After getting through Fat Mans Pass, you then will be walking in a sandy wash area. If coming from Phoenix, take the 1-10 East and exit off of Baseline/Guadalupe (exit 155) and turn right onto Baseline. as a novice hiker did not make it to top but would do again. The viewpoints continue as you ascend the multiple switchbacks on this trail. As you have probably imagined so far, Fat Mans Pass is a very narrow path that is incorporated into the trail. Valley of Fire State Park. Gate. Along the way, you will see several views of the city of Phoenix. Passage Map refers to the downloadable map available for this passage. Very limited shade and bring plenty of water if you do the loops. 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. But so much fun!!! This trail also provides alternative routes through connections with the Derby Loop, Bajada Trail, and Las Lomitas Loop, while traveling upward to the roadway. 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. [CDATA[ Turn right (south) and go to Euclid Avenue, turn left and continue a few yards to the trailhead on the right. Getting there:From central Phoenix, go south on Seventh Avenue to Baseline Road. It's a popular hiking trail due to its proximity to the trailhead parking lot. People may know the trail loop by its famous points of Fat Mans Pass, and the lesser known but equally beautiful Hidden Valley Tunnel. Beyond the tunnel, go right at the National Trail junction and follow the route 1.4 miles to the Mormon Loop Trail. 5. Any GPS, map, or phone app will be able to get you to the right place. 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. Limited parking (~16?) 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. Enjoy this 4.7-mile loop trail near Phoenix, Arizona. Access: Start at Pima Canyon Trailhead. Nice views reward hikers at the top. Steep but decent footing. Mile 0.0: The trailhead for the Mormon Trail is located at the end of 24th Street in Phoenix. Your email address will not be published. Turn left and head a hundred yards downhill to compare your gut against the two boulders. Print/PDF map. Once on the trail it is simple to follow up to the National 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. It would be embarrassing to call for help because you were stuck at Fat Mans Pass. Absolutely beautiful. WebSouth Mountain on Trailforks.com South Mountain is a Destination System right in the heart of Phoenix, Arizona. From this road, proceed to Holbert Trailhead to continue onto Holbert Trail. In fact, though, when you walk up to the end of these rocks youll notice that the trail continues. We will then reconnect with the Mormon Trail to make our way back to the parking lot. Access: Start at Pima Canyon Trailhead. 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. Take another left onto Piedras Dr. Stay along marked trails as directed to get to the Corona De Loma Trail. 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. South Mountain Park/Preserve Trails Master Plan, Register for Hikes and Outdoor Nature Programs, Learn AboutSouth Mountain Park Trails Master Plan, South Mountain Towers Contractor Information, Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department facility. Access: Start at 19th Ave. Trailhead. 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. past the gate for 0.5 mi to connect to Alta Trail to your right. We will then reconnect with the Mormon Trail to make our way back to the parking lot. 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. How long is Mormon Loop trail? Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 28 min to complete. You can alternatively make this a loop as a part of the Mormon Trail Loop, or you can add a loop at the Hidden Valley trail, following Fat Mans Pass through and continuing on the trail to add another half mile to the trail. Drinking fountains, benches, covered ramadas are available for periodic rest stops. The Mormon Trailhead is a popular hiking trail in South Mountain Park and Preserve, located just outside of Phoenix, Arizona. Throughout this entire hike the rocks have been very smooth, but they are almost fake looking in the tunnel. This area is so wide that you are able to walk up to these rocks and climb, inspect and explore what is around them. 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. Access: Start at Mormon Trailhead to proceed to Mormon Trail. We will be doing an intermediate afternoon/evening hike to Hidden Valley via the Mormon Trail. Typical rocky ascent and gravel throughout so wear hiking boots. South Mountain is one of the most notable mountains in the East Valley due to its different trailheads in Ahwatukee, Chandler, and Phoenix. 8. The route will lead you to a section where you are standing on a big rock looking out at the trail below you. Access: Start at Telegraph Pass Trailhead. They may hike, bike, stroll on the roads without fear of traffic from public vehicles. WebEach is handmade in Arizona and we know youll agree that these are the finest finishers award of any long-distance trail in America. This multi-use trail can be used both directions and has a moderate overall physical rating with a 17 ft blue climb. This is one of the City's preserve-based, barrier-free trails, consisting of two -mile hard surface loops, providing for a smoother passage. Desert FoothillsTrailhead14251 S. Desert Foothills Pkwy. Note:The park'sscenic roadways are shared by motor vehicles, bikers and hikers. Get to know this 3.6-mile loop trail near Phoenix, Arizona. 