Access: Start from Warpaint Dr. Access Trailhead. The trail continues along traversing the hill until it ends at the Max Delta Trail. Access: Start at Beverly Canyon Trailhead. Any GPS, map, or phone app will be able to get you to the right place. Brutal but doable climb. 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. That being said, this is a trail that most people can hike on without too much difficulty. Geronimo: For shuttling huckesters. Turn left (east) and continue to 24th Street. It looks like it could be a plastic mold of the rock tunnel, and that it cant be real. To learn more please refer to our Hiking Disclaimer. Read more of Mare Czinar's hikes at arizonahiking.blogspot.com. Proceed to Javelina Canyon Trail. Heritage sites, gnarly rock passages and hidden finds. 2001 - 2023. But, in case you are not able to fit, no worries! Parking Cost: Free. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 34 min to complete. Mormon Trail is pretty short seeing as how it is a little bit over a mile long. Note:The park'sscenic roadways are shared by motor vehicles, bikers and hikers. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. 3. Sign in. Chandler Blvd. Access: Start at the 19th Ave. Trailhead to connect to Ma a Tauk Trail. 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. Wish we would have gotten here earlier so we could do the whole trail before sunset. Mormon Trail to Fat Man's Pass is easily one of my favorite hikes. Access: Start at Beverly Canyon Trailhead. $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! 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. Continue right onto Pima Wash Trail. I would suggest starting Hidden Valley at the Fat Mans Pass end. To learn more please refer to our Hiking Disclaimer. The Mormon Trail is a steep and strenuous 1.4-mile trail located in South Mountain. Mormon Trail is a fairly busy trail much of the time. Access: Start at Pima Canyon Trailhead. 1. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 34 min to complete. You will be surrounded by rocks that are laying on top of each other in exceptional ways, creating different formations against the blue sky above. Print/PDF map. It is steep in places, but moderate in most places. Some of the marble boulders were very slick, so we negotiated them on our butts. Mormon Trail Map Compiled & edited by Kathy Weiser / Legends of America, updated March 2020. Access: Start at the Park Main Entrance. WebFeaturing city views, desert life and distinct rock formations, South Mountains Hidden Valley Trail stands out among the areas best loops. This blog was thoughtfully written by Annie Nguyen. Throughout the trail, marked poles with the letter M lead the way so that you will not get lost. Access: Start at Geronimo Trailhead. Yes, you can ride a mountain bike on the road. We will be doing an intermediate afternoon/evening hike to Hidden Valley via the Mormon Trail. This makes a good loop starting from the Pima Canyon Trailhead. Then we practice one hour of Yoga. Following the trail, it will seem to end at a boulder wall corner. 3. Watch and listen for bikers (bells, clickers, etc) cause they will pop out of nowhere. 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. Infrastructure ImprovementProjectInformation: South Mountain Park/Preserve10919 S. Central Ave. Pima Canyon Trailhead*4800 E. Pima Canyon Rd. Limited parking (~16?) Fun going through Fat Mans and the slide-through gap. The Mormon Trail is named after the Mormon pioneers who used the trail to access a nearby quarry in the late 1800s. 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. The park boasts more than 50 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. Bring at least 1-2 liters of water and be sure to be well hydrated. 6. Very populated trail. Access: Start at Telegraph Pass Trailhead. The ubiquitous expression describes a common affliction of missing the big picturein a haze of minutia. Your email address will not be published. Yes, leashed pets are allowed on the trail. Beautiful, overcast, mid-50s. Mormon (Mormon Loop to National) is a 1,145 ft popular blue singletrack family friendly trail located near Phoenix Arizona. 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. Trail was mostly up hill with an uneven, rocky path. 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 most direct path is to take Mormon Trail to National and then to Hidden Valley. Drinking fountains, benches, covered ramadas are available for periodic rest stops. 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. Sliding down Fat Mans Pass or you can walk through the narrow pathway. Gate. Additionally, the roadways throughout the parkare a favorite forbicyclists. 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. Ramada Usage inSouth MountainPark/Preserve: The ramadas inSouth Mountain Park/Preserveare available for public use, andseveral require a reservation. This is a very popular area for hiking, mountain biking, and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. This is a popular rest and picture spot! The trail went over South Pass, then worked its way through the mountains. Remember: This trail is multi-purpose so be mindful of the mountain bikers! Continue making a loop back to the Mormon Trail to return. 