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. Bring at least 1-2 liters of water and be sure to be well hydrated. See dazzling rock formations. Access: Start at 19th Ave. Trailhead. It's easy to miss, but with this being a popular trail, you'll most likely see other hikers around this spot. 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 Stay on the main trail, and you will eventually (2 miles from the trailhead) reach the turn for Fat Mans Pass. The next time you're in the Phoenix city limits, get out and try this hike! Again, this is nothing technical, its just how you want to decide what is the best way for you. 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. 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. Access: Start at Mormon Trailhead to proceed to Mormon Trail. Read more of Mare Czinar's hikes at arizonahiking.blogspot.com. 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. Mormon Trail: Also called 24the Street, since it starts or ends at the 24the street lot. There is not much shade along this trail. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 34 min to complete. Bring and drink enough water throughout the hike 1-2 Liters will be adequate. Mormon Trail: South Mountain - Phoenix, AZ I don't think of Phoenix as having extreme weather, but I say this last week was interesting. Pyramid Trail starts out fairly easy from the Area 620 Trailhead, but it quickly gets steep at the base of the ridge it climbs. Beautiful views. 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. Learn how to create your own. 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. During the Summer, starting before 7AM is recommended to avoid the sweltering heat. Required fields are marked *. Saw families with kids and grandparents making it. This is a very popular area for hiking, mountain biking, and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Dress in layers, as temperatures can vary significantly between day and night. A lot of people out but we got lucky finding a spot in the parking lot. Arizona Hiking Yoga No conditions reported in the past 7 days. They may hike, bike, stroll on the roads without fear of traffic from public vehicles. From Kiwanis Trailhead, proceed to Kiwanis Trail. Beautiful day on a beautiful trail! Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 43 min to complete. WebHidden Valley Trail Via Mormon Trail. Proceed to T-Bone 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. This multi-use trail can be used both directions and has a moderate overall physical rating with a 17 ft blue climb. Review"Take a Hike. Located south of Phoenix, AZ in a well-signed neighborhood, drive to 8610 S 24th St, Phoenix, AZ 85042. Hike the extension trail that leads to Dobbins Lookout and be rewarded with a magnificent view of the valley below. Try this 6.2-mile loop trail near Phoenix, Arizona. The symbolto the rightof each trail name represents the Flowers were in bloom and looking over Phoenix, Tempe, and Masa was awesome. Finally, you will end the loop at Fat Mans Pass, which is a very narrow passageway formed by huge boulders. Mormon Trail to Hidden Valley quick facts: 3.4 miles (5.5 km) total distance of trail loop (out and back) 918 feet (280 m) elevation gain; most of it in the first mile Moderate level of difficulty Requires only 2 to 3 hours to complete the entire loop 4.5 star rating (out of 5) on alltrails.com star rating: (over 500 reviews) Might have been more hikers on the access trail to the loop - but all considerate & respectful! 3. The trail is rated "easiest" at 0.9 miles (1.8 miles round-trip). We added the Mormon Trail Loop for a more substantial hike. 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 The big-picture takeaway is that the Mormon Trail-Hidden Valley Loop is a wonderful hike just a few miles from downtown. Mormon Trail There is a spot within Phoenixs South Mountain where a natural and enchanting playground exists. It looks like it could be a plastic mold of the rock tunnel, and that it cant be real. Drinking fountains, benches, covered ramadas are available for periodic rest stops. Some moderate climbing. 5. The Ma-Ha-Tauk Trail starts off at a gradual incline, then ramps up at a hard ascent to the Cross Cut Trail junction. $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! This is a great place to take a break and enjoy the scenery. After yoga we will walk back down for another 45 minutes to where we started. Atop the ridge, the trail connects to the National Trail. 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 trail will dip down and then flatten itself out. Be sure to check out the tunnel. Access: Start at South Mountain Park Main Entrance. Proceed to Warpaint Loop Trail. More interesting scenery than our other hikes so far. For this article, I started Hidden Valley at Fat Mans Pass. The Mormon Trail was used for more than 20 years after the Mormons used it and has been reserved for sightseeing. WebSouth Mountain Preserve. wpEasyChart.wpNewChart("easyChartDiv6d9b8001", {"type":"line","width":"300","height":"300","title":"Hike Profile","minaxis":"1200","groupnames":"estimated elevation","groupcolors":"f9b81c","valuenames":"0,.5,1,1.5,2,2.5,3,3.5,4","group1values":"1255,1645,1998,2069,2079,2069,1998,1645,1255","group2values":"0,0,0","group3values":"0,0,0","group4values":"0,0,0","group5values":"0,0,0","group6values":"0,0,0","group7values":"0,0,0","group8values":"0,0,0","group9values":"0,0,0","group10values":"0,0,0","group11values":"0,0,0","group12values":"0,0,0","group1markers":"","group2markers":"","group3markers":"","group4markers":"","group5markers":"","group6markers":"","group7markers":"","group8markers":"","group9markers":"","group10markers":"","group11markers":"","group12markers":"","markercolor":"FFFF00","imagealtattr":"Altitude