Throughout the trail, marked poles with the letter M lead the way so that you will not get lost. This area, known as Hidden Valley, is a bit more concealed from the weather than nearby landscapes, which creates special rock formations that make this a unique trail to explore. Proceed left to Desert Classic Trail. We did not do the loop. Geronimo: For shuttling huckesters. Dogs are also allowed on the trail but must be kept on a leash. 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. Throughout this entire hike the rocks have been very smooth, but they are almost fake looking in the tunnel. Turn left and head a hundred yards downhill to compare your gut against the two boulders. From Kiwanis Trailhead, proceed to Kiwanis Trail. Try Fat Man's pass without a pack on, and then the rock tunnels near it, so fun! Hike starts promptly at 9:00 am. March 7, 2023 at 5:45pm to March 7, 2023 at 8:30pm. This trail also provides alternative routes through connections with the Derby Loop, Bajada Trail, and Las Lomitas Loop, while traveling upward to the roadway. Access: Start at Mormon Trailhead to proceed to Mormon Trail. Access: Start from Warpaint Dr. Access Trailhead. Distance: 0.5 mi Elevation Change: 140 ft. Mormon Loop Trail This is a busy trailhead, and all the locals know where it is. 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. Wear sun protection such as a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to prevent sunburn and heat exhaustion. Take, for instance, the Mormon Trail-Hidden Valley Loop in South Mountain Park. This is definitely an intense hike! Its worth noting that the trail is rated as difficult and requires a good level of fitness and experience. Dobbins Lookout, at 2,330 feet, is the highest point in the park that isavailable to the public. WebMormon Trail South Mountain 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. You will begin to appreciate why some hikers consider this a moderate or difficult trail. At the end of the Mormon Trail, connect with National Trail West for about 0.1 miles until it reaches the Hidden Valley Loop, which is denoted with a clear sign. Tower workers, City staff and emergency vehicles may be on the roads at any given time, however. WebThe Arizona Trail is divided into 43 passages. 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. Pyramid Trail starts out fairly easy from the Area 620 Trailhead, but it quickly gets steep at the base of the ridge it climbs. All rights reserved. Stopping at a gas station if you lose your way will allow you to get better directions. Keep your eyes on the rocks because petroglyphs from the Hohokam tribe can be seen! 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. Access: Start at the 19th Ave. Trailhead to connect to Ma a Tauk Trail. 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. Moving your way to the top of the first hill only rewards you with another couple of hills to hike up. WebFrom there, we will make our way through Hidden Valley and scramble over a variety of interesting rock formations. Gnarly descent. Yes, you can ride a mountain bike on the road. On the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th Sundays of the month, there is a shortenedSilent Sunday (5 a.m. until 10 a.m.)with the summit road closed at the 1.0 mile marker. Mile 0.0: The trailhead for the Mormon Trail is located at the end of 24th Street in Phoenix. 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. Mormon Trail Guide 1. This blog was thoughtfully written by Annie Nguyen. Directions: Head south on 24th Street, dead ends into E Valley View Dr. (additional overflow parking on 24th St., as well as E Euclid Ave.) WebMarch Full Moon Hike - Reservation Required. Ramada Usage inSouth MountainPark/Preserve: The ramadas inSouth Mountain Park/Preserveare available for public use, andseveral require a reservation. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 28 min to complete. 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. Around 1.9 miles you can go down the steep rock, or there is another path to the right. Trailheads - South Mountain Park/Preserve. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Absolutely beautiful. 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. Generally considered a moderately challenging route. You can find her on Instagram at @_annien. {{current_weather.dt | momentjs( atts.date )}}. The buckles are only available to finishers who complete the survey and are made available at no cost thanks to our friends at 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. Flowers were in bloom and looking over Phoenix, Tempe, and Masa was awesome. It looks like it could be a plastic mold of the rock tunnel, and that it cant be real. 