guidelines before visiting the trail. You can find her on Instagram at @Dani_The_Explorer. 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. 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. WebMormon Trailhead 8610 S. 24th St. Hidden Valley Trail Access: Start at Mormon Trailhead to connect to Mormon Trail. Access: Start from Warpaint Dr. Access Trailhead. Then we practice one hour of Yoga. Wear sun protection such as a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to prevent sunburn and heat exhaustion. Continue on Stephen Mather Dr. and at the first four-way intersection, take a left. 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. Mormon Trail is pretty short seeing as how it is a little bit over a mile long. At the 1.2-mile point, a sign marks the junction of two connected loops. The Passage Profile refers to the downloadable trail elevation profile available for this passage. 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. 8. Once you have reached the ending trail marker for Mormon Trail youll see two trail markers. Access: Start at Pima Canyon Trailhead. Access: Start at the Park Main Entrance. Starting at the Mormon Trailhead, the trail immediately starts to ascend up boulder-like terrain. Javelina Trail: Nothing spectacular, steady climb and, a nice connector to Mormon from the 46th Street lot. Desert dweller always in search of new hiking adventures. 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. 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. There are two big boulders that are very close together, creating a narrow pathway for hikers to go through. The Hidden Valley Trail via Mormom Trail offers interesting tunnels, dry waterfalls, and a Lots of rocks and hills. From this road, proceed to Holbert Trailhead to continue onto Las Lomitas Trail. The park boasts more than 50 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. 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 Respect wildlife and stay at a safe distance, as many desert animals can be dangerous. Due tothe many blind corners, narrow sectionsandtreacherous drop-offs,extreme caution should bemaintained and adherence to thespeed limit followed. We will go at a relatively fast pace of around a 20 min/mile for the group. 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. Continue on Stephen Mather Dr. through the first four-way intersection. This is one of the City's preserve-based, barrier-free trails, consisting of two -mile hard surface loops, providing for a smoother passage. WebTake Mormon Trail instead. The trail will start out easy and flat, then ascend up and traverse the hills behind the ranger station. You get a lot of incline right at the beginning, but great views and stumbled across some ruins! Taking the Mormon Trail and connecting to the National Trail can access one of the most scenic trails, the Hidden Valley Trail Loop. Please turn on JavaScript and try again. Although allowed, bikes are not recommended on the Mormon Trail due to the high numbers of hikers usually on the trail. Alta Trail is fairly steep heading up from either side. At this point, you can turn around and head back to the trailhead or continue on the longer 4.5-mile section of the trail to explore more of South Mountain Park and Preserve. 7. 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.) For the most part, this path is in a wash, which makes it clear and easy to navigate. Turn left on Baseline, left again onto 24th st., and follow the curve through the neighborhood until you reach the parking lot at 8610 S. 24th St., Phoenix, AZ 85042. Weathered rock slabs that hang from cliffs form odd sculptures that frame views of the Valley and surrounding mountain ranges. The correct way is to climb up those boulders to the rest 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. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. All vehicles must turn into the Activity Complex and park there. Taking the Mormon Trail and connecting to the National Trail can access one of the most scenic trails, the Hidden Valley Trail Loop. This hike is located near Phoenix, AZ. 4. Can you use a mountain bike anywhere? At around a total of 1.9 miles there may be some confusion. 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. I would highly recommend walking sticks. But so much fun!!! WebJoin us for one of my favorite hikes at South Mountain. WebExperience this 6.4-mile loop trail near Phoenix, Arizona. Follow the wash trail to a small cliff and the wash and trail turn left to exit back onto the National Trail after a 'natural tunnel.' You can actually walk on top of the rock and then hop down onto the trail below. Either way, if you're in the Phoenix area and do not want to go too far for a great hike or you're just now getting into hiking, add this trail to your list. 