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. WebMeet at the trailhead at 8:30 am. During the Summer, starting before 7AM is recommended to avoid the sweltering heat. But hikers are not immune toits soul-sapping vortex. 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. Pet Friendly: Yes, leashed pets are allowed on the trail. Note:The park'sscenic roadways are shared by motor vehicles, bikers and hikers. WebMormon Details. It's a popular hiking trail due to its proximity to the trailhead parking lot. Desert dweller always in search of new hiking adventures. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 34 min to complete. Hidden Valley is a loop trail that branches off of National. Do it Right." Remember: This trail is multi-purpose so be mindful of the mountain bikers! If crowds really annoy you, go on a weekday. As usual your guide will meet you at the trail head wearing a backpack with yoga mats attached and holding an ASU Umbrella. TBD S Mormon Flat Rd, Golden Valley, AZ 86413 | MLS# 999759 | Redfin HOT HOME Street View See all 16 photos TBD S Mormon Flat Rd, Golden Valley, AZ 86413 $20,000 Est. Arizona Hiking Yoga FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Proceed to Warpaint Loop Trail. From the parking lot at the Mormon Trailhead, the trail immediately leads uphill. When you come to the Hidden Valley, Mormon Trail Junction, continue to take Mormon Trail. 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. 2. The Ranger Trail provides a gradual climb through the foothills approaching the parks roadway. Beautiful, overcast, mid-50s. In just under a half-mile, the trail encounters Fat Mans Pass. Access: Start at Beverly Canyon Trailhead. Saturday, lots of people and dogs, beautiful hike on a gorgeous afternoon. You can actually walk on top of the rock and then hop down onto the trail below. We will go at a relatively fast pace of around a 20 min/mile for the group. Fat Mans Pass and The Tunnel were fun sites along the way. You can find her on Instagram at @Dani_The_Explorer. They may hike, bike, stroll on the roads without fear of traffic from public vehicles. 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. Steep but decent footing. Open full screen to view more. From Kiwanis Trailhead, proceed to Kiwanis Trail. There are no markers within this area so its up to you to decide how you want to navigate down these sections of rocks. Access: Start at Pima Canyon Trailhead. Typical rocky ascent and gravel throughout so wear hiking boots. Although the trail has been well marked until the loop, here is when some parts become unclear. Proceed to Beverly Canyon Trail. Today, its a popular trail for hikers and offers a glimpse into the history of the area. This is one of those hikes you want to do in the early morning. This area feels like a magical place, as most of the other trails can be too populated to see this type of wildlife freely roaming on the trail. First mile is mostly uphill and moderately strenuous. $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 trail is easy to follow, the destination is great and like most South Mountain Park Trails, it's the perfect balance between a workout and killer views. The next time you're in the Phoenix city limits, get out and try this hike! How long is Mormon Loop trail? South Mountain Preserve Park Map, Fat Mans Pass South Mountains Phoenix, AZ, Hiking Trails in Yellowstone National Park. It looks like it could be a plastic mold of the rock tunnel, and that it cant be real. Take the first left on to Phoenix South Mountain Park. 4. 8. 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. For the most part, this path is in a wash, which makes it clear and easy to navigate. Print/PDF map. Hikers should come prepared with plenty of water, appropriate footwear, and other necessary gear for a safe and enjoyable hike. 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. 3. Continue right onto Pima Wash Trail. We added the Mormon Trail Loop for a more substantial hike. 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. From Pima Wash Trail, turn right onto Pima West Loop. Bring your game. Towers and west of Buena Vista Lookout. This is a busy trailhead, and all the locals know where it is. Long day of ups and downs with gorgeous views. difficulty rating. There are several signs along the way that show hikers the remaining distance between the sign and a new destination. Stay hydrated and bring more water than you think youll need, as the dry climate can quickly dehydrate you. About halfway up the trail, hikers will reach a scenic overlook that provides a great spot to rest and take in the views. For this article, I started Hidden Valley at Fat Mans Pass. Bring at least 1-2 liters of water and be sure to be well hydrated. Some moderate climbing. Getting there: From central Phoenix, go south on Seventh Avenue to Baseline Road. Dress in layers, as temperatures can vary significantly between day and night. 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. WebSouth Mountain Preserve. Especially for the hike back down. spots so either be early or nearby streets. Take your time, take a few breaks, and youll be fine. Follow Piedras Dr. to connect to Kiwanis Trailhead. They're especially nice around sunset and sunrise. Take your next left and keep right to connect to Five Tables. Information: For the Roadies: Silent Sundays Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway info South Mountain Park City of Phoenix City of Phoenix South Mountain Map (PDF) 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. A lot of people out but we got lucky finding a spot in the parking lot. We will meet at the ramada on the west end of the Mormon trailhead parking lot and then embark on the Mormon Trail. Proceed on Lower Corona until you can take a left onto Corona De Loma Trail. WebAt more than 16,000 acres, South Mountain Park/Preserve is one of the largest municipally managed parks in the nation and consists of three mountain ranges - the Ma Ha Tauk, Gila and Guadalupe. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. 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. Access: Start at Mormon Trailhead to connect to Mormon Trail. 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.) Some portions are rideable going up but it's mostly hike-a-bike. I would highly recommend walking sticks. WebThe Mormon Trail is 1,300 miles long and extends from Nauvoo, Illinois to Salt Lake City, Utah. The Mormon Trail was used for more than 20 years after the Mormons used it and has been reserved for sightseeing. 4. It's nothing but sketchy tech where wheel placement and speed are of the utmost importance. 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. Beautiful views. 