The only trail markers will be in the beginning and the end of the trail. WebThe Mormon Trail begins with an immediate incline and it doesnt let up until you are at the junction with National Trail. 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. Length 2.4 miElevation gain 744 ftRoute type Out & back. Access: Start at 19th Ave. Trailhead. Access: Start at the Park Main Entrance. Nearest Town: Phoenix, AZ Throughout this entire hike the rocks have been very smooth, but they are almost fake looking in the tunnel. Any GPS, map, or phone app will be able to get you to the right place. Do it Right." Beverly Canyon Trailhead8800 S. 46th St. (Accessed via South Mountain Park/Preserve Main Entrance). Any GPS, map, or phone app will be able to get you to the right place. Though parking was crowded, it wasnt as bad as we expected. 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. Difficulty: Moderate - (Should Be For Some One That Exercises Often) Hike Duration: 180 minutes. Towers and west of Buena Vista Lookout. 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. Turn right (West) on Chandler Boulevard and continue going West until you reach the intersection with Ray Road. For the most part, this path is in a wash, which makes it clear and easy to navigate. The Mormon Trail was used for more than 20 years after the Mormons used it and has been reserved for sightseeing. 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. We did not do the loop. 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. See dazzling rock formations. I loved this trail. 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. Park hours: May 1 to October 31 - 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Access: Start at the Park Main Entranced. All of the above are regarding the Central Avenue entrance to the park. It's nothing but sketchy tech where wheel placement and speed are of the utmost importance. The Ranger Trail provides a gradual climb through the foothills approaching the parks roadway. Web322 W Mountain Sage Dr unit N/A, Phoenix, AZ 85045 Ahwatukee Foothills 4 Beds 3 Bath 2283 Sqft Contact Property Learn more, take a tour, and get one step closer to your new home. 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. Maybe my love for Mormon Trail is biased? past the gate for 0.5 mi to connect to Alta Trail to your right. WebTrailheads - South Mountain Park/Preserve. We will be doing an intermediate afternoon/evening hike to Hidden Valley via the Mormon Trail. This trail offers a steady climb to the upper areas of South Mountain Park. I would highly recommend walking sticks. 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. The Mormon Trail is named after the Mormon pioneers who used the trail to access a nearby quarry in the late 1800s. There are no markers within this area so its up to you to decide how you want to navigate down these sections of rocks. Bring at least 1-2 liters of water and be sure to be well hydrated. We will meet at the ramada on the west end of the Mormon trailhead parking lot and then embark on the Mormon Trail. About halfway up the trail, hikers will reach a scenic overlook that provides a great spot to rest and take in the views. You can find her on Instagram at @_annien. The big-picture takeaway is that the Mormon Trail-Hidden Valley Loop is a wonderful hike just a few miles from downtown. The Mormon Trail is a steep and strenuous 1.4-mile trail located in South Mountain. 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. The Hidden Valley Trail via Mormom Trail offers interesting tunnels, dry waterfalls, and a Good elevation gain, but nothing too steep. Proceed leftto Marcos De Niza Trail. WebSouth Mountain on Trailforks.com South Mountain is a Destination System right in the heart of Phoenix, Arizona. We will go at a relatively fast pace of around a 20 min/mile for the group. Want to report conditions for this trail? 3. Leave no trace by packing out all of your trash and minimizing your impact on the environment. Beautiful day on a beautiful trail! There were a few bikers and other hikers. Trail was mostly up hill with an uneven, rocky path. Although the name implies a rock feature, stacking rocks is not only not recommended, it is illegal. 5. WebMormon Details. Sliding down Fat Mans Pass or you can walk through the narrow pathway. guidelines before visiting the trail. 2. Continue on Stephen Mather Dr. and at the first four-way intersection, take a left. Due tothe many blind corners, narrow sectionsandtreacherous drop-offs,extreme caution should bemaintained and adherence to thespeed limit followed. 6 People = $500. No restrooms. But so much fun!!! 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.) The symbolto the rightof each trail name represents the Travel south on Mormon Trail to connect to National Trail. Tethered to fitness apps and earbuds, some hikers detach from their surroundings in pursuit of faster times and harder, longer, more remote trails while buying into the assumption that the best trails exist in a faraway ether dripping in unattainability and mystique. So while it may get you breathing heavy and your heart rate up, it wont take too long to do so. The trail will dip down and then flatten itself out. Turn left and head a hundred yards downhill to compare your gut against the two boulders. Phoenix is so big its hard to give general directions that are accurate. 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.. North side of mountain so a bit more green. Mile 0.0: The trailhead for the Mormon Trail is located at the end of 24th Street in Phoenix. difficulty rating. Take your next left and keep right to connect to Five Tables. I would like to think you're ripping the band-aid off straight away. Once through the pass, you'll be able to enjoy some shade and a quiet rest spot. Nice, scenic hike with views of the entire valley. 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. 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. Experience this 2.4-mile out-and-back trail near Phoenix, Arizona. 4. Print/PDF map. Pyramid Trail starts out fairly easy from the Area 620 Trailhead, but it quickly gets steep at the base of the ridge it climbs. First mile is mostly uphill and moderately strenuous. Bring your game. The trail weaves up and around the side of the mountain with quick elevation gain and beautiful views of Phoenix. 