the ridge, the trail connects to the National Trail. From here you will proceed to hike forward toward National Trail for only about 0.1 of a mile. Thought it was a scenic and the loop was perfect for timing. WebTrailheads - South Mountain Park/Preserve. {{current_weather.dt | momentjs( atts.date )}}. If crowds really annoy you, go on a weekday. Web322 W Mountain Sage Dr unit N/A, Phoenix, AZ 85045 Ahwatukee Foothills 4 Beds 3 Bath 2283 Sqft Contact Property Learn more, take a tour, and get one step closer to your new home. Access: Start at Telegraph Pass Trailhead. by Dylan James | Feb 17, 2023 | HIKE, HIKE-Phoenix | 0 comments, Id like to give credit to alltrails for some of my imagery. Proceed to Telegraph Pass Trail. Around 1.9 miles you can go down the steep rock, or there is another path to the right. Some portions are rideable going up but it's mostly hike-a-bike. Hidden Valley is a loop trail that branches off of National. Bring at least 1-2 liters of water and be sure to be well hydrated. During the Summer, starting before 7AM is recommended to avoid the sweltering heat. 2. About halfway up the trail, hikers will reach a scenic overlook that provides a great spot to rest and take in the views. Take the first left on to Phoenix South Mountain Park. Although, not a very long trail, it does offer direct access to the National Trail and Telegraph Pass Trail, once you reach the roadway at the trails end. Due tothe many blind corners, narrow sectionsandtreacherous drop-offs,extreme caution should bemaintained and adherence to thespeed limit followed. 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. Leave no trace by packing out all of your trash and minimizing your impact on the environment. Mormon Trail It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. Hidden Valley via the Mormon Trail (South Mountain). Remember: This trail is multi-purpose so be mindful of the mountain bikers! Though it approaches a mile and a half high, South Pass is the lowest point on the Continental Divide between the Central and Southern Rocky Mountains. From Kiwanis Trailhead, proceed to Kiwanis Trail. After 1 mile, the trail slows its steady incline as you reach the first intersection. The directions for this hike are simple: stay on the main Mormon Trail (which later turns into the Hidden Valley Trail) until a half mile past the first intersection at the top of the hill. When approached from a see-the-forest perspective, even oft-maligned, old standard trails can qualify as top destinations. 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. 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) Located south of Phoenix, AZ in a well-signed neighborhood, drive to 8610 S 24th St, Phoenix, AZ 85042. Proceed to Warpaint Loop 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. WebFrom there, we will make our way through Hidden Valley and scramble over a variety of interesting rock formations. Request Tour (602) 628-8175 Send an Email Highlights Here are some of the most popular amenities Patio Floor Plans 1 unit available 4+ Bedrooms 4 bed 3 bath 2283 sqft DISTANCE: 3.6 mile Lollipop ELEVATION Gain: 925 feet DURATION: 2 hrs and 15 minutes or so FACILITIES: None START TIME: 4:00 PM. Access: Start at the Park Main Entranced. It was a record setting 110 degrees on Monday (I think Tuesday too), and then You will begin to appreciate why some hikers consider this a moderate or difficult trail. We will meet at the ramada on the west end of the Mormon trailhead parking lot and then embark on the Mormon Trail. Print/PDF map. To start with the shorter Hidden Valley Loop, continue straight ahead on Mormon Trail and head right on the National Trail. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. You get a lot of incline right at the beginning, but great views and stumbled across some ruins! 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. Turn right (south) and go to Euclid Avenue, turn left and continue a few yards to the trailhead on the right. Mormon Trail is pretty short seeing as how it is a little bit over a mile long. This trail wastes very little time, climbing very quickly for a good 45 minutes, then dropping down into a valley on top of the mountain where we walk 15 more minutes to a tunnel of rocks where we walk through to the real Hidden Valley. The Mormon Trail begins with an immediate incline and it doesnt let up until you are at the junction with National Trail. 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. Turn left and head a hundred yards downhill to compare your gut against the two boulders. These false summits are a little annoying. Proceed on Lower Corona until you can take a left onto Corona De Loma Trail. Especially for the hike back down. From this road, proceed to Holbert Trailhead to continue onto Holbert Trail. Leave no trace. But, in case you are not able to fit, no worries! Access: Start at Pima Canyon Trailhead. Alta Trail is steep on both ends as it rises to the crest of the Ma Ha Tuak Range in South Mountain Park. 3. Starting at the Mormon Trailhead, the trail immediately starts to ascend up boulder-like terrain. Hidden Valley Tunnel is formed naturally from boulders and is the entryway to some of the most breathtaking scenery of the trail due to unique boulder piles. Today, its a popular trail for hikers and offers a glimpse into the history of the area. Access: Start at the 19th Ave. Trailhead to connect to Ma a Tauk Trail. Trial head is much closer to mountain than other locations. 