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. Beverly Canyon Trailhead8800 S. 46th St. (Accessed via South Mountain Park/Preserve Main Entrance). These rocks are very slippery and smooth so walking down them can be unstable. Pima Wash Trail, South Mountain Park Length: 3.2-mile loop as described here. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. * Please remember to hike at your own risk. The uphill portion on the Mormon Trail crawls 700 feet up Neighborhood Canyon, dodging massive boulders, slickrock corridors and desert flora adapted to South Mountains craggy environs. This is a busy trailhead, and all the locals know where it is. The National Trail on South Mountain is easily one of the most iconic mountain bike trails in Phoneix, Arizona, if not the whole state. Today, its a popular trail for hikers and offers a glimpse into the history of the area. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. These are some of the best views in my opinion! 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. With its moderate difficulty level and easy accessibility, the Mormon Trailhead is a great option for hikers looking to experience the beauty of South Mountain. 8. 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. Alta Trail is fairly steep heading up from either side. Climb straight up and over these rocks as well. South Mountain is one of the most notable mountains in the East Valley due to its different trailheads in Ahwatukee, Chandler, and Phoenix. The Ma-Ha-Tauk Trail starts off at a gradual incline, then ramps up at a hard ascent to the Cross Cut Trail junction. 6 People = $500. Take another left from Desert Classic to connect to Lower Corona. Throughout this entire hike the rocks have been very smooth, but they are almost fake looking in the tunnel. Access: Start at the Park Main Entranced. The Mormon Trailhead is a popular hiking trail in South Mountain Park and Preserve, located just outside of Phoenix, Arizona. 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. Access: Start at Mormon Trailhead to connect to Mormon Trail. Especially for the hike back down. Open full screen to view more. Take the first left on to Phoenix South Mountain Park. November 1 to April 30 - 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. The parkboastsmore than50 miles oftrails forhiking, horseback ridingand mountain biking. WebThe Mormon Trail begins with an immediate incline and it doesnt let up until you are at the junction with National 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. Try this 6.2-mile loop trail near Phoenix, Arizona. Access: Enter from the Park Main Entrance and proceed on Stephen Mather Dr. to connect to San Juan Rd. $25 for Each Additional Person. Length 3.6 miElevation gain 925 ftRoute type Loop. Bring and drink enough water throughout the hike 1-2 Liters will be adequate. But so much fun!!! challenging but doable. 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. Access: Start at the Park Main Entrance. Tealights will guide you, but a flashlight with a red setting is recommended. Mile 1.2: The trail becomes steeper again as you approach the end of the 1.4-mile section of the Mormon Trail. Fat Mans Pass is one of the most popular hikes near Phoenix, AZ. Wear sun protection such as a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to prevent sunburn and heat exhaustion. I would highly recommend walking sticks. 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. WebSouth Mountain Park is beautiful and this is a popular trailhead. Check. You'll pass through a small valley area where the scenery completely changes as the trail looks more like sand. Travel south on Mormon Trail and proceed to National Trail. Good elevation gain, but nothing too steep. 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. 4. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Access: Start at Pima Canyon Trailhead. 5. As you enter you will immediately feel a cooler breeze hit your face and the temperature drop. You will begin to appreciate why some hikers consider this a moderate or difficult trail. We will meet at the ramada on the west end of the Mormon trailhead parking lot and then embark on the Mormon Trail. First mile is mostly uphill and moderately strenuous. Although allowed, bikes are not recommended on the Mormon Trail due to the high numbers of hikers usually on the trail. Proceed to Judith Tunell Accessible Trail. At the west end of Hidden Valley there is a 'Fat Man's Pass' and naturally smooth rock 'slide.' Mormon Trail starts off with an immediate incline. 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. This trail is great for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running. This map was created by a user. Very picturesque. Phoenix is so big its hard to give general directions that are accurate. Excellent conditions, almost 9km from the car. There are some significant drops and features along the way that may require scouting a line especially the waterfall. From Pima West Loop, turn right to proceed to Pima East Loop. 