South Mountain National Trail
Phoenix, Arizona
| Address: | ~Desert Classic Trail, Phoenix, AZ 85042, USA |
| GPS: |
33°21'46.1"N 111°59'8.8"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | Arizona |
| Trail Length: | 8.70 miles |
| Elevation Gain: | 1125.00 feet |
| Hike Difficulty: | Advanced |
| Trail Type: | Out & Back |
Pet Friendly
Hike and Mountain Bike
The National Trail crosses South Mountain Park from the east to the west ends and intersects with most of the other trails in the park. A very scenic hike with moderate ups and downs along the way. Most of the traffic is on the east half of the trail. From the Pima Canyon trailhead on the east side of the park, take the Pima Wash Trail for about 1.2 miles, and this will meet up with the start of the National Trail. The National Trail skirts the ridges of the park, passing Hidden Valley, Buena Vista Lookout, Chinese Wall, Telegraph Pass, Goat Hill, and finally descends on the west end of the park, ending at San Juan Lookout. There are abandoned mines, petroglyphs, and initeresting rock formations along the way. The views of the Phoenix valley are spectacular. Courtesy of AllTrails.com
More Information
Add ResourceNever modify trail features. Ride trails when they're dry enough that you won't leave ruts. Speak up when you see others on the trail and always yield to hikers, horses, and others coming uphill. Always ride on the established trail.
Read MoreBe courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
Read More
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Phoenix, Arizona
- Head west on W Washington St toward 1st Ave (315 ft)
- Turn left onto S 1st Ave (397 ft)
- Turn left onto W Jefferson St (1.6 mi)
- Keep right to continue on E Jefferson St (0.5 mi)
- Turn right onto the ramp to Tucson (0.3 mi)
- Merge onto I-10 E (6.3 mi)
- Keep left at the fork to stay on I-10 E (2.9 mi)
- Take exit 157 for Elliot Rd (0.4 mi)
- Turn right onto E Elliot Rd (0.4 mi)
- Turn right onto S 48th St (1.1 mi)
- Turn left to stay on S 48th St (312 ft)
- Turn left onto E Pima Canyon Rd (0.6 mi)
- Turn left (364 ft)
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