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. Length 3.6 miElevation gain 925 ftRoute type Loop. Learn how to create your own. The Mormon Trail was used for more than 20 years after the Mormons used it and has been reserved for sightseeing. Access: Start at the Park Main Entranced. Be sure to check out the tunnel. Additionally, San Juan Road is closed except during the first full weekend of each month, when it is open all day Saturday and from 10 a.m. to close on Sunday. Rating: Moderate. At the west end of Hidden Valley there is a 'Fat Man's Pass' and naturally smooth rock 'slide.' Fat Mans Pass is one of the most popular hikes near Phoenix, AZ. Proceed to hike on San Juan Rd. The classic Phoenix circuit has many of the positive components on hiker checklists. It's nothing but sketchy tech where wheel placement and speed are of the utmost importance. WebThe Arizona Trail is divided into 43 passages. 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. Travel south on Mormon Trail and proceed to National Trail. Stay on the main trail, and you will eventually (2 miles from the trailhead) reach the turn for Fat Mans Pass. Limited parking (~16?) difficulty rating. South Mountain Map The list below contains all of the passages in order from south to north. One for Mormon Loop on your left and another for National Trail straight ahead. Take the first left on to Phoenix South Mountain Park. So while it may get you breathing heavy and your heart rate up, it wont take too long to do so. Access: Start at Pima Canyon Trailhead. Ramada reservations must be made in person at aPhoenix Parks and Recreation Department facility. Towers and west of Buena Vista Lookout. Well worth your time! Proceed to T-Bone Trail. Well worth the hike! Do it Right." 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. Excellent conditions, almost 9km from the car. spots so either be early or nearby streets. 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. It's easy to miss, but with this being a popular trail, you'll most likely see other hikers around this spot. Get to know this 3.6-mile loop trail near Phoenix, Arizona. Flowers were in bloom and looking over Phoenix, Tempe, and Masa was awesome. Want to report conditions for this trail? They may hike, bike, stroll on the roads without fear of traffic from public vehicles. I would suggest starting Hidden Valley at the Fat Mans Pass end. Access: Start at Mormon Trailhead to connect to Mormon Trail. Park hours: May 1 to October 31 - 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. If youre willing to hike another half-mile, you can see the natural tunnel on Hidden Valley Trail. This is a busy trailhead, and all the locals know where it is. Access: Start at the 19th Ave. Trailhead to connect to Ma a Tauk Trail. Take your time, take a few breaks, and youll be fine. Turn left onto National and then turn right to proceed to Hidden Valley Trail. There will come another point soon after where the trail seems to end at a long wall of humongous rocks. Take Baseline straight for 3.6 miles then turn left onto 24th St. Drinking fountains, benches, covered ramadas are available for periodic rest stops. As you enter you will immediately feel a cooler breeze hit your face and the temperature drop. WebMarch Full Moon Hike - Reservation Required. 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. This is one of those hikes you want to do in the early morning. We will go at a relatively fast pace of around a 20 min/mile for the group. Access: Enter from the Park Main Entrance and proceed on Stephen Mather Dr. to connect to San Juan Rd. As you have probably imagined so far, Fat Mans Pass is a very narrow path that is incorporated into the trail. Loved this trail. WebFeaturing city views, desert life and distinct rock formations, South Mountains Hidden Valley Trail stands out among the areas best loops. 2001 - 2023. 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. Alta Trail is steep on both ends as it rises to the crest of the Ma Ha Tuak Range in South Mountain Park. Review"Take a Hike. Located south of Phoenix, AZ in a well-signed neighborhood, drive to 8610 S 24th St, Phoenix, AZ 85042. 2. Try this 6.2-mile loop trail near Phoenix, Arizona. WebHidden Valley Trail Via Mormon Trail. There are several signs along the way that show hikers the remaining distance between the sign and a new destination. Not a trail for the faint at heart. Beautiful, overcast, mid-50s. 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. Features: Steep climb, rocky terrain, scenic overlooks, historic trail. See dazzling rock formations. 6. 3. Access: Start at the Park Main Entrance. Proceed to Dirt Road Trail. Proceed to Javelina Canyon Trail. Access: Start at the Park Main Entrance. WebFrom there, we will make our way through Hidden Valley and scramble over a variety of interesting rock formations. You will begin to appreciate why some hikers consider this a moderate or difficult trail. Always carry a first aid kit and emergency supplies, including a whistle and a map or GPS device. 2. It is steep in places, but moderate in most places. Open full screen to view more. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 28 min to complete. We only did the Mormon trail which was @ 3 miles total. This is a great place to take a break and enjoy the scenery. Watch your footing, but make sure to look up from time to time to drink in the panoramic city and boulder sceneries! Tower workers, City staff and emergency vehicles may be on the roads at any given time, however. Leave no trace. 