5. I would like to think you're ripping the band-aid off straight away. Dog-Friendly: Yes, dog must be on a leash. Although allowed, bikes are not recommended on the Mormon Trail due to the high numbers of hikers usually on the trail. 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. 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. Category: Easy Day Hikes, Hiking Trails in the Sonoran Desert. We will be doing an intermediate afternoon/evening hike to Hidden Valley via the Mormon Trail. This is definitely an intense hike! When approached from a see-the-forest perspective, even oft-maligned, old standard trails can qualify as top destinations. Some folks use the larger rock on the right side of the pass as a rock slide, which you can do too! Ramada reservations must be made in person at aPhoenix Parks and Recreation Department facility. From here you will proceed to hike forward toward National Trail for only about 0.1 of a mile. Pyramid Trail starts out fairly easy from the Area 620 Trailhead, but it quickly gets steep at the base of the ridge it climbs. Check, check, check. 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. Once on the trail it is simple to follow up to the National Trail. Take another left from Desert Classic to connect to Lower Corona. The Mormon Trail is named after the Mormon pioneers who used the trail to access a nearby quarry in the late 1800s. Most people take the Mormon Trail to the National Trail and the national trail to either end of Hidden Valley. 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. Great trail, well marked. 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. Follow the loop back to the intersecting point with National and return home the way you came. WebSouth Mountain Park is beautiful and this is a popular trailhead. 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. Review"Take a Hike. Mormon Trail Guide 1. 3. There are two big boulders that are very close together, creating a narrow pathway for hikers to go through. Web4 People = $400. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. This blog was thoughtfully written by Danielle Rodriguez. North side of mountain so a bit more green. Take Baseline straight for 3.6 miles then turn left onto 24th St. 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. Be sure to check out the tunnel. 5. Fun going through Fat Mans and the slide-through gap. Please turn on JavaScript and try again. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 34 min to complete. Access: Start at Mormon Trailhead to proceed to Mormon Trail. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Proceed to Pima Loop Trail. 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. WebJoin us for one of my favorite hikes at South Mountain. 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. Take, for instance, the Mormon Trail-Hidden Valley Loop in South Mountain Park. 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. Mormon Trail-Hidden Valley Loop Length: 6.2 miles. Chandler Blvd. Use the ModernHiker mobile app to download this map and complete trail description for offline access. Well worth the hike! Please turn on JavaScript and try again. Tower workers, City staff and emergency vehicles may be on the roads at any given time, however. From Pima West Loop, turn right to proceed to Pima East Loop. Your email address will not be published. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. There is a spot within Phoenixs South Mountain where a natural and enchanting playground exists. Desert FoothillsTrailhead14251 S. Desert Foothills Pkwy. 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. You'll see older children and dogs on the trail. difficulty rating. 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. 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. Absolutely beautiful. Around 1.9 miles you can go down the steep rock, or there is another path to the right. This is a popular rest and picture spot! The most direct path is to take Mormon Trail to National and then to Hidden Valley. Make sure you have plenty of water. This multi-use trail can be used both directions and has a moderate overall physical rating with a 17 ft blue climb. WebEach is handmade in Arizona and we know youll agree that these are the finest finishers award of any long-distance trail in America. The buckles are only available to finishers who complete the survey and are made available at no cost thanks to our friends at It would be terrible to let distractions asphyxiate its virtues. Fun all day long. Park hours: May 1 to October 31 - 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. 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 viewpoints are the perfect spots to take small breaks or take in the city. Access: Start at the Park Main Entrance. Very limited shade and bring plenty of water if you do the loops. 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. Access: Start at Mormon Trailhead to connect to Mormon Trail. Bring at least 1-2 liters of water and be sure to be well hydrated. Can you use a mountain bike anywhere? Want to report conditions for this trail? It's easy to miss, but with this being a popular trail, you'll most likely see other hikers around this spot. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 43 min to complete. Mile 1.0: After a challenging climb, youll reach a saddle with sweeping views of the valley. Once you have reached the ending trail marker for Mormon Trail youll see two trail markers. 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. past the gate for 0.5 mi to connect to Alta Trail to your right. March 7, 2023 at 5:45pm to March 7, 2023 at 8:30pm. The trail continues along traversing the hill until it ends at the Max Delta Trail. Epic views. It is steep in places, but moderate in most places. Trial head is much closer to mountain than other locations. Follow 24th St down for about .8 mile, where the street curves to the left. I had to take off my hydration pack in order to squeeze through. $25 for Each Additional Person. Photographs are encouraged, though. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Wish we would have gotten here earlier so we could do the whole trail before sunset. 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. Sign in. Lots of rocks and hills. WebExperience this 6.4-mile loop trail near Phoenix, Arizona. This trail is great for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running. If youre willing to hike another half-mile, you can see the natural tunnel on Hidden Valley Trail. , bikers and hikers to October 31 - 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily the gap... 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