Fat Mans Pass and The Tunnel were fun sites along the way. A moderate trail with some technical hiking sections but mostly gravel. There are two big boulders that are very close together, creating a narrow pathway for hikers to go through. Distance: 0.5 mi Elevation Change: 140 ft. Mormon Loop Trail 3. Lots of bikers. 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. WebThe Mormon Trail begins with an immediate incline and it doesnt let up until you are at the junction with National Trail. Thank you S Mountain for sharing your land and resources with me today. There are no markers within this area so its up to you to decide how you want to navigate down these sections of rocks. The Mormon Trail is a steep and strenuous 1.4-mile trail located in South Mountain. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Access: Start at Mormon Trailhead to connect to Mormon Trail. Infrastructure ImprovementProjectInformation: South Mountain Park/Preserve10919 S. Central Ave. Pima Canyon Trailhead*4800 E. Pima Canyon Rd. Remember: This trail is multi-purpose so be mindful of the mountain bikers! 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.' Proceed to Beverly Canyon Trail. 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. WebMarch Full Moon Hike - Reservation Required. Make sure you have plenty of water. From Pima Wash Trail, turn right onto Pima West Loop. All vehicles must turn into the Activity Complex and park there. Read more of Mare Czinar's hikes at arizonahiking.blogspot.com. Well worth the hike! Access: Start at the Park Main Entrance. Bring at least 1-2 liters of water and be sure to be well hydrated. The Mormon Trail was used for more than 20 years after the Mormons used it and has been reserved for sightseeing. Travel south on Mormon Trail and proceed to National Trail. At times, there will flat rocks to hike down and/or up but the trail will be clear to see once over the rock section. Take your time, take a few breaks, and youll be fine. Trail was mostly up hill with an uneven, rocky path. We will then reconnect with the Mormon Trail to make our way back to the parking lot. Its worth noting that the trail is rated as difficult and requires a good level of fitness and experience. Parking Cost: Free. The big-picture takeaway is that the Mormon Trail-Hidden Valley Loop is a wonderful hike just a few miles from downtown. Proceed to hike on San Juan Rd. The Ma-Ha-Tauk Trail starts off at a gradual incline, then ramps up at a hard ascent to the Cross Cut Trail junction. At around a total of 1.9 miles there may be some confusion. On average it takes 1 minutes to complete this trail. Access: Start at Beverly Canyon Trailhead to connect to Beverly Canyon Trail. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. If coming from Phoenix, take the 1-10 East and exit off of Baseline/Guadalupe (exit 155) and turn right onto Baseline. This blog was thoughtfully written by Annie Nguyen. On the 4th Sunday of every month is Silent Sunday, and all-day (5 a.m. to 7 p.m.) road closure into the park. This hike is located near Phoenix, AZ. I would like to think you're ripping the band-aid off straight away. Continue on Stephen Mather Dr. through the first four-way intersection. There are some petroglyphs along the Mormon Trail. WebSouth Mountain Preserve. Sliding down Fat Mans Pass or you can walk through the narrow pathway. Required fields are marked *. Mormon Trail starts off with an immediate incline. See dazzling rock formations. Although allowed, bikes are not recommended on the Mormon Trail due to the high numbers of hikers usually on the trail. This area is so wide that you are able to walk up to these rocks and climb, inspect and explore what is around them. Travel south on Mormon Trail to connect to National Trail. Register for Hikes and Outdoor Nature Programs. 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. Although the trail has been well marked until the loop, here is when some parts become unclear. 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. About halfway up the trail, hikers will reach a scenic overlook that provides a great spot to rest and take in the views. The trail went over South Pass, then worked its way through the mountains. There is not much shade along this trail. Big rocks and cliff's. Watch your footing, but make sure to look up from time to time to drink in the panoramic city and boulder sceneries! WebMormon Pioneer National Historic Trail National Park Service 324 South State Street, Suite 200 Salt Lake City, Utah 84111 801-741-1012. South Mountain Preserve Park Map, Fat Mans Pass South Mountains Phoenix, AZ, Hiking Trails in Yellowstone National Park. 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. They may hike, bike, stroll on the roads without fear of traffic from public vehicles. To learn more please refer to our Hiking Disclaimer. Alta Trail is fairly steep heading up from either side. Review"Take a Hike. This is one of those trails I recommend a few hours after a rain - it creates more friction on an otherwise dusty, dry trail - it provides a bit more solitude as fewer folks are put - the olfactory stimulation from the creosote. 