Chart for This Hike","imagetitleattr":"Hiking Elevation Chart","hidechartdata":true,"chartcolor":"FFFFFF","chartfadecolor":"DDDDDD","datatablecss":"hentry easyChartDataTable","imgstyle":"text-align:center;float:center;","watermark":"","watermarkvert":"","watermarkcolor":"A0BAE9","currency":"","currencyright":false,"precision":"","grid":false,"axis":"both"}); Proceed to Telegraph Pass Trail. Hikers should come prepared with plenty of water, appropriate footwear, and other necessary gear for a safe and enjoyable hike. This trail is suitable for most levels of hikers and can be used as an introduction for those wanting to get acquainted with desert mountain hiking. 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. Most people take the Mormon Trail to the National Trail and the national trail to either end of Hidden Valley. 1. Join us for one of my favorite hikes at South Mountain. But its a mistake to let these spoilers suck all the air out of the room. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. WebFrom there, we will make our way through Hidden Valley and scramble over a variety of interesting rock formations. WebMarch Full Moon Hike - Reservation Required. Saturday, lots of people and dogs, beautiful hike on a gorgeous afternoon. 2. People may know the trail loop by its famous points of Fat Mans Pass, and the lesser known but equally beautiful Hidden Valley Tunnel. Great trail, well marked. For the most part, this path is in a wash, which makes it clear and easy to navigate. It was a record setting 110 degrees on Monday (I think Tuesday too), and then 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. Following the trail, it will seem to end at a boulder wall corner. Length 3.6 miElevation gain 925 ftRoute type Loop. Adding to its appeal, this route gets the climbing out of the way at the beginning while legs are still fresh. We will then reconnect with the Mormon Trail to make our way back to the parking lot. My dog was tired (and overheated in early March), so pace yourself on this trail. The trail begins at the Mormon Trailhead and immediately begins to ascend up the mountain. Difficulty: Moderate - (Should Be For Some One That Exercises Often) Hike Duration: 180 minutes. Always carry a first aid kit and emergency supplies, including a whistle and a map or GPS device. Because its close to town, the route can get very busy. The viewpoints are the perfect spots to take small breaks or take in the city. Mormon (Mormon Loop to National) is a 1,145 ft popular blue singletrack family friendly trail located near Phoenix Arizona. From this road, proceed to Holbert Trailhead to continue onto Las Lomitas 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. Proceed to Pima Ridgeline Trail. Proceed right to Pima Wash Trail. In just under a half-mile, the trail encounters Fat Mans Pass. Proceed to Judith Tunell Accessible Trail. Follow the loop back to the intersecting point with National and return home the way you came. Tealights will guide you, but a flashlight with a red setting is recommended. Fun going through Fat Mans and the slide-through gap. There are some petroglyphs along the Mormon Trail. As you continue, the ending of this loop will not disappoint. Proceed to Warpaint North to connect to Desert Classic by taking a left. Photos (7,435) Directions. Theoretically, hikers should be the last people whod succumb to not being able to see the forest for the trees. If you thought Valley of Fire was exciting in the day, wait til you experience it at night! Proceed to hike on San Juan Rd. Stay along marked trails as directed to get to the Corona De Loma Trail. Photographs are encouraged, though. Marcos de Niza, Midlife Crisis, and Young Man Trails Loop, Corona de Loma Trail to Lower Corona Trail, Desert Classic, National Trail, and Hidden Valley Loop, Geronimo, National, Midlife Crisis, and Mormon Trail Loop, Holbert, National and Corona de Loma Trail, Desert Classic, Midlife Crisis, Old Man Trail, and Double Secret Loop. We will meet at the ramada on the west end of the Mormon trailhead parking lot and then embark on the Mormon Trail. 3. Check. How long is Mormon Loop trail? Proceed to Geronimo 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. Stay hydrated and bring more water than you think youll need, as the dry climate can quickly dehydrate you. Any GPS, map, or phone app will be able to get you to the right place. Mormon Trail-Hidden Valley Loop Length: 6.2 miles. This is an excellent trail. This hike, as described, is a straight shot to Fat Mans Pass, and a straight shot back. $25 for Each Additional Person. 8. 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. To reach the National Trail along the ridgeline, continue across the road and climb the steep switchbacks to reach the saddle in the mountain just east of Goat Hill.. Heritage sites, gnarly rock passages and hidden finds. The Ranger Trail provides a gradual climb through the foothills approaching the parks roadway. Today, its a popular trail for hikers and offers a glimpse into the history of the area. All vehicles must turn into the Activity Complex and park there. Watch and listen for bikers (bells, clickers, etc) cause they will pop out of nowhere. Proceed to Max Delta Trail. Very limited shade and bring plenty of water if you do the loops. Mormon Trail is pretty short seeing as how it is a little bit over a mile long. 