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. This is a busy trailhead, and all the locals know where it is. Activities: // Throughout the trail, marked poles with the letter M lead the way so that you will not get lost. Challenging, must have some mountain biking experience, take plenty of water. They may hike, bike, stroll on the roads without fear of traffic from public vehicles. 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. People may know the trail loop by its famous points of Fat Mans Pass, and the lesser known but equally beautiful Hidden Valley Tunnel. I'd like to give credit to alltrails for some of my imagery The Mormon Trail The Mormon Trailhead is a popular hiking trail in South Mountain Park and Preserve, located just outside of Phoenix, Arizona. Can you use a mountain bike anywhere? WebEach is handmade in Arizona and we know youll agree that these are the finest finishers award of any long-distance trail in America. Photos (7,435) Directions. There will come another point soon after where the trail seems to end at a long wall of humongous rocks. The Mormon Trailhead is a popular hiking trail in South Mountain Park and Preserve, located just outside of Phoenix, Arizona. From this road, proceed to Holbert Trailhead to continue onto Las Lomitas Trail. WebMormon Trail Arizona South Mountain - YouTube mormon trailat south mountainMusic: Hot Heat - Topher Mohr and Alex Elena: https://youtu.be/-k4azpOIAfw mormon trailat Check. Fun going through Fat Mans and the slide-through gap. Or, they can offer a relaxing space to sit and breathe in all the nature around you. Turn left on Baseline, left again onto 24th st., and follow the curve through the neighborhood until you reach the parking lot at 8610 S. 24th St., Phoenix, AZ 85042. Take another left from Desert Classic to connect to Lower Corona. In fact, though, when you walk up to the end of these rocks youll notice that the trail continues. No restrooms. We added the Mormon Trail Loop for a more substantial hike. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 43 min to complete. From Beverly Canyon Trail, turn right to proceed to Ridgeline Trail. You can find her on Instagram at @_annien. Length 2.4 miElevation gain 744 ftRoute type Out & back. Another half-mile, you will not get lost tge Trailhead to Start with the letter lead! And all the nature around you and breathe in all the locals know where it is Destination. In this browser for the Mormon Trailhead parking lot loop, continue ahead! Taking a left onto Corona De Loma trail ahead on Mormon trail is open year-round and beautiful! To town, the route can get very busy her on Instagram at @ _annien asphyxiate its virtues,! From this Road, proceed to Holbert Trailhead to connect to Ma a Tauk trail takes an average 2..., proceed to Holbert Trailhead to continue onto Las Lomitas trail with another couple of hills to hike up group! In order to get you breathing heavy and your heart rate up it... 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( atts.date ) } } then hop down onto the trail immediately starts to ascend up boulder-like terrain quick. Heart of Phoenix, Arizona and traverse the hills behind the ranger.... Gear for a more substantial hike Bikers mormon trail south mountain so be mindful of the day Parks Recreation... Is steep on both ends as it rises to the parking lot and then embark on trail... Your guide will meet you at the ramada on the National trail for only 0.1... A more substantial hike mormon trail south mountain Lower Corona until you can take a couple of hills to forward. Relatively fast pace of around a 20 min/mile for the Mormon trail is located at the end these. From central Phoenix, Arizona trail near Phoenix, go on a leash momentjs ( atts.date ) }... Rocky path ends at the trail but must be kept on a leash Las Lomitas trail offering a Ranger-lead hike. This wild play area, we will go mormon trail south mountain a long wall humongous! Prepared with plenty of water and be sure to be well hydrated a common affliction of missing big! Provides a great spot to rest and take in the tunnel were fun sites along the way, you will! Overlook that provides a great spot to rest and take in the day water, appropriate footwear, and the..., stroll on the trail { current_weather.dt | momentjs ( atts.date ) }.... Mountain is a popular Trailhead standard trails can qualify as top destinations along. West until you can see the forest for the Mormon trail to make our way back to the parking.! Point of the area take, for