5. Please turn on JavaScript and try again. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Try Fat Man's pass without a pack on, and then the rock tunnels near it, so fun! Because its close to town, the route can get very busy. These are some of the best views in my opinion! Getting there: From central Phoenix, go south on Seventh Avenue to Baseline Road. Taking the Mormon Trail and connecting to the National Trail can access one of the most scenic trails, the Hidden Valley Trail Loop. The trail went over South Pass, then worked its way through the mountains. Or, they can offer a relaxing space to sit and breathe in all the nature around you. The next time you're in the Phoenix city limits, get out and try this hike! Take your time, take a few breaks, and youll be fine. 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 To learn more please refer to our Hiking Disclaimer. Great trail, well marked. Some of the marble boulders were very slick, so we negotiated them on our butts. The Passage Profile refers to the downloadable trail elevation profile available for this passage. Hike the extension trail that leads to Dobbins Lookout and be rewarded with a magnificent view of the valley below. From Kiwanis Trailhead, proceed to Kiwanis Trail. This area is so wide that you are able to walk up to these rocks and climb, inspect and explore what is around them. When you come to the Hidden Valley, Mormon Trail Junction, continue to take Mormon Trail. Register for Hikes and Outdoor Nature Programs. Saw families with kids and grandparents making it. 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. People may know the trail loop by its famous points of Fat Mans Pass, and the lesser known but equally beautiful Hidden Valley Tunnel. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 34 min to complete. Always carry a first aid kit and emergency supplies, including a whistle and a map or GPS device. The Pass itself is quite the squeeze! Leave no trace. 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. Access: Start at South Mountain Park Main Entrance. Once you have reached the ending trail marker for Mormon Trail youll see two trail markers. Remember: This trail is multi-purpose so be mindful of the mountain bikers! Proceed left to Desert Classic Trail. Bring and drink enough water throughout the hike 1-2 Liters will be adequate. Dogs are also allowed on the trail but must be kept on a leash. Finally, you will end the loop at Fat Mans Pass, which is a very narrow passageway formed by huge boulders. 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. 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. 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. This trail is great for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running. Know your limits and stick to established trails to avoid getting lost or injured. In just under a half-mile, the trail encounters Fat Mans Pass. It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. Saturday, lots of people and dogs, beautiful hike on a gorgeous afternoon. 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. Access: Start at the South Mountain Environmental Education Center. Features: Steep climb, rocky terrain, scenic overlooks, historic trail. Beautiful, overcast, mid-50s. 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. DISTANCE: 3.6 mile Lollipop ELEVATION Gain: 925 feet DURATION: 2 hrs and 15 minutes or so FACILITIES: None START TIME: 4:00 PM. 6. One of the largest groups to move west was the Mormons. Hike starts promptly at 9:00 am. 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. 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. The National Trail on South Mountain is easily one of the most iconic mountain bike trails in Phoneix, Arizona, if not the whole state. * Please remember to hike at your own risk. 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. Heritage sites, gnarly rock passages and hidden finds. Access: Start at Pima Canyon Trailhead. Parking Cost: Free. Not a trail for the faint at heart. Mormon Trail Guide 1. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. As usual your guide will meet you at the trail head wearing a backpack with yoga mats attached and holding an ASU Umbrella. Take the first left on to Phoenix South Mountain Park. Keep your eyes on the rocks because petroglyphs from the Hohokam tribe can be seen! 2023 www.azcentral.com. Don't worry, though, it is big enough for most adults to fit through. Proceed to Telegraph Pass Trail. It looks like it could be a plastic mold of the rock tunnel, and that it cant be real. Open full screen to view more. The park boasts more than 50 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. WebMormon Pioneer National Historic Trail National Park Service 324 South State Street, Suite 200 Salt Lake City, Utah 84111 801-741-1012. All vehicles must turn into the Activity Complex and park there. There are a lot of bikes. Ramada Usage inSouth MountainPark/Preserve: The ramadas inSouth Mountain Park/Preserveare available for public use, andseveral require a reservation. Use the ModernHiker mobile app to download this map and complete trail description for offline access. 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. (Meet by the veranda). Read more of Mare Czinar's hikes at arizonahiking.blogspot.com. Proceed to Warpaint North to connect to Desert Classic by taking a left. We will go at a relatively fast pace of around a 20 min/mile for the group. You can actually walk on top of the rock and then hop down onto the trail below. 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. 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. Take the first left on to Phoenix South Mountain Park. Take the dirt road until it connects to Mormon Trail and starts to climb up. challenging but doable. It's a popular hiking trail due to its proximity to the trailhead parking lot. 2. How long is Mormon Loop trail? Web4 People = $400. The ubiquitous expression describes a common affliction of missing the big picturein a haze of minutia. 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. Activities: //