Hidden Valley via Mormon Trail (Maricopa County, Arizona) As I was going to be in Phoenix this weekend for a couple of events, I thought I would research and hike a couple of trails near the city. Finally, the Hidden Valley Trail finishes with an impressive nature tunnel created by several fallen boulders (pictured above). Jenn Aragon October 29, 2014. … Read more. Winter is great for cool temperatures, and mornings in the late summer/fall are also approachable if you finish before the midday sun. It was a very enjoyable hike and we will definately do it again. This hike features stunning views and interesting rock formations. The Mormon Trail is the 1,300-mile (2,100 km) long route from Illinois to Utah that members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints traveled for 3 months. The trail becomes alot more defined again and as you climb a short ascent out of the valley, you will encounter the National Trail junction. Rating: Moderate. The first was to a beautiful desert landscape inside South Mountain Park, which I would later learn is the largest municipal park in the US, with more than 57 miles of trails. Towards the top of the mountain, Mormon Trail comes to an end at a junction with National Trail, and there is a turnoff to the left for Hidden Valley Tunnel. Hidden Valley Trail via Mormon Trail Hiking Not well known to tourists, the South Mountain Preserve is a gem used mainly by Phoenix locals, and this trail is one of its shining examples. HAZ uses cookies . In all we did about 11 kms doing this loop. other than that, get here early to avoid the rush and by early i mean before sunrise. The Mormon trail was a constant uphill climb. It kept the heart rate up, but not very difficult. The hidden valley tunnel is gorgeous - a must see thing. It's also dog friendly. At the west end of Hidden Valley there is a 'Fat Man's Pass' and naturally smooth rock 'slide.' Social media is replete with negative comments about noisy groups, irresponsible hikers, food scraps, dog poo and painted rocks meant as inspirational gifts left in trees and clefts. The Monument was built in 1937 and is on California State Route 138, 3.6 Miles West of Interstate 15. Mormon Trail is a fairly busy trail much of the time. Veer right here (away from the outcropping) where a trail post points towards the National Trail. Great way to get to Hidden Valley and Fat Man's Pass. Tim Agne January 19, 2017. There is a parking lot at the trailhead but if it's full, you should be able to find free parking on the street. Mormon Trail to Hidden Valley is great for hiking and normally takes 2-4 hours. The historic 2,170-mile (3,490 km) Oregon Trail connected various towns along the Missouri River to Oregon's Willamette Valley.It was used during the 19th century by Great Plains pioneers who were seeking fertile land in the West and North.. As the trail developed it became marked by numerous cutoffs and shortcuts from Missouri to Oregon. 3 Thank CsillaP . Fat Man's pass is … Challenging Wave Cave Trail is an Arizona favorite for pictures; Best short hike in Phoenix: Mormon Trail to Hidden Valley and Fat Man's Pass in South Mountain Park; This secret, hidden waterfall in Madera Canyon may be the most accessible in Arizona; Totally awesome hiking trails … Hike to Hidden Valley via The Mormon Loop Trail. Hidden Valley via Mormon Trail. Ask CsillaP about South Mountain Park. Length: 6.2 miles. Named place photos near Hidden Valley via Mormon Trail. The trails can be busy with mountain bikes. We hiked the Mormon Trail to the Hidden Valley Loop. Because it’s located close to town, the route can get very busy. Length: 3.4-mile lollipop loop. Find . National to Hidden Valley to Mormon Loop - Hike near Phoenix, Arizona ~4501-4503 E Pima Canyon Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85042, USA , Phoenix , Arizona 33.36289566 , -111.98586101 We went to Hidden Valley via Mormon trail. Take plenty of water. The Hidden Valley loop offers interesting tunnels, dry waterfalls, and a cool squeeze through Fat Man's pass. The path heads gently downhill and then across a small valley. The Monument is to remember the 500 Mormon pioneers came to the San Bernardino Valley in June 1851. We did the Mormon Trail, then onto the National Trail