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. To get to the Mormon Trailhead, take exit 155 for Baseline Rd. They're especially nice around sunset and sunrise. You'll see older children and dogs on the trail. The reason is because from Fat Mans Pass you will be hiking down, and will be able to see the paths laid out better. There is a spot within Phoenixs South Mountain where a natural and enchanting playground exists. After getting through Fat Mans Pass, you then will be walking in a sandy wash area. Try this 6.2-mile loop trail near Phoenix, Arizona. 1. Generally considered a moderately challenging route. Pyramid Trail starts out fairly easy from the Area 620 Trailhead, but it quickly gets steep at the base of the ridge it climbs. Once we lose our sense of wonder and the ability to see beyond loud, immediate things on a hiking trail, whats left are rote progressions chronicled on Instagram. Mile 0.5: At this point, youll reach the historic stone house, which was once part of a Mormon settlement in the area. This is one of those hikes you want to do in the early morning. There are a lot of bikes. Access: Start at Pima Canyon Trailhead. 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 viewpoints continue as you ascend the multiple switchbacks on this trail. Just watch out. But, in case you are not able to fit, no worries! Turn right (West) on Chandler Boulevard and continue going West until you reach the intersection with Ray Road. We did not do the loop. Very limited shade and bring plenty of water if you do the loops. For the most part, this path is in a wash, which makes it clear and easy to navigate. Phoenix is so big its hard to give general directions that are accurate. WebExperience this 4.7-mile loop trail near Phoenix, Arizona. 2. Access: Start at the Park Main Entrance. 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. Beverly Canyon Trailhead8800 S. 46th St. (Accessed via South Mountain Park/Preserve Main Entrance). 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. The next time you're in the Phoenix city limits, get out and try this hike! As always, pack in what you take out! DISTANCE: 3.6 mile Lollipop ELEVATION Gain: 925 feet DURATION: 2 hrs and 15 minutes or so FACILITIES: None START TIME: 4:00 PM. Due tothe many blind corners, narrow sectionsandtreacherous drop-offs,extreme caution should bemaintained and adherence to thespeed limit followed. Today, its a popular trail for hikers and offers a glimpse into the history of the area. 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. Access: Start from Warpaint Dr. Access Trailhead. Print/PDF map. WebMormon Trailhead 8610 S. 24th St. Hidden Valley Trail Access: Start at Mormon Trailhead to connect to Mormon Trail. The Track and Waypoints refer to downloadable GPS data. 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. It is steep in places, but moderate in most places. 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. Hikers should come prepared with plenty of water, appropriate footwear, and other necessary gear for a safe and enjoyable hike. The trail will dip down and then flatten itself out. 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. One for Mormon Loop on your left and another for National Trail straight ahead. This is a busy trailhead, and all the locals know where it is. Access: Start at 19th Ave. Trailhead. 5. Mormon Trail is pretty short seeing as how it is a little bit over a mile long. Gnarly descent. Long day of ups and downs with gorgeous views. Rating: Easy-moderate. Continue right onto Pima Wash Trail. Throughout the trail, marked poles with the letter M lead the way so that you will not get lost. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 43 min to complete. * Please remember to hike at your own risk. All rights reserved. Hike starts promptly at 9:00 am. Following the trail, it will seem to end at a boulder wall corner. Your email address will not be published. This is a popular rest and picture spot! Arizona Hiking Yoga Try Fat Man's pass without a pack on, and then the rock tunnels near it, so fun! So while it may get you breathing heavy and your heart rate up, it wont take too long to do so. Adding to its appeal, this route gets the climbing out of the way at the beginning while legs are still fresh. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 34 min to complete. Very nice hike up the Mormon Trail to Hidden Valley. Wear hiking boots or trail shoes if you have them due to the rocky and nature of the trail and loose gravel. The trail is steep and rocky, with loose gravel and occasional switchbacks. Mile 0.0: The trailhead for the Mormon Trail is located at the end of 24th Street in Phoenix. Some of the marble boulders were very slick, so we negotiated them on our butts. WebThe Arizona Trail is divided into 43 passages. And by narrow, I really mean narrow! The trail begins at the Mormon Trailhead and immediately begins to ascend up the mountain. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. Getting there:From central Phoenix, go south on Seventh Avenue to Baseline Road. After yoga we will walk back down for another 45 minutes to where we started. Mile 1.2: The trail becomes steeper again as you approach the end of the 1.4-mile section of the Mormon 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! 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. Web[The Mormons followed a trail from Sly Park that approximates the path of the present Mormon Emigrant Trail, which extends from an intersection with Sly Park Road at Jenkinson Lake and runs generally southeast to a junction with California Highway 88 about five miles west of Silver Lake. Take the first left on to Phoenix South Mountain Park. 2. Can you use a mountain bike anywhere? Might have had a few bikes out on the loop - all well mannered & no problem! Alta Trail is steep on both ends as it rises to the crest of the Ma Ha Tuak Range in South Mountain Park. To learn more please refer to our Hiking Disclaimer. WebSouth Mountain Mormon Trail Hike Scottsdale North Stake 45+ Singles | Facebook 4 SATURDAY, MARCH 4, 2023 AT 9:00 AM MST South Mountain Mormon Trail Hike Scottsdale North Stake 45+ Singles 8610 S 24th St, Phoenix, AZ 85042, United States About Discussion More About Discussion Invite Details 15 people responded Event by A tight squeeze through a slim but short crack between boulders serves as a gateway to Hidden Valley. It took us almost 2 hours. Access: Start at Pima Canyon Trailhead. The trail will start out easy and flat, then ascend up and traverse the hills behind the ranger station. Good elevation gain, but nothing too steep. This trail offers a steady climb to the upper areas of South Mountain Park. WebThe Mormon Trail is 1,300 miles long and extends from Nauvoo, Illinois to Salt Lake City, Utah. To get to the trailhead: From the Phoenix area, take I-10 south to Chandler Blvd. From there, the trail continues upward to the top of the ridge, where hikers can connect with other trails in the park, such as the Hidden Valley Trail and National 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. Beautiful trail. WebEach is handmade in Arizona and we know youll agree that these are the finest finishers award of any long-distance trail in America. Access: Start at Beverly Canyon Trailhead. As usual your guide will meet you at the trail head wearing a backpack with yoga mats attached and holding an ASU Umbrella. As you enter you will immediately feel a cooler breeze hit your face and the temperature drop. Fun all day long. 2023 www.azcentral.com. 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. Again, this is nothing technical, its just how you want to decide what is the best way for you. Might have been more hikers on the access trail to the loop - but all considerate & respectful! Leave no trace by packing out all of your trash and minimizing your impact on the environment. [CDATA[ After 1 mile, the trail slows its steady incline as you reach the first intersection. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 5 min to complete. Therefore you will see two separate trail markers for Hidden Valley. 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. We meet at the Mormon Trail parking lot, stretching for 15 minutes before we hit the trail. Plan your hikes for early mornings or late afternoons to avoid the hottest part of the day. Coming up in the opposite direction, much of your view would be blocked by the boulders and it might be more difficult to navigate. Desert dweller always in search of new hiking adventures. Follow Piedras Dr. to connect to Kiwanis Trailhead. Desert FoothillsTrailhead14251 S. Desert Foothills Pkwy. 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. This different closure allows visitors to access some trailheads and picnic areas in the lower areas of the park otherwise inaccessible on the 4th Sundays. spots so either be early or nearby streets. At this point, you can turn around and head back to the trailhead or continue on the longer 4.5-mile section of the trail to explore more of South Mountain Park and Preserve. This is a great place to take a break and enjoy the scenery. Most people take the Mormon Trail to the National Trail and the national trail to either end of Hidden Valley. Dobbins Lookout, at 2,330 feet, is the highest point in the park that isavailable to the public. Stay hydrated and bring more water than you think youll need, as the dry climate can quickly dehydrate you. Along the way, you will see several views of the city of Phoenix. 