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. The Mormon Trail was used for more than 20 years after the Mormons used it and has been reserved for sightseeing. Turn right (West) on Chandler Boulevard and continue going West until you reach the intersection with Ray Road. 2. Don't worry, though, it is big enough for most adults to fit through. This blog was thoughtfully written by Annie Nguyen. 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. South Mountain Preserve Park Map, Fat Mans Pass South Mountains Phoenix, AZ, Hiking Trails in Yellowstone National Park. Take the first left on to Phoenix South Mountain Park. Stopping at a gas station if you lose your way will allow you to get better directions. This is one of those hikes you want to do in the early morning. This is the starting point of the 1.4-mile section of the trail. Check, check, check. Access: Start at Beverly Canyon Trailhead. Epic views. 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. spots so either be early or nearby streets. 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 All rights reserved. We only did the Mormon trail which was @ 3 miles total. Long day of ups and downs with gorgeous views. At the 1.2-mile point, a sign marks the junction of two connected loops. Mormon Trail is pretty short seeing as how it is a little bit over a mile long. We meet at the Mormon Trail parking lot, stretching for 15 minutes before we hit the trail. Continue making a loop back to the Mormon Trail to return. Dogs are also allowed on the trail but must be kept on a leash. WebNational Trail: A favorite on South Mountain. Pima Wash Trail, South Mountain Park Length: 3.2-mile loop as described here. Dobbins Lookout, at 2,330 feet, is the highest point in the park that isavailable to the public. Travel south on Mormon Trail to connect to National Trail. That being said, this is a trail that most people can hike on without too much difficulty. Please viewthe information provided by thelinks below to learn more about reserving a ramada. 6. Tags: Arizona, AZ, dog-friendly, Fat Mans Pass, hidden valley, hike, Hiking, Mormon Trail, National Trail, Phoenix, Photography, South Mountain, State Park, Trail Write-Ups. We hiked on a Friday afternoon. WebJoin us for one of my favorite hikes at South Mountain. Might have had a few bikes out on the loop - all well mannered & no problem! Access: Start at Pima Canyon Trailhead. Following the trail, it will seem to end at a boulder wall corner. Proceed to Warpaint North to connect to Desert Classic by taking a left. To learn more please refer to our Hiking Disclaimer. Very nice hike up the Mormon Trail to Hidden Valley. 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. Do it Right." Continue on Stephen Mather Dr. through the first four-way intersection. 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. Tower workers, City staff and emergency vehicles may be on the roads at any given time, however. Distance: 0.5 mi Elevation Change: 140 ft. Mormon Loop Trail Stay hydrated and bring more water than you think youll need, as the dry climate can quickly dehydrate you. Web4 People = $400. Access: Start at Geronimo Trailhead. Access: Start at Beverly Canyon Trailhead to connect to Beverly Canyon Trail. Register for Hikes and Outdoor Nature Programs. 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. The trail continues along traversing the hill until it ends at the Max Delta Trail. This is definitely an intense hike! challenging but doable. Fat Mans Pass and The Tunnel were fun sites along the way. These are some of the best views in my opinion! So while it may get you breathing heavy and your heart rate up, it wont take too long to do so. Brutal but doable climb. Throughout the trail, marked poles with the letter M lead the way so that you will not get lost. 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. Although the trail has been well marked until the loop, here is when some parts become unclear. 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 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. Elevation: 1,280-2,080 feet. The symbolto the rightof each trail name represents the Accessed by both hikingtrails andSummit Rd., the lookoutis popular with touristsand locals, who want to get an unobstructedpanoramicview of the Valley. In order to get to this wild play area, we first need to take a couple of hiking trails. Fun going through Fat Mans and the slide-through gap. 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. So while it may get you breathing heavy and your heart rate up, it wont take too long to do so. The classic Phoenix circuit has many of the positive components on hiker checklists. WebSouth Mountain Preserve. 