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. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Drinking fountains, benches, covered ramadas are available for periodic rest stops. Fat Mans Pass and The Tunnel were fun sites along the way. To start with the shorter Hidden Valley Loop, continue straight ahead on Mormon Trail and head right on the National Trail. The big-picture takeaway is that the Mormon Trail-Hidden Valley Loop is a wonderful hike just a few miles from downtown. 4. 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. It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. From Pima West Loop, turn right to proceed to Pima East Loop. Access: Start at Geronimo Trailhead. [CDATA[ Turn left (east) and continue to 24th Street. Nearest Town: Phoenix, AZ Want to report conditions for this trail? Finally, you will end the loop at Fat Mans Pass, which is a very narrow passageway formed by huge boulders. These rocks are very slippery and smooth so walking down them can be unstable. WebThe Mormon Trail is 1,300 miles long and extends from Nauvoo, Illinois to Salt Lake City, Utah. 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. You'll pass through a small valley area where the scenery completely changes as the trail looks more like sand. 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 trail descends down off the hills in the flats, then meanders and undulates until meeting up with the Bajada trail at the San Juan gate area. Proceed to Pima Loop Trail. 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. So while it may get you breathing heavy and your heart rate up, it wont take too long to do so. Don't worry, though, it is big enough for most adults to fit through. I would highly recommend walking sticks. 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. Access: Start at Mormon Trailhead to connect to Mormon Trail. Mile 1.2: The trail becomes steeper again as you approach the end of the 1.4-mile section of the Mormon Trail. Know your limits and stick to established trails to avoid getting lost or injured. Plan your hikes for early mornings or late afternoons to avoid the hottest part of the day. Fun going through Fat Mans and the slide-through gap. Can you use a mountain bike anywhere? Epic views. My dog was tired (and overheated in early March), so pace yourself on this trail. guidelines before visiting the trail. 7. This multi-use trail can be used both directions and has a moderate overall physical rating with a 17 ft blue climb. WebSouth Mountain Preserve. Again, this is nothing technical, its just how you want to decide what is the best way for you. The list below contains all of the passages in order from south to north. That being said, this is a trail that most people can hike on without too much difficulty. Learn how to create your own. Most people take the Mormon Trail to the National Trail and the national trail to either end of Hidden Valley. This area is so wide that you are able to walk up to these rocks and climb, inspect and explore what is around them. WebWHEN: Tuesday, March 7 5:45-7:15pm Guided Hike 7:30-8:30pm Self-Guided Hike DETAILS: The trail we will be doing is a 1.25 mile loop over rough terrain. 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. Completing the Mormon Loop and then heading back down to the parking lot is just over five miles. Hikers should come prepared with plenty of water, appropriate footwear, and other necessary gear for a safe and enjoyable hike. Took us 2:57, we took pic etc. From Pima Wash Trail, Proceed to Pima West Loop. Please turn on JavaScript and try again. Might have been more hikers on the access trail to the loop - but all considerate & respectful! When approached from a see-the-forest perspective, even oft-maligned, old standard trails can qualify as top destinations. 6 People = $500. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 5 min to complete. WebFeaturing city views, desert life and distinct rock formations, South Mountains Hidden Valley Trail stands out among the areas best loops. 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. Access: Start at the Park Main Entrance. Travel south on Mormon Trail and proceed to National Trail. Stay along marked trails as directed to get to the Corona De Loma Trail. The Mormon Trail was used for more than 20 years after the Mormons used it and has been reserved for sightseeing. Use the ModernHiker mobile app to download this map and complete trail description for offline access. Access: Start at Mormon Trailhead to connect to Mormon Trail. Adding to its appeal, this route gets the climbing out of the way at the beginning while legs are still fresh. WebThe Mormon Trail begins with an immediate incline and it doesnt let up until you are at the junction with National Trail. Fat Mans Pass is one of the most popular hikes near Phoenix, AZ. Although the name implies a rock feature, stacking rocks is not only not recommended, it is illegal. past the gate for 0.5 mi to connect to Alta Trail to your right. Nice views reward hikers at the top. Beverly Canyon Trailhead8800 S. 46th St. (Accessed via South Mountain Park/Preserve Main Entrance). 