which leads to the Hidden Valley Trail. It kept the heart rate up, but not very difficult. Great views of from the top and really interesting rock formations. When you get to this junction, you want to go left and backtrack just a short ways west on National and you will meet up with the Mormon Trail Intersection. Been here 100+ times. Getting there: From central Phoenix, go south on … In all, there are 29 routes in the park, ranging from a few half-mile hikes to the 14.3-mile National Trail, which is one of two ways to get to the Hidden Valley Trail — the other option is the Mormon Trail. There are many trails in this area, worthy of more hiking. Elevation: 1,280-2,080 feet. Home FAQ Contribute. The trail gains 918 feet over a 3.4 mile loop, so it’s a bit of a challenge but nowhere near difficult if you’re looking for something new with unique sights. The hike took us about two hours. Rated 4.0 /5 based on 3 customer reviews 4.0 4.2 miles 800 ft gain - Loop Trail Save Add Review Get Directions Add Photo. This occurs at the top of a hill, beside a large rock outcropping. cardio. The hike took us about two hours. The South Mountain Park has an extensive trail system and this is one of the many hikes… Season: Spring is the best for scenery – the trail will be filled with yellow brittlebush and other wildflowers. Mormon Trail-Hidden Valley Loop. Hidden Valley is in the South Mountain Park just 8 miles outside of Phoenix, Arizona. The Hidden Valley was the highlight of the hike - very cool! Home. The Hidden Valley trail is a short trail and a must do with its natural tunnel and Fat Man's Pass. This is a great spot for an afternoon hike near Phoenix. Hidden Valley A junction after 1.5 miles marks the edge of Hidden Valley; the National Trail veers off northwards and a slightly narrower, rougher path enters the basin, rejoining the main trail on the far side. Hidden Valley Trail via Mormon Trail Not well known to tourists, the South Mountain Preserve is a gem used mainly by Phoenix locals, and this trail is one of its shining examples. Once reaching the Mormon Trail, continue back to the parking lot with wonderful views of Phoenix greeting you the whole way! Today, the Mormon Trail is a part of the United States National Trails System, known as the Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail.. Once exiting the tunnel, return to the National Trail and continue left towards the Mormon Trail. Added by Kevin Kaminski. The trail is very nice, well maintained. TOO bad people don't know how to pick up after the dogs that they hike up with. It is steep in places, but moderate in most places. Easy to moderate difficulty. It was a very enjoyable hike and we will definately do it again. Nov 17, 2015 - There are many trails in this area that are worthy of more hiking. The trail gains 918 feet over a 3.4 mile loop, so it’s a bit of a challenge but nowhere near difficult if you’re looking for something new with unique sights. The Mormon Trail takes an adventurous route into South Mountain's Hidden Valley region, providing fun scrambling opportunities and interesting geology. The Hidden Valley was the highlight of the hike - very cool! Most people take the Mormon Trail to the National Trail and the national trail to either end of Hidden Valley. it's a terrible site. Jan 3, 2020 - MORMON TRAIL-HIDDEN VALLEY LOOP: South Mountain Park. The Mormon trail was a constant uphill climb. Duration: 2 hours. Been here 10+ times. Take, for instance, the Mormon Trail-Hidden Valley Loop in South Mountain Park. We hiked the Mormon Trail to the Hidden Valley Loop. The Monument is near Phelan, California in San Bernardino County, California. Date of experience: April 2014. The Mormon Trail Monument was designated a California Historic Landmark (No.577). To access Hidden Valley take the Mormon Hiking Trail for 1.1 mile to where it forks. The hidden valley trail is beautyful - there are lots of red rocks! Either one will work, but the National offers better views and includes the scenic drive to the top of the Guadalupe Range, which is one of three ranges that converge in the park. Mormon Trail to Hidden Valley is a fun hike that features great views, petroglyphs, a natural tunnel and a tight squeeze through Fat Man's Pass.