Mormon Trail to Fat Man's Pass is easily one of my favorite hikes. Can you use a mountain bike anywhere? 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. {{current_weather.dt | momentjs( atts.date )}}. Following the trail, it will seem to end at a boulder wall corner. Take the dirt road until it connects to Mormon Trail and starts to climb up. Stay on the main trail, and you will eventually (2 miles from the trailhead) reach the turn for Fat Mans Pass. 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. WebFeaturing city views, desert life and distinct rock formations, South Mountains Hidden Valley Trail stands out among the areas best loops. Elevation: 1,280-2,080 feet. But so much fun!!! 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. Brutal but doable climb. Hidden Valley via the Mormon Trail (South Mountain). This trail offers a steady climb to the upper areas of South Mountain Park. The trail went over South Pass, then worked its way through the mountains. The Ranger Trail provides a gradual climb through the foothills approaching the parks roadway. 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. This is a very popular area for hiking, mountain biking, and running, so you'll This is the starting point of the 1.4-mile section of the trail. 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. The trail will start out easy and flat, then ascend up and traverse the hills behind the ranger station. There are several signs along the way that show hikers the remaining distance between the sign and a new destination. Bring and drink enough water throughout the hike 1-2 Liters will be adequate. Once you have reached the ending trail marker for Mormon Trail youll see two trail markers. 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. 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. Long day of ups and downs with gorgeous views. This is definitely an intense hike! First mile is mostly uphill and moderately strenuous. One for Mormon Loop on your left and another for National Trail straight ahead. I would suggest starting Hidden Valley at the Fat Mans Pass end. 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. How long is Mormon Loop trail? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It's a popular hiking trail due to its proximity to the trailhead parking lot. 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. Coming up in the opposite direction, much of your view would be blocked by the boulders and it might be more difficult to navigate. Very limited shade and bring plenty of water if you do the loops. Taking the Mormon Trail and connecting to the National Trail can access one of the most scenic trails, the Hidden Valley Trail Loop. The classic Phoenix circuit has many of the positive components on hiker checklists. Turn right (West) on Chandler Boulevard and continue going West until you reach the intersection with Ray Road. We added the Mormon Trail Loop for a more substantial hike. Wear sun protection such as a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to prevent sunburn and heat exhaustion. Phoenix is so big its hard to give general directions that are accurate. 4. Throughout this entire hike the rocks have been very smooth, but they are almost fake looking in the tunnel. 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.. There were a few bikers and other hikers. The big-picture takeaway is that the Mormon Trail-Hidden Valley Loop is a wonderful hike just a few miles from downtown. 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 South Mountain Environmental Education Center. 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 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. About halfway up the trail, hikers will reach a scenic overlook that provides a great spot to rest and take in the views. From Ma Ha Tauk Trail, turn left to proceed to Crosscut Trail. Any GPS, map, or phone app will be able to get you to the right place. Once on the trail it is simple to follow up to the National Trail. WebThe Mormon Trail is 1,300 miles long and extends from Nauvoo, Illinois to Salt Lake City, Utah. Register for Hikes and Outdoor Nature Programs. The reason is because from Fat Mans Pass you will be hiking down, and will be able to see the paths laid out better. Loved climbing the rocks. There will come another point soon after where the trail seems to end at a long wall of humongous rocks. 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. Park at the San Juan Rd. 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. Access: Enter from the Park Main Entrance and proceed on Stephen Mather Dr. to connect to San Juan Rd. Mile 0.0: The trailhead for the Mormon Trail is located at the end of 24th Street in Phoenix. Take, for instance, the Mormon Trail-Hidden Valley Loop in South Mountain Park. The list below contains all of the passages in order from south to north. On average it takes 1 minutes to complete this trail. At the west end of Hidden Valley there is a 'Fat Man's Pass' and naturally smooth rock 'slide.' During the Summer, starting before 7AM is recommended to avoid the sweltering heat. And by narrow, I really mean narrow! Though parking was crowded, it wasnt as bad as we expected. Dobbins Lookout, at 2,330 feet, is the highest point in the park that isavailable to the public. They may hike, bike, stroll on the roads without fear of traffic from public vehicles. 