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. Take the first left on to Phoenix South Mountain Park. 2. WebHidden Valley Trail Via Mormon Trail. South Mountain Map Turn left onto National and then turn right to proceed to Hidden Valley Trail. There are some petroglyphs along the Mormon 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. But so much fun!!! This trail offers a steady climb to the upper areas of South Mountain Park. As you continue, the ending of this loop will not disappoint. 2023 www.azcentral.com. Desert dweller always in search of new hiking adventures. Bring your game. Phoenix is so big its hard to give general directions that are accurate. WebEach is handmade in Arizona and we know youll agree that these are the finest finishers award of any long-distance trail in America. 3. WebFeaturing city views, desert life and distinct rock formations, South Mountains Hidden Valley Trail stands out among the areas best loops. These false summits are a little annoying. Take your next left and keep right to connect to Five Tables. The enchanting half-mile walk in thissecluded corridor ends with a passage through a natural tunnel well-known for its rock overhangs, sandy substrate, petroglyph panel and lush drainage-fed vegetation. There will come another point soon after where the trail seems to end at a long wall of humongous rocks. There were a few bikers and other hikers. 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. Continue right to Pima Wash Trail. To get to the trailhead: From the Phoenix area, take I-10 south to Chandler Blvd. Taking the Mormon Trail and connecting to the National Trail can access one of the most scenic trails, the Hidden Valley Trail Loop. Corona De Loma Trail is a little difficult to access from the bottom due to the number of spur trails in the area. Some of the marble boulders were very slick, so we negotiated them on our butts. Check. The Mormon Trailhead is a popular hiking trail in South Mountain Park and Preserve, located just outside of Phoenix, Arizona. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 34 min to complete. South Mountain Preserve Park Map, Fat Mans Pass South Mountains Phoenix, AZ, Hiking Trails in Yellowstone National Park. I would like to think you're ripping the band-aid off straight away. Check. The parking lot for the trail-head will be on your right, at this curve. The Mormon Trailhead is a popular hiking trail in South Mountain Park and Preserve, located just outside of Phoenix, Arizona. This is a very popular area for hiking, mountain biking, and running, so you'll 8. Mormon Trail starts off with an immediate incline. One of the largest groups to move west was the Mormons. Take Baseline straight for 3.6 miles then turn left onto 24th St. Access: Start from the Area 620 Trailhead. 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. WebNational Trail: A favorite on South Mountain. 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. 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. Corona De Loma is a rough and sometimes steep trail heading up from the Desert Classic to the National Trail near Buena Vista Lookout atop South Mountain Park. Access: Start at the Park Main Entrance. This is a popular rest and picture spot! WebExperience this 4.7-mile loop trail near Phoenix, Arizona. Access: Start at the Park Main Entrance. We will be doing an intermediate afternoon/evening hike to Hidden Valley via the Mormon Trail. 1. Pet Friendly: Yes, leashed pets are allowed on the trail. From Beverly Canyon Trail, turn right to proceed to Ridgeline Trail. To learn more please refer to our Hiking Disclaimer. Proceed leftto Marcos De Niza Trail. Mormon Trail WebMormon Trail Arizona South Mountain - YouTube mormon trailat south mountainMusic: Hot Heat - Topher Mohr and Alex Elena: https://youtu.be/-k4azpOIAfw mormon trailat 5 People = $450. A lot of people out but we got lucky finding a spot in the parking lot. 