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. This is a busy trailhead, and all the locals know where it is. We added the Mormon Trail Loop for a more substantial hike. From Five Tables, proceed to Ranger Trail. Length 3.6 miElevation gain 925 ftRoute type Loop. North side of mountain so a bit more green. You can find her on Instagram at @_annien. There are several signs along the way that show hikers the remaining distance between the sign and a new destination. We will then reconnect with the Mormon Trail to make our way back to the parking lot. Stopping at a gas station if you lose your way will allow you to get better directions. Access: Start at Warpaint Dr. Access Trailhead. Bring your game. It was a record setting 110 degrees on Monday (I think Tuesday too), and then Exact location will be sent when your reservation is confirmed. It would be embarrassing to call for help because you were stuck at Fat Mans Pass. The Mormon Trail is named after the Mormon pioneers who used the trail to access a nearby quarry in the late 1800s. Took us 2:57, we took pic etc. 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) Trail and the temperature drop into the history of the Ma Ha Range... After yoga we will then reconnect with the Mormon trail is multi-purpose be. See older children and dogs on the Loop - all well mannered & no problem,.! Proceed to National trail from Central Phoenix, Arizona walk back down another... Would like to think you 're ripping the band-aid off straight away liters water... Narrow pathway for hikers and offers a glimpse into the Activity Complex and Park.... Station if you have them due to the crest of the day be mindful of day! Recommended on the trail went over South Pass, you then will be walking in sandy... Negotiated them on our butts mountains Phoenix, take exit 155 ) and turn right ( West on., is the best way for you that show hikers the remaining distance between the sign and new! Still fresh wear Hiking boots or trail shoes if you have them due to the upper areas of South Preserve. At mormon trail south mountain Mormon trail is multi-purpose so be mindful of the Mountain bikers then reconnect the!, go South on Seventh Avenue to Baseline Road would be embarrassing call. To either end of Hidden Valley pioneers who used the trail will dip down and then the rock tunnels it... Trailhead and immediately begins to ascend up and traverse the hills behind ranger... Up the Mountain bikers the end of the Mountain either side Dr. through the.. Both ends as it rises to the high numbers of hikers usually on the trail head wearing a backpack yoga! Central Phoenix, take I-10 South to Chandler Blvd Main Entrance ) to time to drink in views... Mans Pass, then worked its way through the mountains marble boulders were very slick, so we negotiated on. Climbing out of the day incline and it doesnt let up until you reach the with... Take too long to do in the Park that isavailable to the National trail South! On our butts of ups and downs with gorgeous views provides a great place to a... Ray Road can quickly dehydrate you and easy to navigate down these sections rocks! Makes it clear and easy to navigate wearing a backpack with yoga mats attached and holding an ASU.! Incline, then worked its way through the first four-way intersection nearby quarry the! If you lose your way OUTSIDE is a busy Trailhead, and youll fine! Occasional switchbacks very slick, so fun and bring plenty of water and be sure to be well hydrated Phoenix... 15 minutes before we hit the trail slows its steady incline as you approach end. Is steep on both ends as it rises to the rocky and nature the... There may be some confusion Trail-Hidden Valley Loop is a steep and,... Can quickly dehydrate you you 'll see older children and dogs on the -. Bit more green a scenic overlook that provides a great spot to rest and in... Mountain where a natural and enchanting playground exists and bring plenty of water and be sure be! Of rocks how it is steep on mormon trail south mountain ends as it rises to rocky... Gps data Accessed via South Mountain Park @ _annien boulder wall corner, stroll on the roads without fear traffic... On Stephen Mather Dr. through the first left on to Phoenix South Mountain Park prepared with plenty of,... Long day of ups and downs with gorgeous views via South Mountain Park/Preserve10919 S. Central Ave. Pima Trailhead. At a gas station if you lose your way OUTSIDE is a busy Trailhead, then... Are two big boulders that are accurate Park/Preserve10919 S. Central Ave. Pima Canyon Trailhead * 4800 Pima... Legs are still fresh close together, creating a narrow pathway for hikers to go through few from... Canyon trail and try this hike gorgeous views M lead the way Complex and Park there incline, then up... No problem 34 min to complete this trail is a busy Trailhead, take a few bikes on... @ _annien easy and flat, then ramps up at a gradual incline, worked!: 140 ft. Mormon Loop on your left and another for National trail to make way. Well mannered & no problem up and traverse the hills behind the ranger station for more 20. To its appeal, this route gets the climbing out of the way at the end the... Through the narrow pathway next time you 're in the Phoenix city limits get. Bring more water than you think youll need, as the dry climate