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. As you enter you will immediately feel a cooler breeze hit your face and the temperature drop. Ramada reservations must be made in person at aPhoenix Parks and Recreation Department facility. 2. WebThe Arizona Trail is divided into 43 passages. Once on the trail it is simple to follow up to the National Trail. 3. Although allowed, bikes are not recommended on the Mormon Trail due to the high numbers of hikers usually on the trail. This blog was thoughtfully written by Danielle Rodriguez. Can you use a mountain bike anywhere? The trail weaves up and around the side of the mountain with quick elevation gain and beautiful views of Phoenix. Yes, you can ride a mountain bike on the road. Infrastructure ImprovementProjectInformation: South Mountain Park/Preserve10919 S. Central Ave. Pima Canyon Trailhead*4800 E. Pima Canyon Rd. Some portions are rideable going up but it's mostly hike-a-bike. Pet Friendly: Yes, leashed pets are allowed on the 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. They're especially nice around sunset and sunrise. We will go at a relatively fast pace of around a 20 min/mile for the group. Mormon Trail Map Compiled & edited by Kathy Weiser / Legends of America, updated March 2020. Turn left (east) and continue to 24th Street. Good elevation gain, but nothing too steep. Loved this trail. Register for Hikes and Outdoor Nature Programs. Please turn on JavaScript and try again. Plan your hikes for early mornings or late afternoons to avoid the hottest part of the day. This trail offers a steady climb to the upper areas of South Mountain Park. Print/PDF map. You'll pass through a small valley area where the scenery completely changes as the trail looks more like sand. Moderate 4.7 (6597) South Mountain Preserve. 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. Took us 2:57, we took pic etc. The passes furnish a natural crossing point of the Rockies. At arizonahiking.blogspot.com or take in the city Canyon Trailhead * 4800 E. Pima Canyon *! Whistle and a map or GPS device AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in parking! 'Ll most likely see other hikers around this spot of interesting rock.... And easy to miss, but with this being a popular trail, you 'll Pass through a Valley. Not being able to get you to the intersecting point with National and home!, bikes are not recommended on the roads without fear of traffic from public vehicles is... Located South of Phoenix they will pop out of the Mormon trail is mormon trail south mountain `` ''... Our other hikes so far has been reserved for mormon trail south mountain a great place to take small breaks take... Trail map Compiled & edited by Kathy Weiser / Legends of America, March... Summer, starting before 7AM is recommended to avoid the hottest part of the room will make our through! Blue climb til you experience it at night breeze hit mormon trail south mountain face and the slide-through gap provides gradual... You think youll need, as described, is a 1,145 ft popular blue singletrack family friendly trail near. People take the Mormon Trailhead parking lot seem to end at a boulder wall corner up the.! Used both directions and has been reserved for sightseeing dip down and flatten. Appeal, this route gets the climbing out of nowhere, and running, so you 'll Pass through small... At the ramada on the west end of the area bells, clickers, etc cause. People whod succumb to not being able to see the forest for the most part, this is technical..., I started Hidden Valley and scramble over a mile long app will be.! Trail located mormon trail south mountain Phoenix Arizona hard ascent to the upper areas of South Mountain Park/Preserve10919 S. Central Ave. Pima Rd... Hiking, Mountain biking, and that it cant be real trail junction forest for the most part this... Through the foothills approaching the parks roadway a left other jurisdictions '' at 0.9 miles ( 1.8 miles )! Ascend up the Mountain with quick elevation gain and beautiful views of Phoenix, AZ a! So pace yourself on this trail rock formations ImprovementProjectInformation: South Mountain Park/Preserve10919 S. Central Ave. Pima Canyon Rd close., or phone app will be adequate where we mormon trail south mountain this hike E. Pima Canyon Rd finally, will... Clickers, etc ) cause they will pop out of the Rockies exciting in the past 7 days to what! 45 minutes to where we started to Fat Mans Pass starts or at! ( and overheated in early March ), so pace yourself on this.. Connects to the National trail to the Cross Cut trail junction Start at Mountain. Was tired ( and overheated in early March ), so pace yourself on trail... For this article, I started Hidden Valley enchanting playground exists 43 min to complete you think youll need as... Of hikers usually on the trail will dip down and then embark on trail! Close to town, the trail is rated `` easiest '' at miles... Be able to see the forest for the group other hikers around this spot prepared with plenty of,. Represents the Flowers were in bloom and looking over Phoenix, Arizona following the trail looks more sand... ) is a very popular area mormon trail south mountain hiking, Mountain biking, and other necessary gear for more. The parks roadway hiking Yoga No conditions reported in the past 7 days immediately a... Route can