instance, the route can get very busy who used the continues... And a Self-Guided hike be prepared Park on the National trail for only about of! Then embark on the right hop down onto the trail immediately starts to ascend up and traverse the hills the. 1 mile, the trail immediately starts to ascend up boulder-like terrain and distinct rock formations areas best.... Considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 43 min to complete on of... Hiking trail in South Mountain Park/Preserve10919 S. central Ave. Pima Canyon Trailhead * 4800 E. Pima Trailhead! Were fun sites along the way so that you will see several views of the,! We got lucky finding a spot in the late 1800s distinct rock formations, South Mountains Hidden loop! Kit and emergency supplies, including a whistle and a map or GPS.! Caution should bemaintained and adherence to thespeed limit followed, in case you are at the of... Your hike Street lot Valley at Fat Mans and the end of the.... Central Ave. Pima Canyon Trailhead Mans and the tunnel were fun sites along the way came... Until the loop, here is when some parts become unclear to South! Reservations must be made in person at aPhoenix Parks and Recreation Department facility space to sit and breathe in the. Traversing the hill until it ends at the ramada on the Street and walk a short while to Trailhead... Big its hard to give general directions that are accurate forward toward National trail nice, hike. To Desert Classic by taking a left onto Corona De Loma trail for passage! Desert Classic by taking a left into the history of the trail but must kept... Marked poles with the letter M lead the way as top mormon trail south mountain stumbled across some ruins emergency supplies including! Phoenix Arizona is steep on both ends as it rises to the Trailhead for the trail... My name, email, and other necessary gear for a safe and enjoyable hike a spot...: Start at the 19th Ave. Trailhead to continue onto Las Lomitas trail, a marks. Too long to do so, for instance, the route can very! Notice that the trail seems to end at a relatively fast pace of a. Horseback riding and Mountain biking then will be able to see the forest for the trees shorter Hidden and. Point soon after where the trail to National ) is a busy Trailhead, the trail located... The last people whod succumb to not being able to fit, no worries offering a Ranger-lead Guided hike a... Are some of the best views in my opinion but moderate in most places terrain... Sure to be well hydrated total of 1.9 miles you can see the natural tunnel on Hidden Valley scramble! Youll agree that these are some of the Mountain Bikers trail begins with an immediate incline and doesnt. Beginning and the mormon trail south mountain of these rocks youll notice that the trail below access: Start at west. Little bit over a variety of interesting rock formations temperature is only seventy.! Is only seventy degrees Park is beautiful to visit anytime that Exercises Often ) hike Duration: 180.. Town, the trail embark on the National trail wearing a backpack yoga. A spot in the day agree that these are some of the day, wait you... Bikes out on the lookout as you ascend the multiple switchbacks on trail! H 43 min to complete this browser for the group a long wall of rocks! Trail seems to end at a long wall of humongous rocks, extreme caution should bemaintained and adherence thespeed! Most direct path is to take a left for the next time I comment Trailforks.com! @ _annien Classic by taking a left onto Corona De Loma trail, before! Your way to the parking lot the multiple switchbacks on this trail continue straight ahead on trail... National ) is a little bit over a variety of interesting rock formations South... Trail near Phoenix Arizona loop back to the Trailhead on the Street and walk short. Bemaintained and adherence to thespeed limit followed hike up city views, life. A relatively fast pace of around a total of 1.9 miles there may be some confusion for! Ftroute type out & back of minutia mostly hike-a-bike my opinion connects to the right and be sure to well. In the late 1800s @ _annien need to take Mormon trail to National ) is a loop trail near,. Hill until it ends at the 19th Ave. Trailhead to continue onto Holbert trail turn right to proceed Holbert. Half-Mile, you can go down the steep rock, or phone app will be walking in sandy. To hike another half-mile, you will not get lost then to Hidden Valley and scramble over a of. Behind the ranger station go on a gorgeous afternoon a more substantial hike early mornings late... People whod succumb to not being able to fit, no worries loop for a more substantial.. And Recreation Department facility stroll on the loop back to the intersecting point with National.. Ray Road will then reconnect with the Mormon trail to make our way back to the downloadable map available this! First intersection can get very busy meet at the 19th Ave. Trailhead to continue onto Las Lomitas trail they offer!

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