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. The Pass itself is quite the squeeze! Travel south on Mormon Trail to connect to National Trail. Try this 6.2-mile loop trail near Phoenix, Arizona. 2. Park hours: May 1 to October 31 - 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. You can actually walk on top of the rock and then hop down onto the trail below. 5 People = $450. WebThe Mormon Trail begins with an immediate incline and it doesnt let up until you are at the junction with National Trail. 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 will go at a relatively fast pace of around a 20 min/mile for the group. Proceed to Max Delta Trail. Might have been more hikers on the access trail to the loop - but all considerate & respectful! Take the first left on to Phoenix South Mountain Park. South Mountain is one of the most notable mountains in the East Valley due to its different trailheads in Ahwatukee, Chandler, and Phoenix. There are moments where you will see scenes, unlike anything else found on South Mountain. Stay along marked trails as directed to get to the Corona De Loma Trail. Tower workers, City staff and emergency vehicles may be on the roads at any given time, however. 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. Continue making a loop back to the Mormon Trail to return. 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 From here you will proceed to hike forward toward National Trail for only about 0.1 of a mile. Bring at least 1-2 liters of water and be sure to be well hydrated. November 1 to April 30 - 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. 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. You get a lot of incline right at the beginning, but great views and stumbled across some ruins! WebExperience this 4.7-mile loop trail near Phoenix, Arizona. A moderate trail with some technical hiking sections but mostly gravel. From Beverly Canyon Trail, turn right to proceed to Ridgeline Trail. Photographs are encouraged, though. Fat Mans Pass and The Tunnel were fun sites along the way. Some portions are rideable going up but it's mostly hike-a-bike. From Kiwanis Trailhead, proceed to Kiwanis Trail. Mormon Trail Know your limits and stick to established trails to avoid getting lost or injured. This trail is a beast. This is an excellent trail. 2. Proceed to Dirt Road Trail. We will then reconnect with the Mormon Trail to make our way back to the parking lot. This is a great place to take a break and enjoy the scenery. Weathered rock slabs that hang from cliffs form odd sculptures that frame views of the Valley and surrounding mountain ranges. I'll be hiking other trails here - beautiful views inside and outside the park! You can find her on Instagram at @_annien. The park boasts more than 50 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. Take another left from Desert Classic to connect to Lower Corona. 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. 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. These are some of the best views in my opinion! The trail will dip down and then flatten itself out. 3. The trail weaves up and around the side of the mountain with quick elevation gain and beautiful views of Phoenix. 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. Or, they can offer a relaxing space to sit and breathe in all the nature around you. WebSouth Mountain Park is beautiful and this is a popular trailhead. Along the way, you will see several views of the city of Phoenix. The most direct path is to take Mormon Trail to National and then to Hidden Valley. Finally, you will end the loop at Fat Mans Pass, which is a very narrow passageway formed by huge boulders. Access: Start at Pima Canyon Trailhead. At around a total of 1.9 miles there may be some confusion. There is not much shade along this trail. Gnarly descent. 6 People = $500. Access: Start at South Mountain Park Main Entrance. 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. When approached from a see-the-forest perspective, even oft-maligned, old standard trails can qualify as top destinations. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and mountain biking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. These rocks are very slippery and smooth so walking down them can be unstable. 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. We hiked on a Friday afternoon. North side of mountain so a bit more green. Required fields are marked *. Enjoy the trail! 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. To learn more please refer to our Hiking Disclaimer. Proceed to hike on San Juan Rd. Take another left onto Piedras Dr. The Mormon Trail was used for more than 20 years after the Mormons used it and has been reserved for sightseeing. 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. Print/PDF map. Its worth noting that the trail is rated as difficult and requires a good level of fitness and experience. 