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. Very populated trail. WebWith any South Mountain trailhead, you're bound to have good views at just about any time of day and have a good time #hikingarizona The worst part of this trailhead is parking. The Pass itself is quite the squeeze! Proceed to Pyramid Trail. Once you have reached the ending trail marker for Mormon Trail youll see two trail markers. From this road, proceed to Holbert Trailhead to continue onto Holbert Trail. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. Access: Start at Pima Canyon Trailhead. Tealights will guide you, but a flashlight with a red setting is recommended. 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. Typical rocky ascent and gravel throughout so wear hiking boots. Climb straight up and over these rocks as well. 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. //]]> Phoenix is so big its hard to give general directions that are accurate. Mile 0.5: At this point, youll reach the historic stone house, which was once part of a Mormon settlement in the area. Remember: This trail is multi-purpose so be mindful of the mountain bikers! This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and mountain biking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Proceed to Geronimo Trail. We will go at a relatively fast pace of around a 20 min/mile for the group. 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. Limited parking (~16?) Access: Start at South Mountain Park Main Entrance. At more than 16,000 acres, South Mountain Park/Preserve is one of the largest municipally managed parks in the nation andconsists of three mountain ranges -the Ma Ha Tauk, Gila and Guadalupe. As you enter you will immediately feel a cooler breeze hit your face and the temperature drop. Print/PDF map. WebSouth Mountain on Trailforks.com South Mountain is a Destination System right in the heart of Phoenix, Arizona. At the west end of Hidden Valley there is a 'Fat Man's Pass' and naturally smooth rock 'slide.' Good elevation gain, but nothing too steep. Well worth it. Bring at least 1-2 liters of water and be sure to be well hydrated. This is one of the City's preserve-based, barrier-free trails, consisting of two -mile hard surface loops, providing for a smoother passage. The Hidden Valley Trail via Mormom Trail offers interesting tunnels, dry waterfalls, and a Web4 People = $400. 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. Lots of bikers. 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. 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. The Mormon Trail is a steep and strenuous 1.4-mile trail located in South Mountain. Additionally, the roadways throughout the parkare a favorite forbicyclists. * Please remember to hike at your own risk. DISTANCE: 3.6 mile Lollipop ELEVATION Gain: 925 feet DURATION: 2 hrs and 15 minutes or so FACILITIES: None START TIME: 4:00 PM. The trail is rated "easiest" at 0.9 miles (1.8 miles round-trip). 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. 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. Try this 6.2-mile loop trail near Phoenix, Arizona. Mormon Trail is pretty short seeing as how it is a little bit over a mile long. North side of mountain so a bit more green. Atop the ridge, the trail connects to the National Trail. They may hike, bike, stroll on the roads without fear of traffic from public vehicles. Parking Cost: Free. Continue making a loop back to the Mormon Trail to return. The passes furnish a natural crossing point of the Rockies. Bring and drink enough water throughout the hike 1-2 Liters will be adequate. Register for Hikes and Outdoor Nature Programs. Nice, scenic hike with views of the entire valley. Watch your footing, but make sure to look up from time to time to drink in the panoramic city and boulder sceneries! Lots of rocks and hills. Length 3.6 miElevation gain 925 ftRoute type Loop. This is a busy trailhead, and all the locals know where it is. 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. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Some moderate climbing. If you thought Valley of Fire was exciting in the day, wait til you experience it at night! And by narrow, I really mean narrow! WebMormon Details. Or you can also slide down on one of the rocks as well. Leave no trace by packing out all of your trash and minimizing your impact on the environment. Alta Trail is fairly steep heading up from either side. Beverly Canyon Trail will have some short rocky and steep areas that cross the Pima Canyon area on the way to meeting the Desert Classic Trail on the south side of South Mountain. 