MORMON LOOP

MORMON LOOP South Mountain Park, Phoenix Rain schmain---although the National Weather Service predicted a 100 percent chance of rain for the Phoenix area today, we simply HAD to get out and hike. Our original plan was to head out to the White Tank Mountains. However, by 8 a.m., the range was already immersed in deep cloud cover and the majority of my hiking pals had opted out---except for two diehards. From our meeting place vantage point, we could see clear skies over South Mountain Park and it looked as if the track of the approaching storm would give us a few hours to hike a trail there before the rain set in. So, off we went. We selected the Mormon Loop trail because two of us hadn’t been there in several years. With its easy access, clearly signed junctions and amazing terrain, we weren’t surprised at all to find the trail teeming with hikers and bikers-- despite the ominous weather forecast. The first mile climbs up into the hills featuring some pretty great views of Metro Phoenix. After that, the route descends into the Beverly Canyon-Hidden Valley area for a more remote feel. Adding a bit of history to the hike, several Hohokam petroglyph sites line the route--the best one is located just before the National Trail junction. We also made a quick side trip to Hidden Valley’s natural tunnel (turn left at the Hidden Valley trail sign and hike a few yards to the tunnel) before completing our loop just before the skies dumped some much-needed rain on our desert town. HIKE DIRECTIONS: Begin on the Mormon trail hiking uphill 1 mile to the Mormon Loop junction. Turn left here and continue 1.1 miles to the National Trail junction (there’s a HUGE rock pile here in addition to park signage). Veer right and hike 1.4 miles on the National Trail to the Hidden Valley Junction. From here, keep right to stay on the National Trail, hike another 0.4 mile back to the Mormon Loop Junction and head downhill back to the trailhead. LENGTH: 5 mile loop RATING: moderate ELEVATION: 1,400’ – 2,000’ GETTING THERE: From central Phoenix, go south on 7th Ave to Baseline Road. Head east (left) and continue to 24th Street. Turn south (right) onto 24th Street and follow it all the way to the end (veer left at Euclid) to the signed trailhead. FACILITIES: parking, shaded kiosk, no restrooms or water. No fees. DOGS: leashed dogs are welcome. Please bring poop bags and clean up after your pets. BEST SEASONS: October-April INFO: phoenix.gov/parks/hikesoth.html MORE PHOTOS: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=49590&id=1795269672&l=5a1a104412

HIDDEN VALLEY

HIDDEN VALLEY South Mountain Park, Phoenix The grey stone walls of Fat Man Pass have been worn to a shiny slick veneer by countless hikers who have sucked in their guts to squeeze through the foot-wide gap—the first of three fun rock scrambles in Hidden Valley. The hike starts on a leg of the National Trail, heading downhill and skirting desert ridges to the Hidden Valley junction at the 1.5 mile point. It’s there that Fat Man Pass presents the first obstacle…but, don’t worry, it’s easy to circumvent the narrow channel and pick up the trail on the opposite side. A short distance later, a natural tunnel made of fallen boulders is easy to pass through. Just past the tunnel, the trail reconnects with the National Trail. Go left at the junction and head back to Buena Vista Lookout. LENGTH: 3.5 miles roundtrip ELEVATION GAIN: 400 feet RATING: easy-moderate GETTING THERE: There are numerous ways to get to Hidden Valley. Here is one option. From Phoenix, follow Central Ave. south to the well-signed park entrance. Follow the signs leading to the Buena Vista Lookout. This is about a 6-mile drive to a nice parking area with great views. There is a “Hidden Valley” sign at the east end of the parking lot indicating the start of the hike. You are actually on a section of the National Trail. Hike about 1.5 miles to the junction for Hidden Valley and follow the sign. This section of the trail takes you through the famous “Fat Man’s Pass” as well as a natural tunnel. Once through the tunnel, reconnect with the National Trail by heading west (left) and follow it back to the Buena Vista trailhead. Admission is free. The park is open daily from 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. See the park website for additional access points. INFORMATION: phoenix.gov/parks/hikesoth.html