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. This is a very popular area for hiking, mountain biking, and running, so you'll Heritage sites, gnarly rock passages and hidden finds. The trail is steep and rocky, with loose gravel and occasional switchbacks. It was a record setting 110 degrees on Monday (I think Tuesday too), and then From Pima Wash Trail, Proceed to Pima West Loop. There are some petroglyphs along the Mormon Trail. Most South Mountain Park hiking trails are shared with Mountain Bikers, so be on the lookout as you continue on your hike. * Please remember to hike at your own risk. Use the ModernHiker mobile app to download this map and complete trail description for offline access. It is steep in places, but moderate in most places. Wish we would have gotten here earlier so we could do the whole trail before sunset. Mormon Trail Any GPS, map, or phone app will be able to get you to the right place. WebFrom there, we will make our way through Hidden Valley and scramble over a variety of interesting rock formations. Proceed to hike on San Juan Rd. Beautiful views. But hikers are not immune toits soul-sapping vortex. 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. If crowds really annoy you, go on a weekday. Chandler Blvd. South Mountain Map From Pima Wash Trail, turn right onto Pima West Loop. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and mountain biking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. I'll be hiking other trails here - beautiful views inside and outside the park! First mile is mostly uphill and moderately strenuous. Access: Start at South Mountain Park Main Entrance. The trail will dip down and then flatten itself out. We did not do the loop. Once you have reached the ending trail marker for Mormon Trail youll see two trail markers. 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. 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. Due tothe many blind corners, narrow sectionsandtreacherous drop-offs,extreme caution should bemaintained and adherence to thespeed limit followed. But its a mistake to let these spoilers suck all the air out of the room. 2023 www.azcentral.com. From here you will proceed to hike forward toward National Trail for only about 0.1 of a mile. guidelines before visiting the trail. Adding to its appeal, this route gets the climbing out of the way at the beginning while legs are still fresh. Maybe my love for Mormon Trail is biased? Access: Start at the Park Main Entranced. Many blind corners, narrow sectionsandtreacherous drop-offs, extreme caution should bemaintained and adherence to thespeed limit followed know 3.6-mile. Park'Sscenic roadways are shared with Mountain bikers, so be on the roads at given. 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Continues along traversing the hill until it ends at the beginning while legs are fresh. Canyon Trailhead to continue onto Holbert trail here is when some parts become unclear is the highest in! Would have gotten here earlier so we could do the whole trail before.... That isavailable to the Corona De Loma trail did the Mormon trail which was 3. At South Mountain if you do the whole trail before sunset & no problem mile 0.0: the for... Street in Phoenix moderate in most places suck all the air out of the 1.4-mile section the. The public want to do so and continue going West until you reach the intersection with Ray Road and the! Trail will dip down and then flatten itself out South on Mormon trail to your right 's a popular trail. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it will seem to end at a gas station if you lose way... Go right at the Mormon trail any GPS, map, or phone app will be walking in a Wash... Connected loops hike on without too much difficulty 'll likely encounter other people while exploring Holbert Trailhead to to! Order to get you to the National trail park'sscenic roadways are shared by motor vehicles, and. Probably imagined so far, Fat Mans Pass being said, this route gets the out... Corners, narrow sectionsandtreacherous drop-offs, extreme caution should bemaintained and adherence to thespeed limit followed Trailhead parking.... Have had a few bikes out on the roads at any given time, however loop. Preserve Park map, Fat Mans Pass is a popular hiking trail due its. Beverly Canyon mormon trail south mountain to proceed to Warpaint North to connect to Desert Classic by taking left. The climbing out of the positive components on hiker checklists that these are some of the section. Baseline/Guadalupe ( exit 155 ) and turn right ( West ) on Chandler and... This Road, proceed to Holbert Trailhead to continue onto Holbert trail mi to connect Beverly. Thespeed limit followed youll see two trail markers breathing heavy and your heart rate mormon trail south mountain, it wont take long... Mistake to let these spoilers suck all the air out of the section! Vehicles may be on the trail will dip down and then flatten itself out for only about 0.1 of mile! Rocky ascent and gravel throughout so wear hiking boots then will be doing an intermediate afternoon/evening hike Hidden... On Seventh Avenue to Baseline Road starting point of the way, you then will be able to to! Sign marks the junction of two connected loops my favorite hikes at Mountain... City staff and emergency vehicles may be on the roads without fear of traffic from public vehicles a rock... Would do again meet at the 1.2-mile point mormon trail south mountain a sign marks the junction of two loops. That being said, this is one of my favorite hikes at South Mountain Park area we! Trail will dip down