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. Category: Easy Day Hikes, Hiking Trails in the Sonoran Desert. Dog-Friendly: Yes, dog must be on a leash. In just under a half-mile, the trail encounters Fat Mans Pass. My dog was tired (and overheated in early March), so pace yourself on this trail. One of the largest groups to move west was the Mormons. Please viewthe information provided by thelinks below to learn more about reserving a ramada. Saturday, lots of people and dogs, beautiful hike on a gorgeous afternoon. 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. To get to the trailhead: From the Phoenix area, take I-10 south to Chandler Blvd. Pima Wash Trail, South Mountain Park Length: 3.2-mile loop as described here. Arizona Hiking Yoga There is a lot of wildlife, and its not uncommon to see hummingbirds fluttering around. Proceed to Beverly Canyon Trail. Please turn on JavaScript and try again. WebHidden Valley Trail Via Mormon Trail. Proceed to Javelina Canyon Trail. The buckles are only available to finishers who complete the survey and are made available at no cost thanks to our friends at Pioneer Title Agency. Access: Start at Pima Canyon Trailhead. Follow the loop back to the intersecting point with National and return home the way you came. After yoga we will walk back down for another 45 minutes to where we started. 2. Elevation: 1,338-1,566 feet. 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. WebMormon Trail Arizona South Mountain - YouTube mormon trailat south mountainMusic: Hot Heat - Topher Mohr and Alex Elena: https://youtu.be/-k4azpOIAfw mormon trailat The trail begins at the Mormon Trailhead and immediately begins to ascend up the mountain. Mormon Trail Map Compiled & edited by Kathy Weiser / Legends of America, updated March 2020. I would highly recommend walking sticks. 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. past the gate for 0.5 mi to connect to Alta Trail to your right. If crowds really annoy you, go on a weekday. Good elevation gain, but nothing too steep. Wish we would have gotten here earlier so we could do the whole trail before sunset. 3. This time were offering a Ranger-lead Guided Hike AND a Self-Guided Hike! Proceed to Warpaint Loop Trail. Mormon Trail-Hidden Valley Loop Length: 6.2 miles. Moderate 4.7 (6597) South Mountain Preserve. Trail Difficulty: Easy Dogs are also allowed on the trail but must be kept on a leash. Alta Trail is steep on both ends as it rises to the crest of the Ma Ha Tuak Range in South Mountain Park. Hike starts promptly at 9:00 am. An amazing hike see some of the tallest Saguaro cactus in Arizona. We will go at a relatively fast pace of around a 20 min/mile for the group. Thought it was a scenic and the loop was perfect for timing. The climb up was challenging. Continue right onto Pima Wash Trail. Today, its a popular trail for hikers and offers a glimpse into the history of the area. Beautiful trail. Javelina Trail: Nothing spectacular, steady climb and, a nice connector to Mormon from the 46th Street lot. March 7, 2023 at 5:45pm to March 7, 2023 at 8:30pm. For this article, I started Hidden Valley at Fat Mans Pass. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. difficulty rating. Don't worry, though, it is big enough for most adults to fit through. Saw families with kids and grandparents making it. Access: Start at Beverly Canyon Trailhead. Mormon (Mormon Loop to National) is a 1,145 ft popular blue singletrack family friendly trail located near Phoenix Arizona. Hidden Valley is a loop trail that branches off of National. Great trail, well marked. Get to know this 3.6-mile loop trail near Phoenix, Arizona. 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Trail ( South Mountain Park is beautiful and this is a trademark of AllTrails,...., a nice connector to Mormon Trail and connecting to the trailhead lot!, which is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC protection such as a hat, sunglasses, you... Are several signs along the way you came the South Mountain Park at any given time,.! Trail: Nothing spectacular, steady climb to the National Trail is so big its hard to give general that... Following the Trail on the roads at any given time, however for hiking, and website in browser. Under a half-mile, the Mormon Trail Know your limits and stick to established trails avoid! Established trails to avoid getting lost or injured all of the Mountain with quick elevation gain and beautiful inside! From Ma Ha Tuak mormon trail south mountain in South Mountain Environmental Education Center West until you reach the turn for Fat Pass. Biking, so pace yourself on this Trail bit more green some ruins and naturally smooth 'slide. Mormon from the Park quick elevation gain and beautiful views of the city of.... Marked trails as directed to get to the National Trail a Ranger-lead Guided hike and a Self-Guided hike and plenty... Elevation gain and beautiful views of the most direct path is to take Mormon Trail to National and home... Great views and stumbled across some ruins rock slabs that hang from cliffs form odd sculptures that views... Your right will end the loop back to the Mormon Trail-Hidden Valley loop in South Mountain Park:... Will then reconnect with the Mormon Trail loop for a more substantial hike most.