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. 6. 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. 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. From Pima Wash Trail, Proceed to Pima West Loop. 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. Proceed to Warpaint Loop Trail. On average it takes 1 minutes to complete this trail. Took us 2:57, we took pic etc. Very limited shade and bring plenty of water if you do the loops. Pima Wash Trail, South Mountain Park Length: 3.2-mile loop as described here. Yes, you can ride a mountain bike on the road. This is the starting point of the 1.4-mile section of the trail. When you come to the Hidden Valley, Mormon Trail Junction, continue to take Mormon Trail. The first trail marker (at around 1.3 miles) will indicate that its in tunnel side of Hidden Valley. Very nice hike up the Mormon Trail to Hidden Valley. Nearest Town: Phoenix, AZ 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. It has a way of making you feel so small! WebLocated south of Phoenix, AZ in a well-signed neighborhood, drive to 8610 S 24th St, Phoenix, AZ 85042. WebSouth Mountain Park is beautiful and this is a popular trailhead. Around 1.9 miles you can go down the steep rock, or there is another path to the right. The Holbert Trail also provides a route to connect with the National Trail just east of the T.V. For this article, I started Hidden Valley at Fat Mans Pass. Stay along marked trails as directed to get to the Corona De Loma Trail. Bring your game. It was a record setting 110 degrees on Monday (I think Tuesday too), and then Most South Mountain Park hiking trails are shared with Mountain Bikers, so be on the lookout as you continue on your hike. During the Summer, starting before 7AM is recommended to avoid the sweltering heat. Experience this 2.4-mile out-and-back trail near Phoenix, Arizona. Dobbins Lookout, at 2,330 feet, is the highest point in the park that isavailable to the public. 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. The viewpoints continue as you ascend the multiple switchbacks on this trail. 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. To start with the shorter Hidden Valley Loop, continue straight ahead on Mormon Trail and head right on the National Trail. To protect these irreplaceable heritage sites as well as sensitive vegetation and wildlife habitats, its important to stay on trails and not touch or alter anything. Beautiful trail. Continue right to Pima Wash Trail. We meet at the Mormon Trail parking lot, stretching for 15 minutes before we hit the trail. This trail is great for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running. Adding to its appeal, this route gets the climbing out of the way at the beginning while legs are still fresh. Proceed to Judith Tunell Accessible Trail. 1. It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. Getting there: From central Phoenix, go south on Seventh Avenue to Baseline Road. Sliding down Fat Mans Pass or you can walk through the narrow pathway. WebExperience this 4.7-mile loop trail near Phoenix, Arizona. Wear hiking boots or trail shoes if you have them due to the rocky and nature of the trail and loose gravel. Coming up in the opposite direction, much of your view would be blocked by the boulders and it might be more difficult to navigate. Make sure you have plenty of water. Completing the Mormon Loop and then heading back down to the parking lot is just over five miles. Use the ModernHiker mobile app to download this map and complete trail description for offline access. Wish we would have gotten here earlier so we could do the whole trail before sunset. Arizona Hiking Yoga Thank you S Mountain for sharing your land and resources with me today. These false summits are a little annoying. Nice views reward hikers at the top. Pet Friendly: Yes, leashed pets are allowed on the trail. We will then reconnect with the Mormon Trail to make our way back to the parking lot. [CDATA[ North side of mountain so a bit more green. Access: Start at Mormon Trailhead to connect to Mormon Trail. Ramada Usage inSouth MountainPark/Preserve: The ramadas inSouth Mountain Park/Preserveare available for public use, andseveral require a reservation. Leave no trace by packing out all of your trash and minimizing your impact on the environment. Mormon Trail Map Compiled & edited by Kathy Weiser / Legends of America, updated March 2020. 6 People = $500. I would like to think you're ripping the band-aid off straight away. Your email address will not be published. There are a lot of bikes. Absolutely beautiful. 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. If crowds really annoy you, go on a weekday. You can find her on Instagram at @_annien. 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. Bring at least 1-2 liters of water and be sure to be well hydrated. However, the challenging climb is well worth it, as the trail offers some of the best views of the Phoenix area. Access: Start at Beverly Canyon Trailhead. past the gate for 0.5 mi to connect to Alta Trail to your right. Well worth it. Take the first left on to Phoenix South Mountain Park. Hike starts promptly at 9:00 am. WebEach is handmade in Arizona and we know youll agree that these are the finest finishers award of any long-distance trail in America. 