Mormon Trail to National Trail Circuit
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Mormon Trail to National Trail Circuit
Difficulty Rating:
This hike uses two main trails in Phoenix’s South Mountain Preserve, the Mormon Trail and National Trail, to make a challenging 6.2mi circuit. With no warm-up before the climbing begins, in no time you’ll be above the city with sightlines for miles and miles. There are opportunities to extend your hike on the connecting trails if you want to go further. Expect moderate traffic.
Getting there
The trailhead for this hike is on E Valley View Drive.
About
| Backcountry Campground | No |
| When to do | October-May |
| Pets allowed | Yes - On Leash |
| Family friendly | Older Children only |
| Route Signage | Average |
| Crowd Levels | Moderate |
| Route Type | Loop |
Mormon Trail to National Trail Circuit
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Mormon Trail to National Trail Circuit Description
Using the Mormon Trail and National Trail, this hike gets you up into the hills of Phoenix’s South Mountain Preserve for impressive sightlines over the city below and to the mountains around you. This hike is a great workout, which is a nice way of saying there’s some good climbing involved. Hike it as-is or use the connecting routes near the top of the trail for extensions if you’ve still got gas in the tank.
As with all hikes in the Phoenix area, bring lots of water with you and avoid hiking in the heat of the day. Consider wearing sun protection. You may appreciate having poles with you for the climbing on this hike.
From the trailhead, the route immediately begins climbing uphill next to a canyon. Make your way through the narrow switchbacks. Stay straight at the first junction and then go right at the fork. This will take you onto National Trail. At Fat Man’s Pass, bear right to traverse just under the crest of the ridge. The route turns around at a 4-way junction, where you’ll take Midlife Crisis Trail back to National Trail. From here, retrace your steps to the trailhead.
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