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. Stay along marked trails as directed to get to the Corona De Loma Trail. 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. A moderate trail with some technical hiking sections but mostly gravel. difficulty rating. The trail weaves up and around the side of the mountain with quick elevation gain and beautiful views of Phoenix. We hiked on a Friday afternoon. Some folks use the larger rock on the right side of the pass as a rock slide, which you can do too! Access: Start at Pima Canyon Trailhead. 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. 5. guidelines before visiting the trail. Although few would argue against the benefits of setting and achieving goals, what constitutes a best trail is debatable. Access: Start at Beverly Canyon Trailhead to connect to Beverly Canyon Trail. The Hidden Valley Trail via Mormom Trail offers interesting tunnels, dry waterfalls, and a The Passage Profile refers to the downloadable trail elevation profile available for this passage. This trail is a beast. Therefore you will see two separate trail markers for Hidden Valley. 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. 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. 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. 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. Check, check, check. It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. If youre willing to hike another half-mile, you can see the natural tunnel on Hidden Valley Trail. Photographs are encouraged, though. Loved climbing the rocks. Stay on the main trail, and you will eventually (2 miles from the trailhead) reach the turn for Fat Mans Pass. Phoenix is so big its hard to give general directions that are accurate. The Pass itself is quite the squeeze! Maybe my love for Mormon Trail is biased? 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"}); This scenic trail offers hikers stunning views of the desert landscape and a glimpse into the areas history with its historic stone houses and other landmarks. During the Summer, starting before 7AM is recommended to avoid the sweltering heat. Taking the Mormon Trail and connecting to the National Trail can access one of the most scenic trails, the Hidden Valley Trail Loop. From here you will proceed to hike forward toward National Trail for only about 0.1 of a mile. The Track and Waypoints refer to downloadable GPS data. Length 2.4 miElevation gain 744 ftRoute type Out & back. Great trail, well marked. On average it takes 1 minutes to complete this trail. The passes furnish a natural crossing point of the Rockies. This time were offering a Ranger-lead Guided Hike AND a Self-Guided Hike! Fat Mans Pass and The Tunnel were fun sites along the way. Access: Start at Pima Canyon Trailhead. 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. You can find her on Instagram at @Dani_The_Explorer. 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. 5 People = $450. There are some petroglyphs along the Mormon Trail. 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. Mile 0.5: At this point, youll reach the historic stone house, which was once part of a Mormon settlement in the area. In fact, though, when you walk up to the end of these rocks youll notice that the trail continues. I'll be hiking other trails here - beautiful views inside and outside the park! Proceed to hike on San Juan Rd. Any GPS, map, or phone app will be able to get you to the right place. Continue on Stephen Mather Dr. and at the first four-way intersection, take a left. It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. Javelina Trail: Nothing spectacular, steady climb and, a nice connector to Mormon from the 46th Street lot. 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. Well worth it. Park at the San Juan Rd. 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. Category: Easy Day Hikes, Hiking Trails in the Sonoran Desert. WebFrom there, we will make our way through Hidden Valley and scramble over a variety of interesting rock formations. 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 trail offers a steady climb to the upper areas of South Mountain Park. Saw families with kids and grandparents making it. Around 1.9 miles you can go down the steep rock, or there is another path to the right. 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. Once through the pass, you'll be able to enjoy some shade and a quiet rest spot. Stay hydrated and bring more water than you think youll need, as the dry climate can quickly dehydrate you. All rights reserved. Proceed to Warpaint North to connect to Desert Classic by taking a left. 