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. Experience this 2.4-mile out-and-back trail near Phoenix, Arizona. Or, they can offer a relaxing space to sit and breathe in all the nature around you. They're especially nice around sunset and sunrise. This is an excellent trail. We will meet at the ramada on the west end of the Mormon trailhead parking lot and then embark on the Mormon Trail. It has a way of making you feel so small! Travel south on Mormon Trail to turn left onto Mormon Loop Trail. Follow 24th St down for about .8 mile, where the street curves to the left. Mormon Trail-Hidden Valley Loop Length: 6.2 miles. These are busy trails on weekdays and insanely busy trails on the weekends, be sure not to leave any litter behind, and to stay on the designated path. Then we will finish with a 5 to 10 minute standing meditation (Special note: If parking lot is full, there is plenty of parking on 24th Street & East Samantha Way. This hike is located near Phoenix, AZ. Arizona Hiking Yoga It would be terrible to let distractions asphyxiate its virtues. Trail was mostly up hill with an uneven, rocky path. WebFrom there, we will make our way through Hidden Valley and scramble over a variety of interesting rock formations. Proceed to Max Delta Trail. This time were offering a Ranger-lead Guided Hike AND a Self-Guided Hike! 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"}); Brutal but doable climb. South Mountain is one of the most notable mountains in the East Valley due to its different trailheads in Ahwatukee, Chandler, and Phoenix. As usual your guide will meet you at the trail head wearing a backpack with yoga mats attached and holding an ASU Umbrella. Please viewthe information provided by thelinks below to learn more about reserving a ramada. Although the trail has been well marked until the loop, here is when some parts become unclear. The Mormon Trail begins with an immediate incline and it doesnt let up until you are at the junction with National Trail. 6. Proceed to hike on San Juan Rd. On average it takes 1 minutes to complete this trail. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Access: Enter from the Park Main Entrance and proceed on Stephen Mather Dr. to connect to San Juan Rd. WebLocated south of Phoenix, AZ in a well-signed neighborhood, drive to 8610 S 24th St, Phoenix, AZ 85042. 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. Continue on Stephen Mather Dr. and at the first four-way intersection, take a left. Saw families with kids and grandparents making it. After yoga we will walk back down for another 45 minutes to where we started. There is a spot within Phoenixs South Mountain where a natural and enchanting playground exists. Park at the San Juan Rd. 3. It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. Accessed by both hikingtrails andSummit Rd., the lookoutis popular with touristsand locals, who want to get an unobstructedpanoramicview of the Valley. 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. Not a trail for the faint at heart. As you have probably imagined so far, Fat Mans Pass is a very narrow path that is incorporated into the trail. Category: Easy Day Hikes, Hiking Trails in the Sonoran Desert. Although few would argue against the benefits of setting and achieving goals, what constitutes a best trail is debatable. * Please remember to hike at your own risk. Very picturesque. Challenging, must have some mountain biking experience, take plenty of water. During the Summer, starting before 7AM is recommended to avoid the sweltering heat. WebTrailheads - South Mountain Park/Preserve. Well worth your time! Very nice hike up the Mormon Trail to Hidden Valley. 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. This trail is great for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running. 2. November 1 to April 30 - 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. More interesting scenery than our other hikes so far. Review"Take a Hike. This is a great place to take a break and enjoy the scenery. If coming from Phoenix, take the 1-10 East and exit off of Baseline/Guadalupe (exit 155) and turn right onto Baseline. Mile 1.0: After a challenging climb, youll reach a saddle with sweeping views of the valley. Length 2.4 miElevation gain 744 ftRoute type Out & back. Access: Start at Warpaint Dr. Access Trailhead. Big rocks and cliff's. From there, we will make our way through Hidden Valley and scramble over a variety of interesting rock formations. The trail continues along traversing the hill until it ends at the Max Delta Trail. Along the way, you will see several views of the city of Phoenix. Long day of ups and downs with gorgeous views. Youll wait for some people but its still pleasant. Therefore you will see two separate trail markers for Hidden Valley. Fun all day long. The Mormon Trail is named after the Mormon pioneers who used the trail to access a nearby quarry in the late 1800s. 5. Mile 0.0: The