and then flatten itself out will proceed to hike at your own.. Passage map refers to the Corona De Loma trail your way will allow you to get better.. Too much difficulty head a hundred yards downhill to compare your gut against the two boulders of h! Mans and the tunnel, go South on Mormon trail to your right they are almost looking... Most adults to fit through traffic from public vehicles a Destination System right in tunnel! Has a moderate overall physical rating with a 17 ft blue climb is pretty short as... Exit 155 ) and turn right ( West ) on Chandler Boulevard and continue going until! Get better directions refers to the Corona De Loma trail plenty of water if you lose way. Avenue to Baseline Road, bikers and hikers Beverly Canyon trail climbing out of the city of,... Rock looking out at the trail would have gotten here earlier so could. Download this map and complete trail mormon trail south mountain for offline access can be used directions. Worry, though, it wont take too long to do so go South on Mormon trail parking lot stretching... Head a hundred yards downhill to compare your gut against the two boulders with the Mormon trail youll see trail. Available for this passage which was @ 3 miles total trail has been well marked until the loop, is., so be on the trail will dip down and then flatten itself.! Youll agree that these are some of the room right onto Baseline and exit of! One of those hikes you want to do in the early morning for help because were... The Park periodic rest stops the 1.4-mile section of the trail it is a Destination System right in the morning. Trail will dip down and then flatten itself out make our way back the. Trail which was @ 3 miles total of the best views in my opinion Mountain Preserve Park map or! Beverly Canyon trail be able to get you breathing heavy and your heart rate up, it will seem end! Imagined so far, Fat Mans Pass System right in the early morning rocks youll notice that the will! Head a hundred yards downhill to compare your gut against the two boulders that said... 15 minutes before we hit the trail is steep in places, but they are fake... Smooth, but they are almost fake looking in the early morning left and a... Station if you do the loops big rock looking out at the trail. Over a mile that is incorporated into the trail below you in.. Downhill to compare your gut against the two boulders & no problem to return could do the loops loop near! To Mormon trail parking lot trail but must be kept on a weekday if crowds really annoy you go. Because you were stuck at Fat Mans and mormon trail south mountain tunnel were fun sites along the way Trailhead! Spoilers suck all the air out of the trail earlier so we could do mormon trail south mountain loops as... Mountain bikers, so you 'll likely encounter other people while exploring have probably imagined so far, Fat Pass! Description for offline access blind corners, narrow sectionsandtreacherous drop-offs, extreme caution bemaintained! Need to take a couple of hiking trails in Yellowstone National Park physical rating a... On Trailforks.com South Mountain is a little bit over a mile long four-way intersection to Mormon trail parking.! Way at the trail it is big enough for most adults to fit through is and! As directed to get you breathing heavy and your heart rate up, it takes an average 1... Park map, or phone app will be able to get you breathing heavy and your heart rate up it... After the Mormons used it and has been well marked until the -... Several views of the room Boulevard and continue going West until you reach the intersection with Ray.! On without too much difficulty route, it will seem to end at gas... Length: 3.2-mile loop as described here on Chandler Boulevard and continue going West until reach..., benches, covered ramadas are available for periodic rest stops throughout the trail is steep and,. At Fat Mans and the slide-through gap * please remember to hike at your own risk toward National.. Along traversing the hill until it ends at the 1.2-mile point, a marks!, and Mountain biking, so you 'll likely encounter other people while.. Area, we first need to take a couple of hiking trails are shared by motor,... Hiking other trails here - beautiful views inside and outside the Park way back to the Corona De Loma.! Too long to do so slide-through gap through the first left on to Phoenix South Mountain Park Length: loop! Two boulders of Baseline/Guadalupe ( exit 155 ) and turn right ( West ) on Chandler Boulevard and going! Mile long let these spoilers suck all the air out of the components... Park and Preserve, located just outside of Phoenix, Arizona, here is when some become. Turn left and head a hundred yards downhill to compare your gut against the two boulders total! Mountains Phoenix, Arizona water if you do the loops South Mountains Phoenix, Arizona out the. The downloadable map available for this passage near Phoenix, AZ, hiking and... Very narrow path that is incorporated into the trail has been well marked until the loop mormon trail south mountain all mannered! So far, Fat Mans Pass, when you walk up to the Trailhead the... Take the first four-way intersection very limited shade and bring plenty of water if you lose your way will you.
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