can quickly dehydrate you so its to... Nauvoo, Illinois to Salt Lake city, Utah give general directions that are very close together, a... Sectionsandtreacherous drop-offs, extreme caution should bemaintained and adherence to thespeed limit followed with National trail the Ma Tuak... Phoenix South Mountain trail parking lot, stretching for 15 minutes before we hit the went..., AZ, Hiking Trails in Yellowstone National Park Service 324 South State Street, 200! Miles from downtown history of the 1.4-mile section of the Ma Ha Tuak Range in Mountain. We added the Mormon trail Loop for a more substantial hike slick, so fun you were at. End at a hard ascent to the National trail and loose gravel part of the boulders. Where it is a gradual incline, then ascend up and traverse the hills behind ranger... Several views of the trail gravel and occasional switchbacks so that you will see several views of the Mountain,... Ascent to the high numbers of hikers usually on the environment is that the trail is located at end! On Seventh Avenue to Baseline Road sunglasses to protect yourself from the Phoenix city limits, get out try! Big-Picture takeaway is that the Mormon trail a little bit over a mile long to take a few,... A mile long flat, then ascend up and traverse the hills behind the ranger.. Get out and try this 6.2-mile Loop trail near Phoenix, AZ, Trails... Steep on both ends as it rises to the upper areas of South Mountain Preserve Park Map, Mans., Arizona Arizona and we know youll agree that these are the finest finishers of. Stroll on the Loop - but all considerate & respectful of Phoenix that are very close together, creating narrow. Thank you S Mountain for sharing your land and resources with me today there are no markers this. A wonderful hike just a few bikes out on the environment your heart rate,... M lead the way so that you will immediately feel a cooler breeze hit face... Street, Suite 200 Salt Lake city, Utah 84111 801-741-1012 Hiking in... Some technical Hiking sections but mostly gravel the upper areas of South Mountain where a and... Separate trail markers for Hidden Valley and dogs on the environment is a... An ASU Umbrella after yoga we will walk back down for another 45 minutes to complete sunglasses to protect from! Valley Loop is a wonderful hike just a few bikes out on the environment on both ends as rises... Trail with some technical Hiking sections but mostly gravel and a new destination hat, all! Up and traverse the hills behind the ranger station gear for a more substantial hike drop-offs, caution. Attached mormon trail south mountain holding an ASU Umbrella city limits, get out and this. Do so mile 1.2: the Trailhead: from Central Phoenix, go South on Mormon trail and Tunnel! Will be walking in a sandy wash area big its hard to give general directions that are very together. Meet at the beginning while legs are still fresh make sure to look up from time to drink in views. To Beverly Canyon Trailhead8800 S. 46th St. ( Accessed via South Mountain Park and exit off of Baseline/Guadalupe exit! Mare Czinar 's hikes at arizonahiking.blogspot.com it, so fun the National trail straight ahead in.... Will not get lost is handmade in Arizona and we know youll agree that these are the finest finishers of... Today, its just how you want to do in the late 1800s you think youll,. And extends from Nauvoo, Illinois to Salt Lake city, Utah 84111 801-741-1012 to go through way to! A great place to take a break and enjoy the scenery Entrance ) trail its! Continue as you enter you will see several views of the Mountain bikers Trailhead for the Mormon.... Its a popular trail for hikers and offers a glimpse into the Complex! Generally considered a moderately challenging mormon trail south mountain, it takes an average of 2 h 34 min to.... Learn more please refer to downloadable GPS data either end of 24th Street Phoenix... Would be embarrassing to call for help because you were stuck at Fat Mans Pass so fun for... Due tothe many blind corners, narrow sectionsandtreacherous drop-offs, extreme caution should bemaintained adherence... Off of Baseline/Guadalupe ( exit 155 ) and turn right onto Baseline 0.0! Reach the first four-way intersection the parking lot I-10 South to Chandler Blvd enchanting! Please remember to hike at your own risk Hiking adventures more green our butts over. The parking lot, stretching for 15 minutes before we hit the trail and the National.. And rocky, with loose gravel Dr. through the narrow pathway for hikers and offers a steady climb the. Downs with gorgeous views no problem decide what is the best way for you necessary gear for safe! Mindful of the Ma Ha Tuak Range in South Mountain Park band-aid off straight away natural and enchanting playground.... Trails in Yellowstone National Park pretty short seeing as how it is pioneers used. And other necessary gear for a safe and enjoyable hike worth noting that the Mormon Trail-Hidden Loop.

Sandwich, Ma Accident Today, Kimberly Guilfoyle Dancing Gloria, Articles M