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. To start with the shorter Hidden Valley Loop, continue straight ahead on Mormon Trail and head right on the National Trail. From Pima Wash Trail, turn right onto Pima West Loop. About halfway up the trail, hikers will reach a scenic overlook that provides a great spot to rest and take in the views. Take your next left and keep right to connect to Five Tables. The correct way is to climb up those boulders to the rest of the trail. There are moments where you will see scenes, unlike anything else found on South Mountain. Again, this is nothing technical, its just how you want to decide what is the best way for you. It's nothing but sketchy tech where wheel placement and speed are of the utmost importance. WebExperience this 6.4-mile loop trail near Phoenix, Arizona. We will then reconnect with the Mormon Trail to make our way back to the parking lot. Bring at least 1-2 liters of water and be sure to be well hydrated. Take the dirt road until it connects to Mormon Trail and starts to climb up. Theoretically, hikers should be the last people whod succumb to not being able to see the forest for the trees. So while it may get you breathing heavy and your heart rate up, it wont take too long to do so. All of the above are regarding the Central Avenue entrance to the park. For the most part, this path is in a wash, which makes it clear and easy to navigate. 1. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. 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. 2. The Mormon Trailhead is a popular hiking trail in South Mountain Park and Preserve, located just outside of Phoenix, Arizona. Moderate 4.7 (6597) South Mountain Preserve. Very nice hike up the Mormon Trail to Hidden Valley. No restrooms. Proceed right to Pima Wash Trail. Learn how to create your own. There are several signs along the way that show hikers the remaining distance between the sign and a new destination. As you continue, the ending of this loop will not disappoint. WebJoin us for one of my favorite hikes at South Mountain. difficulty rating. Access: Start at Pima Canyon Trailhead. WebMormon Trailhead: 8610 S. 24th St. Beverly Canyon Trailhead: 8800 S. 46th St. Pima Canyon Trailhead: 9904 S. 48th St. Telegraph Pass Trailhead: 14251 S. Desert Foothills Parkway Trailhead Hours: 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Gated entrances will close at 7, but trails remain open until 11 p.m. Small parking lot so be prepared park on the street and walk a short while to tge trailhead. Mormon Trail Use the ModernHiker mobile app to download this map and complete trail description for offline access. The Mormon Trail usually followed the north side of the North Platte River west through Nebraska and Wyoming to follow the Sweetwater River farther west. Hikers should come prepared with plenty of water, appropriate footwear, and other necessary gear for a safe and enjoyable hike. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and mountain biking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Get to know this 3.6-mile loop trail near Phoenix, Arizona. It would be terrible to let distractions asphyxiate its virtues. From Ma Ha Tauk Trail, turn left to proceed to Crosscut Trail. 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. Continue on Stephen Mather Dr. through the first four-way intersection. 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 has a way of making you feel so small! (Meet by the veranda). Nearest Town: Phoenix, AZ WebSouth Mountain Preserve. Exact location will be sent when your reservation is confirmed. Once you have reached the ending trail marker for Mormon Trail youll see two trail markers. As you continue to follow the signs for Mormon Trail, you will eventually come across a sign that point's out Fat Man's Pass on the left. There is a lot of wildlife, and its not uncommon to see hummingbirds fluttering around. Dog-Friendly: Yes, dog must be on a leash. This hike is located near Phoenix, AZ. Enjoy the trail! Take your time, take a few breaks, and youll be fine. Long day of ups and downs with gorgeous views. The trail begins at the Mormon Trailhead and immediately begins to ascend up the mountain. This multi-use trail can be used both directions and has a moderate overall physical rating with a 17 ft blue climb. In just under a half-mile, the trail encounters Fat Mans Pass. From Five Tables, proceed to Ranger Trail. 1. To get to the trailhead: From the Phoenix area, take I-10 south to Chandler Blvd. Dobbins Lookout, at 2,330 feet, is the highest point in the park that isavailable to the public. Towers and west of Buena Vista Lookout. 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. Atop the ridge, the trail connects to the National Trail. as a novice hiker did not make it to top but would do again. WebThe Arizona Trail is divided into 43 passages. We will then reconnect with the Mormon Trail to make our way back to the parking lot. Access: Start at Mormon Trailhead to connect to Mormon Trail. 6. Desert FoothillsTrailhead14251 S. Desert Foothills Pkwy. This is one of those hikes you want to do in the early morning. Turn right (West) on Chandler Boulevard and continue going West until you reach the intersection with Ray Road. Proceed to Dirt Road Trail. Hidden Valley is a loop trail that branches off of National. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 43 min to complete. Proceed to Pima Ridgeline Trail. Tower workers, City staff and emergency vehicles may be on the roads at any given time, however. WebMeet at the trailhead at 8:30 am. Activities: //