This was a nice hike to do in the summer to get away from the Phoenix heat. from Mesa, this is about the same amount of time to drive as to New River, which is the next closest area of trails that I've never done. Nice to be in some cool (90 degree) temps and pines in comparison.

the trail is pretty exposed in most parts, with some isolated shade from isolated patches of ponderosa pines. the entire trail appears to be old ATV roads that have been converted to the PATS trails system. Wally and Jennifer left me in the dust (as usual for me for most hikes)but were nice enough to wait up every now and again. We saw only a few hikers and mountain bikers, probably the same amount of both. The weather was fairly cool in the morning but got hot fairly quickly. We were done by 11:45am and back in Mesa by 1:30pm (after the obligatory gas station caffiene/chips stop).