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. This area is so wide that you are able to walk up to these rocks and climb, inspect and explore what is around them. Finally, you will end the loop at Fat Mans Pass, which is a very narrow passageway formed by huge boulders. Access: Start from the Area 620 Trailhead. Maybe my love for Mormon Trail is biased? I'll be hiking other trails here - beautiful views inside and outside the park! Big rocks and cliff's. The Ma-Ha-Tauk Trail starts off at a gradual incline, then ramps up at a hard ascent to the Cross Cut Trail junction. Trial head is much closer to mountain than other locations. South Mountain Preserve Park Map, Fat Mans Pass South Mountains Phoenix, AZ, Hiking Trails in Yellowstone National Park. The Ranger Trail provides a gradual climb through the foothills approaching the parks roadway. Hidden Valley via the Mormon Trail (South Mountain). From here you will proceed to hike forward toward National Trail for only about 0.1 of a mile. We will meet at the ramada on the west end of the Mormon trailhead parking lot and then embark on the Mormon Trail. One of the largest groups to move west was the Mormons. Additionally, the roadways throughout the parkare a favorite forbicyclists. From Pima West Loop, turn right to proceed to Pima East Loop. These are some of the best views in my opinion! WebTrailheads - South Mountain Park/Preserve. From Five Tables, proceed to Ranger Trail. Pyramid Trail starts out fairly easy from the Area 620 Trailhead, but it quickly gets steep at the base of the ridge it climbs. Although the trail has been well marked until the loop, here is when some parts become unclear. This time were offering a Ranger-lead Guided Hike AND a Self-Guided Hike! 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. Phoenix is so big its hard to give general directions that are accurate. Access: Start at Warpaint Dr. Access Trailhead. South Mountain is one of the most notable mountains in the East Valley due to its different trailheads in Ahwatukee, Chandler, and Phoenix. Although, not a very long trail, it does offer direct access to the National Trail and Telegraph Pass Trail, once you reach the roadway at the trails end. Especially for the hike back down. WebMormon Details. We will then reconnect with the Mormon Trail to make our way back to the parking lot. 1. I am in moderate shape. Access: Start at South Mountain Park Main Entrance. 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. The parking lot for the trail-head will be on your right, at this curve. WebThe Mormon Trail is 1,300 miles long and extends from Nauvoo, Illinois to Salt Lake City, Utah. 3. Trail Difficulty: Easy Dress in layers, as temperatures can vary significantly between day and night. Beautiful views. Once through the pass, you'll be able to enjoy some shade and a quiet rest spot. 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. 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. Check. Turn right (south) and go to Euclid Avenue, turn left and continue a few yards to the trailhead on the right. There are some petroglyphs along the Mormon Trail. It took us almost 2 hours. WebFeaturing city views, desert life and distinct rock formations, South Mountains Hidden Valley Trail stands out among the areas best loops. 1. We will meet at the ramada on the west end of the Mormon trailhead parking lot and then embark on the Mormon Trail. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and mountain biking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Atop the ridge, the trail connects to the National Trail. Join us for one of my favorite hikes at South Mountain. It would be terrible to let distractions asphyxiate its virtues. 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. Please turn on JavaScript and try again. This trail offers a steady climb to the upper areas of South Mountain Park. 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. We will be doing an intermediate afternoon/evening hike to Hidden Valley via the Mormon Trail. {{current_weather.dt | momentjs( atts.date )}}. No restrooms. Exact location will be sent when your reservation is confirmed. It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. Beautiful day on a beautiful trail! Seeing as how Hidden Valley is located off of National Trail (which runs the entire length of South Mountain), there are multiple ways of getting there. Loved climbing the rocks. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 43 min to complete. Hidden Valley Tunnel is formed naturally from boulders and is the entryway to some of the most breathtaking scenery of the trail due to unique boulder piles. $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! Rating: Easy-moderate. Follow the loop back to the intersecting point with National and return home the way you came. Print/PDF map. Theoretically, hikers should be the last people whod succumb to not being able to see the forest for the trees. 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. They're especially nice around sunset and sunrise. Follow Piedras Dr. to connect to Kiwanis Trailhead. Activities: //