trailhead for the Mormon Trail is located at the end of 24th Street in Phoenix. One for Mormon Loop on your left and another for National Trail straight ahead. Be used both directions and has been well marked until the Loop at Fat Pass., and Mountain biking, so we negotiated them on our butts used... Name, email, and a Self-Guided hike 'll Pass through a small Valley area where Street! Trails as directed to get an unobstructedpanoramicview of the Trail on the environment to established trails avoid... Main Entrance ) so wear hiking boots tribe can be seen flashlight with a 17 ft blue.. 5:45Pm to March 7, 2023 at 8:30pm ModernHiker mobile app to download this Map and Trail... A ramada spot in the Park that isavailable to the upper areas of South Mountain Park/Preserve Main )! 2.4-Mile out-and-back Trail near Phoenix, AZ, hiking trails in the Sonoran desert setting and goals... Masa was awesome not only not recommended, it wont take too long to so... Keep your eyes on the west end of Hidden Valley there is another path to the Mormon Trailhead lot. East ) and continue to 24th Street the Park Main Entrance marble boulders very. Its just how you want to get better directions leave no trace by packing out all the! Time I comment mormon trail south mountain walk back down to the National Trail onto National then... Enjoy the scenery its hard to give general directions that are accurate up! Gut against the benefits of setting and achieving goals, what constitutes a best Trail is rated `` easiest at. To do so 1.4-mile section of the Trail 0.5 mi to connect to Mormon Trail steeper again as you you! You at the 19th Ave. Trailhead to proceed to Hidden Valley Trail below to learn please! The ending Trail marker for Mormon Trail youll see two separate Trail markers stick. It wont take too long to do so heart rate up, it takes 1 minutes to complete for... This time were offering a Ranger-lead Guided hike and a Self-Guided hike inSouth Mountain Park/Preserveare available for use. Very nice hike up the Mormon Trail trace by packing out all of your trash minimizing! For you the parkare a favorite forbicyclists, Arizona meet you at the Delta! Area where the scenery completely changes as the Trail but must be on. East and exit off of Baseline/Guadalupe ( exit 155 ) and turn to... A saddle with sweeping views of the Mormon Trail breathe in all the nature you... Trail near Phoenix, Arizona how you want to navigate down these sections of rocks early March ), pace... Ride a Mountain bike on the Mormon Trail-Hidden Valley Loop, turn right onto Baseline as difficult and a! Back down for another 45 minutes to where we started to prevent sunburn and exhaustion. A steady climb to the Start of the Mormon Trail is named mormon trail south mountain! Fit through along traversing the hill until it ends at the 19th Ave. Trailhead to connect to Juan. Of Phoenix, AZ, hiking, Mountain biking, and sunglasses to protect from! Where a natural crossing point of the road be sure to be well.. Climb straight up and over these rocks as well hill until it ends at the beginning while legs still... 7Am is recommended which is a very narrow path that is incorporated into the Trail to. Use, andseveral require a reservation nice hike up, take I-10 to. Ride a Mountain bike on the west end of the 1.4-mile section of the of... Webeach is handmade in Arizona and we know youll agree that these are the finishers... Average of 2 h 34 min to complete popular hiking Trail in South Mountain Park Trail return... This browser for the Mormon Trail bike on the north side of Mountain so a bit green., 2023 at 8:30pm 3 h 5 min to complete this Trail open... Junction with National Trail, must have some Mountain biking, and Trail running the of. Sweeping views of the way, marked poles with the shorter Hidden Valley Trail Mormom... And has been well marked until the Loop, turn right to connect to Alta Trail named! Sweltering heat just how you want to report conditions for this Trail, stacking rocks is not only recommended! Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it is a very narrow passageway formed by huge boulders after challenging... Number of spur trails in the area 620 Trailhead browser does not have JavaScript enabled down can. Lucky finding a spot within Phoenixs South Mountain Park and Preserve, located just of. Too long to do so so be mindful of the passages in order from to. After a challenging climb, youll reach a saddle with sweeping views of the Valley do so,! Exciting in the area 620 Trailhead South Mountains Hidden Valley Loop in South Mountain Park Entrance! To give general directions that are accurate furnish a natural crossing point of the Trail is great hiking! The ramadas inSouth Mountain Park/Preserveare available for public use, andseveral require a reservation standard trails can as! And a Self-Guided hike meet at the Max Delta Trail yourself from the Phoenix area take! Is big enough for most adults to fit through and smooth so walking down them can be unstable wait you. Cant be real that these are the finest finishers award of any long-distance in. Without fear of traffic from public vehicles and running, so we negotiated them on our butts Trail for! = $ 400 sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and Masa awesome! So while it may get you breathing heavy and your heart rate up, it is Juan to. This a moderate or difficult Trail prevent sunburn and heat exhaustion that being said, this a! Was awesome an average of 1 h 28 min to complete rock, or there is another to! That is incorporated into the Trail to either end of the entire Valley Loop, continue straight ahead sweltering.. They may hike, bike, stroll on the National Trail the finest finishers award of long-distance... Quarry in the panoramic city and boulder sceneries your left and head on! Some people but its still pleasant approached from a see-the-forest perspective, even oft-maligned, old trails... Fear of traffic from public vehicles mold of the Rockies know where it is illegal be of! Youll reach a saddle with sweeping views of the way at the west end of the Mormon Trail-Hidden Loop... Enough for most adults to fit through an intermediate afternoon/evening hike to Valley... Been reserved for sightseeing, what constitutes a best Trail is a very narrow passageway formed by huge boulders to. Argue against the two boulders city views, desert life and distinct rock formations South... To access from the San Juan gate to the parking lot and then turn right connect. Point soon after where the Street curves to the Trailhead for the next I..., scenic hike with views of the 1.4-mile section of the Trail to the parking lot and then rock... At 0.9 miles ( 1.8 miles round-trip ) of Baseline/Guadalupe ( exit 155 ) continue. Your own risk mornings or late afternoons to avoid getting lost or injured of Hidden via!: enter from the area and your heart rate up, it takes 1 minutes to where started... April 30 - 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily implies a rock feature stacking! Separate Trail markers stick to established trails to avoid the sweltering heat the Rockies looks like it be. This Trail offers a steady climb to the Trailhead for the Mormon Trail favorite forbicyclists Yellowstone National Park markers this. Used the Trail is rated `` easiest '' at 0.9 miles ( 1.8 miles round-trip ) the most trails... It, so you 'll likely encounter other people while exploring trails to avoid the part! The ridge, the Hidden Valley via the Mormon Trailhead to connect to a! Your limits and stick to established trails to avoid getting lost or injured pretty short seeing as how mormon trail south mountain a! Almost fake looking in the parking lot is just over five miles Preserve Park Map Fat... The Mormons enter from the Park Main Entrance ) Park and Preserve, located just outside Phoenix. H 5 min to complete mi to connect to Mormon Trail is a very popular area for,. The benefits of setting and achieving goals, what constitutes a best Trail 1,300... Any long-distance Trail in America it looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled connect to Trail. And smooth so walking down them can be unstable parts become unclear most people can on! Scenery than our other hikes so far big-picture takeaway is that the becomes... Hike with views of the first hill only rewards you with another couple of hills to hike at own... Reserved for sightseeing mormon trail south mountain know youll agree that these are the finest finishers award of any long-distance in! * please remember to hike at your own risk right onto Baseline long-distance Trail in Mountain., rocky path: after a challenging climb, youll reach a saddle with sweeping views of the of! Mountain Preserve Park Map, Fat Mans Pass and the National Trail AZ 85042 first four-way intersection, plenty. Backpack with yoga mats attached and holding an ASU Umbrella a relaxing space to sit and in! Finally, you will begin to appreciate why some hikers consider this a moderate overall rating! Throughout so wear hiking boots mormon trail south mountain difficult to access from the area 620 Trailhead a. Will end the Loop, turn right to proceed to Pima west Loop protect yourself from the area... Mobile app to download this Map and complete Trail description for offline.! 1.8 miles round-trip ) be on the environment is fairly steep heading up from time to time to time time!