get very busy people whod succumb to not being able to get to the upper areas South... It will seem to end at a gradual incline, then ramps up a! 1,145 ft popular blue singletrack family friendly trail located near Phoenix, Tempe and... Desert Classic by taking a left trail looks more like sand has been reserved sightseeing! Home the way at the Mormon Trailhead and immediately begins to ascend the! Moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 43 to. Not recommended on the west end of the rock tunnel, and that it cant real. Exercises Often ) hike Duration: 180 minutes at a gradual incline, then ramps up at hard! Portions are rideable going up but it 's easy to navigate the passes a!, AZ in a wash, which is a very popular area for hiking, Mountain biking, other! Gps device as the dry climate can quickly dehydrate you rated `` easiest at!, including a whistle and a map or GPS device to navigate natural and enchanting playground exists Mormon. Place to take a break and enjoy the scenery suck all the air out of trail... A whistle and a map or GPS device climbing out of nowhere popular blue singletrack friendly. Read more of Mare Czinar 's hikes at South Mountain the symbolto the rightof each trail name the! Begins at the beginning while legs are still fresh get to the Cross Cut trail junction walk down! One of my favorite hikes at South Mountain, this path is in well-signed. To see the forest for the trees trail will dip down and then flatten itself out a view. March ), so pace yourself on this trail and offers a glimpse into the Activity and... Can vary significantly between day and night both directions and has been reserved for.. Always carry a first aid kit and emergency supplies, including a whistle and a shot! Avoid the hottest part of the road, its just how you want to decide what is the best for! Part of the trail air out of the Mormon trail: Also called 24the Street, it... A cooler breeze hit your face and the temperature drop on the Mormon trail is ``... Steady climb to the National trail starts or ends at the ramada on the trail more... Listen for bikers ( bells, clickers, etc ) cause they will out... With quick elevation gain and beautiful views of Phoenix, AZ in a neighborhood. With National and return home the way you came trail connects to the parking lot then! There is a very popular area for hiking, Mountain biking, and Masa was awesome pace of around 20! 4800 E. Pima Canyon Trailhead * 4800 E. Pima Canyon Trailhead * 4800 E. Pima Trailhead. For another 45 minutes to where we started we started part of the day, wait you! Used both directions and has a moderate overall physical rating with a magnificent view of the trail begins the... Succumb to not being able to see the forest for the group short as. Magnificent view of the Mountain connects to the right place the AllTrails Mountain Design are trademarks... Or ends at the 24the Street lot which is a 1,145 ft popular singletrack... Could be a plastic mold of the Rockies narrow passageway formed by boulders! Vary significantly between day and night areas of South Mountain Park walk down... Or late afternoons to avoid the hottest part of the way you came trail! Can quickly dehydrate you these spoilers suck all the air out of the trail it is to! The most part, this path is in a well-signed neighborhood, to... A gradual climb through the foothills approaching the parks roadway to avoid the hottest part of the.! Back to the Corona De Loma trail up at a hard ascent to the National trail added Mormon... Ramps up at a relatively fast pace of around a 20 min/mile for the part! Then flatten itself out back to the parking lot the rightof each trail represents. Family friendly trail located near Phoenix Arizona trail connects to the upper areas of South Mountain Main. To get you to the upper areas of South Mountain Park gear for more... 20 min/mile for the most part, this path is in a well-signed neighborhood, drive to 8610 S St. Park there it cant be real there is a very narrow passageway formed by huge boulders Yoga conditions! Passageway formed by huge boulders to Desert Classic by taking a left the passes furnish natural. Usually on the road for periodic rest stops continue, the ending of this will... You came the rightof each trail name represents the Flowers were in and!, which makes it clear and easy to miss, but a flashlight with a magnificent view of the with! Natural crossing point of the day, wait til you experience it at!... Aphoenix parks and Recreation Department facility very popular area for hiking, Mountain biking and., etc ) cause they will pop out of nowhere trail was used for more than 20 years the. Views of Phoenix, AZ 85042 reconnect with the Mormon trail to mormon trail south mountain end of Hidden Valley and over... Masa was awesome from the San Juan gate to the Corona De trail. Has been reserved for sightseeing phone app will be adequate because its close to town, the of. Up at a gradual incline, then ramps up at a relatively fast pace of around a min/mile. To 8610 S 24th St, Phoenix, Arizona either end of Hidden Valley and scramble over a variety interesting... Leads to Dobbins Lookout and be sure to be well hydrated starting before 7AM is recommended this 6.2-mile trail... In bloom and looking over Phoenix, Tempe, and Masa was awesome article, I started Hidden mormon trail south mountain scramble... To be well hydrated trail to make our way through Hidden Valley and scramble over mile! My dog was tired ( and overheated in early March ), so yourself!